Travel Tips: Venice, Italy

Venice: A City of Dreams, Navigated with Expert Ease. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine canals, serenaded by gondoliers and surrounded by timeless beauty. Venice is a place where romance and wonder intertwine. Let my travel tips guide you through this enchanting city, ensuring you experience its magic to the fullest. 

Want a truly seamless and unforgettable Venetian adventure? Let me craft a personalised itinerary, tailored to your desires, and unlock the hidden gems of this floating city.
 

Visiting Venice is a unique experience, and with a little planning, you can avoid common pitfalls and truly enjoy the city's magic. Here are some top travel tips:

Embrace the Vaporetto (Water Bus)

• Buy a Travel Pass: If you plan on moving around a lot, a multi-day vaporetto pass is much more cost-effective than single tickets.
• Learn the Routes: Familiarise yourself with the vaporetto lines and stops. They're your main mode of transport.
• Avoid Rush Hour: Like any public transport, vaporetti can get crowded, especially during peak hours.
• Due to the narrow streets and lack of roads, cars and other vehicles do not operate within Venice's central areas. Keep this in mind when considering your public transport options.

Get Lost (But Not Too Lost)

• Wander the Calli: Venice's narrow streets (calli) are part of its charm. Allow yourself to get lost and discover hidden squares and shops.
• Use a Map (or Offline Map App): While getting lost is fun, it's good to have a sense of direction. An offline map app is invaluable.
• Look for Yellow Signs: Yellow signs point you towards major landmarks like Rialto and San Marco.

Plan for Crowds

• Visit Off-Season: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to avoid the peak summer crowds.
• Explore Early or Late: Visit popular attractions like St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Book in Advance: Book tickets for major attractions and tours online to skip the lines.

Indulge in Venetian Cuisine

• Cicchetti Time: Enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a bacaro (traditional wine bar).
• Try Seafood: Venice is famous for its fresh seafood. Don't miss dishes like sarde in saor (sardines marinated in onions and vinegar).
• Avoid Tourist Traps: Look for restaurants frequented by locals, away from the main tourist areas.
• Birth Place of the Bellini: If you want to visit the bar that created the Bellini, take a visit to Harry's Bar. Located a short walk from Piazza San Marco.

Be Prepared for High Prices

• Set a Budget: Venice can be expensive. Set a budget and stick to it.
• Drink Tap Water: Tap water in Venice is safe to drink, so bring a refillable water bottle.
• Consider Accommodation Outside the City Centre: Staying on the mainland (Mestre) can be more budget-friendly.

Respect the City

• No Picnics on Bridges: Eating and drinking on bridges is prohibited.
• Keep Noise Levels Down: Venice is a residential city. Be respectful of the residents.
• Don't Feed the Pigeons: Feeding the pigeons in St. Mark's Square is prohibited.
• Be aware of high tides: Aqua alta can happen, so pack appropriate footware. We experienced a small flood (acqua alta) in Piazza San Marco during our stay. Please be prepared and take necessary precautions if you encounter this.

Enjoy the Unique Atmosphere

• Take a Gondola Ride: While it's touristy and expensive, a gondola ride is a quintessential Venetian experience. Yes, it's touristy, and yes, it's pricey, but we loved our gondola ride. Seeing Venice from the canals is truly a unique experience, and I'd recommend it if you can swing it.
• Visit the Islands: Take a day trip to the colourful islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. We absolutely loved our trip to Burano and Murano! If you have the time and budget, I can't recommend them enough. They're so easy to reach from Venice, and you can easily visit both in one day.
• Attend a Concert: Enjoy a classical music concert in one of Venice's historic churches.

Be aware of Pickpockets: Remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Airport Transport

• Water Taxi
• Alilaguna Water Bus
• Bus (ATVO or ACTV) - We opted for this cost-effective method due to our late evening arrival. While it served us well, be aware that it drops you off at the city's edge, requiring a walk to the central areas. Consider this, especially if you have heavy luggage.
• Private Land and Water Transfers

Key Considerations for Airport Transport

• Budget: Prices vary significantly between options.
• Luggage: Consider the amount of luggage you have, as navigating with heavy bags can be challenging.
• Location of your accommodation: Some hotels are more easily accessible by water taxi, while others are closer to vaporetto stops.
• Time of day: Water taxi and vaporetto services may be less frequent at night.

Last Updated: 12 March '25