35 Travel tips for Venice: How to see Venice like a local

Venice, often regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re looking for Venice travel tips for couples or wondering how to visit Venice without breaking the bank, this city offers an irresistible charm for everyone.

It’s easy to get bogged down with planning your Venice travel. You shouldn’t have to stress about the small things and often it’s the small things that can make or break your holiday. I usually find that once things start to go wrong there is a snowball effect and it all goes downhill from that point and that is never part of the plan!

This article is part of my broader Italy Travel Guide, where I cover cities, regions, food, and how to plan a trip without overthinking it.

My top travel tips for Venice, Italy

Venice is one of those picture-perfect cities. Around every corner is something worth stopping to admire and enjoy. Part of the charm is that there are no cars to worry about. You have to either walk or use one of the many water-borne options on the canals to get to your destination. It’s what makes Venice unique and a wonderfully romantic spot to spend a couple of days.

1. Is Venice always packed with people?

There are times of the year when the city is extremely busy, but this is really just the area around Rialto and San Marco and always in summer. The last time we were there was December and it was a pleasure. Autumn and spring are also not anywhere near as busy. Naturally, weekends are also busier than during the week.

PRO TIP: The city of Venice has launched a tool that predicts how busy the city will be on a specific date. While it doesn’t give specific numbers if I enter 9 May, for example, it says” Venice can get very crowded”

2. You can see Venice in one day

While Venice is not very big it is not really possible to see it all, but you can see some of the highlights around San Marco and Rialto and have an action-packed day.

 3. Remember to pack a travel adaptor

The easiest way to avoid having to carry a variety of plugs with you when you travel is to buy a Universal adaptor that will get you out of trouble almost everywhere.  I have 2 and would be lost without them as I always have loads of tech with me that always needs to be charged.

4. Don’t assume that you can jump in a taxi

By now you will have worked out that Venice has no cars allowed in the city. Many of the hotels have no direct access to the water either, so a water taxi is not going to be able to get you to the door. The other issue is that there are only specific places where the taxis are allowed to stop to pick up passengers.

5. Vaporettos

These are the large water buses which use the Grand Canal and the larger waterways around the city. They do not go into the smaller canals. You need to buy a ticket before you use the Vaporetto which you can do at many newspaper shops or at the ticket machines at the bigger stops. Think about what you need. If, for example, you plan to walk for most of the day then there is really no need for a day ticket and a single journey ticket will suffice.

If you can’t find a ticket machine you can buy one on board, but it will cost you 1 euro more. It is very important that you tell the staff immediately that you need a ticket or else you may well be in for a heavy fine.

You must validate your ticket before you get onto the boat, even if you have a ticket that is valid for a couple of days. Be sure you know what your closest Vaporetto stop is to your hotel so that you can work out which line you need to take or ask your hotel for specific information as your journey may involve a change along the way.

I found it easier to buy a water bus and a mainland bus pass. You can choose from a range of tickets that begin with either 75 minutes, 2-day tickets or longer.

6. Visit the other parts of the city

If time allows set off to visit the Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Dorsoduro districts of the city. Not only will you be where the locals live you won’t see many tourists either and soon you will feel like you have the city to yourself.

7. Venice addresses are different

If you have an address for example San Marco 671 the first mistake is don’t think that the house numbers are sequential. This means that 671 is the door number in the district of San Marco.

The numbers are all somewhat random so it is important to have specific detailed directions when you are looking for your hotel. Once you find the right area you can look for the name or the door number of where you are staying. I recommend the use of a smartphone and Google Maps. It made our life much simpler when we arrived at night, in the fog.

8. Get up early

If you want St Mark’s Square all to yourself then get up early or go late at night. You will be amazed at how different it looks and it’s almost deserted. In addition, if you want to visit the basilica queues here can be an hour’s wait or more. It is essential to buy skip-the-line tickets to save yourself hours in the day, especially if you are planning to visit more than one of the main attractions.

9. Book your accommodation as early as possible

If you are planning to visit during peak season it is advisable to book well in advance. Accommodation gets filled up quite quickly and the last thing you want to do is to have an air ticket and no accommodation. If you leave it to the last minute you will pay a premium or you could end up staying an hour away from the city which makes no sense

10. Venice Airports

There are 2 airports that serve the city. Marco Polo (VCE) and Treviso (TSF) which is mostly used by budget airlines. Treviso is about 28 km away while Marco Polo is much closer at around 12 km and much easier to get to the city.

11. How to travel to Venice from the airport

• Marco Polo Airport Water Taxi Transfer
• Marco Polo Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Venice City Center
• Marco Polo Airport to/from Mestre Train Station: Express Bus
• Marco Polo Airport Private Water Taxi Transfer to/from Venice
• Marco Polo airport Venice Transfer-Shared Water Taxi
• Treviso Airport to Mestre and Venice by Express Bus

Shuttle buses, taxis, and private transfers by car will drop you off at Piazzale Roma. From there, you can either walk or use Venice’s water buses (Vaporetto) to travel to the Vaporetto stop that is nearest to your accommodation.

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

12. Allow more time than you would think to get to the airport

Plan carefully how long it will take you to get back to the airport. Remember to build in some extra time. There are a couple of good reasons for this Venice tip which I have listed below.

• You may have to walk to the nearest mooring station, Vaporetto stop or even to Piazzale Roma or the Venezia Santa Lucia train station.
• Unless you are totally confident about where you are going you may find yourself turned around on one of the many tiny roads that are all over Venice and get lost. Even if it is a brief experience it still can add unnecessary stress to your trip to the airport.
• if you take the water taxi to Venice Marco Polo Airport, don’t forget that there is about a 10-minute from the docks to the terminal.

13. Get off at the right train station

There are two train stations both with the name Venezia. Both of them are on the same train line so it can be a bit confusing where you need to go to. It is really easy for first-time visitors to Venice to get confused and get off the train at Venezia Mestre when, in fact, they need to stay on the train to Venezia Santa Lucia.

Venezia Santa Lucia train station – if you want to visit the historic centre of Venice. This is the train station you need to travel to. Depending on where you are staying you may have to cross the incredibly long bridge of Ponte della Liberta’.

Venezia Mestre train station – The Mestre is the mainland administrative borough of Venice.

14. Don’t go home without a Gondola ride

A gondola ride along the canals is naturally appealing but be warned that it comes with a heavy price tag. The official rate is around  €85  for around 25-30 minutes, but after 19h00 the price goes up to  €125. Also, don’t expect to be serenaded as this comes at an additional cost. You can book a variety of tours here. A good option is to book a combined walking tour and a gondola ride for around £ 38 or € 44. It is a great way to see the main sights as well.

PRO TIP: For a more affordable option book a tour as part of a small group which lasts for 30 minutes and costs approx £25 or €30.

15. Pack light

Given the difficulty in getting to your accommodation and the lack of transport to the door, one of the best travel tips for Venice, Italy that I can give you is to pack light.

16. Dress Code

Remember that you need to cover up when you enter a church. Generally, you need to have your shoulders and knees covered. I always carry a large scarf that I can throw over my shoulders if I need to. It has saved me not only in Italy but in India as well. The last thing you want to happen is to be turned away at the door, especially if you have been standing in a queue for ages.

17. Stand at the bar counter

In Venice, standing is better than sitting! You will probably be surprised to see people standing at the counter chatting and having a quick espresso.  That’s because it saves money and the coffee is cheaper. If you want to sit at a table and chat be prepared to pay a premium for your caffeine fix.

18. Sometimes you need to bite the bullet

I love Café Florian on St. Mark’s Square. Having a coffee or a hot chocolate there is probably going to be one of the most expensive you have ever had, but the interior is beautiful and the décor reminds you of the history of the city. So, if you want to see why Goethe and Byron frequented the café then you will just have to pay the price after all how many times are you going to visit Venice? You will, of course, find much cheaper and often better quality food and drinks a few roads back from the main tourist areas.

19. Free wifi in Venice

Many restaurants and cafes will have free WiFi available for their guests to use. Sometimes it will be printed on a menu, but you will have to ask more often than not. Many of them don’t advertise the fact that they have WiFi.

20. Getting lost – trust me this will happen!

I have no doubt that at some stage during your visit you will get lost. Take the time to enjoy the experience. You will be surprised by what you find when you wander off the main roads. If you find a bar, restaurant or shop that you like, don’t make the mistake of thinking ‘I’ll come back later”. After you have spent a day wandering through the little lanes each one you come to seems to look much the same as where you have already been. If you take good notes or use GPS to mark it, then you will possibly be able to find it again.

Also, be sure that the map you are using is detailed as many of the end of the small road at a canal and you will be doubling back often.

21. Use water fountains

Save money and be kind to the environment as well by using a refillable water bottle. There are fountains all over the city where the water is marked as safe for drinking purposes.

22. Venetian Masks and other souvenirs

I fell in love with the masks in Venice. Many of them were ornate and beautifully detailed. It seems like every second shop has masks, but not all of them are genuine items. If you want to take a mask home as a souvenir check that it doesn’t have a label that says made in China.

Have you seen the movie Eyes Wide Shut? The masks worn by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman came from Il Canovaccio, one of the oldest studios around. If you want to try your hand at making your own mask many workshops offer classes.

23. Avoid eating pizza

Think carefully before ordering a pizza. Pizza is originally from Naples and is popular all over Italy. While it is often delicious eating it in Venice was a mistake and it was the worst meal on our entire trip. The restaurant looked trendy and had a great vibe but the pizza was awful. I found out later that restaurants in Venice are not allowed to have stone ovens because of the fire hazard so pizza is baked in an electric oven.

I also found out afterwards that the pizzas served in Venice are not freshly made and arrive frozen and are mass-produced so steer clear.

24. Try the local food

The food in Venice is heavenly. Much of it favours seafood caught in the surrounding waters. One of my favourite dishes is black squid ink pasta. Not only does it look startling when it arrives at your table it also has a wonderful salty taste. It may sound odd, but it is delicious. I hope that you try it and I know that this pic looks really weird!

I always love going on a food tour. I find that it is a good way to get to learn about local food, traditions and culture.

Book a street food tour and taste the typical snacks that are unique to Venice.

25. Find restaurants away from the tourist areas

Another one of my top travel tips for Venice, Italy is to choose a restaurant a couple of streets back from the main tourist attractions. The food is often better and it is far less expensive.

26. Do not eat in St. Marks Square

I know that it is tempting and I have recommended Caffe Florian, but you are paying a premium for the location. You are also surrounded by masses of people and I think that you can have a much better experience elsewhere.

27. Visit a local market

For an idea of what’s on offer, head to Rialto Fish Market early in the day to see the freshest catch. The market is just across the Rialto Bridge so it is easy to find. There is also a fruit and veg market with the most beautiful fresh produce to buy.

Other markets that may interest you

• Campo San Barnaba –  In Dorsoduro, close to Campo San Barnaba, at the base of Ponte dei Pugni, you’ll find a boat that, for years, has been selling fresh produce.
• Calle Longhi –This is a farmer’s market that happens every Monday on Calle Longhi in Santa Marta.
• Mercatino di San Giobbe – a flea market.
• Mestre market –In the centre of Mestre, in and around Piazza Barche, there’s a huge market held every Wednesday and Friday. 

28. Skip-the-line tickets are essential

Important to take note when it comes to Venice travel tips is to book your sightseeing in advance. You may think that it is not necessary, but I can’t stress how important it is to buy your tickets in advance. The queues are incredibly long and you can waste hours of your valuable holiday waiting to see an attraction.

29. Be aware of the charge for public toilets

There are not that many public toilets in the city. The cost to use them is €1,50. Many of the museums have free unisex toilets.

30. Venice can flood

Yes, would you believe that it floods in Venice? It doesn’t happen often, so you don’t need to panic but it can be bad for a couple of hours on a few days per year. Not all of the city floods but if the worst comes to the worst you can always pick up a pair of wellies.

31. Leave the heels at home

Another of my top tips for visiting Venice is to wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking around the city for most of the day and you don’t want to end up with sore feet. The streets of Venice are pretty uneven,

32. Treat yourself to some gelato

I am always tempted by good artisanal gelato. In fact, I love it so much that I was invited to the Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna on a day course to learn to make gelato. With gelato being advertised wherever you look, how can you know what is good? I’ve done the hard work for you and these are some of the best places for delicious gelato in Venice.

• Gelateria il Doge – across the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco in the neighbourhood of Campo San Toma – Dorsoduro 3058/A, Rio Terà Canal, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
• Venchi – 19th-century chocolate shop that serves gelato – Calle dei Fabbri, 989Venice, 30124
• Gelatoteca Suso – ( my favourite) – a 2-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge – Sotoportego de la Bissa, 5453, 30124 

33. Public toilet fees and availability

One of the best tips for Venice I can give you is that finding a public toilet in Venice is quite difficult. They are few and far between and they are expensive to use. You can expect to pay €1.50 unless you have the Venice Connected Pass. In some museums and galleries, the toilets are free. These are often unisex facilities. It is a good idea to have change available for toilets, which often have turnstiles at the entrances.

34. Important Venice travel tips – Entrance fee for visitors

Venice visitors guide – While this is not in place at the moment it has been announced that with effect on January 16, 2023 visitors charged an entrance fee to visit Venice. The city will select 30 dates, starting in spring 2024, to apply the fee. These have not yet been announced but will coincide with peak tourism periods.

The entrance fee will be applied to visitors coming to Venice for the day and will only affect Venice’s historic city centre (excluding nearby islands like Murano).

How this will be implemented is not clear at present. This charge of  €5  will be levied in an attempt to avoid overcrowding.

35. Don’t swim in the canals

As tempting as it may seem do NOT swim in the canals. It is not allowed for a number of reasons, There are so many boats that it is not safe at any time of the day or night. It is also polluted so you don’t want it on your skin or swallowing a mouthful of water. There is also a heavy fine if you are caught, If you do want to swim then head to one of the many beaches in the area.

Venice also has an extremely delicate ecosystem in the canals. Avoid littering, don’t waste water and try to support any eco-friendly initiatives during your stay.

Bonus tips for Venice: Where to Get the Best Views in Venice

• St. Mark’s Campanile: Climb to the top of this bell tower in St. Mark’s Square for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, including the Grand Canal, the lagoon, and the rooftops of Venice.
• Rialto Bridge: The Rialto Bridge offers fantastic views of the Grand Canal. You can take in the bustling activity of gondolas and boats passing through this iconic waterway.
• San Giorgio Maggiore: Visit the church of San Giorgio Maggiore and take an elevator ride up the bell tower for a stunning view of Venice’s skyline and St. Mark’s Square across the water.
• Venice Lagoon: Take a vaporetto (water bus) ride to explore the Venice Lagoon. You’ll get a unique perspective of the city from the water and can enjoy beautiful views of the historic buildings along the canals.
• Fondaco dei Tedeschi: Head to the rooftop terrace of this historic building near the Rialto Bridge for a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canal and the surrounding area.
• Punta della Dogana: This point offers a lovely view of where the Grand Canal meets the Giudecca Canal. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset and see the boats passing by.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Besides housing an impressive art collection, the museum’s terrace provides a scenic view of the Grand Canal and the Santa Maria della Salute church.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice, Italy, to avoid crowds is during the spring and fall months. The weather is mild, making it ideal for strolling along the canals without navigating through heavy tourist crowds. However, if you want to see the city without crowds then winter is good but cold.

More Venice Travel Guides to Help You Plan Your Trip

• Guide: The best way to spend a day in Venice, Italy
• Itinerary: How to spend 3 days in Venice, Italy
• Area Guide: Where to stay in Venice

What are the best things to do in Venice for first-time visitors?

For first-timers, don’t miss the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, a gondola ride through the canals, and a visit to the Rialto Market. There are plenty of must-see attractions in Venice for a weekend trip, perfect for a short yet memorable stay.

Is Venice expensive to visit?

While Venice has a reputation for being expensive, there are many ways to save. Follow my Venice travel tips for affordable food options, cheap transport, and free sights.

How to avoid tourist traps in Venice?

To avoid tourist traps in Venice, skip the overpriced restaurants near St. Mark’s Square and explore more authentic dining experiences in local neighborhoods.

Can you explore Venice on foot?

Absolutely! Venice is best explored on foot, allowing you to stumble upon charming canals and hidden gems. Check out my guide on how to explore Venice in one day as a first-time visitor for more tips.

These are a couple of simple tips for your Venice trip. I hope you will find them helpful. When you have been to a city a couple of times, many of these tips for Venice become second nature, but some things can come as a surprise the first time. Armed with these tips, you will be prepared and be able to enjoy the city as much as I do.

More Italy Travel Guides

• Rome: How to Decide Where to Stay in Rome
• Rome: The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Rome: 15 Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Miss!
• Rome: Unforgettable Experiences: What to do in Rome for First Timers
• Florence: Where to stay in Florence – Area Guide
• Florence: From Art to Cuisine: Your Ultimate guide to things to do in Florence
• Milan: 18 Interesting things to do in Milan – 2024 Update
• Sorrento: 23 Epic things to do in Sorrento, Italy
• Positano: Discover the Magic: 18 of the Best Things to Do in Positano
• More on Italy

STILL U VENICE

Loved these Venice Travel Tips? Share it with your friends or save it for your next trip!