Stay calm in Venice: 25 essential insights before your journey

Known worldwide yet remarkably unique, Venice presents a puzzling experience: how can you appreciate its beauty without harming it? Can you immerse yourself in local life? What should you know before your visit?

Having resided in Venice since 2020, I still ponder these questions. This delicately balanced city faces significant challenges, where tourism often threatens its essence, leading locals to become more reclusive. Visiting requires a thoughtful blend of enjoyment and preservation, ensuring your spending is mindful while avoiding financial drain.

This also means letting go of certain spontaneous joys that might be easy elsewhere—like casual picnics or lingering in the streets for photos. More significant challenges exist, too; the city is not inherently accessible, making it tough for those with mobility issues.

On the brighter side, the rewards of exploring Venice are immense. Take the time to dive deeper, and you’ll unlock access to a realm few have explored, even in one of the most frequented cities globally. People often inquire about the best ways to experience Venice; alongside my favorite activities, here are my essential tips for visiting.

1. Choose the best route from the airport

There are three options for entering the floating city from the airport. The most luxurious is the water taxi, which transports you directly from the airport’s dock to your hotel (or as close as possible, depending on the canals). However, this comes at a high price—starting around €130.

Alternatively, you can take the Alilaguna ferry, which offers several routes and stops in the city center for just €16, providing similar scenic views. Lastly, there’s the option of a coach or bus to Piazzale Roma, the road entrance to the city, costing €10. From there, you can either walk or take a vaporetto for €9.50.

2. Familiarize yourself with the boats…

You'll be navigating many boats in Venice—here’s how to choose the right one. If you want to arrive by water from the airport, opt for the Alilaguna ferry, a private service with various routes and stops throughout the city. Alilaguna also offers tourist lines to the islands.

Your primary transportation will be through the public transport company ACTV, which operates the vaporetti—the waterbuses that service the area. If you plan to use them frequently, consider purchasing a timed pass instead of paying per ride.

You can also take water taxis—stylish private rides that function like regular taxis, but at around ten times the cost of a car. And for a romantic experience, there are gondolas available. If a gondola isn't quite your style, you can opt for a traghetto—an oversized gondola that serves as public transport for crossing the Grand Canal at designated points, costing only €2 compared to €80 for a gondola (increasing to €90 starting November 2023).

3. …But don’t let the vaporetto map dictate your journey

One common mistake visitors make (and I can relate—I did this when I first arrived) is navigating Venice using the vaporetto map, trying to find the closest stops to their destinations. It’s understandable, given that this city is known for its maze-like layout, but it's not always necessary.

Often, walking is a quicker and more economical option, as the vaporetti can be quite pricey. For example, you can reach most areas of San Polo or the Zattere in about 15 minutes on foot from the station—around half the time it would take via vaporetto—and it takes under 10 minutes to walk from Piazza San Marco to Rialto. People frequently ask, “What’s the best way to experience Venice like a local?” Walking more is the simplest (and least expensive) solution.

4. Slow down and savor the moment

Many people aren’t fond of Venice, and they often share a common trait: a short stay. A quick day trip can leave you feeling overwhelmed by the crowds racing to see the main attractions, the heat, and the countless narrow streets. However, a longer visit reveals a different aspect of the city.

This is true for any destination, but it’s particularly pronounced in Venice due to the heavy tourist traffic and the fact that many visitors come primarily for two highlights: Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. I always recommend spending a week to truly explore the city, perhaps including a day trip further afield. If your schedule is tight, five days will still provide a solid understanding of the city and the islands. In just three days, you can sample the main sights and islands, though you might not fully grasp the essence of Venice or its unique atmosphere.

5. Organize your travels

Venice is unlike any other city, and this applies to its public transport as well. If you’re accustomed to services operating all night, be aware that some vaporetto lines (including those to the hospital) cease operations before 9pm, while others run on a limited schedule. If you’re dining out and plan to take the vaporetto back, ensure you check the times to avoid a lengthy wait. Download the CheBateo? app for schedules and journey planning, so you’ll know whether to hurry or enjoy another drink.

6. Avoid driving to Venice

As you probably know, Venice has no cars. However, there is a well-known parking area at Piazzale Roma, located on the outskirts of Santa Croce, which serves as the city's road terminus. Don't waste your time trying to reach it—it’s often full, and during busy times, you could spend over an hour navigating the one-way streets just to turn back. If you absolutely need to park close to the city center, divert right to Tronchetto before reaching Piazzale Roma, where a large car park is available.

An even better option is to park near the train station in Mestre on the mainland, then take a quick 10-minute train ride to Venice. Alternatively, you can drop off your rental car at Marco Polo Airport and catch the Alilaguna ferry into the city. No matter where you park, make sure not to leave any valuables in your car, and definitely avoid leaving anything visible inside.

7. Monitor the tide levels

Prior to 2020, having a tide level app on your phone was a must-have for anyone in Venice. However, with the introduction of the MOSE flood barriers during the pandemic, regular flooding has become highly unlikely. Still, some areas—like St Mark’s Square and the vicinity of the Rialto market—are below the barrier levels and can still experience flooding during exceptionally high tides.

This isn’t usually a major issue; the water typically recedes in under an hour, and for tourists, it’s often more picturesque than bothersome. If you want to check the tide levels before visiting those areas, download the High Tide Venice app. If you're traveling in January or February, low tides may be a more significant concern—those images of muddy canals at the beginning of the year are common, but again, it’s mostly an inconvenience for photos rather than a serious problem.

8. Don’t forget your swimsuit

Is it summer? Your idyllic trip to this floating city might feel more like a sauna. From around June to September, Venice can be hot, sticky, and humid—especially with throngs of tourists. Bring a bathing suit, and when the heat becomes unbearable, hop on a vaporetto to the Lido, where you’ll discover endless stretches of soft, clean, sandy beach. You can pay for a sun lounger at a beach club or enjoy the free public beach at the northern end.

9. Exploring accessible Venice

For obvious reasons, Venice isn’t the easiest city to navigate, but don’t rule it out if you have mobility challenges. The bridges along the Riva degli Schiavoni—the main waterfront extending from Piazza San Marco—feature ramps, as do the Zattere waterfront, which offers stunning views.

You can access many, if not most, of the key attractions via a vaporetto. Wheelchair users pay the same fare as locals—just €1.50—with their companion riding for free. The city authorities provide a list of recommended routes for wheelchair users. This isn’t to say it’s easy—it’s not. But the experience is worth it.

10. Dress appropriately

You’re on holiday, just like 90% of those around you, so we won’t suggest you try to blend in as a local. Do you need to dress up in Venice? Not really—most Venetians dress casually unless dining at a fancy restaurant. However, there are some practical clothing guidelines to keep in mind.

Avoid wearing flip-flops—you’ll be doing a lot of walking in this city, and the cobblestones can be tough on your feet and can get slippery. If you plan to visit churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered, so keep a wrap or shirt handy. Swimming attire is a no-go in the city; fines can be imposed for wearing it. And the most essential item to bring? Insect repellent.

11. Stay right while walking

This is straightforward. Although Venice is a pedestrian-friendly city, it experiences more foot traffic than most places do with cars, so there are some unwritten rules. Walk on the right, pass on the left, avoid stopping in the middle of narrow streets, and absolutely—never—sit on the pavement (you can face fines for this—see below). Treat these paths like real roads, and you’ll navigate just fine.

12. Avoid getting fined

What’s Venice really like? To begin with, it’s not a theme park, despite what many tourists may believe. Like other major Italian cities, Venice has fines for inappropriate behavior—but here, actions that might be acceptable elsewhere can lead to hefty penalties. For instance, swimming in the canals or having an impromptu picnic on the pavement could result in fines in the triple digits; even walking in swimwear, feeding birds, or merely pushing a bicycle can incur penalties.

Check the list of prohibited behaviors on the city council’s website and keep in mind that some rules may seem trivial or petty. However, this delicately balanced city can host up to 250,000 visitors a day, and if everyone decided to picnic, the consequences would be significant. Don’t contribute to the problem.

13. Ensure it’s truly an 'artisan' product

If you’re looking to buy something locally crafted to take home, you might find yourself surrounded by shops filled with beautiful masks, stationery, and items that resemble Murano glass—so how can you tell what’s authentic? The first hint is the price; if it’s on the lower end compared to what you’ve seen, it’s likely mass-produced.

The second clue lies in the surrounding shops—true artisans typically focus on a single craft. This could be a specific material (like a leather worker selling bags and notebooks) or a particular item (such as masks), ensuring consistency throughout their offerings. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask; artisans usually run their own stores, which often double as their workshops. Most will be more than happy to share insights about their craft and show you where the magic occurs.

14. Reserve your spots early

The Palazzo Ducale. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection. That restaurant favored by George Clooney. If you’re visiting the main attractions, keep in mind that potentially hundreds of thousands of others will be there too—on the same day. To avoid wasting hours of your vacation waiting in line for tickets or hoping for a last-minute table, make sure to book in advance.

15. Keep your meals affordable

Venice is famously pricey, so it’s great to know that you can enjoy affordable bar snacks known as cicchetti. These quick bites are ideal for gondoliers and workers on the go but are diverse enough to create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Pair them with an ombra (more on that below) and don’t forget a reusable water bottle to refill at the city's many drinking fountains. See? You have no excuse for an illegal picnic that could get you fined.

16. Opt for an ombra, not a spritz

While everyone orders a spritz (typically an Aperol spritz) when visiting Venice, the true local favorite is an ombra: a small glass of wine that perfectly complements cicchetti. It’s named for the Italian word for “shadow” because wine sellers historically stood in the shade beneath the Campanile (belltower) in Piazza San Marco. An ombra is far cheaper than a spritz—if you're lucky, you might find them for just €1-3. If you really want a spritz, go for one made with locally-produced Select instead of Aperol.

17. Food etiquette

As with all of Italy, Venice has strict culinary customs. First, there are the national rules: no cappuccino after 11am, especially not after a meal; anticipate your “side” dish arriving after your main; and never put cheese on fish pasta. Additionally, in Venice, this isn’t traditionally a pizza or pasta destination—polenta serves as a more classic staple, followed closely by rice.

While pasta is widely available everywhere, opting for traditional dishes will yield the best experience. There's also some truth to the saying that you shouldn't order pizza in Venice. While they may not compete with those from Naples or Rome, you can still find decent pizzerias today, such as Oke on the Zattere and the two Muro outlets in San Polo.

18. Enjoy your drink at the bar

This is a general Italian practice, but it holds particularly true in Venice: enjoy your coffee or croissant at the bar to sidestep the extra seating charge. If you're comfortable standing, you can sip a drink at renowned Piazza San Marco cafes like Florian or Quadri for just a few euros, while those seated outside might find themselves shelling out double that, especially if an orchestra is serenading the square.

19. Be cautious on the vaporetto

The vaporetto comes with its own set of unwritten rules, which many tourists often overlook, much to the annoyance of locals. To stay in their good graces, remember to let passengers disembark before you board. Once on, store your luggage properly—on larger ferries like numbers 1 and 2, place it at the front behind the captain, while on smaller vessels, keep it at the bottom of the stairs to the seating area. Also, be aware that if you sit in this area, you may need to move for those with bags. Finally, keep an eye out for pickpockets, as they are becoming more prevalent on board and at the stops.

20. Honor the priority lines for locals

At various vaporetto stops, including Piazzale Roma, Ferrovia (the train station), and Rialto, there are distinct turnstiles marked in pink as “priorità” (priority) and “Venezia Unica” for residents. Your ticket will not work at these gates, so don’t bother trying. Once on the platform, avoid sneaking over to the residents' side; most major stops have staff present or chains blocking access. Getting too close to the water can be risky and disrespectful to those who live here and face the crowds every day. Allow residents to board the boat first.

21. Wear gloves at the supermarket

This guideline applies throughout Italy, not just in Venice. When you're in the produce section of a supermarket, remember to don one of the disposable gloves available before handling any fruits. Also, don't forget to weigh your items yourself—each piece has a number to input on the scales.

22. Shop at local markets

What could be better than selecting your own fruits and vegetables at the supermarket? Visiting a fruttivendolo—a local greengrocer. These shops offer not just the usual bananas and potatoes, but a variety of locally sourced produce, much of it from Sant’Erasmo island in the lagoon, with some unique finds you might not recognize. Plus, you're supporting a local business. One such shop is located on a boat at Campo San Barnaba, and another can be found at the end of Via Garibaldi, perfect for a colorful photo opportunity.

23. Seek first aid before heading to the hospital

Twisted your ankle while rushing across a bridge? Feeling lightheaded amid all the art? Venice has a hospital conveniently located at the vaporetto stop called Ospedale, but you don't need to visit the ER for assistance. There are two first aid centers (“Punto di Primo Intervento”), one in Piazza San Marco and another at Piazzale Roma. Staffed by doctors, they can assess whether you need hospital care or handle your issue on the spot, saving you the wait. In emergencies, call 118.

24. Keep a tight grip on your belongings

Venice is generally safe compared to other tourist destinations, but reports of incidents have increased in recent years. Be cautious of pickpockets around major attractions, especially along the busy route between the train station, Rialto, and Piazza San Marco, as well as on the vaporetto pontoons (particularly at the station) and onboard. If you're parking to explore the city, avoid leaving valuables in your car.

Steer clear of anyone trying to engage you in a game—especially those inviting you to bet on dubious box games on the major bridges or offering 'free' items. And watch out for the biggest thieves of all: seagulls, which can swoop down and snatch unsealed food right from your hands. Stay vigilant, especially when dining outdoors.

25. Be aware of tourist pricing

In Venice, 'tourist prices' are very real—often, locals speaking the dialect pay less for their coffee or avoid seating fees altogether. Think of it as a locals’ discount on the standard rates rather than inflated prices just for tourists.

However, it’s crucial to avoid being overcharged. Always check the menu before placing your order, inquire about daily specials, and be cautious of items priced by weight, like fish. These often display an attractive price per 100g (“all’etto”) on the menu, but if it seems too good to be true, it likely is.

When at a bar or café, request to see the menu with prices for seated service instead of those at the bar. Remember, while horror stories about overcharging may circulate, they are quite rare. If you suspect an issue with your bill, question the staff—if necessary, ask them to contact the carabinieri (police) or do it yourself by dialing 112.