What have you done that's extraordinary, marvelous, and memorable in Venice? Can you recommend any hidden treasures or sights/restaurants off the beaten path?

My March trip report details 8 days and nights of things in Venice I found memorable and a bit off the beaten path, as well as some well-beaten:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm

We were there April/May and I'd say everything is memorable. In fact, it is so frustrating in a way, because there is so much to see and do. I had a whole list of "must-do" things, and the owner of our locanda told me I should put it away, "Just relax and ennjoyyyy it." She was right. Just walk and wander.

There are a number of trip reports with off-the-beaten path ideas, including ellenem's and Peter_S_Aus, among others.

Click on my user name and you will see my trip report. "A sort of trip report"

Get up very early and visit the rialto Market as they set up. Plan on arriving around 06:30. Even at that hout the vegeatable market will be mostly ready but the fish market will still be in full swing unloading from the boats.

Wander around and try not to get in the way. Great fun.

Take a vaporetto over to san giogio Maggiore and then go up in the bell tower for great views back over Venice.

A couple of books that have made our time in Venice special, books that lead one away from the normal “see the sights” route:

“Venice” by Jan Morris. Written in 1963 or thereabouts, revised a couple of times, most recently in about 1995. You’d get it easily second hand.

“Secret Venice” by Jonglez. I’ve used this book a lot. It explores many of the things that you’d otherwise take for granted, like the symbology behind Canova’s monument in the Frari, the numerology behind the church of the Salute, evidence of canals that have been filled in all over Venice, the inscription on the doors at the Rialto fish market, the single white stone set in the path to San Pietro in Castello.

And the canal that runs right under the sacristy of the church of San Stefano. A lot of fun.

Most people don;t go to the Island of Torcello and it's really not to be missed. This is where Venice started (local residents hiding from the invaders) and has the oldest church with original tiling in the style of Constantinople. It's very quiet and gives an idea of what life must have been like for those first refugees.

Arriving by boat from the airport into P. San Marco... stunning! Have the camera ready!

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari... another jaw dropper.

The Grand Canal enshrouded in mist. The palaces seemingly rising up out of the water.

The first ride on the Grand Canal-running out of film in the camera.

The Carmini Scuola ceilings.

Sigh.