Katie and Pierce
Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world, but it can also be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Built on water with no cars in sight, this floating city in northern Italy has its own set of rules and quirks that can make or break your trip.
Whether you’re dreaming of gondola rides or just want to avoid the biggest tourist traps, these essential things to know before traveling to Venice will help you navigate this incredible city like a pro.
1. You Can Visit Venice All Year Long
Good news for Venice travelers: there’s never a bad time to visit this Italian gem! Each season brings something different to the table. Spring and fall are perfect for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer gets hot and packed with tourists, but you’ll have long days and warm evenings. Winter can be foggy and chilly, but you’ll practically have the city to yourself.
The sweet spot? October through November and January through May. During these months, you’ll skip the worst crowds while still enjoying decent weather. Plus, flights and hotels cost less during these times, so your wallet will thank you too. This timing tip is one of the most important things to know before traveling to Venice.
2. Pick the Right Route from the Airport
Understanding your transportation options is crucial when traveling to Venice. You’ve got three main ways to get from the airport to Venice, and your choice depends on your budget and how much style you want.
The fanciest option is a water taxi, which takes you straight to your hotel by boat. It’s like arriving in a movie, but it’ll cost you €130 or more. The middle ground is the Alilaguna ferry at €16, which gives you the same water views for way less money. The cheapest route is taking a bus to Piazzale Roma for €10, then walking or hopping on a water bus from there.
Each option works fine, so pick based on what matters most: your budget or your Instagram feed.
3. Skip the Crazy Expensive Gondola Ride
Yes, gondola rides are the classic Venice experience. But at €80 to €100 for 30 minutes, they’re also budget killers. Before you shell out that cash, consider your alternatives.
Traghetti are basically large gondolas used for public transport. They ferry people across the Grand Canal for just €2, and you’ll get a similar experience without the romantic soundtrack. For something more unique, try Row Venice tours where you learn to row traditional boats yourself. You’ll pay less, learn something new, and support local businesses that aren’t just catering to tourists.
4. Visit Other Islands in the Venetian Lagoon
Venice itself can feel like a tourist zoo, especially during peak season. The secret to a better experience? Get out of the main city and visit the nearby islands.
Murano is famous for its glass-making workshops, where you can watch artisans create beautiful pieces by hand. Burano looks like a rainbow village with its brightly colored houses and is known for intricate lace work. These islands have way fewer crowds than Venice proper, and you’ll get a more authentic feel for local life. Plus, the boat ride there gives you great views of the lagoon.
5. Pack Appropriately
Venice isn’t your typical city, so regular travel packing won’t cut it. Skip the flip-flops entirely because you’ll be doing tons of walking on stone streets and climbing up and down bridge steps. Your feet will hate you by day two.
Pack waterproof shoes since it rains often and some areas can flood during high tide. If you plan to visit churches (and you should), bring something to cover your shoulders and knees. Many churches won’t let you in otherwise. Don’t forget insect repellent either because the canals can breed mosquitoes, especially in summer.
6. Know Which Neighbourhood to Stay In
Venice is split into six neighborhoods, each with its own personality. For first-time visitors, staying in the historic center is your best bet. You can walk to all the major sights and won’t waste time on transportation.
San Marco is right in the heart of things but expect to pay premium prices and deal with crowds. Dorsoduro is artsy and slightly quieter. Cannaregio gives you a more local feel while still being central. Santa Croce and San Polo are good middle-ground options. Castello is the largest area and can be quieter depending on where you stay.
Think about what matters most to you: being steps from St. Mark’s Square or having a peaceful night’s sleep away from the party crowds.
7. Walk Instead of Taking Water Buses
Here’s something many tourists don’t realize: walking is often faster than taking the water buses (called vaporetti). These boats make lots of stops and can get crowded, especially during busy times.
Venice is actually pretty small, and most places are within 15-20 minutes of each other on foot. Plus, when you walk, you’ll stumble upon hidden squares, local shops, and beautiful views that you’d miss from a boat. The narrow streets and bridges are part of the Venice experience, so embrace the adventure. Your legs might get tired, but your photos will be amazing.
8. Manage Crowds Strategically
Venice gets absolutely packed with tourists, especially at St. Mark’s Square. We’re talking shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that can make you feel claustrophobic. But there’s a simple trick that every Venice traveler should know: get up early.
The city is magical in the early morning hours before the tour groups arrive. You can actually take photos without strangers in the background and hear your own thoughts. Most tourists don’t roll out of bed until 9 or 10 AM, so if you’re out by 7 or 8 AM, you’ll have a completely different experience. The afternoon crowds can be intense, so plan your must-see sights for the morning. This crowd management strategy is one of the best things to know before traveling to Venice.
9. Know Your Boats and Schedules
Venice has several types of boats, and knowing the difference will save you time and confusion. Alilaguna ferries run from the airport and have tourist routes to the islands. ACTV vaporetti are the public water buses that locals use to get around the city. Water taxis are private and expensive but will take you anywhere. Gondolas are for sightseeing, not transportation.
Pay attention to which direction boats are going because it’s easy to hop on one going the wrong way. Some lines also stop running early in the evening, so check schedules if you’re planning late dinners. Download the CheBateo app to help with route planning and timing.
10. Book Sightseeing and Transport Passes in Advance
Venice isn’t cheap, but you can save money by planning ahead. Many attractions and transport passes cost less when you buy them online 30 days before your visit. For example, the Doge’s Palace museum pass costs €25 online versus €30 at the door.
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums or use water buses frequently, multi-day passes can save you significant cash. The Museum Pass Plus gives you access to 10 museums and has a 180-day validity period, so you’re not rushed to see everything in one trip. These passes also include access to 16 churches around the city.
11. Seek Authentic Experiences
Venice has plenty of tourist traps serving mediocre food at high prices. To find the real deal, look for restaurants with “osteria” or “trattoria” in the name. These typically serve traditional Venetian dishes made with local ingredients.
Real Venetian food focuses on seafood and uses polenta or rice instead of pasta. Try dishes like bigoli in salsa, baccalà mantecato, or fegato alla veneziana. Avoid places with generic Italian menus featuring pizza and spaghetti carbonara. Instead, venture into residential neighborhoods where locals actually live and eat. The food will be better and cheaper than anything near St. Mark’s Square, and you’ll get a taste of authentic Italy beyond the tourist zones.
12. Take Your Time
Venice isn’t a city you can rush through in a day. Many people visit on cruise ship stops or quick day trips and leave feeling overwhelmed and disappointed. The magic of Venice reveals itself slowly, so give yourself at least 3-5 days to really experience it. This is perhaps the most valuable advice for anyone planning their Italy travel itinerary.
A week is even better because it lets you slow down and live like a local. You can visit the islands, find your favorite local restaurants, and see the city at different times of day. Venice changes personality from morning to night, and each neighborhood has its own character. The longer you stay, the more you’ll understand why people fall in love with this unique corner of Italy.
13. Get Skip-the-Line Tickets for Popular Attractions
St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Campanile draw massive crowds year-round. Nothing ruins a vacation like spending hours standing in line under the hot sun or in the rain.
Book skip-the-line tickets online before your trip. They usually cost the same as regular tickets but save you tons of time. For the basilica and palace, consider guided tours because these attractions are packed with history that’s easy to miss on your own. The extra cost is worth it when you learn stories and see details you’d never notice otherwise.
14. Know Your Boats
Venice runs on boats the way other cities run on buses and trains. The public transport company ACTV operates the vaporetti (water buses) that connect different parts of the city and nearby islands. These boats can get crowded, especially during rush hour and tourist season.
Learn the basic etiquette: let people off before you get on, store your luggage properly, and don’t block the stairs where people sit. If you’re using vaporetti frequently, buy a multi-day pass instead of individual tickets. It’s much cheaper and you won’t have to fumble for change every time you board.
15. Expect Tourist Pricing and Research Carefully
Let’s be honest: Venice is expensive and many businesses charge premium prices because they can. Tourist menus often feature overpriced, mediocre food that locals would never eat. Some restaurants even charge different prices for tourists versus locals. This pricing reality is one of the harsh but important things to know before traveling to Venice.
Do your homework before you go. Read recent reviews, check menus online, and ask locals for recommendations. Always look at the menu and prices before sitting down at a restaurant. Be wary of places that don’t display prices clearly or try to pressure you into ordering without seeing a menu first. A little research goes a long way toward avoiding expensive disappointments when you travel to Venice.
