I found the trick in Venice was to work out where your hotel was in relation to either the station, Piazza San Marco or the Rialto Bridge, whichever is closest. When I was there (a long time ago in the early 90s) there were signs to all three everywhere you went. So I flung myself freely into getting comprehensively 'lost' and let my feet take me where they wished! When I'd had enough, I found the appropriate sign, and headed home.
Pre-internet of course, but still much easier than looking up and down on your mobile using stacks of pricey data.
Looking forward to your photos @Afraser! K xox