Ways to Authentically Experience the Culture of Venice

Venice is known for its canals, waterways and 423 bridges that connect more than 100 of its islands. Drawing tourists from all over the world, the city offers gondola rides and opportunities to explore the famous Saint Mark’s Basilica. However, there is more to the city than what meets the eye. Venice has a rich history, and here are three places to go to authentically experience its culture on your weekend or day trip there.

1. BuranoMany tourists are typically drawn to the main island, but to experience Venetian culture beyond the tourist attractions, stay on the vaporetto (the water busses of Venice) until you reach Burano. Burano is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon nicknamed “Postcard Island” for its brightly colored houses that make for a picturesque view. Fun fact: the fishermen of this little fishing community painted their homes so they could see them from a distance and distinguish them from each other. Just make sure you leave the island before 9 p.m. to make it on the vaporetto’s last trip back from Burano!

2. Museo della MusicaAnother important aspect of Venetian culture is its music. The Museo della Musica is a free music museum that offers an enriching experience and takes visitors through the history of string instruments, as Venice was a workshop for crafting and producing them in the 18th century. The museum keeps music alive in Venice by showing old and rare instruments that are actually played in concerts at an opera house 800 feet away. Upon entering the museum, you will hear classical music and see information boards about Antonio Vivaldi. Vivaldi was a famous virtuoso violinist, priest and Baroque music composer most known for The Four Seasons. Because he was born and raised in Venice, it is only fitting that he is honored here at this Venetian music museum. Another interesting aspect of this museum is its location in a church, so the experience also consists of seeing beautiful religious frescoes, paintings, altars and statues.

3. Liberia Acqua AltaWhile there are many gondolas you can take to float throughout the canals of Venice, Liberia Acqua Alta, an antique bookstore, offers an alternative use for a 35-foot gondola. A hidden gem in Venice, this bookshop has a gondola filled with novels in the middle of its space. With old books spilling out of bathtubs and boats, the liberia offers a sense of beauty out of chaos. Because it is located on the water, there is also an entrance from the canal in addition to its entrance on land, true to Venetian fashion. Even for people who aren’t bookworms, Liberia Acqua Alta offers a unique experience because it gives visitors a glimpse into how Venetians have created innovative solutions to combat frequent flooding. Stop by to hunt for an Italian version of a beloved book, say hello to the cats that roam the bookstore, shop for a meaningful souvenir like an old postcard or even just to soak in the full experience of this novel and authentic bookshop.