By sasta holiday 
Location: Venice, Italy
Venice isn’t just gondolas and tourist-packed piazzas—it’s a living labyrinth of narrow alleys, quiet canals, and forgotten beauty waiting to be rediscovered. On my second day in Venice, I ditched the map and wandered into the backstreets of Cannaregio, where laundry flutters above your head and the sound of footfall replaces the buzz of tour groups.
The beauty of Venice lies in these unscripted moments—an antique bookstore half-submerged by high tide, a tiny bridge leading to nowhere, a street performer playing Vivaldi as if it were a concert. Stop at a canal-side café (try Caffè del Doge) and sip espresso while watching locals go about their day.
My tip? Visit in the early morning or late evening. That’s when Venice truly feels like a dream. And don’t be afraid to get lost—it’s the only way to find the city’s soul.