🇮🇹 Venice Local’s Guide: 8 Visits, Zero Regrets

"Skip the tourist traps—this is how Venetians do it!" 🏨 Stay Smart: Mestre > Main Island 🚆 Why? 1 train stop away (10 mins to Santa Lucia Station). €€€ Saved: Hotels 50% cheaper than canal-side "historic" rooms. No luggage struggles (narrow alleys + bridges = nightmare). Bonus: Mestre has real Chinese food (yes, even hot pot!). 🍽️ Eat Like a Venetian (No Tourist Menus!) ☕ Breakfast @ Pasticceria Rio Marin Hidden gem near the train station. Try their frittelle (Venetian doughnuts). 🍕 Lunch @ 1000 Gourmet Venezia Best pizza in town—crispy crust, local ingredients. 🐟 Dinner @ Il Paradiso Perduto Seafood so fresh it swims to your plate. Order the spaghetti alle vongole (clams + garlic = perfection). *Note: All 3 are locals-approved, no Instagram hype.* 🚶♀️ Do This, Not That ✅ Walk early/late: 7AM or 7PM = empty canals, golden light. ✅ Vaporetto Line 1 at sunset: €9.50 for the best Grand Canal views. 🚫 Skip gondolas: €80 for 30 mins? Walk Ponte dell’Accademia for free pics instead. 💡 Pro Tips Buy wine at Aliani Supermarket: €5 bottles > restaurant markups. Want cicchetti? Hit Cantina Do Spade (€1.50/plate). Train tickets: Book on Trenitalia app—avoid queues. #VeniceUnfiltered #EatLocal #NoGondolaNeeded