Next time you arrive in Venice by train, try something different. Rather than following the masses through the usual itinerary leading to St. Mark’s Square via Ponte degli Scalzi, remain on the side of the Santa Lucia train station and head to Cannaregio, Venice’s second largest sestiere, which extends north of the Grand Canal.

It’s an opportunity to experience Venice without the overwhelming crowds, while taking in magnificent views, discovering artistic and architectural masterpieces, all while walking along quiet calli and campi. Your first stop is the church everyone ignores, too hurried to reach the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s: the Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, which stands right next to the train station.