Venice city breaks: 10 alternative ways to explore the Italian hotspot

One of the best ways to see the many waterways without shelling out for an expensive gondola is to take to the canals on a kayak. Venice city breaks don't get more alternative than this - and you'll experience getting active in a way most visitors haven't even thought of.

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This monument to the wonders of modern art might seem out of place in a city that’s all about the romance of Renaissance culture, but make no mistake – Venice exhibits some of the most exciting contemporary work in the world here.

The gallery is housed inside a 15th-century former customs house, on a sliver of land between the Grand Canal and Guidecca Canal, and was restored with a modern, minimalist design by Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

For another alternative take on the classic gondola ride, why not have a go at rowing one yourself?

It’s harder than you might think. Lessons can be booked online, and it’ll give you a hands-on chance to experience Venice like a local might – if they work as a gondolier that is.

If you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of Venice for a day then make your way down the coast to the quieter seaside town of Chioggia.

Like its more famous cousin, it’s built on a canal system with streets full of Renaissance architecture, but you’ll find a much calmer, more relaxed atmosphere and a little less grandeur. VISIT CHIOGGIA WITH US

Venice Lido is a long stretch of sand where locals love to go on their days off to sunbathe, show off their tans and splash around in the water.

It can get busy, with plenty of people living right by the Lido, so get down early if you want to secure enough space to spread out during a Venice city break with a bit of beach time.

Live music lovers can escape the overpriced bars of St Mark’s Square and seek out more intimate venues. While Venice isn’t renowned for big concerts (besides the opera – but getting tickets can be tricky, even for residents) there are plenty of smaller, atmospheric bars where you can see jazz groups while sipping on cocktails.

Two trendy hangouts with weekly gigs are Osteria Da Filo and Osteria Paradiso Perduto – just make sure you book a table in advance.

While the city of Venice is the most famous bit of the province, the lagoon islands of Burano and Murano each have their own charms.

Both are made up of colourful fishermen’s cottages lining quiet canals and are respected for their distinctive crafts – lacemaking in Burano and glassblowing in Murano.

You can visit the islands with TV’s Alex Polizzi next year.

Head to Squero di San Trovaso for a chance to see some of Venice’s most iconic symbols being made by hand.

On a sunny day, you can gaze across the canal to one of Venice’s ancient boatyards, where highly skilled craftsmen work in the open-air to build and maintain the famous boats.

Squid ink-infused risotto, delicious fresh cod, deep fried soft crab – Venice is renowned for its wonderfully refined and delicate seafood dishes.

Many locals consider its cuisine to be the best in Italy (a fiercely contested title!) and if you fancy finding out for yourself, then why not book onto a Good Housekeeping cooking course next year?

You'll learn how to make dishes such as sarde in saor and tiramisu using fresh, seasonal ingredients, stay in a villa dating back to 1611 and have a private chef who will prepare delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners with matched local wines.

Venice was once a mighty seafaring republic, and that history has been faithfully recorded at the Naval Museum in the Arsenal district.

The area used to be where ships and weapons were built, but now it’s a cultural hotspot, and home to the world-famous festival Biennale Art.

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