Welcome to Venice Travel Tips and this introduction to one of my favourite projects to date, the Venice Unlocked Visitor Map.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll know how much I love Venice—starting from the most cliché things like its narrow calli, the picturesque canals and the sinuous gondolas, to the lesser known side of it.
The small tucked away bacari, the family-run trattorias in Cannaregio, and the long walks in the furthest points of the city.
Over the years, every time I came across a restaurant I wanted to try, or a unique shop tucked in a side street, I saved it on a map (or on my phone notes – yes, I’m not the most organised person!). What started as a personal tool to keep track of my must-visit places turned into something much bigger.
After countless messages from travellers asking where to eat, where to buy authentic gifts, and how to avoid the tourist traps, I decided it was time to share the map I’d been building for years.
Trying to piece together a decent list of places to eat and things to do in Venice that are not swarming with overpriced menus and tacky souvenirs is a tall order!
That’s why I created this map—to save you time and help you get to the heart of Venice. Let’s unlock the city together.
Venice Unlocked (Visitor Map)
I’m thrilled to finally share with you the Venice Unlocked Visitor Map, a digital guide with over 250 handpicked places that represent the best of authentic Venice.
This is not a generic list of the top ten tourist spots. This is the map I wish I had when I was a traveller wanting to see the real Venice.
Whether it’s a humble trattoria serving incredible seafood risotto, a tiny workshop making handmade masks, or a viewpoint that gives you goosebumps—it’s all here.
With the Venice Unlocked Map, you’ll get:
- Local restaurants where Venetians actually eat
- Hidden bacari perfect for cicchetti and a spritz
- Cosy coffee and pastry shops
- Lesser-known places to visit away from the crowds
- Stunning viewpoints that don’t require elbowing for space
- Artisan shops where you’ll find real, meaningful souvenirs
And the best part? This map is alive. I keep updating it regularly with new discoveries from my latest visits.
Meet Maddy
Hi, I’m Maddy, the face (and hand) behind Venice Travel Tips—a travel blog all about making your trip to Venice and the Veneto region unforgettable.
If you’ve read my about page, you’ll know Venice has a special place in my heart. I grew up in Castelfranco Veneto, 45 minutes by train from Venice, and over the years I kept returning, drawn by its beauty, its charm, and its ever-evolving character.
While many visitors skim the surface, I’ve always been curious about the deeper layers of the city. I explored the neighbourhoods where locals live, ate where they eat, and bought gifts from real artisans, not mass-produced shops. Even though I now live abroad, I come back regularly because, honestly, I’m still in love with Venice.
What do I personally never get tired of in Venice?
- Wandering aimlessly and discovering quiet corners
- Trying new restaurants and tasting seasonal specials
- Ordering a round of cicchetti with a glass of ombra at the bacaro
- Sipping a proper Venetian Spritz while watching the world go by
And now, I want to help you experience those same joys.
Who this Map’s made for
Wish to experience Venice in a meaningful way? This map is made for curious and thoughtful travellers who want more from their trip than just ticking boxes.
It’s perfect for:
- First-time visitors spending 3–4 days in Venice who want a trusted list of go-to spots
- Seasoned travellers looking to go deeper and avoid the usual routes;
- Anyone who wants to know exactly what’s around them, whether it’s a brilliant coffee shop or a small artisan they’d otherwise walk past;
- Food lovers and culture seekers who want to experience the real Venice, beyond the crowds and clichés.
If you want to feel like you’ve truly unlocked Venice, not just visited it, this map is for you. Just think hidden corners, local favourites, and unforgettable experiences.
Why I put this Map together
There’s nothing worse than spending your precious time and money in a place and leaving with regrets—“I wish I’d known about that little trattoria!” or “Why didn’t anyone tell me that shop was a tourist trap?”
I created this map because I believe you deserve the best of Venice:
- To have everything already pinned for you, ready to go.
- To save you time. No more scanning hundreds of Tripadvisor reviews or getting lost in Reddit threads.
- To experience more affordable, authentic, and rewarding corners of Venice that most travellers miss.
This map is about showing you a side of Venice that doesn’t always make it into guidebooks—but will absolutely steal your heart.
+ Get Your Venice Visitor Map here
What you’ll find on the Map
Over time, I noticed the same questions popping up again and again from my readers and followers.
So I made sure the Venice Unlocked Visitor Map focuses on the things that matter most. So you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your trip.
It’s divided into six easy-to-navigate sections:
- Restaurants – From no-frills trattorie to elegant seafood spots, all with flavour and heart.
- Bacari – My go-to places for delicious cicchetti and local wines.
- Coffee & Pastry Shops – Perfect for your morning ritual or a sweet afternoon pause.
- Places to Visit – Think hidden churches, quirky museums, secret gardens and peaceful campos.
- Viewpoints – The best panoramic views without the crowds (and often without the entry fee).
- Souvenirs & Shopping – Real artisans and small workshops making leather goods, Murano glass, Venetian masks, jewellery and more.
When to use this Map
You can start using the Venice Unlocked Map right now even if you haven’t booked your trip yet—to get a head start on planning and feel more prepared.
Use it during your trip planning phase to build your own wishlist and get familiar with Venice’s layout so you know what’s where before you even arrive.
And of course, while you’re in Venice, the map is your on-the-go companion—whether you’re choosing where to eat tonight, looking for a last-minute gift, or just want to know what’s nearby as you wander.
Download my Venice Unlocked Map
Are you currently planning your trip to Venice or just about to leave and don’t want to waste your time in the wrong places?
The Venice Unlocked Visitor Map is here to help you experience authentic and meaningful moments in Venice—especially when it comes to food, shopping and local culture.
Say goodbye to overpriced meals, mediocre souvenirs, and missed opportunities. Say hello to spritzes and cicchetti with locals, real handmade gifts, and meals that make you smile.
Download the Venice Unlocked Visitor Map here and start discovering the authentic side of this city—one genuine experience at a time.
A presto!
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