Venice is a city that evokes wonder, with its shimmering canals, resplendent palazzos, and storied past. Yet its immense allure often brings with it swarms of visitors, crowding its historic streets and landmarks. As the 2025 Venice Biennale approaches a beacon for art lovers worldwide the question for many remains: how do you experience the city’s magic while avoiding the masses? The answer lies in thoughtful timing, exploring off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, and embracing the art of slow travel.
The 2025 Venice Biennale: A Fusion of Art and Innovation
In 2025, Venice will once again host the Biennale Architettura, a celebration of architecture and creativity. From May 10 to November 23, with pre-opening events on May 8 and 9, the exhibition will explore the theme “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” Curated by Carlo Ratti, an architect and engineer renowned for his innovative designs, this year’s event focuses on the intersection of natural and artificial intelligence. The Biennale promises to transform the city into a living dialogue about the future of human ingenuity.
For those keen to attend, visiting early in May or later in the fall is your best bet to avoid the busiest crowds. Early May offers the added thrill of the Biennale’s opening energy, while late September through November presents cooler weather and a quieter Venice, with its canals cloaked in a misty autumn charm.
Wandering Beyond the Crowds
While St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are iconic, true Venetian beauty often resides in its lesser-known corners. Cannaregio, a quieter district, invites you to stroll through narrow alleys where laundry flutters between centuries-old buildings. Here, local cafes serve authentic Venetian cuisine far removed from the tourist hustle. Dorsoduro, meanwhile, is a haven for art enthusiasts, home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and intimate galleries that showcase both established and emerging artists.
Among the city’s hidden treasures, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a must-see. Tucked away near Campo Manin, this spiral staircase offers panoramic views of Venice’s rooftops. For book lovers, Libreria Acqua Alta provides a whimsical escape, where stacks of books are housed in bathtubs and gondolas to guard against high tides. Across the lagoon, the island of San Giorgio Maggiore offers serenity and stunning vistas from its bell tower, a perfect antidote to Venice’s more crowded attractions.
Where to Stay
Finding tranquility in Venice is not just about where you go but where you stay. Boutique hotels in quieter districts offer a perfect balance of luxury and seclusion. Small Luxury Hotel Ca’ di Dio is a Venetian palace that seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary elegance. Situated in the heart of Venice, this boutique hotel offers guests a tranquil retreat amidst the city’s vibrant culture. The meticulously restored interiors feature Italian design elements, including Murano glass lamps and locally crafted fabrics, creating an ambiance of refined luxury. Guests can savor Venetian-inspired cuisine at the hotel’s restaurants, relax in the serene courtyards, and enjoy panoramic views of the lagoon from select suites. With its prime location near the Arsenale district, Ca’ di Dio provides convenient access to Venice’s renowned art and cultural events, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking an authentic and luxurious Venetian experience.
Savoring Authentic Venice
Venice is a city best savored slowly, and this applies as much to its culinary delights as its sights. Venture into bacari, the city’s traditional wine bars, to sample cicchetti; small plates akin to Venetian tapas paired with a glass of local prosecco. Osteria Al Squero, perched beside a gondola repair yard, offers not only delicious bites but also a uniquely Venetian backdrop. For a heartier meal, Trattoria Anzolo Raffaele in Dorsoduro serves traditional dishes with an air of understated elegance.
The Art of Slow Travel
Venice rewards those who take their time. Early morning walks reveal a side of the city few see, as soft light illuminates the canals and the streets remain blissfully empty. The vaporetto, Venice’s public water bus, provides a serene way to explore the Grand Canal and beyond, offering views of the city’s grand facades at a leisurely pace.
This year, as the Biennale draws the art world to its doorstep, Venice invites you to discover not only its celebrated masterpieces but also its quieter rhythms. In seeking out its hidden corners and embracing the flow of its canals, you’ll find a Venice that is as inspiring as it is serene a city where the art of living is as compelling as the art on display.
Because in Venice, the journey is not about what you see, but what you feel; an invitation to slow down, to rediscover wonder, and to let the city’s magic linger long after you’ve left.
