Venice isn’t the only group of islands in the Venetian Lagoon. North of the city, the islands of Murano and Burano make for an excellent day trip, easily reachable by vaporetto (ferry) and offering a breath of fresh air (and a scenic trip) from the tourist crush of Venice.

Here is a guide to help you explore Venice from a more local perspective, visiting places off the beaten path, where you can engage with the living and breathing culture of the city.

Widely known and admired for its beauty, Verona served as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, although it is unknown whether the playwright ever even set foot in Italy. Stroll along the river and admire the wonderful architecture before stopping for lunch to try some traditional potato gnocchi or risotto all’Amarone, cooked with local Valpolicella wine.