Totally agree with the vaparetto pass.
Avoid saint marks square during the day if possible, far better to go there in the evening or at night when the crowds have gone.
Get off the vaparetto at san Zacharria and walk along the front towards the giardini, and turn off up Via Garibaldi for a local atmosphere, bustling street and walk along as far as the vegetable boat and drink a few coffee’s /spritz ‘s whilst watching the world go by.
Stand on the academia bridge and dream.
Get off the vaparetto at Rialto and walk to San Marco following the easy yellow signs saying “per dan Marco”. Enjoy a walk of opulent shops, incredible churches and amazing views round every corner.
If you are the at night, go drinking where the Rialto markets are during the day. Loads of bars with open air drinking, sitting on the edge of the grand canal with a spritz looking at Rialto bridge.
Second the boatyard at Nicos at zattere. Especially at sunset. If you carry on down the canal past the boat Yard there’s a great cichetti bar on the first bridge . Go at teatime and eat with Venetians at local prices. Sit of the bridge with a spritz and several cichetti for under 10 euros.
Eat in resteraunts off the main drags, with dark brown interiors and loads of Italians in them. Avoid places with big English menus.
Get off the vaparetto at Arsenal’s and wander in tithe Arsenale and then follow the signs to San Marco and get lost in Castello. A warren of tiny streets and amazing views. Allow yourself plenty time to get out again.
Book plenty in advance for paradiso perduto.
Don’t bother queuing at the the campanile. Get the vaparetto over to
San Giorgio Maggiore And go up the tower there. Better views, no queues.
Get off the vaparetto at salute and sit infront of the church admiring the neck of the grand canal. Follow the signs to academia for a nice walk through wee streets full of galleries and shops and nice cafes on the canals. This also takes you past the Peggy Guggenheim.
When you get on the vaparetto for a cruise up the grand canal try to get on the vaparetto at giardini or arsenale and aggressively run straight for the outdoor seats at the front ( line one) or back . These have the best views, but if you don’t run and claim them or get in at San Marco you’ve Chance to get them.
Take an empty 2 litre plastic bottle to the wine shop in campo santa margarita and fill it up with cheap brilliant wine. Drink whilst wandering round dosudoru.
and More more more. God I love Venice!!!