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14 Reasons Why You Should Visit Venice

By Dymphe / January 9, 2023

There are lots of reasons why you should visit Venice . This beautiful Italian city has something to offer for everyone!

It was a dream for me to travel to Venice. And when I got there, it definitely didn't disappoint me. It was actually even better than I expected it to be.

Venice is a unique city in Italy . It's a great place to experience Italian culture. But there are many things that make the city more special.

The city of Venice has so many amazing things. From beautiful views to history to food, Venice has it all!

There are countless reasons to visit Venice. Whether you love architecture, history, beautiful spots, or food, there's one for you. For that reason, I made this list so you know exactly why you should visit Venice!

1. It looks gorgeous

Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world. This is one of the most important reasons why you should visit Venice.

The city is so charming! Everywhere you look, it's beautiful. There are many canals in Venice, which is a reason why it's so pretty. The beautiful teal color of the canals is amazing.

There are also lots of lovely bridges in the city. Seeing them and walking there is amazing. The bridges are very cute. This is definitely one of the best reasons to visit Venice.

Furthermore, the houses in Venice have beautiful colors.

One of the most gorgeous places in Venice is the Rialto Bridge. It's a white bridge that crosses the Grand Canal. The view from this bridge is also very nice. It's one of the most famous bridges in Venice.

St Mark's Square is another wonderful place in Venice. It looks very pretty and it's one of the most popular spots in the city.

2. You can ride a gondola in Venice

One of the reasons to visit Venice is that you can do gondola rides! Venice is very famous because of the amazing gondolas. Riding a gondola is also one of the most romantic things to do in the city.

When you’re in a gondola, you have a very beautiful view of Venice. Venice is always pretty, but from the water, it’s even better!

You can find gondolas everywhere in the city. They are on all canals. Also, there are many places where you can get on a gondola.

It's definitely great to do a gondola ride with your partner or your friends. But it can be a bit expensive. For that reason, you can consider sharing a gondola with other people. Then you can split the price! Either way, doing a gondola ride when you are one day in Venice is a great idea!

3. There are great museums

For those who love museums, visiting Venice is a dream! There are so many amazing museums in the city which is also one of the reasons why you should visit Venice.

One of the best museums is Ca' d'Oro. This is a very old palace in Venice that's there since 1430. Nowadays, it's an interesting museum!

You can find here beautiful artworks. Giorgio Franchetti collected many of the artworks. But here are also artworks that Italy added. For example, there are paintings and sculptures.

Besides art, the museum also has a wonderful view of Venice. This is so impressive to see!

Another great museum in Venice is Gallerie dell'Accademia . If you love paintings, this is also one of the good reasons to visit Venice. There, you can find Venetian paintings from before the 19th century.

For example, there are paintings from Leonardo da Vinci, Bellini, Giambono, and Titian. 

4. Venice is very photogenic

If you love photography, this is one of the most important reasons why you should visit Venice. Venice is the perfect city to visit if you want to take great photos!

Many people will agree with me if I say Venice belongs to the most photogenic places in the world!

Everywhere you look, you can find photo spots in Venice ! For example, the Rialto Bridge is very photogenic. And all canals in Venice are great for pictures.

If you want to do a very romantic photoshoot, then Venice is the place to visit! You can book a photographer and get amazing pictures with your partner. This is a very fun experience and you'll end up with great photos.

But Venice is also the place to go to with a tripod. Or with your friends to take amazing pictures of each other.

So if you love photography, this is the most important one of the reasons to visit Venice!

5. The food is amazing

Do you love delicious food? Then go to Venice! Venetian cuisine has a very long history. The cuisine is different from other places in Italy which is one of the reasons why you should visit Venice.

There are so many great restaurants in Venice . Many of them don't only offer delicious food. They also have a wonderful view or a pretty interior!

A lovely restaurant in Venice is Pizzeria La Perla. A family owns this place for a very long time. You can find this in the center of the city and it looks very cute from the inside.

Furthermore, another very nice restaurant is Ristorante La Porta D'Acqua. The thing I love most about this place is that there are large windows. There's a wonderful view of the Grand Canal.

6. It's fun to get lost in Venice

You have to get lost in Venice when you're in the city. It's definitely one of the best things you can do.

Getting lost may not sound like an amazing experience. Many people already got lost in some other cities when they were traveling. And most of the time, getting lost is not fun at all. But in Venice, it is.

There are so many wonderful little streets. Exploring the city without knowing where to go makes Venice so charming. Whichever way you're going, you'll keep stumbling upon the cutest spots. There are endless gorgeous views, canals, gondolas, and buildings.

This is definitely one of the most important reasons why you should visit Venice. Getting lost in Venice is unlike getting lost anywhere else in the world.

7. There are great quiet places

Another one of the reasons to visit Venice is that there are also quiet places. Venice is almost always very busy. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists.

If I say Venice, many people will think about this famous busy Italian city. But when you're in Venice, you can find so many quiet places!

The busiest place is the area around St Mark's Square. If you walk away from the busy center in Venice, it gets quieter.

But you don't have to get away from the center to find a quiet place. For example, the pier behind hotel San Moise is always very quiet! This is such a romantic place to spend some time.

In a quiet place, you can enjoy Venice even more. Buy a pizza to take away and enjoy the city!

8. The weather

The weather is also one of the reasons to visit Venice. In summer, it's very sunny in Venice. For that reason, it's an amazing summer destination. 

So if you're looking for a summer getaway, this is one of the best reasons why you should visit Venice!

Besides that, it's also great to visit Venice in spring. The weather is pleasant then. Furthermore, visiting Venice in spring has many other advantages. Venice is less busy in spring if you compare it to summer. And besides that, it's also more affordable to go there in that season! 

9. The history of Venice

It's so interesting to learn about the history of Venice! If you love history, this is one of the best reasons to visit Venice.

You can find several places to learn about history. For example, the bridge of sights is an interesting bridge to see. It's one of the famous bridges in Venice.

Very long ago, convicts walked on this bridge. Here, they saw their last view of the city before they went to Prison. It's very interesting to realize that when seeing the bridge.

Furthermore, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. The construction of it began in 1173.

But people rebuilt it several times after that. The construction of the Rialto Bridge that you can see nowadays started in 1588.

And there are many other spots in the city where you can learn about history!

10. The architecture

It’s amazing to see the architecture in the city! In Venice, you can see many examples of Venetian Gothic architecture. This is an architectural style based on Italian Gothic architecture. 

If you like architecture, then this is definitely one of the reasons why you should visit Venice. 

There are so many buildings you have to see in the city. 

For example, Doge's Palace is an amazing palace in Venice to see. Here, you can admire the Venetian Gothic style. The architecture is wonderful. And besides that, it's also one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. 

Ca' d'Oro, which I mentioned before, is also a building you have to see. This is also a place where you can see Venetian Gothic architecture. The building looks incredible and it has many pretty details. 

11. It's close to other Italian places

Another one of the reasons to visit Venice is that it's close to many amazing Italian places. This means that you can also visit other cities in Italy!

For example, you can get to Milan by high-speed train in 3 hours. Here, you can see the Milan Cathedral. 

You can also go to Bologna. The journey will take 1.5 hours. In Bologna, you can see the oldest university in the world that's still in use. This is so impressive to see! And the city is very beautiful.

Moreover, Florence is only 2 hours and 15 minutes by high-speed train. This is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here, you can see many amazing things.

For example, you can find the Duomo in Florence. It’s a beautiful building to see from the inside and the outside. And you can see the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

In short, there are enough wonderful cities near Venice! Thus you can do great day trips from there. 

12. Venice is car-free

Venice is a very unique Italian city. One of the things that make the city so unique is that it's car-free! You can find no cars on the islands of Venice at all. This belongs to the most important reasons why you should visit Venice!

As there are no cars in Venice, the city is very peaceful. It feels a bit as if you're going back in time! This is a great experience.

But as there are no cars, you need another way of transportation!

That's why there is a waterbus. This is one of the ways to get around Venice.

And there are also water taxis! But keep in mind, water taxis are not very affordable.

Even though there are water taxis and there's a water bus, the best way to get around is on foot. Walking in the streets of Venice is a very fun thing to do. And it's also fast.

14. There are many movie locations

Venice is a place that appears in many movies. You definitely saw a movie already in which you can see Venice!

One of the most well-known movies of all time is James Bond. Three James Bond movies take place in Venice. The latest one was Casino Royale with Daniel Craig as James Bond. In this last movie, you can see many famous landmarks of Venice.

For example, the Rialto Bridge, the Campanile of San Marco, and Piazza San Marco all appear in the movie.

Another famous movie is The Tourist with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. This movie takes place at the train station in Venice, and also at many lesser-known places in Venice.

If you want to go to the places that appear in these movies, I recommend watching the movies before your trip. That way you will definitely recognize some places when you are in the city.

13. There are amazing events

There are lots of events taking place in Venice. These are great to attend and make your experience better if you happen to visit at that time.

The most famous event in Venice is the Venice Carnival. This is an annual event that lasts two weeks.

There is a lot to do and see during the Venice Carnival. For example, there are colorful parades and spectacular costumes everywhere. And the festival is famous for its masks.

Furthermore, there are lots of live performances throughout the city.

Another interesting activity to do is to go to a masquerade ball! You need an invitation to get to these events. But sometimes you can also buy a ticket. This is a unique experience in Venice.

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Is Venice worth visiting: 10 Reasons you should visit Venice

• David Angel

Is Venice worth visiting – with soaring costs and so much overcrowding? Find out in our guide here.

Is Venice worth visiting? Emphatically, absolutely, it’s a resounding yes from us. But for some of you, it’s not that simple.

You may be planning long-haul trip to Italy or Europe, and trying to decide whether to include Venice in a long itinerary. Or perhaps you’re contemplating a city break in Venice from elsewhere in Europe.

We’re all aware of the uniqueness of the city, built on a series of muddy islands. Likewise we know about the staggering beauty of the city. I’ve been lucky to have visited Venice around 15 times, an immense privilege. I’d urge any of you to do the same if possible.

Venice is worth seeing, but it comes at a cost. It is swamped with visitors for much of the year, with the main thoroughfares and sights clogged with crowds. It’s believed that over 20 million visit each year, and the city is too small to cope.

You also pay a premium – a massive one – to stay in Venice, or even just eat there. These are a pretty strong deterrent to visiting Venice for many.

In this article I’ll look at the pros and cons of visiting Venice.  When looking at the reasons some choose not to visit Venice, I’ll also suggest ways to work around these concerns and problems.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Venice Italy

A unique experience – a city on the water.

I remember every moment of the first time I set foot in Venice. I stepped out of Santa Lucia station, to see traffic buzzing by along the Grand Canal in both directions.

Bulky vaporetti – waterbuses – took most of the burden of passengers. Sleek wooden watertaxis slipped in between gaps in the traffic. And a few gondoliers guided their elegant long black boats towards the side canals.

Across the Grand Canal, the large green dome of San Simeone Piccolo faced towards the elaborate Baroque façade of the Scalzi Church.

This was one of the biggest thrills of my travelling life, comparable to seeing Big Ben in London or the Arc de Triomphe in Paris for the first time. I was in my late twenties when I saw this, but felt the same excitement as I did as a child.

And this is just the back end of Venice, the part the vast majority skips. Just wait until you see the rest of it.

Trip on the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal Venice is the most beautiful street in the world. It’s lined with amazing medieval palaces like the ornate Ca’ d’Oro, some of the most famous landmarks in Italy like the Rialto Bridge, and some of the finest churches in Venice like Santa Maria della Salute.

Gondola Ride Optional

It took me until something like my twelfth visit to finally indulge in a gondola ride in Venice. It’s not for everyone, especially with a €80 euro (for 40 minutes) price tag.  It took until my in-laws came over from Australia for me to finally go for a gondola ride.

It turned out that I loved every moment of it. It’s a magical way to see Venice. We opted for a glide around the back canals of the Castello district, away from the main sights. There is beauty in every canal and street corner there, and the gondola is a wonderful way to appreciate and experience it.

Venice Is Great For Families

A huge part of travelling is experiencing something new, and that’s just what Venice is for kids. It’s a whole new adventure, seeing a city on the water and wondering how on earth it all came about. Take them in the low season or away from the crowds and you may well have set them on a life-long love affair with the place.  

Venice Architecture

Venetian architecture is often astounding. Stand in the Piazzetta – next to St Mark’s Square – and marvel at the Byzantine-influenced domes of St Mark’s Basilica, the Venetian Gothic of the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and the Renaissance palace housing the Libreria Sansoviniana.

And just across the water, the Palladian church of San Giorgio Maggiore, with its Neoclassical influences, is one of the most captivating reasons to visit Venice.

Venice Churches

Another of the best reasons to visit La Serenissima is to visit some of the sublime churches in Venice . The extraordinary St Mark’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in Europe – not to mention overcrowded and poorly managed.

Yet there are so many stunning Venetian churches to seek out, it’s just a question of knowing where to look. San Giorgio Maggiore and Santa Maria della Salute are breathtaking, and both within sight of the San Marco waterfront.

Further afield, the likes of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Madonna dell’Orto – at opposite ends of the large sestiere of Cannaregio – are exquisite for different reasons. 

Art in Venice

Venice is also swamped with art treasures, much of them produced by artists from the city and around.

Titian and Tintoretto are two of the giants of Venetian art, and you can see their work at many venues across the city, including churches and museums. We particularly recommend the Galleria dell’Accademia and Scuola Grande di San Rocco – the later containing an amazing series of works by Tintoretto.

The Doge’s Palace is also worth braving the crowds for Paolo Veronese’s series of paintings in the Sala del Collegio.

Getting Lost In Venice

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Venice is getting lost there.  I’ve always loved wandering the city, sometimes not quite knowing where I am or where I’m going to end up.

It’s a wonderful way to discover the city, and you find so many places you don’t expect. I found Campo San Rocco, one of the finest Venice squares , this way. And I also stumbled across the canal-side pizzeria on Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio around 25 years ago. I still haven’t managed to get a table, but one of these days….

Burano and Venice Lagoon

The Venetian lagoon is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe . The low-lying flat muddy islands weren’t ideal places to live, but they were defensible, hence their settlement.

The vast lagoon has plenty more islands to visit than those comprising the city of Venice. Murano is famous for its glass-blowing factories, and the fishing village of Burano is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe .

You can see Burano from a distance as you approach from Venice. Its wonky church tower leans a few degrees out of the perpendicular, a guiding landmark as you pass through the channels marked by wooden piles of logs tied together.

There are enough things to do in Burano to spend a full day there, especially if you add an hour or so in nearby Torcello. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Venice , and the main reason most people visit is to see the extraordinary painted houses of the village. No shades of grey here – it’s bright, vivid and uplifting to see, even on a cloudy winter’s day.

Is Venice Worth Visiting – Reasons Not To Go

High costs – venice can be very expensive.

For much of the year, Venice is a budget-buster.  You feel the euros draining out of your pocket from the moment you step out of the station.

A single journey on a vaporetto, or waterbus, down the Grand Canal will set you back an eye-watering €9.50 (£8 or $10.50) – but a day ticket would be better value.

But accommodation in Venice is usually the budget-breaker. In high season some of it is ridiculously  overpriced. A tiny room not much bigger than a large cupboard can set you back well over €200 a night.

Avoiding High Prices In Venice – When To Visit Venice

The best way to avoid soaring costs in the floating city is to visit Venice in winter . January is the best time price-wise for visiting Venice, with many Venice hotels slashing their rates. They frequently go as low as 20-25% of their peak rates.  This means that the luxury Venice hotels around San Marco – often charging €500 or more per night – charge as little as €100-150.

If you can only visit Venice during the peak season, there are other options. One is staying on the mainland in Mestre, where most Venetians now live.

Another option is staying a 30-40 minute train journey from Venice in Padua . I did this a couple of times, and was so glad I did. I had plenty of time to see Venice, but also got to discover and fall in love with Padua. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy, and one of the most underrated cities in Europe .

It’s also worth checking out our Best Area To Stay In Venice feature for more ideas on places to stay in Venice and nearby.

Overcrowding In Venice

Venice is horrendously overcrowded in the peak summer season, and very busy in the shoulder seasons. The area around Piazza San Marco and the nearby Molo waterfront is often crammed with visitors, so much so that you can barely move.

But around 15 visits to Venice have taught me that the crowds tend to converge in the same few places every single day. Rialto is another, as are the narrow streets around it and those leading to San Marco. The area around the station is similarly busy.

How To Avoid The Crowds In Venice

You can escape the vast Venice crowds by seeking out Venice off the beaten path . Most of the people visiting Venice aren’t going to spend long there, they want to tick off the same few Venice landmarks like St Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs.

It doesn’t take long to find a very different Venice. Head for somewhere like the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a hidden palazzo with a stunning external staircase, and you’ll hardly see another soul. Or take a walk to the Castello sestiere, exploring beautiful Venice squares like Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the nearby Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo.

From there, head down the back streets towards San Francesco della Vigna, and the crowds will seem a million miles away.

Poor Restaurants

Yes, many restaurants in Venice are overpriced and the food mediocre. This is especially true around San Marco and Rialto – the same areas the worst of the crowds build up. The ones serving pizza and a broad range of Italian cuisine tend to be the worst.

Good Food and Restaurants In Venice

As we mention in our Italy Food Tour article, you’re better off seeking out restaurants serving Venetian cuisine. This consists of seafood such as sarde in saor , a marinated sardine dish, and cicchetti, a range of bar snacks not dissimilar to Spanish tapas.

Other local produce includes vegetables from the lagoon islands and rice. Another of my personal favourites is risotto al nero di seppia , with rice served in black cuttlefish ink.  

I recommend several restaurants and bars serving food around Venice.  Osteria al Squero (in Dorsoduro) is one of the best places for an introduction to the world of cicchetti.  Otherwise take a boat trip along the Zattere to San Basilio, and the excellent Osteria Ca del Vento .   

Alternatively, the best place to eat near San Marco is Le Bistrot de Venise , which serves traditional Venetian classics on Calle dei Fabbri.

Is Venice Worth Visiting FAQs

Is Venice A Good Place To Visit?

Venice is a wonderful place to visit – especially when you explore away from the main sights and avoid the huge crowds.  

Is Venice Expensive?

Yes. It’s the most expensive city in Italy, and in high season it can be exorbitantly expensive. However, if you visit at certain times of year, Venice is a lot more affordable.

Is Venice Overrated?

No, I don’t think it is. Overpriced at certain times of year, yes. But this is one of the most beautiful cities in the world

Is Venice Over-touristed?

Yes, sadly, very much so.  It’s often flooded with tourists but it’s worth bearing in mind that the vast majority of them converge on the same few places.

Are there other cities like Venice?

Not really, no.  There are great cities with an abundance of canals like Amsterdam, but it’s nothing like Venice, very different in feel.

Is Venice Worth Visiting – Final Thoughts

As I said at the beginning of the article, I think Venice is absolutely worth visiting.

The overcrowding and high prices are good reasons to avoid certain parts of Venice at some times of the day. They are also reasons to consider avoiding Venice at certain times of year. But I don’t think they are reasons to avoid Venice altogether. 

Visiting Venice may require a change of plans and a tweak to your itinerary, but I wouldn’t miss it. The wealth of things to see and do in Venice is overwhelming. And I suggest doing whatever you can to see it at least once in your lifetime.

Check out more of our articles on Venice here:

• Sunrise In Venice – best places to watch the sunrise in Venice
• Sunset In Venice – best sunset spots in Venice
• Cannaregio Venice – one of the most overlooked districts in Venice
• Day Trip To Venice Itinerary – how to spend one day in Venice – and avoid the crowds
• Weekend In Venice – how to spend the perfect two days in Venice
• 3 day Venice Itinerary – how to spend a magical 3 days in Venice

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

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Don't get vexed in Venice: 25 things to know before you go

Jun 22, 2023 • 17 min read

Here's how to know you're buying the genuine article in Venice © Oleg Breslavtsev / Getty Images

It’s one of the most familiar destinations on the planet, yet also one of the most alien. Venice is a constant conundrum: how do I see the best of it? How do I avoid destroying it? Is it possible to have a local experience? What do I need to know before traveling to Venice?

I’ve lived in Venice since 2020 and these are questions I still ask myself. This is a fiercely fragile city facing unique challenges, a place where tourism is largely destructive and Venetians respond by getting ever more insular. Traveling here is a delicate balance between sightseeing and preserving; enjoying and respecting; spending your money responsibly but not feeling like your wallet’s been emptied.

It also means sacrificing some things you might do without a thought in other places – silly things, like impromptu picnics or dawdling in the street to take photos. Some challenges are more major – this is intrinsically not an accessible city, and anyone with mobility issues will struggle.

The good news: the rewards are huge. Spend enough time here to really scratch the surface and you’ll get privileged access to a world that few people have visited – despite this being one of the world’s most visited cities. People often ask me how best to see the city; as well as my favorite things to do , here are my dos and don’ts when visiting Venice.

1. Pick the right route from the airport

One floating city, three ways to get in from the airport. The chi-chiest way is by water taxi, which will whisk you from the airport’s pontoon area straight to your hotel (or as near as it can get, depending on the canals). However, it’s pricey – think €130 and up.

Then there’s the Alilaguna ferry, which has various routes and stops around the city center – at €16, it’s much cheaper and the views are the same. Finally, you can get a coach or bus to Piazzale Roma, the road terminus on the edge of the city (€10). From there, walk or take a vaporetto (€9.50).

2. Know your boats…

You’re going to be taking a lot of boats in Venice – here’s how to know which one to take. From the airport, if you want to arrive by water, take the Alilaguna ferry – a private company that has different routes and stops around the city. Alilaguna also has a couple of tourist lines out to the islands.

Your main routes, however, will be with the public transport company ACTV . This runs the vaporetti – waterbuses – in and around town. If you’ll be using them a lot, it’s worth getting a timed pass rather than paying by the ride.

There are also water taxis – slinky private rides that whisk you around like any other taxi, only for about 10 times the price of a car. And of course, there are gondolas, for those romantic rides along the water. If a gondola doesn’t feel right, you can get a similar experience in a traghetto – an oversized gondola that’s used as a public transport option to cross the Grand Canal at regular points. This costs just €2, as opposed to €80 for a gondola (rising to €90 from November 2023).

3. …But don’t live your life through the vaporetto map

A prime mistake visitors make (and I should know – I did this even when I first moved here) is seeing Venice through its vaporetto map, and calculating the nearest stop to places you’re going. It’s understandable – this is famously a city to get lost in – but unnecessary.

Often, it’s quicker and cheaper to walk, since the vaporetti are so expensive. For instance, you can walk to most parts of San Polo or the Zattere in 15 minutes from the station – about half the time it’d take in a vaporetto – and Piazza San Marco to Rialto is under 10 minutes on foot. People often ask, “How can I see Venice like a local?” Walking more is the easiest (and cheapest) way.

4. Take your time

Plenty of people don’t like Venice, and they tend to have something in common: they didn’t stay long. Pop in on a day trip and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the crowds ticking off the main sights alongside you, as well as the heat and the myriad alleyways. Stay longer, and a different side of the city will open up.

That’s the same for any destination, of course, but it’s more extreme in Venice, partly because of the overcrowding and partly because there are just two main sights that a lot of people come for, Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. I always say a week is the best way to explore the city, and possibly add in a day trip further afield , but if time is tight, five days should be enough to get a good idea of the city and the islands . In three days, you can get a taster of the main sights and islands, though it’s unlikely that you’ll "get" Venice as a place, or an atmosphere.

5. Plan your journeys

Venice is no ordinary city, and that goes for public transport, too. If you’re used to round-the-clock services, be aware that some vaporetto lines (including to the hospital) shut down entirely before 9pm, and others run a restricted service. If you’re going out for dinner and need to get the vaporetto back, make sure you time it right, or you may have a long wait. Download the CheBateo?  app for timetables and journey planning – meaning you know whether to make a run for it or stay for another drink.

6. Don’t drive to Venice

You know, of course, that there are no cars in Venice. But there is a popular parking lot at Piazzale Roma, the road terminus for the city, located on the outskirts of Santa Croce. Don’t bother trying to get there – it’ll likely be full, and at peak times you could spend upwards of an hour navigating the one-way system to turn back. If you really want to park near the city center, fork off right to Tronchetto before Piazzale Roma, where there’s a vast car park.

Better still, park near the train station at Mestre , on the mainland, and take a 10-minute train to Venice – or drop the rental car off at Marco Polo Airport and take the Alilaguna ferry into town. Wherever you park, don’t leave valuables in your car – and certainly leave nothing visible inside.

7. Check the tide

Until 2020, having an app on your phone that checked the tide level was an essential Venice download – but since the MOSE flood barriers came into action during the pandemic, it’s highly unlikely the city will see regular flooding as it once did. However, some parts of Venice – St Mark’s Square and the area around the Rialto market , for starters – sit below the level for the barriers and can still get wet in higher than normal tides.

It’s not a big deal – you can always get around, it lasts under an hour, and for tourists, it’s more beautiful than annoying – but if you want to check levels before heading over to those areas, download the High Tide Venice app. If you’re traveling in January or February, low tides might be more of an issue – those photos that get published of muddy canals at the start of the year are a regular event but, again, it’s more of a bummer for your photos than a real problem.

8. Pack a bathing suit

Is it summer? Your dreamy trip to the floating city is going to feel like you're in a furnace. From roughly June to September, Venice is a hot, sticky, humid mess – and combine that with half the planet trying to crowd into the same place, and it becomes one big outdoor steam room. Pack a bathing suit, and whenever it gets too much, hop on a vaporetto to the Lido , where you’ll find mile upon mile of soft, clean, sandy beach. Pay for a sunlounger at a beach club or head to the free public beach at the northern end.

9. Accessible Venice

For obvious reasons, Venice isn’t the most accessible city, but don’t assume that it’s a no-go if you have mobility issues. The bridges along the Riva degli Schiavoni – the main waterfront leading off from Piazza San Marco – have ramps, and the same goes for the Zattere waterfront, which also enjoys spectacular views.

You can reach many, if not most, of the main sights on a vaporetto – wheelchair users pay the same as locals for a ticket, just €1.50, with their companion traveling for free. The city authorities have a list of suggested itineraries for wheelchair users. None of this is to say it’s easy – it isn’t. However, it’s worth it.

10. Dress right

You’re on vacation, as are 90% of the people around you – so we’re not going to tell you to try and pass as a local. Do you need to dress up in Venice? No – Venetians are actually pretty dressed down unless they’re going to a fancy restaurant. However, there are practical clothing rules to know about.

Avoid flip-flops – you’re going to do a lot of walking in this city, and the paving stones are hard on the feet and can also get slippery. If you’ll be going into churches, you’ll need shoulders and knees covered – so keep a wrap or shirt in your bag to sling on. Don’t wear swimming gear in the city – you can be fined for doing so. The most important accessory of all? Insect repellent.

11. Walk on the right

This one’s simple. This may be a pedestrianized city but Venice has more foot traffic than most places have cars, so there are unwritten rules. Walk on the right, overtake on the left, try not to grind to a halt in the middle of the narrow streets, and never – never – sit down on the pavement (not least because you can be fined – see below). Think of these as real roads and you’ll be fine.

12. Don’t get fined

What is Venice like? For starters, it’s not a theme park, as many tourists seem to think it is. Like other major Italian cities, Venice has fines for bad behavior – but here, things that might be acceptable anywhere else could land you with a hefty bill. Swimming in the canals and sitting on the pavements to have an impromptu picnic can land you triple-figure fines, for example; walking around in swimwear, feeding the birds and even pushing a bicycle (not even riding it) also bring penalties.

Check out the list of forbidden behavior on the city council’s website and remember, some of the actions may seem silly or petty – but this incredibly fragile city can have up to 250,000 visitors a day, and if they all sat down for a picnic, it would have serious consequences. Don’t be part of the problem.

13. Make sure it really is an "artisan" product

So you want to buy something locally made to take home with you, and you’re confronted by shop after shop with wonderful-looking masks, stationery and what looks like Murano glass – how do you know what’s real and what’s fake? The first clue is the price – if it’s on the cheaper side of what you’ve seen, it’s likely made in a factory.

The next is what’s in the shop around it – real artisans specialize in just one thing. That could be a material (a leather worker might have bags and books) or an item (like masks) but there will be a congruence to every item in the store. Finally, ask – almost always, artisans run their own shops, and the stores usually double as their workshops. Most will be delighted to tell you about their craft, and even show you where the magic happens.

14. Book in advance

The Palazzo Ducale . The Peggy Guggenheim Collection . That restaurant George Clooney goes to. If you’re ticking off the main sights, be aware that potentially hundreds of thousands of others will be doing the same – on the same day. So don’t spend hours of your vacation lining up for tickets, or hoping the restaurant has a no-show – book in advance.

15. Keep your eats cheap

Venice is notoriously expensive, so it’s excellent news that this is the home of cheap bar snacks: cicchetti , designed as grab-and-go eats for on-the-job gondoliers and other workers, but varied enough to make up a full meal at a reasonable price. Swill them down with an ombra (see below), and take a reusable water bottle to fill up at the many drinking fountains around the city. See? There’s no excuse to have a (illegal, fineable) picnic.

16. Get a shade, not a spritz

Everyone drinks a spritz (usually an Aperol spritz) when they come to Venice, but the real drink here is an ombra : a small glass of wine, perfectly proportioned to go with cicchetti bar snacks and named after the Italian for “shadow” – because wine sellers used to stand in the shade beneath Piazza San Marco’s Campanile (belltower) . An ombra is much cheaper than a spritz – if you’re lucky, you can find them for €1-3. If you must have a spritz, get one made with Select, which is made locally, rather than Aperol.

17. Food rules

This being Italy, there are strict rules when it comes to food and drink. First, there are the national ones: no cappuccino after 11am, and certainly not at the end of a meal; expect your “side” to come after your main; don’t put cheese on fish pasta. But then there are Venice-specific ones. This isn’t traditionally a pizza or pasta place – polenta is a more traditional food base, followed by rice.

Of course, everywhere does pasta now so there’s nothing to stop you from trying it, but the more traditional the dish you pick, the better it’ll be. Another trope with some truth to it is to never order a pizza in Venice – it’s true they’re not exactly Naples or Rome quality, but there are some good pizzerias these days, like Oke on the Zattere and the two Muro outlets in San Polo.

18. Stand up at the bar

This is another Italy-wide rule but it comes into sharper relief in Venice: drink your coffee or eat your croissant at the bar to avoid paying a seating supplement. If you’re happy to stand, you can get a drink at fancy Piazza San Marco cafes like Florian or Quadri for a few euros – while those sitting outside are paying double figures, and that’s before the additional fee if an orchestra is playing in the square.

19. Watch your step on the vaporetto

There are strict unwritten rules on a vaporetto – unfortunately, many tourists aren’t aware of them, provoking residents’ wrath. Here’s how to avoid getting huffed at: first, let people off before you get on. Once you’re on, stash your luggage – on the larger ferries like numbers 1 and 2, you should leave them up front behind the captain’s cabin, whereas on the smaller ones, you should leave them at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the seating area. (Speaking of which, many people sit in this spot, but if you do, you’re liable to be kicked out when those with luggage board.) And watch out for pickpockets, both onboard and on the pontoons, who are sadly on the increase with little being done about the issue.

20. Respect the priority lines for residents

Several vaporetto stops – including at Piazzale Roma, Ferrovia (the train station) and Rialto – have separate turnstiles marked in pink as “priorità” (priority) and “Venezia Unica” for residents. Don’t bother trying your ticket at them – they won’t work. Once you’re on the pontoon, don’t try to dodge over to their side, either. Most of those major stops have staff positioned or chains over the residents’ side, if you end up too close to the water it can be dangerous… and it’s plain old disrespectful to those who have to live here and deal with the crowds on a daily basis. Let them at least board the boat first.

21. Glove up in the supermarket

This rule goes for all Italy, not just Venice – when you’re in the fruit and veg section of the supermarket, make sure you wear one of the disposable gloves on offer before you touch any fruit. And don’t forget to weigh it yourself – every item has a number that you should enter on the scales.

22. Buy from local vendors

What’s better than picking your own fruit and veg in the supermarket? Going to a fruttivendolo – an independent greengrocer. These guys stock not only your generic bananas and potatoes, but plenty of locally grown fruit and veg – much of it grown on Sant’Erasmo island in the lagoon, and some of which you’ll never have seen before. Even better, it means you’re supporting a local business. There’s one on a boat at Campo San Barnaba and another at the end of Via Garibaldi if you want a fruity photo op.

23. Try first aid before rushing to the hospital

Sprain an ankle as you sprint across a bridge? Feeling faint and overwhelmed by all the art? Venice has one hospital, helpfully at the vaporetto stop called Ospedale, but you don’t have to go to the ER for help. There are two first aid centers (“Punto di Primo Intervento”), one in Piazza San Marco and one at Piazzale Roma. They’re staffed by doctors, who can tell you if you need to go to the hospital, but who can also save you the wait if they can deal with it themselves. In an emergency, call 118.

24. Hold on to your valuables

Venice has always been, and still is, incredibly safe compared to other tourist cities, but incidents have been on the rise for the past few years. Beware of pickpockets at the main sights, on the main route between the train station, Rialto and Piazza San Marco , on the vaporetto pontoons (especially at the station) and on the boats themselves. If you’ve parked to visit the city, don’t leave anything in the car.

Avoid any interaction with anyone inviting you to play a game – you might see people asking you to bet money on a game of (empty) boxes on the major bridges – or offering you something for "free". And pay special attention to the biggest criminals of all: seagulls, which will swoop in and nick any food you’re carrying unsealed. They can even dive in for it when you’re eating outside – so be on permanent alert.

25. Know about tourist prices

"Tourist prices" are definitely a thing in Venice – often someone speaking the local dialect will not be paying the same as you for that coffee, or won’t get charged a seating fee – but think of it as a locals’ discount off the official prices rather than inflated amounts for tourists.

That’s not worth getting bothered about; what is crucial, though, is to not get ripped off. Always check the menu before ordering, ask the price of daily specials, and watch out for items priced by weight, like fish (these are often given a very cheap-looking price per 100g, or “all’etto”, on the menu – if the price looks too good to be true, it is).

If you’re at a bar or café, ask to see the menu for prices at the table, rather than at the bar. And remember that although the odd horror story does go viral, they do so because they are extremely rare. If something’s up with the bill, query it with the staff – and if they’re not playing ball, ask them to call the carabinieri (police), or call them yourself on 112.

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Where to Eat, Stay, Play, and More in Venice, According to an Expert

As one of Europe’s most overtouristed destinations, Venice is tricky — but we’re here to slam the brakes on the Venice-bashing.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Best Hotels and Resorts

• Best Things to Do

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Best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get to venice, how to get around.

Lara D'agostino/Travel + Leisure

Venice is tricky. On the one hand, it’s one of Europe’s — and maybe the world’s — most overtouristed destinations. Virtually all year round, it’s crowded, overpriced, confusing to first-timers (just what is the difference between a gondola, a vaporetto and a traghetto?) and, too often, the scene of many an Italian culinary murder. 

But we’re here to slam the brakes on the Venice-bashing. 

As we were watching the sunset in a palette of oranges and pinks over the Grand Canal, the soundtrack of puttering motorboats and crooning gondoliers in the foreground, my colleague and fellow Travel + Leisure contributor Erica Firpo said, “Venice refuses to let you hate it.” For all the frustration and disappointment that this city can reap on the unprepared visitor, Venice is always going to be Venice: geographically absurd, transcendently, almost painfully beautiful, and mesmerizing once you cut through all the clutter. 

Here, I’ve drawn on the best parts of my many visits to create a guide to Venice, including not-to-miss attractions, unforgettable hotels, the best places for cicchetti and umbra , and where to eke out a hidden moment or two. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Take the gondola ride: You never know when you’ll revisit Venice, so don’t miss the chance to have this only-in-Venice experience.
• Make a meal of cicchetti: The Venetian equivalent of tapas, these small bites can become a satisfying meal. Cantina Do Spade in the San Polo sestiere is one of my favorites.
• Spring for the balcony suite: There’s nothing quite like flinging open your hotel room window and seeing the Grand Canal before you, and there are few better places to do it than the St. Regis Venice.
• Walk Venice at night: The magical glow of the moonlit canals, the creaking of moored boats, and the relative calm of its narrow lanes — after dark, Venice lives up to its “most serene” moniker.
• Enjoy a spritz with a view: Skip the overpriced bars on Piazza San Marco, but do find an elegant canal-view bar to sip a cocktail and complementary nibbles — Bar Longhi at the Gritti Palace is a storied choice.

St. Regis Venice

T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Venice earns its rank — it’s simply impeccable from every angle. Art- and light-filled spaces give this historic hotel a modern feel, but Murano glass fittings and those Grand Canal views ensure you never forget what city you’re in. Be sure to try St. R’s signature, the Bloody Mary.

Hotel Flora

Courtesy of Hotel Flora

In a city brimming with great hotels, Flora will always make my shortlist. What it lacks in five-star bells and whistles, it compensates for with a warm welcome, fair prices, and a lovely garden that’s the heart of the hotel. It’s also a rarity in Venice — a hotel that’s owned and run by a local family.

Venice Venice

The most exciting new entry in Venice’s hotel landscape, Venice Venice calls its approach and design “Postevenetian.” Contemporary art installations and spacious rooms with bespoke modern furnishings have breathed new life into the bones of an ancient palazzo. And the Rialto views aren’t too shabby, either. 

Best Things to Do 

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Gondola ride

This is a controversial hill I’m prepared to die on: if you don’t do a gondola ride on at least one of your trips to Venice, you will regret it. The Floating City is even more ethereal at water level. I recommend finding a gondola station in the San Polo sestiere and plying the quiet canals of that area.

Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour

Once the political and financial motherboard of the mighty Venetian Republic, the Doge’s Palace remains a repository of hidden stories and legends, coded iconography, and monumental art and architecture. This guided tour lets you in on many of these fascinating tidbits and gets you skip-the-line entry to the palace.

Visit Burano

With its famously colorful houses, Burano is ripe for your IG reel. But this island of lacemakers and fishermen in the northern reaches of the lagoon is more than just a pretty place — it’s a working-class village where age-old traditions still live. Get there in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

Get thee to the Guggenheim

Amazing in the quality of its collections and intimate in scale, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must-see for lovers of 20th-century art. Set in Guggenheim’s former residence, the museum is a vivid reminder of what a huge figure Guggenheim was in championing surrealist and abstract art of the last century.

Alphotographic/Getty Images

Godi Fiorenza

This boutique and atelier of sisters Patrizia and Samanta Fiorenza is now in its 20th year. It’s a favorite of Jill Weinreich Luppi, an arts professional who’s lived in Venice for nearly 30 years. “Godi Fiorenza is really very special,” she says. “The clothing is exquisite, and the jewelry is always stunning and original.”

Francis Model

Skip the Italian chain stores and cheap foreign-made goods and acquire an item that will remind you of your trip to Venice for years: a handmade leather bag from this homespun brand. I still get compliments on the chartreuse suede number I purchased two years ago.

I still haven’t brought home a set of handmade Murano drinking glasses, and I live with that regret. But you don’t have to. This hole-in-the-wall shop near Ponte de le Ostreghe has a reasonably priced assortment of colorful glassware (ask about shipping), plus the usual curiosities. 

Gilberto Penzo

For a one-of-a-kind gift for a hobbyist or a curious kid, nothing says Venice more than a model boat kit from this delightfully cluttered bottega. Penzo handmakes and sells kits for gondolas, vaporettos, water taxis, and more, plus sells finished models and other nautically-themed gifts. 

Karl Hendon/Getty Images

Walk the Riva

Surprisingly, Venice is not a big city for nightlife and tends to shut down early, even on the weekends. A nighttime walk along the Grand Canal toward the Giardini della Biennale (take a left from Piazza San Marco) is a lovely way to spend an evening. 

Head to Cannaregio

The vestiges of working-class Venice still cling to life in this sestiere, which is also the home of the Jewish Ghetto. Along Fondamenta de la Misericordia, you’ll find bar after bar and plenty of space to sip your drink (and eat cicchetti) on a canal lined with simple private boats rather than gondola and water taxis.

Arts Bar Venice

If you can’t splash out on a room at the St. Regis, at least spring for a fancy cocktail at this tres-chic hotel bar, site of changing arts exhibits and events. Each custom concoction — one even comes in a smoke dome — features its own glassware designed by an artist and produced at Berengo Studio . A resident singer/guitarist plays all the songs you know by heart.

Cantina Do Spade

There’s a sit-down restaurant here, but we like the crowded cicchetti bar, where you order your small bites at the counter and then join a shared table or juggle your drink and plate in the narrow alleyway outside. There’s lots of bad cicchetti in Venice, and none is here. 

Weinreich Luppi brought me to this cozy restaurant she calls “dependable and always delicious, a true neighborhood spot run by people who clearly love what they do.” It was worth the trek to Via Garibaldi, in the authentic Castello district, to enjoy homemade pasta and bread, vegetables grown in their garden, and fresh-caught fish, all in an unpretentious, welcoming setting.

Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Courtesy of Trattoria al Gatto Nero

It’s always nice when a famous eatery is worth the hype, as I finally discovered when I had a chance to dine at this Burano landmark. We were guided through a menu of fresh-off-the-boat seafood, including their wonderfully delicate risotto de gò, a signature dish. If you visit in fall or spring, look for moeche , Venice’s softshell crabs. And don’t even think about showing up without a reservation. 

Bar All’Arco

This tiny little bar near the Rialto Bridge is located near the Rialto Bridge is Weinreich Luppi’s “first and forever choice for cicchetti. It’s such a special little place and it’s amazing what comes out of their postage stamp-sized kitchen.” Baccalà mantecato, the classic Venetian cicchetti of creamed cod on polenta or toasted bread (it’s way better than it sounds), is a must-try here.

DanielGorostieta/Travel + Leisure

If you want to see a less crowded version of Venice, you need to risk some inclement weather and visit in November, December before the holiday rush, January, or February (but only before Carnevale events get underway). If you do visit in high season, basically any of the months not mentioned above, plan to get an early start on your day, take a break in the afternoon, and go back out in the evening. 

For several reasons related to the city’s well-being, we urge you to stay in Venice and spend your vacation euros in Venice. Another motive for sleeping in the Lagoon City? A new entry fee that will apply to day-trippers on set days of the year, as well as looming caps on tour group sizes .

There are direct flights to Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport (VCE) from several eastern U.S. cities, including New York and Atlanta. From VCE, you can take a bus to Venice’s waterside train station, Santa Maria Lucia, catch the Alilaguna shuttle boat, or take a private water taxi into the city.

Trains from all over Italy arrive at Santa Maria Lucia, which overlooks the Grand Canal. You can catch a vaporetto (water bus) from the train station to the closest stop to your hotel or take a private, pricey water taxi.

If you have a car in Italy, you must park it landside and take a train to Santa Maria Lucia or a water bus to the city. There are no cars in the city of Venice.

You can reach most places in Venice on foot, which is necessary to reach many areas. This often means dragging suitcases over bridges and stairs, so it’s wise to pack light. 

Here are the main transportation options:

Vaporetto : Venice’s water buses rumble along the Grand Canal from 5 a.m. to midnight and serve Murano, Burano, the Venice Lido, and other points in the lagoon.

Traghetto: These standing-room-only gondolas cross the Grand Canal in areas without a nearby bridge.

Water taxi: The most expensive option, private water taxis are convenient when you have a lot of bags and want to pull up right at your hotel's “porta d’acqua,” or water door.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Marco Polo Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

Venice's Vaporetto Transportation

Best Gondola Rides

Day Trips From Venice

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Traveling With Kids

Best Museums to Visit

Guide to Carnevale

Top Venice Restaurants

Nightlife in Venice

Your Trip to Venice: The Complete Guide

Venice, Italy Guide: Planning Your Trip

Venice, or Venezia , is one of the world's most unique and beautiful cities. During its more than 1700-year history, it has been at the nexus of major European art, music, and political developments. It was a maritime power for centuries and is thought to have been the world's first financial center.

Today, it is one of Italy's most important cities and a supremely romantic travel destination , where you can stroll alongside miles of crisscrossing canals. There are, in fact, 150 canals with more than 400 bridges that connect Venice's 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon  . Almost every inch of these islands are covered with amazing architecture, magnificent churches and palaces, squares and museums, excellent restaurants , historic hotels, and beautiful shops.

Planning Your Trip

Here is some basic knowledge for planning your trip to Venice.

• Best Time to Visit:  Since it's near the sea, Venice has mostly mild weather , although there can be rain nearly all year round. Summers are humid, and winters can be foggy and wet. To avoid large crowds, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. Venice experiences high-water flooding or aqua alta about 60 days a year, from October through early January. In Venice, keep an eye on the weather forecast every day, and always bring an umbrella!
• Language:  Italian is the national language of Italy, though you'll find that most hoteliers, restaurant workers, and shopkeepers speak at least some English, as well as possible French, Spanish, and German.
• Currency:  Venice, like the rest of Italy, uses the Euro (€). US dollars or other currencies are not accepted, though credit cards are widely accepted. Some stores may not accept credit cards for small purchases (under 10 or 20 euros).
• Getting Around:  The Grand Canal, which cuts through the center of the city, is like Venice's main street, and the  vaporetti boats are its public buses  . They are the main public transport in this canal-filled city and ply the principal waterways. The #1 vaporetto runs along the Grand Canal from the train station and makes many stops, so it's a good way to cruise the main canal and get a good overview of the city. If you want something more up close and personal, take a taxi and a gondola, though they tend to be more expensive. Read more about the vaporetti system . Gondolas , a symbol of life in Venice, are a romantic way to get from point A to point B, but today these costly diversions are used mainly by tourists.
• Travel Tip:  To avoid Venice's famously crowded main squares and tourist attractions, here are two tips: The first is to book must-see sites like the Doge's Palace and Basilica San Marco with a private tour, so you skip the line and possibly get exclusive access to some areas. Our second tip is that when out walking, head away from Piazza San Marco and Rialto . You'll soon discover a far less crowded Venice, and one that is still inhabited by locals.
• Read our full article on the Best Time to Visit Venice .

Things to Do

Venice has several world-famous museums and attractions, but you'd be surprised how much you might love just wandering along the canals off the main tourist tracks or taking advantage of other free diversions this ancient city offers. Some of Venice's most famous attractions include:

• Saint Mark's Square : Piazza San Marco is Venice's main square and is surrounded by chic sidewalk cafés and fancy shops. While it's a great place to take in the scenery and people, you will definitely pay top euro to sit at an outdoor table. In the evening, you can listen to live music, too. Walking in the piazza and taking photos is, of course, free.
• Saint Mark's Basilica : Basilica di San Marco, consecrated in 832 AD, is a beautiful church blending the architecture of East and West. 
• Doge's Palace : Palazzo Ducale, also on St. Mark's Square, is the most impressive building in Venice and well worth a tour. It was the Venetian government's political and judicial hub until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. The palace was connected to its prisons by the famous Bridge of Sighs .
• Grand Canal ( Canal Grande): This is the main thoroughfare of Venice. It is full of many types of boats and lined with beautiful buildings.
• Rialto Bridge ( Ponte di Rialto) : This is the main bridge crossing the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice, and it's more than 400 years old. Nearby is the Rialto Market, an interesting and lively food market with lots of little shops.
• Tourist Information Offices : The train station tourist office is almost always very crowded, but agents there have lots of information and can help with hotel reservations. The main tourist office is near Saint Mark's Square. Most staff speak at least some English.

Read more of our guides for things to do in Venice: the best things to do in Venice , a guide to Venice neighborhoods , and a month-by-month guide to Venice.

What to Eat and Drink

Seafood is a big part of the delicious Venetian cuisine, as are polenta and rice. Seppia , or cuttlefish, is popular, and risotto nero  (black rice) is colored with its ink. Try the zuppa di pesce  (fish soup) here, too. Radicchio trevisano , red chicory, comes from nearby Treviso. Cicchetti , or little appetizers, are served in Venice's bars and are often eaten before lunch or dinner, but, like Spanish tapas or Greek meze,  you can also order a few for a light meal. Finish with an exquisite Venetian pastry and an espresso.

Typical wines of Venice are made from grapes grown in the Veneto, the surrounding region. These include citrusy Soave, sparkling prosecco, and deep red Valpolicella. Cocktails are popular here, from the peachy Bellini, invented in Venice, to the Aperol Spritz, Negroni, and other classic Italian mixed drinks. There's a burgeoning craft beer scene in Venice and a handful of Irish pubs catering to the younger crowd.

Read more about the best restaurants in Venice and the best nightlife in Venice .

Where to Stay

The old city center of Venice is divided into six districts or sestieri . The Cannaregio district, the most populated, is near the station. The Castello district, the largest, and the famous San Marco district, home to its namesake square and basilica, are on the Grand Canal side. The Santa Croce district, the only one with a bridge to the mainland and some car traffic, is across the Grand Canal from the train station. The San Polo district, with its famous eponymous church and the Dorsoduro district, situated on Venice's hardest and most stable island, are across the canal from St. Mark's. Read more about Venice's neighborhoods .

Start your hotel search by looking through our list of top-rated Venice hotels, many of which are in the San Marco neighborhood, near Piazza San Marco ,  the most popular tourist popular area. One of our favorite hotels, right near San Marco but remarkably quiet, is the family-run Hotel Flora . If you decide to go with an Airbnb-type rental, make sure you go with a licensed facility, like these recommended by Venice Tourism .

Check our list of top-rated Venice hotels.

Getting There

Venice is in the Veneto region, on the northeast coast of Italy, and is protected from the Adriatic Sea by a strip of land called the Lido.

The best way to arrive in Venice is by train, to the Santa Lucia Train Station on the northwestern edge of the city. There's also a bus terminal and parking garages nearby, at Piazzale Roma. Venice also has the small Marco Polo Venice Airport , and from there, you can take a bus or boat into Venice.

Check our articles on how to reach Venice from Rome or from Milan .

Culture and Customs

There aren't many "need to know" factoids about Venetian customs and culture, but here are a few to keep in mind:

• When entering Venice's many churches, you need to dress modestly. That means no short-shorts or skirts and no bare shoulders. Those rules apply to everyone, regardless of gender. If you're underdressed, bring a large, lightweight scarf to drape over you.
• Though drinking is a big part of Venetian and Italian culture, public drunkenness is not, and Venice shuts down surprisingly early. Don't overdo it, and always be respectful of residents. Your voices on the street carry right up to their apartment windows.
• To help the city deal with its overtourism issues   , try bringing refillable water bottles instead of buying plastic, and always dispose of your garbage in the marked recycling bins.

Money-Saving Tips

Venice is an expensive city, but here are our recommendations for saving a few euros during your visit.

• Eat cicchetti . Skip a big evening meal and snack instead on the Venetian equivalent of tapas, small bites that can be purchased for just a euro or two apiece. Pair a few of these with an inexpensive glass of wine, and you've got a great, cheap (for Venice) meal.
• Head to Cannaregio  . This working-class district is lined with affordable bars and restaurants filled with locals, not tourists.
• Buy a VeneziaUnica City Pass , which includes public transportation and free or discounted admission to most major attractions and museums.
• Read our list of the Best Free Things to Do in Venice .

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Art & Design Editor

Canaletto and Monet have immortalised it in oil paint, Giuseppe Cipriani created the Bellini in its honour and it was the backdrop for Henry James’ The Wings of a Dove . Venice is an inspiring, mystical city that’s steeped in history, wonderment and fantasy. Surrounded by water, it’s made up of 177 canals, over 400 bridges and 139 churches. Here, we pick the best things to do in the Italian city fondly know as Queen of the Adriatic .

1. piazza san marco (st mark’s square).

This public square is the perfect spot to take in St Mark’s Basilica in all its Byzantine glory; people watch from one of the many cafés and generally plan your Venice wanderings. Note – it often floods in the square so wellies should definitely be in your suitcase.

2. Libreria Acqua Alta

3. Gallerie dell’Accademia

Over on Dorsoduro, just opposite one of the only two bridges crossing the grand canal is the Accademia which houses a rich collection of Venetian masterpieces by Renaissance greats such as Veronese and Tintoretto. They also exhibit temporary displays, like the recent showcase of American painter Philip Guston .

4. Fish Market

After you’ve taken in the glorious views of the Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge, be sure to take a few steps down into the Mercato di Rialto to get a glimpse at real Venetian life. Here the teaming fish and vegetable markets trade Tuesday through to Saturday, providing Venetian chefs and housewives alike with delicious produce.

1. Palazzo Fortuny

Art Gallery

6. Venice Biennale

Since 1895 art aficionados and novices alike have been flocking to Venice for the Biennale di Venezia Arte that occurs very two years between May and November. As well as the stunning Giardini that’s filled with international pavilions and the impressive Arsenale, the Biennale also takes over Venetian palazzos and churches that you wouldn’t normally gain access to, making it the ideal time to explore an aspect of Venice that’s usually hidden. In 2018 the Biennale will host the 16th International Architecture Exhibition (May 26 to November 25, 2018) that consider Freespace.

7. Punta Della Dogana / Palazzo Grassi

The two impressive Venetian venues of French art collector, Francois Pinault, Punta Della Dogana and Palazzo Grassi are worthy architectural venues to visit in their own right. So the fact they also present an acclaimed exhibition programme, make them must-visit destinations when in the watery city. During the summer of 2017 they were transformed by Damien Hirst’s epic Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable exhibition, which alluded to the discovery of an ancient wreck and its many spoils. In 2018 you can delve into the world of German artist Albert Oehlen (Palazzo Grassi) and how artists take on the role of actor in Dancing With Myself at Punta Della Dogana.

Palazzo Grassi, Campo San Samuele 3231, Venice and Punta Della Dogana, Dorsoduro 2, Venice.

Make sure you pack your bikini as you wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity of taking in the sun’s rays at Venice’s beach. Yes, as unlikely as it seems, Venice boasts a beautiful strip of coast – the Lido – that can turn you’re city trip into a beach getaway.

Known for its exquisite glass designs, the island of Murano has more to offer than just hoards of shops flogging an abundance of glass trinkets. Make sure you experience French artist Loris Gréaud’s wondrous installation, The Unplayed Notes Factory in a former Murano glass factory (until November 26, 2017).

10. V-A-C Foundation

The Russian foundation opened their first Venetian site in 2017 at Palazzo delle Zattere with a brilliantly diverse group show, Space Force Construction . Here, works by key Soviet artists from the 1920s and 1930s were brought into dialogue with contemporary artists. You could have your political views tested, meander through a pine tree forest and be dwarfed by an immersive Barbara Kruger installation. For 2018 The Electric Comma explores how language has changed and the impact of artificial intelligence.

Palazzo delle Zattere, Dorsoduro 1401, Venice.

11. Palazzo Ca’Zenobio degli Armeni

During the Biennale is the perfect time to visit this impressive baroque palazzo in Dorsoduro – skipping both entry fee and the need to book. Unassuming from the outside, after the pretty garden, the building is most notable for its undeniably stunning ballroom with frescoes by French artist Louis Dorigny, mirror and trompe-l’oeil paintings. Palazzo Ca’ Zenobio, Dorsoduro 2596, Venice.

12. Fondazione Prada

As well as having spaces in Milan, the fashion house’s art foundation also resides in Venice and is a definite must-visit location, both for appreciating the 18th-century palazzo’s architecture but also for the impressive roster of exhibitions. Coinciding with this year’s Venice Biennale is the brilliantly immersive exhibition The Boat is Leaking. The Captain Lied (on until November 26, 2017) that brings the brilliant photographic work of Thomas Demand to life in a maze of mise-en-scène settings.

13. Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria

Flooding is to be expected in Venice, but the crypt at San Zaccaria has turned the annoyance of unwanted water into a celebratory spectacle.

Entrance via Campo San Zaccaria

14. Cini Foundation

Over on San Giorgio Maggiore, the Cini Foundation has multiple buildings with a host of must-see shows from Alighiero Boetti and Ettore Sottsass, to an outdoor sculptural installation by Pae White. Be sure not to miss the Faurschou Foundation’s presentation of Robert Rauschenberg and Warhol that focuses on their ingenious reinterpretation of printmaking as an art form, rather than just an industrial tool.

15. Palazzo Ducale

Overlooking St Mark’s Square is the Doge’s Palace , an impressive gothic wonder that has developed throughout the centuries. Once the seat of government, the city’s courtrooms, the Doge’s apartments and a jail, the palace is a must-see. Alongside the permanent displays, they’re currently presenting a fantastic Bosch exhibition with a virtual reality experience finale where you can step inside the weird worlds of the Flemish painter, as well as presenting work by contemporary British artist, Douglas Gordon (until November 24, 2017) in the cells of the former prison quarter.

16. HyperPavilion

Just a short boat ride to the northern side of the Arsenale, is HyperPavilion (on until October 30, 2017), a free group exhibition about the impact digital technology has had on art. Here, in three enormous historic warehouses, you’ll encounter immersive site-specific work ranging from film to sculpture that explore the hybridity of digital and physical worlds.

17. Redentore Festival

Every year, the 400-year-old carnival takes over Venice in a frenzy of masked revellers. Created to celebrate the end of the plague, the Redentore (July 15–16, 2017) turns Venice into a musical bonanza. A 300-metre long pontoon is constructed from Zattere to Giudecca , so you can literally walk on water to the Palladio-designed Il Redentore church which was built by order of the Doge when the plague ceased in 1577. Venetian’s get into full party mode, decorating their terraces, feasting and dressing up in traditional costumes. The celebrations culminate in a giant firework display over the gondola-filled lagoon on Sunday night.

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40+ Venice Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

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The iconic city of Venice, Italy is one of those few destinations that requires no introduction. Famed the world over for its dreamy gondola-filled canals, this historic city (built over 100 islands) is the stuff of pure bucket list dreams, with a legion of obsessed fans all over the world.

And I get the obsession. Venice and I go way back. It’s the first city I ever visited in Europe, the first city where I ever missed a flight, and coincidentally where my boyfriend formally asked me to be his girlfriend… on Valentine’s Day, no less!

So believe me when I say I take it personally when people call Venice overrated.

I mean… can it be crowded and smelly in the summer? Yes. Can some restaurants and shops be wildly overpriced? Absolutely… but it’s still one of the most magical places in the world, so long as you do it right.

And after many repeat visits over the past decade, I think I’ve gotten a grasp on how to do Venice properly.

So, in this post, I’ll be sharing all my best Venice travel tips for first time visitors to help ensure you love this city as much as I’ve grown to. (Boyfriends sold separately)

Read on for my top Venice must-knows before you go.

Save this list of Venice Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Venice in Italian is Venezia

First off, let’s get one thing straight: the glorious city known to us as Venice is actually known in Italian as Venezia.

This is the name you’ll see at train stations, bus stations, and scrawled across a staggering amount of souvenir shop hats.

SO, remember: Venice is Venezia, and they are not in fact two different places (a blunder that’s more common than you think!)

2. Learn some basic Italian before you go

On a similar note, I do think it’s important to learn some basic Italian before you go. 

Venice gets its fair share of rude tourists so locals often appreciate when you make the effort and knowing some basics can go a long way, like…

• Hello (in the morning/afternoon):  Buongiorno (Bwon-JOOR-no) 
• Hello (in the evening):  Buonasera (Bwon-ah-SAY-ruh)
• Thank you:  Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh)

3. Stay overnight in Venice rather than do a day trip

Because of how pricey accommodation can be, many people opt to visit Venice as a day trip. 4 in 5 visitors in fact, according to some sources .

And if you’re considering that as an option, please picture me with a pouty face, stomping around and insisting you don’t.

Truthfully, 2-3 nights minimum is needed to get a feel for all that Venice has to offer, plus (even more crucially) staying in Venice overnight allows you to soak in the sights both early in the morning and late at night when crowds are at their lowest. In a city as busy as Venice, this bonus is invaluable!

Plus as of spring 2024, Venice will begin a trial of their controversial €5 entry fee for day trippers. So, save your money and your sanity – stay overnight! I promise it’s worth every penny.

4. Avoid visiting Venice during peak periods

Now, In terms of when to visit, the bad news is Venice doesn’t really have much of a quiet season at all.

That said, there are definitely aggressive peak seasons that I’d advise you avoid – namely summer, Easter & Carnival… unless your idea of a good time is waddling through narrow streets with a mosh pit of tourist-strangers .

Winter (outside of Carnival) is generally when you’ll find the least crowds in Venice.

Unfortunately though, this season brings more potential for rain, gloom, and floods, so to be safe, Spring and Fall are probably better times to go.

5. There are two airports close to Venice you can fly into

In terms of arriving in Venice, there is of course the Venice Marco Polo Airport which less than 5 miles away from the city centre, but there’s also the much smaller Treviso Airport which is about 25 miles away, and services budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. 

For that reason, you can often find cheap flights that fly into this airport from other European countries, so it may be worth looking into if you’re visiting multiple countries on your trip.

6. Know that there’s many options for getting to Venice from Marco Polo Airport

From Marco Polo Airport, the quickest way to get into central Venice is booking a private water taxi, which comes at a hefty price tag starting at 120 euro minimum. For larger groups though, this might be worth it, especially because it only takes 30 minutes to get into the historic centre.

NOTE: If you want the airport water taxi experience for a cheaper price, you can also book individual slots here on a water taxi that you’ll then share with others.

Another much cheaper but slower option is to take the Alilaguna water bus, or vaporetto which has three potential routes that go to central Venice for only 15 euro… but takes over an hour.

And the final option is to take either a bus or a taxi which is slightly cheaper. It’s important to note though that the closest you can get to the historic centre on wheels is Piazzale Roma , and from there you’ll either need to finish the journey on foot or hop on a water bus or taxi anyway, so it’s probably not the best option unless you’re staying super close to there.

In any case, I would ask your accommodation the best way to get there and they’ll be able to advise.

7. Know there’s many options for getting to Venice from Treviso Airport

From Treviso Airport, while there are some buses and shuttles you can book, again the closest you can get to the historic centre will be Piazzale Roma. So, bear in mind you’ll need a plan to get from there to your accommodation!

In any case, if you don’t mind transferring, the cheapest option from Treviso is actually a combination of a bus and then train into Venice.

8. Beware of the two ‘Venezia’ train stations

On that note, apart from flying, an easy way to arrive in Venice is by taking the train. Venice is superbly well connected to the rest of Bella Italia through the Italian rail network which has an impressive 2000+ stations to choose from.

If you do take the train though, beware of a common tourist mistake that many first time visitors fall into: there are actually two stations that begin with Venezia – Venezia Santa Lucia and Venezia Mestre.

Venezia Santa Lucia is the central train station in Venice’s historic centre, right by the Grand Canal. In most cases, this is the one you’ll want to go to.

Venezia Mestre on the other hand is located on the mainland and is where you’ll find a lot of admin buildings… but also locals, because (surprise!) it’s much cheaper to live there.

Odds are, unless you’re staying in Mestre, you won’t have much reason to disembark at Venezia Mestre Station , so make sure you’re looking out for Venezia Santa Lucia Station, and you don’t accidentally get off early.

9. Remember you can’t drive in Venice

Now, the last option for arriving in Venice is by car but again, remember: no cars are allowed in Venice’s historic centre. It’s part of what makes this city so aggressively charming.

SO, if you drive to Venice, you will need to leave the vehicle at a pricey parking lot on the outskirts of the city during your stay. So, it’s not really an option I’d recommend unless Venice is just part of a big road trip you’re doing that includes other destinations.

10. Know the pros and cons of staying in historic Venice vs. on the mainland

Now let’s chat about where to stay.

When choosing accommodation, the two main areas to consider in Venice proper are either the historic centre or Mestre (the mainland bit where options tend to be cheaper).

If budget allows, staying in the historic centre is ideal because then you can easily explore Venice before and after the day trip crowds. It’s also much dreamier to be staying in the city, and is the option I’d recommend to any first timer.

… If you really can’t resist a hotel deal in Mestre though, don’t fret – you’re only a short train/boat ride away from Venice proper.

11. Understand the pros and cons of Venice’s different neighbourhoods

Alright – now it’s time to get our bearings with Venice’s historic centre, which is actually more fun than in most cities, because this magical city happens to be shaped like an actual fish.

… Oh yes. What a plaice.

Anyways, this historic centre of Venice is divided into six districts known as sestieri , arranged fishily like so:

If money is no object, staying in the belly of the fish is going to put you in close proximity to most major sights, with San Polo and San Marco being the priciest and busiest neighbourhoods.

Dorsoduro (bottom belly, I guess) is also a great choice, with some more affordable options and some quieter pockets as well.

If your goal is avoiding crowds though, the tail of the fish, Castello , is the largest of the sestieri and also the quietest, relatively speaking. 

And in terms of transport links, the most convenient areas are Cannaregio , the head of the fish which is home to Santa Lucia train station and Santa Croce, the fish nostrils, which is home to the transport hub Piazzale Roma… but of course, the vibes here may not feel as classic historic Venice as many visitors want.

NOTE: Some visitors may choose to stay at another island in the Venetian lagoon for a quieter and more affordable experience, but again, I’d really recommend staying in historic Venice for your first trip just to make the most of your time there.

Overall, there are lots of pros and cons to all these sestieri . If you’re stuck on finding the best place for you, check out my guide to finding the best accommodation every time to help narrow down your choices.

12. Pack light

Out of all the Venice travel tips I’m sharing in this post, packing light is possibly the most important.

I get it – maybe you want to bring a bunch of ballgowns for the most epic photoshoot of your life… or maybe you need space to hoard magnets. Either way, you might need to rethink how much you bring.

Not only do water taxis and boats have restrictions on how much luggage you can bring on board, you’re almost always guaranteed to end up carrying your bags on your own at some point, whether to get up on a bridge, on or off boats, etc.

So, don’t bring any bags you can’t reasonably carry yourself.

13. There are many options for navigating Venice via boat

By now, you should realize there’s only two ways to really get around Venice: on foot or on water.

In terms of water transportation, the cheapest option is to go by Vaporetto , which are like public water buses. One way tickets are quite steep at €9.50, so I’d advise buying a TravelCard that includes unlimited travel for set time periods like 24h, 48h, 72h or a week.

You can also book a Motoscafo or private water taxi that will cost significantly more, with trips within the city often going for 70 euro or more.

Of course there’s the world famous gondolas too, but do note that these are more for sightseeing than actual transportation, so we’ll discuss them later.

14. Don’t be too reliant on GPS in Venice

For shorter distances, the better way to get around Venice is (in my opinion) on foot.

One important thing to note however is that GPS services like Google Maps don’t work very well in Venice, with the blue dot often very confused as to where you really are amidst the city’s sea of centuries-old buildings.

So, if you’re highly Google Maps-dependent like me, it’s time to practice some old school navigation skills. Plan your route with landmarks and street names! Take note of your route as you go! Leave a trail of breadcrumbs! (But don’t.. because Venetian pigeons are scary)

In any case, remember to not rely on Google Maps, and plan your routes accordingly. Having a backup offline map downloaded or a paper map is also probably a good idea.

15. Add additional time buffers and assume you’ll get lost

Another silly but helpful Venice navigation tip?

Just assume you’ll get lost. Honestly. Because you will!

And if you assume it’ll happen, then you’ll ensure you have extra time buffers between booked activities, thereby minimizing stress and saving the family vacation. Yay!

16. Get your bearings by using Venice’s unique street signs

When trying to find your way around, your best friend in Venice (besides me, of course) will be the city’s unique street signs, known as nizioleti , which are beautifully painted on the walls of buildings.

… The trouble? Nizioleti can be deceptively confusing, because Venice has many unique terms for streets and places that aren’t familiar to most visitors.

So, here’s a quick crash course!

The most common word you’ll see is Calle which refers to a typical street. Some variations of this you might see include:

• Calle Larga , which means wide street and
• Calleta, which means a narrow street

In any case, this term generally applies to streets that have buildings on both sides. 

This is in contrast to a Fondamenta which is a canalside street that has a building on one side and a canal on the other.

Similarly, a Riva is a street that has buildings on one side and then a larger expanse of water on the other side.

Ramo is a small side street that often leads to a dead end and Sotoportego are unique passageways that go under buildings.

And you’ll also see other terms used for street that don’t really have as much to do with the physical properties of the street itself, but rather makes reference to its history, like…

• Salizada for instance is a word used for some of the city’s most historically important streets, and therefore the ones that were paved with cobblestones first
• Rio Tera refer to streets that used to be canals before they were filled to make streets, and
• Ruga are streets that used to be filled with compacted soil so your shoes wouldn’t get dirty

There’s also Campo which refers to a typical Venetian square. Unlike other places in Italy where the word piazza tends to be used for Square, Venice has only one Piazza, Piazza San Marco or Saint Mark’s Square.

The word Ponte means bridge, and you’ll see this one a lot because Venice has hundreds.

And lastly, the word used for most Venetian waterways is actually Rio, whereas Canal is reserved only for the big ones like the Grand Canal.

To get your bearings, you can look for signs with a red frame and lettering, which usually have an arrow pointing you in the general direction of famous landmarks. There are also some special yellow ones as well that do the same job.

The word “per” in these cases translates to “for” so, this way FOR Rialto Bridge.

17. Book big must-do attractions in advance

Now, let’s move onto Venice attraction tips!

As I mentioned before, no matter when you go to Venice, it’ll be busy, so if you have your heart set on any attractions, pre-booking is essential. You can do so online at a variety of places, like here:

• (Recommended!) Venice Passes & Bundles
• Doge’s Palace
• St Mark’s Basilica
• St Mark’s Bell Tower
• Classic Gondola Ride

For timed attractions, I would advise booking either the first possible time slot or the final one if your goal is to minimize crowds.

For untimed attractions, I would aim to either be there when it opens or just before it closes, because the middle of the day is almost always going to be the busiest time.

18. Book a sunrise tour

If your goal is to experience Venice like you own the place, walking around at sunrise is pretty much the only way to do it.

I booked a summer sunrise tour of Venice years ago and still think it’s one of the best things I ever did in the city. Getting to see all of Venice’s main squares and canals void of people was absolutely priceless.

And while sadly, the tour I took doesn’t seem to be offered anymore, there’s still a few alternatives, like this one that that includes breakfast.

19. Or book an after-hours tour

On the other hand, if you’re more of a night owl than an early bird, you can also look into after hour tours for certain attractions which get you entry after they close to the general public.

Here’s one for instance that gets you into St Mark’s Basilica after hours.

20. Choose the right sightseeing pass for Venice

Now if you’re hoping to save money during your visit in Venice, one thing to consider is getting a sightseeing pass ( you can browse some options here ).

Confusingly, Venice has several and the best choice for you will depend on which specific attractions you’ll see and how long you’re going to be in the city.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular options:

• Venice Pass : Probably the best deal for most 1st timers because it includes a lot of attractions like St Mark’s Basilica, Doges’ Palace and also a gondola ride, plus many other attractions.
• Venice Discovery Pass : Includes key attractions plus public transport on Vaporetto boats, including to and from the airport.
• Venezia Unica City Pass: Includes Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Armory, plus extra churches and museums

Overall, if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, one of these passes would probably be worth it.

To choose which one, I would write down my top must-do activities and the duration of my stay, then see which pass fits those needs best.

21. Go beyond the main popular attractions in Venice

Of course, like in many major cities, some of the most charming parts of Venice can be found beyond the most famous sights.

In Venice, some wonderful gems to explore include…

• Liberia Acqua Alta : One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores which has a really cool section in the back with displays made of ruined books. This isn’t so much a secret anymore but it’s still very cool!
• Free rooftop terrace at Fondaco dei Tedeschi : Beautiful and free views that you have to book in advance here

… As well as plenty of museums that many visitors miss, so be sure to do a bit of extra research to find cool hidden gems!

22. Remember: Gondola prices are fixed

Now, let’s move onto gondola tips for Venice. The first thing to keep in mind is that prices for gondolas are actually fixed, so there’s no room for negotiation.

According to the official City of Venice regulations, gondolas can fit up to 5 adults at once and as of October 2023 cost a fixed rate of €80 for a 30 minute ride during the day, and €100 at night.

NOTE: If you don’t mind sharing with strangers, a more budget-friendly way to get a gondola ride may be booking a seat for yourself like through here .

23. Gondolas take different routes so choose wisely

Now, while gondolas all cost the same, it’s important to note that they don’t take the exact same routes, so be sure to ask the gondolier beforehand where they go, and try to make sure it’s a combination of both smaller canals and also the big iconic must-sees.

BONUS TIP: Be sure to also vet the vibe of your gondolier, because that can make a huge difference in your experience. The last thing you want is a grumpy gondolier that seems to despise everything about you…

24. Try to time your gondola ride for the morning

Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, I would time your gondola ride for the morning because…

• a) It’s the least busy time
• b) It’ll be less hot (there’s no shade on these gondolas!)
• c) Morning is when gondoliers will likely be in their best moods

25. Consider boarding your gondola in a quieter part of town

Of course, you can expect that line-ups for gondolas around the Grand Canal area will be the worst, so if you don’t mind visiting quieter less “famous” canals, then I’d advise starting your gondola ride elsewhere for a more peaceful experience overall.

26. Board a Traghetto for a budget-friendly boat ride

Now, if gondolas feel overly pricey, then there’s still another way you can get a boat ride experience in Venice for a fraction of the cost. 

Enter the almighty Traghetto!

These boats whisk locals and tourists alike across the Grand Canal for the low, low price of €2. That’s right, you could literally ride the Traghetto back and forth forty times for the price of one scenic gondola…

Now, is it the same experience? Obviously not. A Traghetto ride is fairly short, and involves a larger less opulent boat. But for the price of a bottle of water? It’s not a bad budget hack at all.

27. Consider booking a rowing lesson instead of a gondola ride

Lastly on the boat front (because wow, I didn’t realize I had this many boat-related Venice tips), consider booking a lesson with Row Venice if you’re hoping to get out on the water in a non-touristy fashion.

This unique (non-profit) company offers rowing lessons and tours that allow you to traverse Venice’s iconic waterways in a way that most tourists never get to experience – with you in control!

The cost is on par with a regular day time gondola ride, except the lessons last 90 minutes so you’re on the water for the triple the time. Definitely worth looking into if you’re looking for unique things to do in Venice.

28. Avoid dining in St Mark’s Square

Alright, now it’s time to tackle Venice food tips!

First off – as enticing as they look, do avoid the fancy restaurants in St Mark’s Square.

While the views and vibes are immaculate (with someone playing the Godfather theme on the accordion at all times, it seems), the restaurants here are well known tourist traps with inflated prices and often poor food quality.

If you do want to enjoy the atmosphere though, maybe opt for a coffee or drink instead, then eat elsewhere.

29. Dine far away from major tourist attractions

On a similar note, I would try to dine as far away as possible from major tourist attractions for the same reason.

Most of the time, these restaurants cater to tourists and don’t prioritize good service or quality since you probably won’t come back anyway.

I find that quality and prices tend to improve dramatically once you find yourself outside of the main tourist hotspots, so be sure to shop around and when in doubt, look at reviews.

30. Only go to restaurants with prices

Another important Venice must-know? Always make sure prices are on clear display before you commit to a restaurant.

Over the years, there have been many headlines like this one about Venetian restaurants overcharging tourists for meals… and getting away with it. So don’t let that be you!

A common trick is they charge pricey items like seafood by weight, so pay special attention to that.

31. Look out for ‘Venezia Autentica’ restaurants/businesses

If you’re stuck and need a quick frame of reference, there’s an organization known as Venezia Autentica that aims to support and highlight authentic local businesses that are run responsibly.

So when in doubt, you can always look out for their stickers or browse their website for ideas.

32. Try Venetian dishes while in Venice

Now another important Venice food tip is to try traditional Venetian cuisine over stereotypical “Italian foods” like pizza or pasta. 

I know that sounds blasphemous, but hear me out: wood fire pizza ovens are for the most part banned in Venice, so good pizza is in pretty short supply… plus Venetian cuisine doesn’t tend to focus much on pasta.

Instead, try some local dishes, like for instance…

Cichetti: These are little bite-sized dishes you can eat with your hands or a toothpick, usually for €1-3 each. They come in a huge variety so they’re great for tasting lots of local flavours in one go and are common when you go to a Bacaro which are cozy traditional Venetian taverns.

A popular dish commonly seen at a Bacaro is Sarde in Saor (Sardayn Sour) which are fried sardines served with vinegar and onion.

Venetians are also big on risotto, with a soupier iteration known as Risi e bisi which is rice and peas, that is very popular.

… Also very popular is polenta, which is paired with a variety of dishes like small lagoon shrimp (like in Polenta e shcie ) and liver (like in Fegato alla veneziana ).

And if you feel you may combust without pasta on this trip (no judgement), try Bigoli which is a classic Venetian pasta that’s like thick spaghetti, often served as Bigoli in salsa which means with an onion and fish sauce.

33. Bring a refillable bottle because there’s free water fountains

If you have a free second between inhaling all those delicious Venetian classics, another important must-know is to stay hydrated.

Luckily, staying hydrated in Venice is free!

All over the city, you’ll find many free drinking fountains offering clean and drinkable water, so bring a refillable bottle and take advantage.

34. Read up on more general Italy food and drink tips

There are many more general food tips I could tell you about Italy, but then we’d be here forever.

SO I’d recommend reading my full Italy travel tips post for more info on things like coffee etiquette, the structure of a typical Italian menu, and many more delicious secrets.

35. Take note of English/Italian names of landmarks and places

Now once you arrive in Venice, there are a few things you must know.

Firstly – keep in mind that the Italian and English names of places are often used interchangeably, so it’s helpful to remember that these are indeed the same places, for instance…

• Piazza San Marco = St Mark’s Square
• Palazzo Ducale = Doge’s Palace
• Ponte di Rialto = Rialto Bridge

36. Be prepared to pay for public toilets 

Public toilets in Venice can often cost as much as €1.50, so if you’re a total cheapskate like me, remember to use the toilet whenever you have an opportunity to so like at the hotel, at a restaurant or at museums.

Also be sure to keep coins on you so you can pay for these public toilets when needed.

37. Beware of pickpockets 

Unfortunately, Venice is a very popular city with many potential easy targets for pickpockets, so you’ll encounter a fair few in busy areas.

So, be vigilant and make sure you keep a hand and eye on your belongings.

… And read my full guide on how to avoid pickpockets in Europe for more guidance!

38. Don’t feed the pigeons 

Besides selfie sticks and sunburns, the most common thing you’ll see in St Mark’s Square is pigeons. And lots of ’em.

More than likely, you may also witness a tourist feeding and taking photos with said pigeons. Please refrain from doing this as it’s a banned and fineable offense … which also happens to be fairly gross.

39. Don’t swim in or touch canal water

Speaking of gross, another Venice must know is that you should never under any circumstance touch the canal water or try to swim in it.

Not only is the water really dirty and often laced with sewage, it’s (also) a fineable offense of a few hundred euro.

40. Look for artisan shops to support

Another important Venice tip? When shopping for souvenirs, do go to small artisan shops rather than buy cheap copies from typical souvenir stalls.

Anywhere really close to big touristy squares or attractions are likely to have mass produced goods that aren’t of great quality. So, make sure you shop around for goods that are handmade – they’ll definitely last longer!

41. Don’t be tempted by the fake designer goods 

On a similar note, you may see some people in Venice selling fake designer bags on the street.

Not only are these (of course) low quality copies, it’s also illegal in Italy to buy counterfeit goods, so beware of that.

NOTE: These salespeople can be very persistent, so the best course of action is to simply not engage at all.

42. Don’t randomly stop to take photos and block the way

This can be very frustrating for everyone involved, so just be mindful that you’re not the only person in Venice and you should get out of the way if you want to stop for photos.

43. Do a day trip to the nearby islands in the Venetian lagoon

Lastly, if you have time, make sure you explore more of the Venetian Lagoon besides just Venice!

Burano for instance is this gorgeous rainbow island that is honestly one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been to. You can learn more about the best things to do in Burano in my full guide, or read my Venice to Burano guide for guidance.

There’s also the similarly named Murano, which is well known for its artisan glass production, as well as several more islands with their own draws, so be sure to leave some room in your itinerary for exploring further!

I hope you enjoyed those Venice travel tips! 

Let me know in the comments if you have any more Venice must-knows to add. Safe and happy travels! 🙂

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14 tips to make the best of your first trip to Venice Italy

Venice, Italy is your next destination, but you have no clue what to expect. Are we right?

If you are looking for tips for your first trip to Venice, you’re in the right place!

Our tips will help you to get the most out of your first trip to Venice and to fully enjoy the city.

Naturally, our Venice tips are valuable and can be helpful even if you have visited before!

Venice Tip #1 - When to go to Venice Italy

When choosing the best time to visit Venice Italy, there are 3 factors to consider:

• The weather
• Eventual events to attend

Avoiding the crowds:

To avoid crowds in Venice it is best to avoid weekends, late Spring and Summer, and Carnival.

These are, in fact, the busiest times in Venice.

However, keep in mind that tourism in Venice doesn’t really have an offseason.

What kind of weather to expect:

The weather in Venice is usually humid. As a consequence, perceived temperatures are generally more intense than one would expect.

In other words, hot days feel hotter and cold days feel colder than one would think by looking at the reported lowest and highest temperatures.

You can check out our article for a full breakdown of the weather in Venice throughout the year .

Events to attend:

Finally, also Events can be an important factor when deciding when to visit Venice.

The most famous events are Venice Carnival and the Art and Architecture  Biennale .

Other events of interest could be:

• Festa di San Marco e del Bocolo
• Festa della Sensa
• Regata Storica
• Festa della Salute

You can find a full list of events on the city’s official website .

Venice Tip #2 - Best places where to stay in Venice

For the best experience of Venice, we strongly recommend you to stay within the historical city of Venice.

In other words, chose to stay on the “island” rather than on the “mainland”.

Doing so allows one to enjoy the city also before and after day-trippers have come and gone: in the morning and at night you will have the feeling that you have the city all to yourself!

Venice historical center is made of 6 districts: Castello, Cannaregio, Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo.

The last 2 are the most touristy and crowded ones. Therefore, we would recommend you to stay in one of the other 4 districts for a more authentic experience.

You can learn more about the districts of Venice and everything you need to navigate the city, here.

Venice Tip #3 - Don't fear to get lost, explore.

A crucial tip for your first trip to Venice, Italy is to lose yourself.

Yes, forget about maps and the GPS on your phone!

Leave your hotel room or apartment and just walk in whichever direction you feel like going.

Losing oneself is the best way to discover and appreciate the stunning beauty of the tiny alleys and narrow canals which make the fabric of Venice.

Also, it makes for great photo opportunities and allows you to discover more of Venice and feel the Venetian atmosphere.

And don’t worry about your whereabouts: Venice is safe.

When we say that Venice is safe, we mean it is really, really, really safe.

So, take the chance to explore the city in depth alone or take part in a tour around Venice with us to make the best out of your visit!

Want more tips, tools and stories from Venice, Italy?

We're on a mission to make it easy and fun to discover and support the authentic Venice. Try our email and see for yourself!

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Venice Tip #4 - Get on a boat to see Venice Italy from the water!

Venice was built surrounded by water and designed to be admired from the water.

Indeed, the façades of the most beautiful Venetian Palazzi can be seen only from the water.

Even the Doge’s Palace , the most important and spectacular building in Venice, was built to be admired first of all from the water!

In fact, its façade overlooking the lagoon was built 100 years before the one facing the land, the “Piazzetta” and the Marciana Library .

Therefore, when visiting Venice make sure to see it from the water. Take a Gondola, a private boat, a taxi or a water bus, whichever you prefer. But do it!

Gondola tours  are one of the most beautiful ways to discover the city and explore its narrow canals.

Taxis were born as a  transportation service but can also be booked for a sightseeing experience.

Private tours on rowing boats and kayaks are definitely a fun way to spend a few hours discovering Venice from the water.

Lastly, one can also board a public water bus and navigate the full length of the Grand Canal . This way, you can admire the stunning palaces all around the Grand Canal but will, unfortunately, miss all the narrow canals and tiny bridges that are so unique to Venice.

Venice Tip #5 - Eat authentic local food in Venice Italy. Even on a budget!

If you’d like to eat authentic Italian food, you can do so even if you’re on a budget.

Eating well in Venice without spending much is possible.

A good  authentic bacaro serves tasty and affordable finger food that will leave you stuffed and satisfied.

However, also having an intimate dinner in a restaurant trying delicious Italian and Venetian plates is an experience we warmly recommend. To find the right place for you, check out the list of restaurants and places we recommend !

One more amazing way to discover Venice and taste the best of local food and wines is to take part in a private food and wine experience in Venice with us !

Finally, if you want to find the right place where to eat all by yourself, please check out our article that helps you understand how to spot the right places where to eat and those to absolutely avoid in Venice .

Unlock a discount at the best authentic local businesses in Venice

Venice tip #6 - spot and enjoy the best local bars, restaurants and shops by looking for the venezia autentica logo.

To many people, it is important to find the right local businesses when travelling.

Where should I eat? Where should I shop for authentic products? Where should I stop for a good drink? Where is the best place for a Murano Glass bracelet?

The good news is that it is easier than you’d think:

You can find great local businesses by using our directories of local shops and bars & restaurants . Moreover, you can also look for the Venezia Autentica’s logo on shop windows when you’re walking around Venice.

Our logo means that the local business operates in a way that is positive both for you and the local community.

Those shops are locally owned and operated. They give decent jobs to local residents. They offer good quality to their customers and operate in a sustainable and responsible way.

Venice Tip #7 - Discover Venice with a local: the best way to see Venice Italy

One of the biggest joys of travelling is meeting new people and discovering new cultures and ways of life.

Luckily, due to technology, it has never been easier to do so!

Group tours are generally affordable and a classic way to discover a new place. Unfortunately, they tend to be standardized and might not be the most rewarding experience.

On the other hand, private tours or activities are a bit more expensive but can adapt to your needs and match your personal interests.

Our Experience Booking platform offers many different private experiences in Venice.

You can take walks off the beaten path , try  hands-on activities or food-oriented tours.

They are all excellent ways to discover Venice from a unique point of view and engage in meaningful conversations with a Venetian.

Venice Tip #8 - Free yourself from the fear of not finding a bathroom when you need one

A piece of very useful information we can give you is on… toilets!

Public toilets, in fact, are very clean but are not always easy to find. They also have a small cost of 1,50€.

When you find yourself in need of a restroom, our tip is to look for a bar. You can then order a coffee or a pastry and, as paying customer, you will be welcomed to access the bar’s restroom.

Please, do not just enter, use the toilet, and leave. Such behaviour is frowned upon in Italy.

Instead, check if the bar has a bathroom and then ask for a “caffè” (espresso coffee, 1€) or a “pastina” (a pastry, 1€ to 1,50€). After that, feel free to head to the restroom.

Venice Tip #9 - If you book a guided tour make sure your guide is a local

In 2014, the EU stated that all European guides and tour leaders have the right to work everywhere in Europe.

That sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, not so much.

In Italy, people must pass a rigorous exam to become a guide or a tour leader.

The majority of other European countries, on the other hand, do not require a mandatory certification or license.

Unfortunately, the latest EU regulation allows anyone who does not reside in Italy to sell his/her service as a guide and lead groups to Italy.

As a consequence, travellers might not be aware that guides and tour leaders are not all the same and might be tricked into picking the wrong professional.

Indeed, there is a stark difference between a trained guide that lives in an Italian city and a person that has no training and visited an Italian city a few times.

This is why we suggest you don’t rely on (literally) “outsiders” as your tour guides.

A good local guide should know Venice inside-out, be able to answer your questions, and give you real insights.

On the contrary, people who do not know Venice might either stick to common knowledge available on most online articles or even tell wrong facts about Venice.

Therefore, if you want to tour the city with someone and have a good experience, make sure you’re going with a certified local tour leader.

If you’d like to do it with us, feel free to check out our private off-the-beaten-path walk with a certified local tour leader .

Book an authentic experience in Venice

Venice tip #10 - take the time to enter artisans shops to discover centuries old crafts and get the real thing.

Venice is a city with an incredible culture. Over the centuries, many unique crafts were born or adopted locally.

Nowadays, there is still a number of artistic artisans who are keeping centuries-old traditions alive in the city. Their workshops are a must-visit for arts & crafts lovers and for anyone interested in an authentic experience of Venice.

However, the invasion of mass-produced souvenirs  is amongst the most visible things which are destroying the city and playing an important role in forcing the inhabitants to move out of Venice.

Recognizing authentic artisans shops is not easy. It requires a good eye and knowledge of the crafts.

However, there are few things which can help you understand whether or not you are likely to be in front of the window of an actual artisan or not.

You can find everything you need to know to shop local in Venice, here

If you are looking to understand the incredible culture of crafts in Venice from even closer and to enjoy a privileged moment with the master artisans, we invite you to attend experiences in the artisans’ workshops .

Booking carefully designed and curated private tours or activities with local crafts-masters is the perfect opportunity for either a fascinating guided visit of the best local craftspeople  or hands-on private activities.

Craft classes are unique ways to discover Venice from another viewpoint and to be initiated to mosaic making , glass making , handmade bookbindings ,  and more centuries-old techniques, directly by master artisans

Beware of mass produced souvenirs!

Besides copying and unfair competition that puts local shops out of business, the other problem caused by some mass produced items is a threat to your health.

Cheap  masks, for example,   do not comply with EU legislation regulating colors and substances for wearable products: the contact  with  your skin is potentially dangerous.

We created a shortlist that summarizes the risks and annoying things you should be aware of when in Venice.

Venice Tip #11 - To save time and money at the best local shops, bars, and restaurants in Venice get yourself the Venezia Autentica Friends’ Pass

By visiting this link , you can buy a digital pass giving you access to a 10% discount in Venice on a minimum expense of 30 euros at the best Venetian local businesses identifiable by the Venezia Autentica logo on their door or window.

All are locally owned, employ locals and offer authentic quality sustainable products and services.

Read more about how you can save money and time in Venice with the Venezia Autentica Friends’ Pass

Venice Tip #12 - For the best experience, leave those fancy and uncomfortable shoes behind

Don’t wear high heels . Trust us, do not wear high heels!

Venice Italy is an old pedestrian city, with uneven streets , that will require you to walk, and walk, and walk .

Even if you are planning to board a water bus , you’ll have a lot of walking to do to walk to the water bus stops, trying to navigate the uneven stone pavement , the bridges , and the crowds .

If you’re staying in your hotel or get picked up by a water taxi to go to a private party, high heels might be a fair choice. In any other case, trust us, you really don’t want to do it.

Your feet will thank us.

As Wikipedia points out, Venice is a pedestrian traffic-free city with almost 3.000 alleys… now you see the importance of wearing good shoes, don’t you?

Venice Tip #13 - Our ecological tip for your first trip to Venice: Carry a refilable bottle of water

The water  of the fountains in Venice  is drinkable and of very good quality.

Almost every main  square has a working fountain where you will be able to refill your bottle.

If you want to drink a prosecco, however, there is no such fountain yet. In this case, a stop at a bacaro will fulfill your needs.

If you care about your impact, read this New York Times article for more ideas on how to use less plastic in your everyday life .

Venice Tip #14 - Take some time to read our free insider guides to make the most of your time in la Bella Venezia!

Now you know plenty of things to do in Venice!

But, maybe, you now want to know even more about our beautiful city. Is that so?

In that case, make sure to check out our What is Venice, Italy article !

Do you have any tips or suggestions that you want to share with us and other visitors? Feel free to contact us and let us know!

If you found this article useful, make sure to check out also these resources to plan your first trip to Venice:

I'm visiting Venice. Why should I follow your recommendations?

The way you visit Venice has an impact both on the quality of your experience and on Venice itself.   Chilling, exploring , shopping , eating and drinking where the locals do, can make a huge impact both on the memories you bring home and on the local economy and community.

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Is Venice worth visiting?

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Is Venice Worth Visiting?

Many travelers who are planning their dream trip to Europe are asking themselves (and more than ever): is Venice worth visiting?

Venice might be an overcrowded place during special annual occasions, such as the Carnival or the Venice Film Festival…

However, the city on the water is still one of the best Italian escapes in Europe, and we are going to explain exactly why.

Where is Venice?

Venice is the regional capital of Veneto. It’s located in the northeast of Italy, in a unique but strategic position.

Even if Venice is not on the mainland (located on 118 small islands), there are thousands of ways to visit the rest of the region and Italy from here!

From Venice Santa Lucia railway station you can easily get to Milan, Bologna , Florence, Rome , Naples and many other cultural destinations.

This means you can visit Venice, spend a couple of days in the city and then move to your next stop by train!

Not to forget, Venice Marco Polo airport is one of Italy’s major airports with flight connections all around Europe and the rest of the world.

Venice is located on small islands in the Venetian Lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. It’s connected by 435 bridges and in total, there are 176 canals crossing the city! We think this is a good reason to visit Venice alone.

Are there more? … Yes!

These are not the only reasons why it’s worth your time and energy. A trip to Venice can fulfill your dream of an immersive Italian escape.

See some of our reasoning behind why Venice is worth visiting:

5 Reasons to visit Venice, Italy

What other place on the planet can you admire the sunset on the lagoon and where you can take a gondola and cross the Grand Canal looking at ancient Byzantine and Gothic palaces as well as at the Rialto Bridge?

None that we know, but let’s not boast too much! Before we get carried away, let’s explore our 5 reasons why Venice is worth visiting.

The only city on the water in the world

Venice is known for being the only city on the water in the world and that’s the first reason why we believe Venice is worth visiting.

There are villages and small towns all over the world built on the water, like in China, Mexico, and Senegal, but Venice is definitely the biggest and most beautiful one of all.

Venice lies in the heart of the Venice Lagoon, which extends over a length of 40 kilometers. Only a tiny percentage of the lagoon is constantly covered with water, the rest of it is either islands or “dead lagoon”.

The city itself is on the water, in order to create enough foundation, 25 meter-long oak trunks were stuck in the mud. These constitute the foundation that Venice was and is still built on.

The canals were waterways necessary to move around people and products coming from the mainland and from the Far East back in the glorious Serenissima Republic days.

Locals and visitors today get around Venice with gondolas, water taxis, and “vaporetto”, the local ferry, and get to other islands on the lagoon too.

Perfect destination for wine and food lovers

We all know Italy is famous for food and Venice makes no exception when it comes to Italian cuisine, you can find tasty food everywhere!

The motherland of the “Bellini” cocktail and the “bigoli in salsa”, pasta in anchovy sauce, here there’s a vast offer of gastronomic spots and food options for you to choose from.

Venice can satisfy every palate: you can even try the “bacari” tour, the traditional low-profile taverns run by Venetian people to experience the most authentic side of the city.

But also, chic restaurants and clubs scattered around canals, narrow streets, and venues modeled inside magnificent historical landmarks.

Why not stay at the H10 Palazzo Canova for an unforgettable evening?

You’ll be only a few minutes’ walk away from the Rialto Bridge and Market where the best restaurants and ‘bacari’ in Venice are situated.

Eating in Venice is all about high-quality fresh ingredients worked by the wise hands of prestigious chefs and local people.

These are the ones who have extensive knowledge of the traditional dishes and what edible delights the generous Adriatic Sea has to offer.

Ideal city break for art and history lovers

Venice is one of the best city breaks in Europe for art and history lovers. Just by walking around the city, you can see how old the history of Venice is and there are thousands of ways to learn more.

There is not one single place to learn about Venice’s history, but the San Marco Basilica is a good place to understand how the relationship between Venice and Byzantium was.

Depending on how many days in Venice you have, you’ll be able to explore the history as well as current-day events that are happening.

The Doge Palace helps you to get a sense of how was Venice during the Serenissima Republic and the Correr Museum to see how was Venice during the Napoleonic rule.

Many people visit Venice for its remarkable art collections. There is something for all tastes, from Renaissance masters such as Titian and Veronese to modern art from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Lovers of contemporary art can not miss the appointment with the Venice Biennale, which attracts the best artists from all over the world.

Historical events and festivals

Venice is worth visiting because it hosts some of the most important international festivals and a couple of well-known events worldwide.

Many travelers visit the famous Venice Carnival! Its origin dates back to the year 1162 to celebrate a military victory of the city at that time.

The Carnival is celebrated all around the city and many events are going on during the whole Carnival celebrations. It ends the Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) before the start of Lent.

There are still masks and costume makers around the city who want to keep alive the ancient tradition.

The other events not to miss in Venice are:

• Venice Film Festival, for those passionate about movies and theatre;
• The Festa del Redentore, the third Sunday of July, is a day to celebrate with fireworks the end of the terrible plague of 1576.
• A stay at the hotel Al Redentore di Venezia on the Giudecca island where you can comfortably watch the Rendentore fireworks!
• Venice Biennale, during which you can see artworks sparse all around the city;
• The Regata Storica, taking place the first Sunday of September to celebrate one of the oldest traditions: the Venetian rowing;

Hidden gems in Venice

Would you agree that the landmarks and events mentioned up to now are great reasons why Venice is worth visiting?

If not, there’s more… Venice has a lot of hidden corners and secret places you shouldn’t miss, especially during an extended stay.

Firstly, do not miss a walk in the Jewish Ghetto and take the off-the-beaten way to reach the Castello district, the less-visited district in Venice where the Arsenale is based.

Check out the Hotel Nuovo Teson to be a few meters away from the Biennale and to enjoy the best bits of the Castello neighborhood.

On your way, you’ll see many local businesses such as bakeries, small book stores, and “osterie”.

We suggest spending money here when you want to taste traditional delicacies, to buy gifts from Italy or local handmade souvenirs.

Some hidden gems you can add to your Venice itinerary include:

• Scala Contarini del Bovolo
• Libreria Acqua Alta
• Gardens and cloisters of San Francesco della Vigna
• Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in Venice
• Squero San Trovaso
• Giudecca island
• Oratorio dei Crociferi

We said all that to say, yes, we believe that Venice is worth visiting.

Venice is like an open-air museum, and this makes the city a perfect European break for all the art and history lovers out there.

You’ll find delicious food that satisfies all if you take the time to select a traditional restaurant or “bacaro” (always ask a local to avoid mistakes!).

If you’re looking to experience Venice and its festivities, as you can see, there’s quite a lot of choice. Just remember to consult an event calendar you can easily find online.

See our popular 1 day in Venice itinerary and let us know what you think about Venice and why it is worth visiting (in your opinion).

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45 Essential Tips for Venice, Italy – A Must-Read for First-Time Visitors

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 4th September 2022

Categories Veneto , Venice

Here are 45 essential tips for Venice in Italy to make your visit to this unique and magical city a truly wonderful travel experience.

All tips are based on my explorations of venice over a period of 15 years (with six of them spent living next door to the city of water)..

By sharing these tips with you, I want to help you streamline your Venice travel planning and make your time there truly memorable and enjoyable.

Venice in Italy is a magical city that sits at the top of many travel wishlists. Founded 1,600 years ago on a cluster of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, throughout the centuries Venice has charmed many travellers with its beautiful architecture, rich catalogue of art, and deep layers of history. Nowadays, millions of people head to Venice each year eager to see for themselves its spectacular scenery and unique cultural heritage. 

At the same time, visiting the city of water also presents some very specific challenges. Venice, after all, is a car-free city where you need to rely on boats and your own feet to take you places. It is also a city that is struggling to preserve its centuries-old traditions and way of life against a world of cheap travel, fast movement, and excessive consumption. 

As result, Venice can make you feel both elated and dejected. It can charm you and repel you. And it can make you fall in love with its beauty and yet do your head in with its whimsicalities. Often, within the same minute.

So, I wrote this blog post to help you experience this magical city in the best possible way while avoiding common pitfalls. My 45 essential tips for Venice, Italy are organised into nine groups: when to visit , airports , accommodation , travel , food , sightseeing , health and safety , money management , and time management . I’ve also included a special bonus tip for Venice right at the end of this blog post. In a way, this bonus tip is the most essential tip of them all! You’ll see!

I hope that my 45 essential tips for Venice will come in very handy so that your time in the city of water is as exciting and enriching as possible. Especially, if this is your first visit there. 

Have a look!

45 Essential Tips for Venice, Italy – A Must-Read for First-Time Visitors

When to visit tips for venice, italy.

1. Venice is Always a Good Idea

Venice is one of the most famous cities in the world and a dream destination for millions of people. With its unique location in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon and with deep layers of history, visiting the city of water is always a good idea. 

Venice has a lot to offer every month of the year. And its beauty is dramatically marked by the seasons. With the wisterias dripping in purple blooms in spring, with the canals glistening in millions of shades of teal in summer, with autumnal mists adding to the mystery of the city, and with the riot of Carnival in winter, Venice always is a delight to discover.

So, don’t delay it! As soon as you have a few free days and travelling is an option, head to Venice to see for yourself its spectacular scenery and rich heritage.

2. Yet The Best Months to Visit Venice Are…

Venice is especially great to visit during the shoulder season. This is the travel period between the low and the high season and vice-versa. So, from March through April to the start of May and then from the end of September through October to mid-November are particularly lovely times of the year to find yourself in Venice.

This is when the crowds of tourists are very manageable, the city feels authentic and it basks in beautiful spring or autumnal sunlight. Temperatures during the shoulder seasons in Venice customarily are also very pleasant.

3. Plan Your Visit to Coincide with a Large-Scale Venetian Event

If your travel plans are not dependant on school holidays or any other such restrictive scheduling, then try to visit Venice during one of its big traditional celebrations. This way you can experience the pomp of the city, relive its glorious past, and/or see the world’s latest trends in terms of films, art, and architecture.

The Carnival of Venice is a particularly great time to visit the city of water. It is held in the weeks before the Catholic Lent. Then you have La Sensa in May, the Vogalonga in May or June, the Festa del Redentore in July, the Historic Regatta and the Venice Film Festival in September, and the Festa della Salute in November. Add to this the Venice Biennale and the Venice Architecture Biennale which are held over several months. 

Click here for more details:

• Carnival of Venice – History and Traditions of the World’s Most Illustrious Party

4. Stay in Venice as Long as You Can

Venice truly has a lot to offer. Trying to squeeze its many landmarks in a day or two is a recipe for rushing around and missing out on some truly unique and wonderful sights. If you only have a day or two at your disposal, by all means, don’t let this stop you from coming to Venice. My first visit to the city of water was indeed a day trip. While time really flies quickly here, a day can be a great taster of Venice and it can start a lifelong love affair with the city of water. As it happened to me!

Yet, if you know that you are unlikely, for whatever reason, to return to Venice in the future, then try to put aside as much time as you can for your visit to it. If you have three full days, for example, you can spend two days in Venice and then dedicate a day to exploring other islands in the Venetian Lagoon. If you have four days, then you can spend the fourth on a day trip to the Italian mainland. And if you have five, six days or a whole week, then you can explore Venice in a very methodical and yet spontaneous way, delving deep beneath the surface and discovering the truly hidden gems that make the city of water so unique. From visits to artisan workshops to taking gondola rowing lessons, the variety of things you can do in Venice is only limited by your imagination. 

5. Make Sure That You Visit Venice Sooner…

…rather than later. Venice requires a certain physical and emotional stamina. Walking everywhere and spending whole days on your feet can get very taxing very quick. Especially during the very hot summer months and the chilly winter days. Then, the huge quantity of art, architecture, history, and traditions to process can be simply overwhelming.

So, don’t postpone your visit to Venice, Italy. Do it as soon as you can both in terms of time and money. 

Airport Tips for Venice, Italy

6. Know the Best Airports for a Venetian Holiday

There are several Italian airports you can fly into for a visit to Venice. The two most convenient ones are:

• Venice Marco Polo Airport
• Treviso Airport

Yet, you can use the following airports, too:

• Verona Airport Valerio Catullo
• Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport
• Bologna Guglielmo Marconi  Airport

While the first two are physically the closest airports to Venice, the other three are a very manageable train ride away, too. So, depending on plane ticket prices and available flights, keep an open mind as to which airport you can fly into for your Venetian holiday.

• 5 Best Airports for Venice, Italy (With Transfer Options and Travel Times)

7. Plan Your Trip from the Airport to Venice

There are many different ways to get from your airport of arrival to Venice.

If you fly into Venice Marco Polo airport, then you can choose one of the following options to reach your destination in the city of water:

• water bus ;
• shuttle bus ;
• shared water taxi ;
• private transfer by car ;
• private transfer by car and boat ; or
• taxi. 

Shuttle buses, taxis, and private transfers by car will drop you off at Piazzale Roma. Once there, you can either walk or use Venice’s water buses ( vaporetto ) to travel to the vaporetto stop that is nearest to your accommodation. Click to buy a single, one-day or a multi-day ticket for Venice’s vaporetti in advance.

Shared water taxis and private transfers by boat should drop you off at the nearest to your accommodation mooring point.

If you fly into Treviso Airport, then again you can rely on a shuttle bus to take you all the way to Piazzale Roma in Venice. Another option is to get a bus from Treviso Airport to Treviso Centrale train station and then travel to Venice by train . Alternatively, you can book a private transfer , too.

And if you fly into either Verona or Bologna , then you can take the shuttle from the airport to respectively Verona Porta Nuova train station or Bologna Centrale train station. High-speed and fast regional trains connect Verona and Bologna to Venice all throughout the day.

Flying into Trieste Airport is very convenient, too. The airport has its own train station which is served by direct trains to Venice.

• Bologna to Venice – A Beautiful Day Trip in Italy – for tips how to reach Venice from Bologna by train
• Verona to Venice – An Unmissable Day Trip in Italy – for tips how to reach Venice from Verona by train

8. To Be Extra Organised, Book Your Train Tickets to Venice in Advance

If you decide to travel from your chosen airport to Venice by train, check these two websites for train prices and times: 

• Italo Treno

The first website shows you all available trains for your date and time of travel. This includes high-speed trains, fast regional trains and regional trains. It pays to book your tickets for the high-speed trains in advance as they increase in price the closer to the date of departure it gets. The prices for tickets for the fast regional and the regional trains remain unchanged no matter when you buy them.

For close distances in Italy, the fast regional trains are the best option. They are inexpensive, run often, and stop only at the most important cities and towns along the way. For long distance travel in Italy (for example, Bologna to Venice), the high-speed trains are the better option. They cost more but offer quick and smooth travel.

The second website is of Italy’s private high-speed train operator. Italo’s trains offer fast and smooth travel between many of Italy’s largest cities. Again, it pays to purchase your tickets in advance as the price increases the closer to the day of travel it gets.

9. Allow Plenty of Time to Reach the Airport from Venice

At the end of your time in Venice, make sure that you allow plenty of time to travel back to your chosen airport. During your stay in the city of water, you will come to feel how time seems to flow differently here. Somehow slower, more unhurried. Plus, the beautiful setting of Venice makes you prone to daydreaming and relaxing into yourself. So, it may be a bit of a shock to the system when you need to quickly switch back.

Plan carefully how long it’s going to take you to reach the airport from your Venetian accommodation . Then add 30% more time to it. Consider that you will have to carry your luggage (probably heavier on account of the many wonderful things you have bought in Venice) all the way to the nearest mooring point or vaporetto stop or even to Piazzale Roma or the Venezia Santa Lucia train station. There may be crowds you need to navigate. Or you may get lost for one last time in the maze of narrow curving streets.

While the vaporetti and the trains here traditionally run on time, give yourself some extra minutes just in case. Plus, if you take the  water bus to Venice Marco Polo Airport, don’t forget that there is a long-ish walk from the docks to the terminal. 

10. Shop Exquisite Italian Food, Fashion, and Crafts at the Airport

Getting early to the airport after a wonderful vacation in Venice pays in yet another way. You will have plenty of time to explore the many lovely shops there and stock on Italian food, fashion, and crafts.

This applies mainly if you travel back from Venice Marco Polo Airport or (to a degree) Bologna Airport. They are bigger and have several excellent shops. Buying at the airport can save you the effort of lugging extra weight from your accommodation in Venice to the plane. 

Just remember that the choice is not going to be as big as in Venice itself. Also Bologna Airport will not necessarily have traditional for Venice crafts. Still, shopping at an Italian airport is always very exciting. Especially in terms of coming across delicious deli items, the latest Italian styles, and beautiful artisanal gifts. 

Accommodation Tips for Venice, Italy

11. Stay in Venice Proper

Venice has two parts:

• The historic centre of Venice – built on 118 islands in the Venetian Lagoon and surrounded by water on all sides. This was the capital of the Republic of Venice and nowadays is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. 
• The mainland area of Venice – known as Venezia Mestre or simply Mestre, this is the large borough on the mainland. It houses many of Venice’s administrative and local government offices.   

Many guidebooks and blog posts suggest that you stay in Mestre as hotels there tend to be cheaper. Yet, if you want to explore the beauty and heritage of Venice and truly feel the authentic atmosphere of the city of water, then I would strongly suggest that you book your accommodation in the historic centre.

This way you will have Venice all for yourself in the early mornings and the late evenings. Plus you won’t have to spend time and money every day on train or bus transport from Mestre across the water to Venice. While Mestre has a pretty historic centre, it’s not on par with Venice. If this is your first or, you suspect, only visit to Venice, then it’s advisable to have the full Venetian experience by actually staying in the historic centre.

I usually prefer to book all my accommodation through  Booking.com . Click to see all available options for places to stay  in Venice, Italy.

If you need some visual help in terms of precise location and price range, have a look at this map. It gives you a quick idea of the prices and whereabouts of the many hotels and other forms of accommodation you can book for your stay in Venice, Italy.

You can zoom in and out in order to search for a place to stay. You can also click on the option that interests you to find out more details or to make a booking directly.

In addition, if you click on ‘Accommodation’ in the top right corner of the map and select ‘Experiences’ from the drop-down menu, then you can see some truly exciting experiences you can book directly in Venice, Italy:

12. Choose Carefully the Venetian Sestiere (or Island) To Base Yourself in

A  sestiere  (or one-sixth in English) is a term used to signify the districts of Italian cities and towns that are divided into six subdivisions. Venice is one such city and it has six sestieri:  Cannaregio, Castello, San Marco, San Polo, Santa Croce, and Dorsoduro . 

San Marco and San Polo are the two most central  sestieri . This is where a large number of the most famous Venetian sights are. They also tend to be the busiest spots in town.

My personal favourite is Dorsoduro. It provides easy access to the train station and it’s dotted with wonderful churches, museums, and art galleries. It affords beautiful views over the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal . Dorsoduro also tends to have pockets of peace and quiet next to some very lively hotspots. It is also where you can go on a guided visit of Ca’ Foscari – the University of Venice.

Before booking your accommodation in Venice , make sure that you research in some detail the city’s six sestieri . Then choose the one most convenient for you based on the things you want to see in Venice, how far you are prepared to walk to reach your hotel/B&B, and what other amenities you want to have nearby.

Again, while some guidebooks and blog posts suggest staying on either Giudecca or Lido – two of the largest islands in the Venetian Lagoon – if this is your first visit to Venice or if you are only spending a couple of days here, then try to stick to Venice itself. Both Giudecca and Lido are lovely and offer additional things to do. Yet if you want to concentrate on Venice and the main sights here in addition to a few hidden gems , then the daily travel to and from these two islands (no matter how close they are) can become a time-eater and an inconvenience.

13. Decide on the Type of Accommodation to Book in Venice

There are many different types of accommodation in Venice to please any pocket. From lavish five-star hotels to humble hostels, from atmospheric B&B’s to historic palaces, you will have a lot of fun choosing where to stay. Heck, you can even book a room in a monastery during your time in Venice!

For a detailed overview of the different types of accommodation to pick from, have a look at this blog post:

• Where to Stay in Italy – 19 Types of Accommodation to Choose from in Italy

14. Consider Paying a Bit More for Some Purely Venetian Extras

Your stay in Venice can be made so much more special if you choose to book a place equipped with some typical for Venice architectural and artisan details. Here are some examples for your interest:

• Altana – a traditional for Venice rooftop terrace. Built of wood, it offers an open-air space to spend precious hours of relaxation and to simply admire the splendid views of Venice from above. 
• Murano glass chandeliers – there is nothing like staying in a room adorned with an original Murano glass chandelier. It makes you feel really grand and it gives you a very immediate understanding of the lavish heritage of the city of water.
• Frescoed walls – many old Venetian palaces nowadays have been turned into hotels with a varying number of stars. With frescoed and stuccoed walls and ceilings, they offer you a chance to feel surrounded by art at all times during your Venetian stay.
• Canal views  – ask for a room with a canal view (although this may cost a bit more). You want to see the boats and gondolas passing by, the beautiful facades of the buildings on the edge of the canal, and just have the full Venetian experience. 

15. Space is a Premium in Venice

Venice is a densely built city where buildings lean onto other buildings in a never-ending parade. Also, the Venetians of yore seem to have been physically a tad slimmer than us. 

So, don’t be surprised if your hotel room seems somewhat small or is a bit quirky in shape. Space is often ingeniously utilised though. You will see how every nook and cranny have been made to serve a purpose and/or look pretty in many different ways. I remember booking a single room in a Venetian hotel about ten years ago. Upon arrival, I realised that in the past my single room must have been a cupboard. Or something like that. It was very narrow and long. Still, it was beautifully frescoed. 

The last hotel we stayed in Venice was in a palazzo just round the corner from Rialto Bridge and with views of the Grand Canal. We had the Murano glass chandelier, walls dressed in beautiful fabrics, the works. And two bathrooms. Both of which were tiny yet one had a bath in. It was a bath that you could only sit in but still a bath.

Travel Tips for Venice, Italy

16. travel light for an easy transfer to and from venice.

You don’t want to arrive in Venice burdened with heavy suitcases. Lugging them around town can be incredibly tiring and frustrating. Just consider all the bridges you will need to go up and down. Not to mention the crowds that you will need to brave in the more touristy parts of Venice. Of course, you can hire a porter at the train station or a water taxi to take you right to your hotel. 

Otherwise, consider packing lightly for Venice. Leave space in your suitcase for all the wonderful things you can buy there, too: handmade Venetian masks , authentic Murano glass, precious jewellery, wonderful antiques, great paper products and so on.

17. Get Off at the Right Train Station for Historic Venice or Venice on the Mainland

There are two train stations under the name Venezia (which is Italian for Venice). Both of them are on the same train line:

• Venezia Santa Lucia train station – if you want to visit Venice proper, i.e. the historic centre of Venice on the islands in the Venetian Lagoon, this is the train station you need to travel to. It’s an end of the railway line station. Reaching it involves crossing the lagoon on the incredibly long bridge Ponte della Liberta’.
• Venezia Mestre train station – if you have a specific interest in Mestre – the mainland administrative borough of Venice – you need to get off at this station. Bear in mind that it precedes the Venezia Santa Lucia train station.

First-time visitors of Venice at times get confused and get off the train at Venezia Mestre when, in fact, they need to stay on the train to Venezia Santa Lucia.

18. When in Venice, Know Your Watercraft Options

Venice is a city of water and the traditional way to travel around town is by boat. In a tiny, simplified nutshell, there are four types of watercraft you can use here:

• Vaporetto – Venice’s water buses go up and down the Grand Canal, some smaller canals, around the city, and connect it to nearby islands. 
• Motoscafo – Venice’s water taxis. They are beautiful and sleek. Quite pricey, too. Yet, if you want to do Venice in style, consider booking a motoscafo .
• Traghetto on the Grand Canal – black boats that look like an unadorned gondola. They serve to take you across the Grand Canal at spots that are far from the four bridges that cross it. You can read all about my first experience taking a traghetto in Venice here . 
• Gondola – Venice’s most famous boat, the elegant gondola can be hired for a panoramic ride around the city’s pretty canals. There are set prices for a set amount of time. If you want your gondolier to serenade you, this costs extra.

19. Learn How to Orient Yourself in Venice

Venice is a city built on 118 islands in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. It is completely car-free and looks like a maze where it is only too easy to lose yourself. Often navigation apps go a bit haywire here and may try to send you across a canal where there is no bridge or make you walk in circles time and time again. 

Plus, I always take with a pinch of salt any walking times estimated by the navigation app and double them in my mind. It’s only too easy to get distracted when walking in Venice and end up taking the wrong turn. Plus, navigating the crowds of people at the city’s most popular spots can stretch immensely any time estimate.

Yes, there is nothing better than to relax and simply explore Venice by following its narrow curving streets to whatever hidden gems they may take you. Yet, things can quickly get frustrating if you have only a limited amount of time or if you are trying to find your hotel heavy luggage in hand.

So, it always pays to spend a bit of time looking at the map of Venice before your visit to the city. Having a clear idea of where your accommodation is located or how close to it are the different sights you want to visit, can really help you make a general plan for your time in the city of water.

Learning a few of Venice’s topography terms is also very useful. Check the Place Names section in this blog post to find out what calle , campo , fondamenta , rio tera’ , salizzada , and sotoportego mean. This will come in handy when finding your way around Venice.

20. When in Venice, Walk on the Right and Don’t Obstruct the Bridges

When walking around Venice make an effort to keep to the right at all points. Venice is a living city with its own citizens who try to go about their daily lives while millions of people around them sightsee, suddenly stop in their tracks to take photos, and sometimes behave with no decorum.

With narrow curving streets – many of which are used by thousands of people every day – keeping to the right ensures that the pedestrian flow is as fast and smooth as possible. 

Bridges are very much Venice’s links of communication. They connect the dozens of tiny islands on which the historic city is built, provide access to shops and private homes, and serve as useful points of reference when you are walking around. As such, obstructing a bridge or lingering on a bridge is frowned upon by the Venetians and can actually incur a heavy fine.  

Food Tips for Venice, Italy

21. Think Before Ordering a Pizza in Venice

Think carefully before ordering a pizza in Venice. While pizza is the most famous Italian export, it is not a traditional Venetian food. In Italy, there are dozens of regional and provincial cuisines. They are incredibly varied and based on centuries-old customs, techniques, local products, and in some cases trade routes that were established as early as the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

As such, when in Italy, it’s always best to eat the food that is traditional for the city or province you are in. Pizza – originally from Naples – has taken deep roots all over Italy in the past few decades. Yet, Venice is the only place where I would advise caution before tucking into one.

Why? Often the pizzas served in Venice are not freshly made and have arrived in the city of water mass-produced and in a frozen state. This is especially true for those eateries that have printed pictures of dishes plastered all over their windows or on a large board by their entrance. 

If you simply must have a pizza in Venice, then make sure that you head to the places visited by the locals. This blog post gives you a good idea of where to find them and what to expect there in terms of pizza. It’s in Italian, so if need be, you can use Google Translate to get the gist of it.  

22. Indulge in Venice’s Traditional Sweets and Pastries

Sugar first reached Europe by the way of Venice. So, the city of water has a longstanding tradition in terms of pastries, sweets, and baking.

Start each day with a typical local breakfast of coffee and pastries. The most popular one is called brioche . It looks a bit like a croissant but it’s larger, much less flaky, and it can have so many different fillings. My favourite one is pistachio spread (imagine a chocolate spread but made of ground pistachios instead of cocoa! It’s so good!).

During the Carnival, tuck into frittelle – fried balls of dough stuffed with different creams or chocolate. The rest of the time, indulge in tiramisu, pasticceria mignon (sweets and cakes in tiny sizes), marzipans, local biscuits (like the Esse from Burano ), and handmade chocolates. I am partial to Pasticceria Rosa Salva but there are dozens of great patisseries all over town.

A good way to sample the best of Venice’s sweets and chocolates is to join a guided tour. This one will introduce you to a Venetian master chocolatier and their exquisite truffles, pralines, and hot chocolate. This one will take you on a morning walk of Venice so that you can enjoy the city’s main sights while tucking in a number of traditional local pastries and sweets. While this kid-friendly tour will open the world of Venetian sweets and desserts in front of your eyes by taking you to authentic local bakeries and patisseries across all six Venetian sestieri and revealing to you the stories of Venice’s most famous sugary delights.

• 14 Typical Italian Breakfast Foods and Drinks or What Do Italians Eat for Breakfast
• 10 Rules of Breakfast in Italy or How Do Italians Eat Breakfast

23. Have Lots of Traditional Venetian Seafood

Venice is a great place to indulge your love for seafood. With centuries-old culinary traditions and with the Venetian Lagoon providing a huge variety of fish, crabs, and molluscs, you will be spoilt for choice.

For an idea of what’s on offer, head to Rialto Fish Market early in the day to see the freshest catch. Over ten centuries old, the market is housed in a fetching Neo-Gothic structure a step away from the famous Rialto Bridge.

Grab a portion of fritto misto from a nearby eaterie. This is a mix of seafood and julienned vegetables that have been battered with durum wheat semolina and cornmeal. Then they are served deep-fried on a bed of polenta.

Deep-fried moeche is another typical for Venice dish. These are soft-shelled crabs that can be enjoyed only for a limited time in autumn and spring. Sarde in saor is sardines in a sweet and sour sauce made with vinegar and raisins among other things. It sounds wacky but it’s so incredibly tasty you will regret not giving it a try. Don’t miss a taste of baccala’ mantecato – the most iconic dish of the Venetian cuisine. It’s prepared with stockfish from Norway’s Lofoten Islands and has been a Venetian staple since the 15th century.

For a quick introduction to Venetian seafood, join a specialised guided tour in the city of water. This semi-private food experience will take you from Rialto Fish Market to two of Venice’s top eateries so that you can wine and dine on traditional Venetian drinks and dishes. And this one offers you a five-course Italian seafood feast cooked by a Venetian sailor.

24. Stop for Coffee in Venice

Just like sugar, coffee also reached Europe through Venice. In addition, the world’s oldest coffee house – the mythical Caffe’ Florian – first opened its doors here on 29th December 1720. 

Coffee traditions are still very much alive and kicking in Venice. So, indulge in proper coffee during your Venetian holiday. Caffe’ Florian is a must-see for its wonderful decor, literary connections, and coffee heritage. Grancaffe’ Quadri is another unmissable historic coffee house in Venice.

Don’t forget the many small torrefazioni – coffee roasters. They roast and serve wonderful varieties of coffee in Venice, too. Torrefazione Cannaregio is particularly famous.

• 21 Types of Italian Coffees and How to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Local
• 19 Rules of Italian Coffee Culture or How to Drink Coffee Like an Italian
• Coffee in Italy or 101 Facts about Italian Coffee Culture

25. Snack on Cicchetti and Tramezzini – Venice’s Traditional Finger Foods

Cicchetti (pronounced chi–KEH–tee) are traditional Venetian finger foods. Served in small portions, there are many varieties of cicchetti and they can cost as little as a euro or two per piece. This can be a small slice of white polenta with a helping of baccala’ mantecato or a piece of crusty bread with one of many delicious toppings.

A mix of cicchetti makes for a great lunch in Venice giving you a taste of many local foods and food combinations. Customarily served in small eateries called bacaro (pl. bacari ), cicchetti are washed down with an ombra – a small glass of house wine.

Osteria Al Squero is a particularly famous place to eat cicchetti in Venice. You will find it right opposite Squero Tramontin – a gondola-making and -repairing boatyard in the sestiere of Dorsoduro.

Tramezzini are triangular sandwiches made with super soft crustless bread and stuffed with many different fillings. For example, sliced boiled egg and artichokes, sopressa salami and red radicchio , tuna fish, ham and mushrooms, and so on. They make for a great snack or – if you buy a selection – for a nice and inexpensive lunch, too. 

As you walk around Venice, keep an eye out for small bacari serving delicious cicchetti and tramezzini . Alternatively, this guided tour will introduce you to the flavours and traditions of Venetian finger food.

• Italian Food – 13 Ways to Eat Well in Italy Without Breaking the Bank

Sightseeing Tips for Venice, Italy

26. Head Early to Venice’s Most Famous Sights

To avoid the crowds and queues, make sure that you head early to Venice’s most famous sights. For example, St. Mark’s Basilica and its bell tower. Queues here can be an hour or so long. However, if you turn up right before opening times, you can minimise or totally avoid queuing.

Plus, you can get lots of beautiful photos of Venice’s most iconic sights without the usual crowds of people that besiege them!

27. When in Venice, Get Off the Beaten Path

For all its worldwide famous sights and museums, Venice is also incredibly rich in hidden gems. No other destination gives you as much satisfaction as Venice when exploring it off the beaten path.

Quirky corners coupled with curious stories abound here. Make sure that you experience as many of them as possible for yourself. This blog post gives you pointers for 101 little-known yet fabulous things to do in Venice. And this blog post will reveal to you the haunted Venice of ghostly apparitions, centuries-old legends, and even mysterious crypts. Have a look!

28. See Venice from the Water

Venice was designed to be seen from the water. Its lavish palaces have their most splendid facades turned towards the canals. Its most important buildings are on the water’s edge.

Make sure then that you see Venice as the visitors of the city in the past centuries did. From the water, floating down its canals on a boat. This way you can truly appreciate the beauty, the elegance, and the grandeur of Venice – a city that challenges all conventions of the traditional urban settlement.

There are many ways to get on a boat in Venice. Check tip number 18 above for four of the most popular watercraft here. Catching a traghetto across the Grand Canal is one of the simplest, quickest, and cheapest ways to see Venice from the water.

In addition, you can get on vaporetto line 1 from either Piazzale Roma or Venezia Santa Lucia train station and then travel all the way down to St. Mark’s Square. This way you can revel in the beauty of the Grand Canal and marvel at the most iconic buildings, palaces, and churches of Venice as they come into view. Click to buy your Venice vaporetto tickets in advance.

A gondola ride is one of the most iconic things you can enjoy in Venice. You can either have it all for yourself or share it with other passengers. If you prefer, you can have a romantic gondola experience followed by a meal for two. Seeing Venice from a sleek black gondola is the stuff memories are made of!

You can hire a gondola on-site by simply approaching a gondolier at one of the many gondola stops around Venice. The tour lasts around 25-30 minutes and the price is currently set at 80 euros for up to six passengers. If you want your gondolier to serenade you, this comes with a surcharge. Also, evening and night-time gondola tours cost more.

Alternatively, you may want to book your gondola tour in advance or combine it with different activities – from a walking tour to a photoshoot. There are many different ways to do it, so have a look here for an exhaustive list of the different options and the respective prices.

29. For the Best Introduction to Venice, Book a Guide

A private tour with a Venetian guide is an unmissable opportunity to delve into the history of Venice, discover hidden gems , marvel at unique works of art, and just get to know Venice as a local does.

With the sheer amount of things to do and see here, it’s only too easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to start from or what to see first. Or you may end up missing several must-see sights. In such cases, booking a private tour in Venice is a great way to truly experience the city of water and see it from the most authentic point of view. 

I always recommend Luisella Romeo from See Venice  and Erika Cornali from  When in Venice . Both are wonderful people, they speak several languages and are truly dedicated to bringing the beauty of Venice to you.

Alternatively, you may prefer using one of the large tour sites to pick a top-rated guided visit or activity in Venice. The best options are Viator , Get Your Guide , and Tiquets .

30. To See the Authentic Venice, Wake Up Early and Go to Bed Late

One of the best ways to see the authentic Venice, is to go for a walk around the city early in the morning and late in the evening. You will discover a whole new face to it. Free of tourist crowds, Venice is incredibly peaceful and cinematic and you feel like the luckiest person in the world to have all this beauty for yourself.

It really pays to wake up very early in the morning and go for a walk while the city still awakes. And then do it again in the evening and see how Venice quietly winds down after another hectic day. To have enough energy for these early rises and late bedtimes, make sure that you take an Italian riposo in the afternoon.

Health and Safety Tips for Venice, Italy

31. to walk around venice, bring your most comfortable shoes.

Venice is a car-free city which means that you will spend your time here walking everywhere. Taking the vaporetti (Venice’s water buses) or the motoscafi (Venice’s water taxis) is a great way to travel long distances around the city. Yet, it can be time-consuming and in the case of water taxis, very costly, too.

Plus, there are many places around town that can only be reached on foot. Benches are lacking, sitting on the steps of churches and historical buildings is forbidden, and spending long hours upright can be very, very tiring. Even if you are in great physical shape, Venice can be truly overwhelming. What with the many sights to see and the many masterpieces to walk up to, stop in front of and admire, your feet may start feeling heavy long before the end of the day.

Hence, it’s essential that you come to Venice armed with your most comfortable shoes. 

32. When You Walk Around Venice, Always Mind Your Step

While Venice is a nice and flat city that is easy (but taxing) to walk all over, make sure that you mind your step when strolling around town. Especially, in the following two scenarios:

• steps leading down to the water – you will notice that often some of these steps are covered with algae. Avoid stepping on them at all cost as they are very slippery. Many a tourist, eager to take a close-up artsy shot of a gondola or two has braved the steps with the green tinge. Only to find themselves completely soaked.
• edges of the canal paths during acqua alta – when the tide peaks, sometimes the water levels rise so high that Venice gets flooded. While, in most cases, you can put a pair of wellies on and still walk around town, you need to be careful not to incidentally end in the water by overstepping the edge of a canal path (known as fondamenta in the Venetian language).  

33. Never Swim in the Venetian Canals

Venice is universally known as the City of Canals on account of its 150 waterways. Narrow and wide, short and long, curved and straight, the canals of Venice are the city’s arteries.  

Swimming in them is not allowed for many reasons. A large number of boats – many of them motorised – crisscross Venice’s canals at all hours of the day, so it would not be safe for swimmers. Also, the water – beautiful and inviting as it looks – is polluted and you don’t want it on your skin or in your mouth. Lastly, swimming in the canals goes against Venetian decorum. This is a historic city of art, after all, not a seaside resort. Hence, a heavy fine awaits anyone swimming in the Venetian canals.

I would also advise you against sitting on the edges of the canals and dipping your feet in the water. You honestly don’t want the water on your skin. Plus, such behaviour will not endear you to the locals. 

If you want to swim, then head to one of the nearby beaches. Spiaggia Alberoni on the island of Lido di Venezia, the beaches of Sottomarina near the town of Chioggia , the beaches of Lido di Jesolo, and the beaches of Caorle are particularly famous and within an easy-ish distance from Venice.

34. If You Visit Venice In Summer, Bring Suncream

Venice can get incredibly hot in summer. Add to this the air’s high humidity and the feeling is of being inside a very hot oven. The strong sunlight is reflected by the water in the canals and it bounces off the beautiful facades thus making your eyes squint in pain.

A high factor suncream and sunglasses are a necessity!

If you are desperate for a bit of shade, head to the Giardini Reali – a small, nicely landscaped garden facing the Grand Canal next door to St. Mark’s Square. Alternatively, go for a walk in the Giardini della Biennale in the sestiere of Castello. My favourite small garden with free entry in Venice stands adjacent to Ca’ Rezzonico – the museum of 18th-century Venice. It’s lush with plenty of shade and flowering shrubs. Plus, it has a small playground for the kids to run around.

35. And If You Visit Venice in Winter, Bring an Extra Layer or Two

Venice is not a winter sun destination. While the sun may be shining high and the sky may be nice and blue, there is a chill in the air during the day and at night it can get very cold.

Sometimes, it even snows! This doesn’t happen often (more or less, once every couple of winters or so) but when it does, it turns Venice into a magical fairytale. A slippery one at that as the stone fondamente – Venice’s canal paths – can be challenging to navigate with a dusting of snow on top.

The rest of the time, the high humidity chills you to the bone and fogs often add to the mystery of Venice.

If you visit Venice in late autumn and winter, then definitely wrap up warm. It’s better to feel nice and cozy and peel a layer off when needed than suffer the cold chills.  

Money Management Tips for Venice, Italy

36. When in Venice, Expect to Spend

Venice is a difficult city to live, work, and do business in. With no cars, everything has to be transported by boats and then lifted and carried by hand. Insurance premiums are high and acqua alta can cause anything from inconvenience to devastation. Prices factor in all this.

So, Venice is not a budget destination and to truly see and experience its very best sides, you need to be prepared to spend. Mind you, not for tourist gimmicks and overpriced food. But for museum tickets, concert tickets, and exhibition entry fees. For great local food which is freshly made following centuries-old techniques. For handmade artisan items which you will love and use for years to come. And for beautiful jewellery, unique decorations, lovely handmade notebooks, traditional Venetian masks , luxury fabrics, charming antiques, and one-of-a-kind pieces of art. And, of course, for a gondola ride!

To be honest, in terms of daily expenses, I find London much more expensive than Venice. Whereas a single espresso in London can cost anything from £1.50 to £2.00, in Venice you can get a proper Italian espresso and a breakfast pastry for more or less the same money. And while a quick lunch from a chain shop in London can cost anything from £10 to £15, in Venice a lovely plate of cicchetti made in a small bacaro that has been there for dozens if not hundreds of years will cost less than that. So, you can get yourself a nice glass of wine, too.

37. When in Venice, Always Buy Authentic Crafts

There are so many wonderful things in Venice that it makes sense to take every opportunity to stock on some lovely gifts for friends, family, and yourself. In doing so, make sure that you support authentic Venetian artisans rather than yet another cheap souvenir shop. Imported souvenirs are cheap in Venice but they lack in quality and undermine the work of honest craftsmen. 

For example, cheap masks sold on the streets of Venice often are made with dyes that are harmful to the skin. While they are produced for decorative purposes only, often you are not told this by the stall trader eager to make a sale. It is much better to buy Venetian masks made in one of Venice’s acclaimed mask workshops where the traditions of Venetian mask-making have been researched in depth and brought back to life. 

Venice has a great concentration of skilled artisans and craftsmen. Visiting their studios and shops is such a great experience. They preserve the living history and traditions of the city. And their work needs support. From handmade glass, jewellery, and lace to unique ceramics, prints, silk velvets, and marbled paper, the choice is enticing and the quality is high!

• 10 Facts About Venetian Masks – History, Traditions, and Meaning

38. Bring a Water Bottle and Fill It for Free from Venice’s Water Fountains

You don’t need to buy bottles of water in your explorations of Venice. The city is dotted with dozens of drinking fountains providing for free deliciously cold water to both residents and visitors of Venice.

You quickly start to appreciate them when you are asked to pay 3 euros for a small bottle of water in a touristy cafe. 

Just bring a reusable water bottle with you and you are good to go.  

39. Invest in Passes To Maximise Your Sightseeing in Venice

To make your euros stretch further in Venice, consider investing in a pass that is designed to offer savings and convenience to visitors. Click on these links to get an idea of what to expect: 

• The Venice Pass
• Venezia Unica City Pass
• Chorus Churches Circuit
• MyPassVenezia App

40. Take Advantage of the Sales Seasons in Venice

There are two sales seasons in Italy. Traditionally, one is at the start of January and the other is in summer. The dates vary a bit from year to year and from one Italian region to another. They are decided on a regional level and publicised in the press in advance.

Venice is the capital of the Northern Italian region of Veneto . As such, you can check the dates for this year’s seasonal sales by performing a web search for saldi invernali in Veneto (winter sales in Veneto) or saldi estivi in Veneto (summer sales in Veneto).

Famous Italian and French fashion houses, as well as international high street brands, have their shops in Venice. So, timing your visit to coincide with sales season can lead to some great savings if shopping is what you like to do best. 

Time Management Tips for Venice, Italy

41. Have a Good Idea About What You Want to See in Venice

Venice is rich in sights to see and things to do. With all the walking, stopping for photos, and gawking at all the beauty around you, time in Venice quickly flies away. Plus, the more you see the more you want to see. Arriving in Venice without much of a clue and hoping that you will work out what to do on the spot is a recipe for wasted moments and missed experiences. You may still end up seeing some of the most famous landmarks. Yet looking back in hindsight, you may beat yourself up about how much you have missed. 

To make the most of your time in Venice, make sure that you research the many different things to do here in advance and have a clear idea of what you want to see and experience. Is it art and museums, beautiful views and fresh seafood, traditional crafts and hidden corners?! A mix of all or something very particular?!

Jot down a rough plan of what you want to do each day of your stay in Venice. Pick sights that are within close proximity to one another. Even if you are in peak shape, all the walking and spending long hours on your feet quickly add up. Try not to plan too much for any one day. Leave plenty of time for each sight – both to reach it without rushing and to be able to fully enjoy its atmosphere and artefacts. 

42. Yet Be Spontaneous in Order to Experience Venice Authentically

Venice is the best place in the world to be spontaneous. Every narrow curving street you take leads you to yet another worldwide famous sight or hidden gem.

Be adventurous! While your rough plan will guarantee that you will be exploring Venice in a purposeful manner, take every opportunity to adapt it if you come across something else that catches your eye. Visit every church you come across. Follow the locals to their favourite gelaterias and eateries. Stop to admire artisans at work and to purchase their handmade wares. Spend long moments at quiet squares (locally called campi ) where you can observe the authentic Venice. Go for long walks trying to spot as many typical for Venice architectural details like patera and finestrata . 

With its rich heritage and with hundreds of things to do and see, it’s practically impossible to know in advance what exactly you will fall in love with in Venice. You may be thinking that you want to visit Venice for all the art and then, once arrived, you may be drawn to the local crafts and compelled to discover as much as possible about them. Or you may be planning to visit Venice for all the gorgeous photos you can take and then, without even being religious, to become intrigued by the Venetian churches and to want to visit as many of them for their architecture, art, and history.

43. Put a Day Aside for the Islands in the Venetian Lagoon

While Venice is the undisputable star of the Venetian Lagoon, there are dozens of islands here that deserve a visit, too. For their history, for the local crafts, for their beauty, for their colourful houses, for their peace and quiet, for many reasons, really.

Murano, Burano, and Torcello are the three most famous islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Many visitors to Venice spend a day visiting all three. Murano is famous for its locally made glass. Burano – for its lace and houses painted in a riot of colours. Torcello is where the history of Venice started as it was the first island in the Venetian Lagoon where a settlement rose back in the 5th century AD.

Yet, there is also:

• Giudecca with its peaceful atmosphere and some very interesting buildings;
• Lido with its wonderful beaches;
• Chioggia which at one time was more powerful than Venice;
• Pellestrina where you can cycle along the murazzi – the long wall separating the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea;
• Mazzorbo (connected to Burano via a wooden bridge) with the Venissa restaurant and vineyard;
• Sant’Erasmo with Venice’s fruit and vegetable gardens. 

And if you want something different, then you can head to the island of San Michele. It has served as Venice’s cemetery since the start of the 19th century. Alternatively, explore the island of San Servolo. This is where people with mental illnesses used to be sent to in the past. Nowadays, the former insane asylum on the island hosts a very thoughtfully curated museum.

It is only by visiting the different islands and by travelling between them that you come to appreciate the spectacular scenery of the Venetian Lagoon. It is quite amazing really how such an inhospitable environment has been elevated into one of the most beautiful and special places on earth.

You can visit the islands in the Venetian Lagoon by yourself by taking advantage of the very well-organised network of vaporetti . Or you can book a guided tour whisking you from island to island in one active day or half-day.

This full-day excursion , for example, will take you on a tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello directly from Venice’s train station. This half-day experience includes a visit to a glass factory on Murano and a lace workshop on Burano.

44. Take a Day Trip to Italy’s Mainland

If you are spending more than three days in Venice, make sure that you put a day aside for a trip to Italy’s mainland. High-speed and fast regional trains connect Venice numerous times a day to such beautiful destinations as Padua , Vicenza , Verona , Lake Garda , Milan , Brescia , and Bologna . Not to mention the myriad of medieval walled towns dotted all around the Veneto – the Northern Italian region of which Venice is the capital.

Train travel is quick, inexpensive and very well-organised. You can reach Padua from Venice in less than half an hour and then spend a wonderful day discovering the frescoed Scrovegni Chapel, Italy’s second-oldest University, and the world’s oldest academic botanical garden. Or, in an hour and a half, you can reach Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garda – which is a great destination for families with kids, couples, and solo travellers.

It’s so nice to be able to see more and do more in the span of the same Italian holiday. Visiting Venice gives you a chance to visit many other unique and beautiful Italian destinations, too. Take full advantage of that!

• Venice to Milan – A Cool Day Trip in Italy (With Travel Tips and Sights to See)
• Venice to Padua – The Best Day Trip in Italy (With Travel Tips and Sights to See)
• Venice to Verona – A Day Trip in Italy to Fall in Love With (With Travel Tips and Sights to See)
• Venice to Lake Garda, Italy – 3 Easy Ways to Travel
• 10 Best Cities in Veneto, Italy to Visit and What to See in Each

45. Book a Return Trip to Venice

No matter how long you spend in Venice, it’s never enough. There is just so much to do, see, and enjoy here. The city of water has a way to get under your skin, to make you really fall for it. 

So, don’t stress that you were not able to see it all and do it all while here. Instead, make sure that you book a return trip to Venice so that you can continue your exploration of this most unique and beautiful city in the world.

A Bonus Tip for Venice, Italy

Toilets! A totally essential topic for any visitor to Venice and Italy in general. Now, if you need to spend a penny, don’t fret! It’s all very nicely and logically organised in Venice as long as you know where to look. Here is how it works:

• Paid public toilets – dotted at crucial points with high footfall around the city. Here is a map for you to see where the paid public toilets are located in Venice. They are very clean and thoroughly sanitised throughout the day. Do keep euro coins on you, as you need to pay every time you use them. If you buy the Venezia Unica City Pass (see point 39 above), you can add a Public Toilet Service as an option to it. This works out slightly cheaper compared to paying for each separate visit.
• Toilets in Museums/Sights – museums and sights in Venice have well-equipped and clean toilets which you can make use of during your visit. Usually, you can’t just pop in from the street to use their facilities though. 
• Cafes/Eateries/Restaurants – as a paying customer you can access the toilet on the premises. At times, these can be tiny but make use of them, especially if you find the fee for the paid public toilets prohibitive. In any case, please, remember that the toilets in Venice’s cafes, eateries, and restaurants are only for paying customers.

In Conclusion

Venice is a dream destination for many. With its unique location in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon and with its many layers of history, the city of water has a lot to offer to the traveller seeking beautiful and memorable experiences.

Yet, Venice doesn’t reveal its secrets easily. For the many things you can do and enjoy here, often, you also need to dig deeper beneath the surface to find your way around Venice. As a car-free city with a maze of narrow curving streets, its own centuries-old traditions, and many, many quirks, Venice can be a challenge. Especially if you arrive here hoping to discover it all on the spot as you go.

To help you have the best experience in the city of water, in this blog post I share with you my 45 essential tips for Venice. They are particularly useful if this will be your first visit. From no-nonsense travel and accommodation tips to health and safety and time management tips, I’ve organised the information in logical chunks to help put you in Venice mood and mode.

I hope that you will find these tips for Venice helpful and that they will galvanise you to head to the city of water as soon as possible.

Enjoy your time in venice, italy, more helpful venice info for you.

Venice:   Major Landmarks , Hidden Gems , Best Tours , Venetian Place Names , Nearest Airports , Boats in Venice , Haunted Venice , Day Trips from Venice , Arco del Paradiso Venice Videos: Grand Canal , St. Mark’s Square at Carnival , St. Mark’s Square , View from Rialto Bridge , View from Accademia Bridge , Venetian gondolas , Historical Regatta , Squero di San Trovaso , Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo , Fondazione Querini Stampalia , Palazzo Grimani , Rialto Fish Market , Ca’ Macana , Festa della Madonna della Salute

More Helpful Italy Info for You

Best of Italy: Italian Piazzas , Italian Food , Italian Markets , Italian Coffee Culture Northern Italy: 18 Best Cities to Visit Lake Garda: Best Towns , Nearest Airports , Travel Options , Lake Garda with Kids Lake Como: Things to See , Nesso Veneto: Best Cities to Visit , Top 15 Places , 30 Adventures , 15 Most Colourful Places Friuli Venezia Giulia: Venzone , Most Beautiful Villages Emilia Romagna: Bologna , Ravenna , Comacchio , Most Beautiful Villages Marche: 6 Reasons to Visit , Gradara , Frasassi Caves , Temple of Valadier Verona: Things to Do in One Day , Day Trips from Verona Padua:   Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  10 Reasons to Visit Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua Vicenza: Things to Do , 10 Must-See Museums , Day Trips from Vicenza

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Venice Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

With its iconic canals, picturesque gondolas, and winding streets, it’s no surprise that Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. But while the city is popular with honeymooners, it’s also a huge destination for cruisers and backpackers too.

It should be obvious as to why.

Venice is beautiful, fun, and full of narrow streets and alleys to get lost in. It’s a magical place unlike any other. There are museums, palaces, historic town squares to explore, and endless gelato to eat.

Unfortunately, the city is also expensive and overtourism has become a real problem. No matter what time of the year, you’re going to encounter crowds. In fact, if you come in the summer, it’s going to be unbearable (and if you come when a cruise ship is docked, it’s even more unbearable!)

But that doesn’t mean you should skip a visit!

You can avoid the crowds if you skirt around the center of the city and head to some of the outer islands like Burano and Morano. Tourists tend to cluster in a few places and are easy to escape.

This travel guide to Venice can help you beat the crowds, save money, and make the most of your time in this famous Italian city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Venice

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Venice

1. Visit the Basilica San Marco

St. Mark’s Basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city and is located in the Piazza San Marco. While there has been a place of worship on this site since 820 CE, the current basilica was built in 1063. It’s filled with amazing 11th-century mosaics, marble-covered walls, statues, and five, gold-covered Byzantine domes. The High Altar also supposedly contains some of St. Mark’s remains. It’s 3 EUR to visit the basilica (or 6 EUR for a skip-the-line ticket). There are also a variety of combined entrance tickets depending on which attractions in the complex you want to visit. The Complete Basilica Ticket, which includes the Basilica, Pala d’Oro (golden altar), Museum, and Loggia Cavalli (terrace with views and other exhibits), costs 20 EUR, which includes skip-the-line entry. You can also do a guided tour after hours when the crowds have left with Walks of Italy for around 100 EUR.

2. Walk across Rialto Bridge

While it’s now one of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, for centuries, the Rialto Bridge was the only way to get from one side to the other. Originally built as a floating bridge in the 12th century, it was first constructed for easier access to the Rialto Market (hence the bridge’s name). The current iteration of the bridge, completed in 1591, was created by Antonio da Ponte, who beat out Michelangelo for the job. The entire bridge is made of Istrian stone and crosses the Grand Canal at its narrowest point, connecting the San Polo and San Marco districts. To beat the crowds, come at sunrise.

3. Tour the Doge’s Palace

Located in St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s main landmarks and was the home of the duke who ruled Venice. The massive building was originally built in the 14th century in the Venetian Gothic style, though it has been renovated, extended, and modified over the centuries. The interior is filled with artwork, gilded ceilings, and an armory. You can also descend into the prisons and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. Admission is 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of San Marco ticket, which includes entrance to the Correr Civic Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library.

4. Attend Carnival

Carnival is ten days of masquerade madness every February leading up to Mardi Gras, the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The tradition goes back centuries, starting in the 12th century and reaching the height of popularity in the 18th century. The festival was on pause for nearly two centuries, starting in 1798 when the city was under Austrian rule (when masks were banned). It wasn’t until 1979 when Carnival was revived. Today, it is one of the biggest festivals in Italy , with millions of people attending every year. The iconic and diverse masks are a central part of the festivities and every year there is a contest for the most beautiful mask. If you have the funds, you can even pay to attend a traditional masquerade ball! (Book your accommodation early as the city fills up months in advance).

5. Day trip to Burano

Other things to see and do in venice, 1. take a walking tour.

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to see the main sights on a budget while connecting with a local guide who can share their insider tips and advice. Venice Free Walking Tour runs regular free tours that cover all the highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

If you want to invest in your experience and take a more detailed walking tour, my favorite company is Take Walks . They have amazing walking tours and boat tours all around the city. They use expert local guides so you’ll not only have fun but you’ll learn a lot too!

2. Wander the Piazza San Marco

This is the most famous and largest piazza (city square) in Venice. The grand square has long been a popular meeting spot for Venetians and is home to many important city highlights, including the basilica, its bell tower, the Doges Palace, and the National Archaeological Museum. (You can visit all of these sights on a combined Piazza San Marco ticket, which costs 26 EUR). The Piazza is most impressive when approached from the water as you get a full sense of the scale and history of these antiquated buildings.

3. Head to the island of Lido

If you want to escape the city, Lido is a nearby island where people go to relax on the beach. There are lots of picturesque canals here, as well as restaurants, cafes, and bars. Every August, the world of cinema descends on Lido for the Venice Film Festival, the oldest and one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Lido is only a 20-minute vaporetto ride (water bus) from Venice. A round-trip ticket costs 10 EUR, or for 13 EUR you can get a round-trip ticket that can be used for the buses on Lido too.

4. Visit Murano Island

Close to Venice, this island is the home of the famous Murano glassblowers, who have been creating intricate glassworks here since 1291. Although Murano is filled with expensive souvenirs (avoid buying anything on the island if you’re on a budget!), you can still have an educational and fun afternoon learning and watching how the glass is blown. The Murano Glass Factory only costs 5 EUR, which includes the glass blowing demonstration and guided tour of the factory. To get to Murano, you can take the ferry for 8 EUR.

5. Wander the Rialto Market

The Rialto Market is Venice’s main market and it has been around for the past 700 years. It’s a huge food market with all kinds of meat, produce, and fish. Come in the morning before the market is flooded with tourists to watch all the hustle and bustle. You’ll find the market northwest of the Rialto Bridge in the district of San Polo.

6. Tour the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This is the personal art collection of art collector Peggy Guggenheim, located in her former mansion along the banks of the Grand Canal. It is a massive, avant-garde collection of art with works from more than 200 artists. While modern art is not my favorite kind of art, there are countless pieces by surrealists, abstract expressionists, and Italian futurists that make this worth a visit. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden. Admission is 16 EUR.

7. Climb the Campanile di San Marco

Built in 1912, this tower in Piazza San Marco is a replica of the original Bell Tower of St. Mark (which was built in the 16th century and collapsed in 1902). It said that every last detail of the structure is a match. Standing at almost 100 meters (328 feet) tall, it’s the tallest structure in Venice. The tower was originally constructed for defensive purposes so that watchmen could see ships coming in and out of the city. For 10 EUR, you can climb up through the inner workings and get a panoramic view of the city.

8. Watch the Vogalonga

The Vogalonga is a non-competitive 20-mile marathon rowing event held annually in May. This tradition originated in 1974 as a protest against the increasing amount of powerboats taking over Venice’s waters. Thousands of people from all over the world take part every year, in all different kinds of boats, including gondolas, kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, stand-up paddleboards, and more (some people even swim!). It’s incredible to watch and one of the biggest events of the year.

9. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

This museum was created in 1523 by Italian nobleman and cardinal, Domenico Grimani. Although it’s a small museum, the National Archaeological Museum’s collection of Greek sculptures, Roman busts, funerary stelae, and other relics date back as far as the 1st century BCE. Tickets are 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of Piazza San Marco (which includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library).

10. Check out the Correr Civic Museum

The Correr Civic Museum includes an expansive collection of art and artifacts showcasing the city’s history, as well as works from the homes of former royals (including Napoleon Bonaparte). You can spend hours here viewing the frescoes, ancient maps, statues, religious paintings, and more. Tickets are 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of Piazza San Marco (which includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library).

11. Peruse the art at the Galleria dell’Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia was established by Napoleon Bonaparte and is home to numerous artistic works from the 14th-18th centuries, including masterpieces from Bellini and Tintoretto. Its most famous piece, however, is Leonardo da Vinci’s small ink drawing titled Vitruvian Man (however, it’s rarely on display due to the fragile and light-sensitive nature of the work). Tickets are 12 EUR.

12. Explore the Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto is a neighborhood located in the north-western part of Venice. It’s considered to be the world’s first ghetto, established in 1516 when everyone in the city’s Jewish community was forced to relocate here. They were only allowed out during the day and then were locked up and heavily guarded in the evening. Despite its troubling history, the Jewish Ghetto is now full of restaurants, shops, museums, and synagogues. It’s a lively place to explore but is often overlooked by tourists.

13. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Venice’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Venice has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, these tours are for you! Tours start at 89 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Italy, check out these guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide

Venice Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A dorm bed in a hostel usually costs 27-45 EUR per night for a 4-6-bed dorm in peak season and 22-30 EUR per night off-peak. Private rooms cost between 75-150 EUR per night in peak season and 60-85 EUR in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and several hostels have kitchens or a bar/cafe on the premises. None of the hostels in Venice currently offer free breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, camping outside the city costs 15-30 EUR per night for a basic pitch without electricity. There are also small lodges and cabins for 30-50 EUR.

Budget hotel prices – A room in a two-star budget hotel in Venice costs 75-125 EUR per night in peak season and 50-65 in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is included and some also include free breakfast.

On the main island, Airbnb has private rooms starting from 60-80 EUR per night. Entire apartments go for closer to 125-150 EUR per night. Expect to pay double that price if you don’t book early.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu.

In Venice, seafood is an important staple, with popular traditional dishes being bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), and fried sardines.

Overall, eating in Venice is really expensive. It’s hard to get a cheap meal in the city. If you do want to eat out, it’s better to go out for lunch rather than dinner since lunch menus are often around 15-20 EUR.

If you want to splash out, a mid-range meal with drinks and an appetizer costs 35-50 EUR. A set, 4-course meal is 65-70+ EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8.50 EUR for a combo meal. Sandwiches are usually just 3-7 EUR, while pizza is 5-8 EUR for a small and 12-15 EUR for a large.

Beer is 4-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 3-4 EUR, and cocktails start at 7-9 EUR. A latte/cappuccino is closer to 2 EUR while bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 50-60 EUR. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Venice Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 60 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like taking free tours and wandering the markets. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 145 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional water taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like day-tripping to the nearby islands and touring the museums and galleries.

On a “luxury” budget of 265 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need per day. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, who knows!). We just want to give you a general idea of how to budget your money. Prices are in EUR.

Venice Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Venice is going to be expensive. That said, here some ways to you can lower your expenses when you visit Venice:

• Don’t eat at Piazza San Marco – This is the area with the most tourists, making it much more expensive. Avoid eating here at all costs, no matter how tempting the cafe patios might be.
• Cook your food – Food is one of the biggest costs in the city so if you’re on a budget it’s a good idea to cook your own meals. It’s not fancy but you’ll save a ton!
• Walk around and get lost – Venice is so beautiful that it’s a thrill just strolling through the city seeing the old building, churches, artists, and, best of all, get a bit of people-watching in.
• Use discount vaporetto tickets – Get a day pass (or multi-day pass) for the water bus if you plan on traveling around the city a lot. It can save you money after just a few trips.
• Get a combined museum pass – There are a couple of main options for combined museum passes: St. Mark’s Square Museum Pass (which costs 26 EUR for admission to all the attractions in St. Marks Square) or the Venice Museum Pass (which costs 36 EUR for admission to the St. Marks’ Square museums as well as 9 other museums, including the Murano Glass Museum).
• Get the Venezia Unica Pass – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this pass gives you discounts to the top museums, tours, and attractions. It is priced to save you money when compared to buying separate tickets. You go online and pick out what you want to see ahead of time. The price varies depending on what you want to see but you’ll save a lot.
• Buy your own booze – You can buy a great bottle of wine for under 10 EUR at the store. Getting your own bottle is a much more economical way to drink. Sit in one of the squares, have a glass of wine, and watch the world go by.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is very expensive in Venice. Try using Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free and make a new friend to show you around this amazing city.
• Go on a free walking tour – This is the best way to learn about the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Venice

Finding an affordable place to stay in Venice is challenging, but not impossible. My recommended places to stay in Venice are:

• Generator Venice
• Anda Venice (10% off, a free welcome drink, and free city map if you’re a member of HostelPass )
• Ostello S. Fosca – CPU Venice Hostels
• Camping Serenissima

How to Get Around Venice

Venice is a pedestrian city. Unless you’re taking water taxis or floating buses, you’ll be walking everywhere.

Vaporetto – A vaporetto is a floating “bus” that can get you just about everywhere you need to go. They’re not cheap, with one-way tickets costing 7.50 EUR. Tickets are valid for 75 minutes. You can get a 24-hour pass for 20 EUR, a 48-hour pass for 30 EUR, a 72-hour pass for 40 EUR, or a 7-day pass for 60 EUR.

If you’re traveling to Murano, Torcello, or Lido, you’ll be on the same vaporetto system but on a larger boat known as motonave . The prices are the same.

When to Go to Venice

Venice is at its peak busyness in the summer. Prices skyrocket and the crowds are intense. Temperatures hover around 18-28°C (66-83°F) from June through August. If possible, I’d avoid visiting during this time as the city is bursting with cruisers and the crowds are massive.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit since temperatures are more manageable, usually between 17-22°C (63-72°F), and the city is not overly crowded.

Tourism also eases off in the fall and winter, and temperatures are cooler, ranging from 4-12°C (44-55°F). However, this is also known as the acqua alta (“high water”) period, where flooding in the streets can occur.

In February, Carnevale takes over the city. It’s a great time, but expect chaos and inflated prices.

Overall, you’re going to face crowds whenever you go, but if you can avoid peak summer you’ll find the city pleasant to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Venice

Venice is a very safe place to backpack and travel. As with most of Italy’s cities, Venice’s biggest safety risk is petty theft and pickpocketing. This is especially true in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation, so keep a close eye on your belongings and never flash your valuables when out and about.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you come during autumn or the winter, you may be at risk for acqua alta (“high water”). Flooding is a common occurrence due to rising ocean levels. Choose accommodations closer to the upper part of town, near Piazzale Roma or the rail station.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Venice Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Venice Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

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Europe , Destinations , Italy · December 31, 2022

Is Venice Worth Visiting? Trip It or Skip It?

For some, visiting Venice may seem like a no-brainer. After all, it’s a unique floating city where the streets are waterways and beautiful bridges span the many canals. Famous for its gondolas, Venice seems like a dream to many. But what’s it like in reality? Is Venice a must-see?

Some people say Venice is overrated. But will you be disappointed if you don’t include this popular destination into your Italian itinerary?

We break it down into 5 C’s: Convenience, Car-free, Cost, Crowds, and Charm.

Read on for important insight into what you can expect during a visit to Venice and whether Scenic and Savvy recommends you… Trip It or Skip It.

What’s it like visiting Venice

Convenience.

Venice is located in northeastern Italy along the Adriatic Sea. From Rome , it’s a 4-hour train ride on a high-speed train or 6 hours from a regular train. From Milan or Florence, it’s 2-2.5 hours, and from Naples near the Amalfi Coast, or the Cinque Terre , it’s roughly a 5.5-hour train ride with multiple connections. Being in the far northeast part of the country, Venice is more of an out-and-back destination and not very convenient for including in a loop around Italy. Also, it takes a bit of travel time coming from the coast of the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast.

Venice’s beautiful and unique maze of canals makes this destination one of the most visited cities in the world, but this popularity is actually becoming a problem for the city. Overtourism is a real challenge. Estimates say approximately 20 million tourists visit Venice each year!

Once a robust coastal city, the number of residents has dwindled to about 50,000, down from more than 175,000 in the early 1950’s. Locals are leaving in large part to the city’s focus on mass tourism with insane numbers of tourists crowding the streets, bridges, and squares. More and more people have left the city and instead rent their places out to tourists.

To be fair, popular destinations are crowded and popular for a reason. Everyone wants to see and experience a place they’ve heard such great things about and it’s naturally going to be busy. But the crowds in Venice during peak summer season means shuffling shoulder to shoulder with the masses through narrow streets and up and over bridges. People flocking into restaurants and onto water taxis, with tourists vying for gondola rides all takes away from the enchanting Italian experience one dreams about.

By catering so much to tourists, some say Venice has lost its charm. Cheesy souvenir shops have squeezed out local businesses, and the low quality, yet expensive, souvenir stands lining the streets give the city a tacky feel.

Venice is also a hotbed of scams. While you need to be wary of pickpockets and scams in many major cities, Venice is the one city where we have had the most run-ins with undesirable people and scammers. The city as a whole is very safe, but you’ll see things like illegal vendors pressuring tourists into buying little gadgets and toys that break or don’t work as promised once they’ve handed over the money. Random strangers approach tourists hoping to distract them to steal from them, especially in the heavily populated squares and outside the train station.

So, is Venice worth visiting?

This “Trip It or Skip It” is a little more difficult to answer. Venice is definitely a unique destination full of history and beauty. In different circumstances it would probably be a must-see. But because of the factors we mention in this article, we advise you not to go out of your way to visit Venice. Venice does not provide the same vibe or experience you get in other parts of Italy. You’re not left with the same feeling as say, Rome or the Cinque Terre , where you dream about returning someday. Instead, each time we’ve visited Venice, we’ve been ready to leave after only a short time.

SCENIC AND SAVVY SAYS:

• if you’re short on time
• if excessive crowds, a touristy feel, and high costs annoy you
• if you’d be going out of your way to fit this into your itinerary
• if, after reading this article, you still consider Venice a dream destination and want to check it off your bucket list
• if it’s a convenient stop-over on your itinerary and you have an extra day.

What are your thoughts? Is Venice worth visiting? Leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

Traveling to Italy with teens? Read our 10 tips for a family trip to Italy with teenagers !

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June 8, 2023 at 4:17 pm

I recently visited Venice (May 2023), and definitely wish we would have skipped it. Heavy crowds, few interesting sites to see, other than just seeing the canals. Also, it seems they have designed the main areas with little to no public seating. No sitting allowed on the steps in St. Mark’s Square…it’s enforced…perhaps to encourage people to patronize the restaurants with outdoor seating? Definitely a skip.

June 8, 2023 at 10:08 pm

I agree, Nancy. It’s too bad Venice has become so touristy and crowded. It ruins the experience of an otherwise unique and beautiful destination. Thanks for commenting.

October 16, 2023 at 10:01 am

We love going to Italy, and particularly Venice. Yes, it is touristy (everybody wants to go where it is crowded) but the people, the canals, St. Marks Piazza (the living room of Europe), the Doge’s palace, the restaurants, the cafes, the Rialto bridge, the gondolas, the vaporetti, the museums, the Hotel Columbina, the Hotel Danieli. It is a truly unique place, but like other big cities, you need to appreciate what is meaningful to you, and bypass the rest. Venice is our happy place. ML

October 17, 2023 at 2:48 pm

Thanks for the comment, Michael. Yes, Venice is definitely a unique destination. But I do wish it was easier to seek out the authentic Venice and enjoy it more peacefully. I’m glad you’ve found it to be your happy place.

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Venice entry fee in 2024: all you need to know

In spring 2024 , the City of Venice takes a step forward to combat overtourism and move towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism . From 25 April , in fact, there will be a fee for tourist to enter Venice for a trial period that will last until July, in order to support local tourism and preserve the authenticity of the city and its inhabitants by limiting entry on the "black sticker" days of the year.

Here is all the information you need to organise your trip in the best possible way.

How much does the ticket cost and how to pay

Admission to Venice from 25 April will cost €5 per person per day. The fee is the same for everyone and there are currently no reductions. Each ticket is nominal and valid for the entire day , so if you leave the city centre to re-enter during the day you will not need a new ticket, but you will not need to buy one if you enter the city between 4pm and 8.30am.

To purchase the ticket simply go to the official website of the Municipality of Venice and follow the instructions. Once you have made the payment you will be issued with a voucher with a QR-code to take with you and show in case of controls at one of the eight access points.

Venice oentry fee: who has to pay

The dates on which you will have to purchase your ticket

For this trial period, Venice entry fee is limited only to "black-sticker" days , when the overcrowding is greatest.

Here are the days on which you need to purchase an entrance ticket:

- From April 25th to May 5th .

- The remaining weekends of May , namely 11/12, 18/19, 25/26 May.

- All the weekends in June, except the first one , and therefore: 8/9, 15/16, 22/23, 29/30 June.

- The first two weekends of July , i.e. 6/7, 13/14.

This solution implemented by the municipality of Venice is aimed at preserving the heritage and uniqueness of this city , containing daily tourism and making it more sustainable. Moreover, this measure is also intended to give residents some breathing space, allowing them to enjoy their city.

In these "black-sticker" days, the entrance ticket will make the streets and monuments more enjoyable for everyone, but the smartest way to visit Venice remains the Venice Pass , which allows you to skip the queue at the most important attractions and take advantage of discounts and concessions.

Let us all commit to safeguarding Venice's heritage!

Discover the Venice Pass ❯

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Why the venice tourist tax is a controversial policy.

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VENICE, ITALY - AUGUST 02: Gondoliers proceed slowly near the Sospiri Bridge near St. Mark's Square ... [+] due to too much traffic on August 02, 2023 in Venice, Italy. UNESCO officials have included Venice and its lagoon to the list of world heritage in danger to review, along with Ukraine's Kyiv, and Lviv. The UN cultural agency deems Italy not effective in protecting Venice from mass tourism and extreme weather conditions. (Photo by Stefano Mazzola/Getty Images)

Venice recently started charging an entry fee — a so-called tourist tax — for day-trippers from April 25 date until July 14. The fee of five euros can be paid once, and it allows access for the day to Venice and the minor islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Travelers staying in temporary accommodations in that area will be charged the tax in conjunction with their room fees—and those not staying in accommodations that handle compliance for them will need to carry documentation proving they have paid the fee.

Venice is a city renowned for its unique architectural beauty, Renaissance history, and cultural significance—as well as a common tourism destination for visitors from around the world. From its canals to its historic buildings and cultural events, crowd management and preservation of the local infrastructure is an ongoing challenge.

To ameliorate these costs, the Municipality of Venice implemented the tourist tax, officially referred to as an access fee, to regulate the influx of visitors and internalize the externalities created by mass tourism in the The Floating City.

Discouraging Day-Trippers

By imposing a fee on all visitors entering the City of Canals, including those spending only a few hours, the municipality can discourage tourists who plan only a short visit—and consequently intend to spend little within city limits.

The access fee can be keyed to congestion, with higher costs during peak times and lower ones during offseason months or when a daily threshold of visitors is not exceeded. A dynamic pricing model can make day trips particularly expensive during cultural events or on other high-demand days. This pushes day-trippers toward off-peak times for visits and ameliorates congestion while prioritizing visitors who will be more likely to spend additional time and money in the city.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, enforcement and spending.

The access fee is collected through a number of mechanisms, including direct collection by the municipality and integration with existing transportation fees. Tourists will be checked at entry points and can be checked randomly elsewhere—the former adding an additional layer of administrative effort to a visit, discouraging short-term tourists.

The revenue generated by the access fee program will be used to finance the ongoing maintenance of infrastructure and cultural heritage sites, which can be especially strained by increased tourism. The policy connects the fee directly with the preservation of the very elements that encourage visitors to begin with — a perfect example of internalizing, through taxation, the externalities generated by tourism.

Controversy

The access fee is not without controversy—including among Venetians themselves. Critics argue that the measure effectively turns the historic city into a theme park—and won’t address the underlying issues of overcrowding from tourism.

The city has steadily lost year-round residents, experiencing a decline by 120,000 since the 1950s. Increased visitors have generally been blamed for the shrinking population, with mass tourism overwhelming the city’s infrastructure. The access fee policy is intended to strike a balance between the city’s reliance on tourism revenue and its ability to maintain a year round population. Whether it does so effectively remains to be seen.

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16 Things to Do in Venice Italy in One Day

Looking for things to do in Venice Italy in one day? We've got you.

Though I would never suggest you spend just one day in Venice, it helps to have a list of activities that you could accomplish in one day.

Whether you take your time or really do only have 24 hours to explore, I hope this list helps you to fit in as much as possible.

We were able to see Venice as part of a Viking Ocean Cruise . Not only did we begin the cruise in gorgeous Venice, but we saw parts of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. 

This meant checking off four new countries for me, finally taking the number of countries I've visited to over 40! Think of places you want to see and Viking probably goes there!

I think Italy has become my favorite country, especially after spending a week in Sicily last year and a week later exploring Venice for a few days. For a foodie like me, it's pretty much heaven.

Where is Venice Italy?

Located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, the beautiful city of Venice is in the northeastern part of Italy. It’s about a six-hour drive from Rome. If you’re flying, you can get between Rome and Venice in about an hour.

Venice is actually not on the mainland part of Italy. It is an archipelago of islands all connected by bridges over a series of interconnected canals. 

This unique geography is why it has nicknames like City of Water, The Floating City, and City of Canals. The historic city and lagoon area are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to its coastal location, you’ll find Venice has cool and damp winters, sometimes even with snowfall, and warm, humid summers. The summer months might just be the best time to visit as the crowds like to explore the city in Spring and Fall.

Why We Love This City

There are so many reasons to love Venice. It’s no wonder why this is one of the most popular cities for tourists in the world. But here are some of the reasons why we love this city.

Food We love appetizers and Venice has so many small plate dishes like cicchetti (think Venetian tapas!) and bruschetta. The flavors are incredible.

Culture & History The Byzantine-influenced architecture of the city is simply stunning. Add to that all the incredible – and yet different – styles of bridges.

With 118 islands in Venice, of course, you’ll need bridges to get from one to another. The islands are linked by over 400 bridges. Though all pretty, there are only a handful that are famous, so it's worth the time to seek them out.

I take a travel guide everywhere I go so I can look things up as I explore.

Floating City In general, the idea of a floating city is really unique. Technically, the city is built on marshy land, but with a support system going back centuries to help keep buildings above the water.

The supports were built with wood, and although you’d think they would rot over the years, the lack of exposure to oxygen and the sediment in the water actually petrified the logs, making them durable today.

Even so, Venice is at risk from “acqua alta”, high water, as severe flooding has become more and more common.

Where to begin when exploring the Queen of the Adriatic? We have recommendations for you of the most important things to see in Venice Italy in one day.

See the Most Beautiful Bridges  

Venice may be the city of canals, but that means there are also a lot of bridges to cross the canals – more than 430 bridges!

These bridges are a mix of classical designs to modern designs, Some of the most well-known ones include the Scalzi Bridge, the Constitution Bridge (Ponte di Calatrava), and the Ponte dell’Accademia (the Academy Bridge).

Probably the most famous bridge is the Rialto Bridge, which spans over the Grand Canal. Make sure to grab a photo with the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) in the background.

Of course, the Bridge of Sighs is famous, too, but for different reasons as you'll see below.

Visit Piazza San Marco  

Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous squares in all of Italy. It’s a must-do for your Venice itinerary! 

From the square, there are several other places you’ll want to explore, but the square itself is also worth exploring.

As a large, open square, it stands in contrast to the rest of Venice with narrow streets and alleys. It is one of the best places to grab a coffee and people watch.

Explore Basilica San Marco 

One of the most notable locations at St Mark’s Square is the Basilica San Marco (St. Mark’s). Inside, you’ll find fabulous mosaics, Byzantine-style architecture, relics of St. Mark, and more. 

There’s no admission fee to go in, but it can end up with long lines as it is a very popular place. Booking a guided tour is a good option to make sure you're able to see all the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica has to offer.

Even from the outside, however, this church has exceptional architectural features with intricate spires and domes. The gold shimmers in the sunlight on the wings of statues of angels and mosaics high above the church. 

Unfortunately, there was scaffolding up while we were there, but it was still beautiful.

Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Take a Tour of the 500-Year-Old St. Mark’s Bell Tower

Go up to the Bell Tower of Basilica San Marco for one of the best views of the whole city. You will need a ticket and it’s best to get it ahead of time as this is one of the top attractions.

Order online and print or screenshot (or both) your confirmation to show when you arrive.

Everyone was offering to take photos of each other.

The tower is about 99 meters high, and from the top, you can see Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, and more.

This was one of my favorite things we did while in Venice.

Address: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia, Italy

Hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Take a Gondola Ride

Can you say you’ve been to Venice if you don’t take a gondola ride? A private gondola ride is one of those essential splurges that you’ll want to do.

In addition to being a unique experience, it is also the best way to see many of the highlights of the city.

See the Bridge of Sighs

The Ponte del Sospiri (the Bridge of Sighs) is a beautiful bridge with a tragic secret. On one side of the famous Bridge of Sighs is the Doge’s Palace, and on the other side is the prison. 

It is easy to imagine the sighs of sadness as people were taken between the court and the prison where they would face the horrors of the prison’s torture room or know that their freedom would be taken away in the courtroom.

Bridge of Sighs

For some, the view from this bridge was the last sight of the outside world they would ever see.

Experience Doge’s Palace

The original palace, Palazzo Ducale, was built around the 10th or 11th century. Its location being surrounded by a canal and fortress walls made it a solid location for the seat of government, armories, and the apartments of the Doge (the Venetian dukes).

Over the centuries, the palace was expanded and renovated as needs changed and the palace experienced fires over the years.

After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, various groups used the palace as their center of government as well as home to cultural locations, like the Biblioteca Marciana.

Eventually, in 1923, the Italian State appointed the City Council of Venice to manage the building as a public museum, which it is today.

Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

See a Show at Gran Teatro La Fenice  

If you have time, book a show at the Venice Opera House. Even if you don’t have time, try to stop by and see this stunning venue. 

Don’t let the name fool you. If you’re not a fan of opera, there are many other music and dance performances offered. Give this location a try. There’s something about the setting that makes shows here extra special.

Address: Gran Teatro La Fenice , Campo San Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venice VE

Hours: La Fenice is open for daily visits from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

See San Moisè

San Moisè church , dedicated to Moses, was built in the 7th century. Throughout the years, updates have been done to the church, including a stunning Baroque facade on the outside in the 1600s.

Inside the church are spectacular works of art that are well worth viewing, including an enormous piece behind the altar depicting Moses at Mount Sinai. 

Address: Salizada S. Moisè, 1390/A, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Hours: Daily, open 24 hours 

T ake a Break in the Royal Gardens  

In 1807, Napoleon decided to take over the Piazza San Marco area and the Procuratie Nuove building for a Royal Palace. And like any royal palace, royal gardens were installed. Over the years, the gardens were neglected, but now have been restored to their incredible beauty.

When we visited in October, the flowers were beautiful. During different times of year, the Royal Gardens is blooming with flowers like wisteria, begonia, and agapanthus.

There’s also a large focus on conservation and the use of natural resources to maintain this garden. All of the impressive work here is part of the reason why it has been awarded a European Heritage Award.

I know it seems there is never enough time to see everything, but do yourself a favor and relax for a bit in this area.

Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Spot the Lace Curtains

As you are wandering the streets of Venice, remember to look up. See if you can spot some of the lace curtains in the windows. 

Venice is known for lace, specifically Burano, from the school of Burano Lace. This fine lace made by needlework was once a status symbol for the nobles of Europe. Many of the houses have fine lace curtains that have been in their family for generations.

Save Some Time for Shopping

You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops so you can pick up something for those who couldn’t join you on the trip.

If you have money to burn (or even if you want to window shop as I did!), try San Marco Plaza for a peek into YSL, Dior, Bulgari Jewelers, and more.

All this exploring is sure to have you work up an appetite. Thankfully, the food in Venice is incredible!

Who doesn't love Italian food? What I love about this country is that the food in Venice was not the same as the food in Sicily or Rome. Each city has its own cuisine.

One food you’ve got to try is cicchetti – think of it as Venetian tapas or bar food. Cicchetti is many varieties of finger food (or food eaten with toothpicks) that you walk up, grab a bite, and head on.

Often, people stand at a bar in front of the kitchen where you can watch the preparation. Some of the foods you might find include meatballs, seafood preparations, and olives.

Sometimes these items are served on a slice of toasted baguette, other times just with a toothpick. This is my favorite way to dine as I can try a little of everything.

If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, fried seafood is very popular and delicious in Venice. (A walk through the Rialto Market with its fish vendors can give you some idea why seafood in Venice is incredible. It doesn’t get fresher than that!) The calamari is downright addictive! 

Next, wash that food down with a local beer, like Messina. I fell in love with this Italian beer when I was in Sicily. It pairs perfectly with seafood!

Of course, you can’t forget dessert. When in Italy, you have to get a cannoli! 

Our favorite spots for dinner were Osteria da Bubi for seafood, Osteria Doge Morosini, Al Teatro for cappuccino and dessert, and Al Vaporetto Trattoria for pizza.

And at the end of it all, enjoy a moment of relaxation by having a cappuccino on Canal Grande. Look for the red benches around Venice–these are placed specifically for tourists and locals alike to sit and do some people watching.

Now that you have your list of things to do, start planning! A great way to spend a couple of days in Venice is to arrive early before a cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises. 

I knew sailing on a Viking Ocean Cruise was going to be an exceptional experience as I had sailed with them on river cruises several times.

My husband and I sailed on the Viking Rhone River Cruise 8 years ago and loved it so much we decided to take our adult daughters on a river cruise.

That sailing was on the Viking Rhine River Cruise , including seeing the Black Forest in Germany , and it was one of the best family trips we've taken.

I also took the Seine River Cruise in Paris in 2022 and it was truly unforgettable. We sailed from Paris to Normandy and back. If you go to Paris, make sure to bookmark my list of things to do in Paris at night !

When it comes to luxury cruises, Viking Cruises has it down to a science, which is why I can't seem to get enough!

Viking has been in the cruise business for over 25 years, beginning with just four longships to take "curious travelers" on culturally immersive sailings. Today, the company has more than 90 ships, including a dozen ocean ships and two expedition ships.

Why Should I Sail with Viking?

When planning a cruise vacation, this is the first question you want answered. With so many cruise companies vying for your attention, why should you choose to sail with Viking?

Luxury accommodations You can see our stateroom above. Viking Ocean is 100% Veranda Staterooms.

Spectacular Itineraries The itineraries designed by Viking Cruises are for guests who are interested in the history and culture of a destination.

Excellent food The specialty restaurants are fantastic, but I enjoyed all of them. I loved the special themed nights!

Amazing Excursions No one does excursions like Viking.

Passenger to Crew Ratio Nearly 2:1!

It's an easy decision once you know the facts! Visit the Viking website and start exploring.

Where Should You Stay in Venice?

Note that if you are seeing Venice as part of a cruise, it is not close to the cruise port. Viking gave us the option of a transfer, making it so much easier to get to the port than doing it on our own. The cruise port is on Chioggia Island, about an hour and a half south of the city center of Venice.

Viking can give you recommendations for where to stay. We ended up booking Calle de le Carrozze for a couple of nights because we wanted to be in the heart of the city.

Viking will take care of booking your travel, transfers, and even accommodations if you would just rather not worry about it. 

Top Tips for Visiting

Venice is planning to charge a tourist fee soon. It was supposed to begin this month, but is still in discussion. In addition, groups will be limited to 25 people beginning in June. Be sure to visit the Venice website before traveling.

Try to see the most famous sites early or late. Look at the opening time and go then if you can. You will probably avoid the biggest crowds.

Bring an umbrella. It can be rainy in Venice, so pack a travel umbrella. There aren’t a lot of places to just duck in during a shower if you’re out and about.

Be prepared to do a lot of walking. Although you can get around in Venice some with water bus stops or a water taxi, you’ll still need to do a lot of walking to get around quickly. Wear good walking shoes, and make sure you’ve broken them in ahead of time.

Want to experience la dolce vita this summer? Thanks to a new sale, you can now book a trip to Milan, Rome or Venice, Italy, at a steep discount.

Departure cities in this deal include Charlotte, Dallas and Los Angeles. Some routes are as low as $550 round-trip — a fantastic price for a ticket to Europe, even considering that most routes have layovers.

The travel window for this sale primarily involves flights slated for the offseason (i.e., in the fall and winter). It's an underrated time to visit Italy; the weather won't be as hot, and the crowds will be much smaller.

Unless otherwise specified, this deal is for basic economy tickets. A carry-on is included with most airlines. However, checking a bag will cost between $55 and $75 each way, so pack lightly if you can.

Deal basics

Airline : Aer Lingus, Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Lufthansa and United Airlines

Routes : From Charlotte, Dallas and Los Angeles to Milan, Rome and Venice, Italy

How to book : Browse Google Flights, then book directly with the airline

Travel dates : Availability from August 2024 through March 2025

This deal was originally sent out by the deal alert company Going. Sign up for Going to get up to 90% off select flights via its Premium membership , which users can try for free for 14 days and then $69 per year. You can also upgrade to the Elite tier for $199 per year for access to all the Premium deals, plus premium economy, business-class and first-class alerts.

You can also sign up for a free trial through this link .

Sample flights

There is good availability for flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in October and November on American Airlines. Tickets are currently going for $553 round-trip.

There are also some great options at the same price point for early 2025. Here's one example for $555 round-trip.

If you live in Texas, consider flying to Milan in February to get the most bang for your buck. American Airlines has routes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to MXP earmarked at only $550.

American Airlines is also offering the same trip from DFW to MXP in October and November for the same price.

Aer Lingus has some reasonable options for a trip from the West Coast to Rome. You can book round-trip flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) in November for $563.

We'll end on one of the best bargains we found in this sale. You can snag a round-trip ticket on American Airlines from CLT to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in December for only $553.

According to Google Flights , booking this itinerary would save you hundreds of dollars on this route.

Maximize your purchase

Be sure to use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:

• American Express® Gold Card : 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : 3 points per dollar spent on airfare
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : 2 points per dollar spent on travel

Bottom line

Getting to indulge in Italian food is almost as big of a draw as visiting historic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Once you snag your discounted flight, be sure to read TPG's insider guide to eating and drinking your way through your Italian vacation.

Related reading:

• Valuable travel discounts and deals for college students and young adults
• Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories
• When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
• Everyone is going to Sicily — try these 7 underrated places in Italy instead