(Updated April 2025 – same strong opinions, now with added context) Let’s get something straight: Venice isn’t an amusement park. You’re not visiting Disney World. It’s an ancient, breathtaking city that’s survived plagues, empires, and cruise ships—barely. So no, it’s not the locals’ job to make sure you have the best day ever. It’s actually on you to be a worthy visitor. And if you’re not up for that, might I suggest Vegas? But if you are ready for canals, carbs, and culture,with a side of honesty, here are my travel tips for Venice (plus a few unfiltered thoughts, because I can’t help myself).
Travel Tips for Venice
Venice Is Really Sinking. Literally.
This isn’t a rumour. This isn’t up for debate. This is happening. Venice now floods about 60 times a year—up from 4 times in 1900. Between October and January, it’s peak acqua alta season (aka water up to your knees). Want to avoid soggy socks? Aim for spring or early fall, when the weather is pleasant and the water’s mostly where it should be.
Bonus tip: bring waterproof shoes just in case—it’s Venice, not Vegas.
Safest bets for non-flooding times are July and August which by the way is also the busiest time to visit. Plan accordingly.
The Locals Aren’t Rude, You Are
As a travel writer, I’m always amused when people tell me how rude locals are in a particular destination. I heard it about Paris, Rome, and most recently about Venice. It has simply never been my experience. Do I wear rose-coloured glasses? Perhaps. But I think I have one perspective that all travellers should pack up with their underwear whenever they travel.
The perspective is this. It is not the locals responsibility to make sure you have the best day ever. You’re not visiting Disney World. Venice is an ancient city with a long list of cultural and historical contributions to our planet. It is actually incumbent on you to prove your worthiness to visit.
If you arrive entitled, don’t expect hugs and Aperol. Venetians deal with 65,000 tourists every single day. Be respectful. Be curious. Ask questions. Learn something. It’ll change your whole experience.
Also: don’t litter, don’t block alleys with your rolling suitcase, and maybe skip yelling “ciao bella” at strangers.
Please no matter where you travel, don’t behave like an entitled tourist. It’s part of the reason that Venice and Amsterdam don’t want you, no matter how much money you throw at them.
Travel Tips for Venice – Pack Smart
Navigating through Venice is not easy. Navigating through Venice with a big-ass suitcase is almost impossible. Go ahead, ask me how I know. Despite all the travel I do, I am largely still an idiot when it comes to packing, and that’s how I ended up in Venice with a suitcase almost as large as me.
If Venice had a motto, it would be: So many bridges, so little mercy. Lugging a giant suitcase over cobblestones and bridges? A form of cardio I do not endorse. Pack light. If you’re road-tripping in, stash the big suitcase in your car and pack a backpack for Venice proper. Trust me, your shoulders (and fellow pedestrians) will thank you.
Park at the Tronchetto
Driving in Italy is super easy, so don’t be intimidated by stories you may have heard. When it comes to Venice though, you can only go so far with a car. You can find a complete list of places to park here, but I found the Tronchetto to be the best bet in terms of proximity and affordability.
It will cost you roughly 21€ a day to park at the Tronchetto, and from there you can hop on a water bus into Venice. The water buses are extremely busy, so this is a good time to be mindful of pickpockets.
Stay in Cannaregio (You’re Welcome)
We ended up in Cannaregio by accident, and it turned out to be one of the best parts of our trip. This local-heavy, tourist-light neighbourhood is quiet, charming, and has actual Venetians living in it. The food? Cheaper. The vibe? More authentic. The regrets? None.
The Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio is the ideal place to put up your very tired feet at the end of the day and reflect on the beauty of Venice. Ask for a room with a view of the canal.
If nothing else, go to Al Timon for a steak that’ll ruin you for all others. Get there early, because they don’t take reservations. If you’re stuck waiting, you can grab some cicchetti and an Apertivo and relax along the canal.
Hire a Guide (No, You’re Not Too Cool)
I know I mentioned it earlier that roughly 65,000 people a day descend on Venice but it can be hard to put that number into perspective. So imagine there were three Madison Square Gardens side by side, and they all let out of a concert at the same time. That is Venice, every single day.
Instead of getting increasingly frustrated trying to get around a space you don’t know and on a limited time frame I highly recommend hiring a guide. Preferably one through a company like LivItaly that focuses on small groups. It’s a much saner way to learn about Venice and you’ll likely end up seeing more than you planned for.
Shop Like You Care
The local economy is in trouble—rising rents and mass tourism are pushing out real Venetians. So before you buy that mask or purse, ask: was it actually made here? Supporting local artisans keeps Venice Venice, not Venice: The Theme Park. Also, Italian leather? You’ll know it when you smell it.
Book a Time At DFS
One of my biggest regrets was not knowing about this before we arrived in Venice. There is no doubt Venice is a spectacular city to explore on the ground, but I wish I had the opportunity to get a view from above at DFS.
We found out about this too late from our guide, so don’t let this happen to you! It’s completely free to go to the top of DFS and take in the 360° view of the city from the T-Fondaco Terrace. Book a time here so you don’t miss out!
About those Gondolas
I know that you have it in your head that you haven’t visited Venice unless you take a gondola ride. Let me put your mind at ease. You will be no less enriched by your visit to Venice if you skip the gondola ride.
You’ll have to ask yourself if a gondola ride is worth it. At 80€ for a 30 minute gondola ride, I found it a little steep. I got just as much out of Venice walking its historic streets. Besides, it was worth much more to us to get a water taxi back to the Tronchetto at the end of the trip rather than lug my ridiculous oversized luggage through Venice again.
TL;DR – Don’t Be That Tourist
Venice is still one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but it doesn’t owe you anything. Respect it. Learn from it. Walk a little lighter. Tip well. Eat everything. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll leave a better traveller than when you arrived.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these travel tips for Venice can help you enjoy the city without feeling like a frazzled tourist.
I Have a Freaking Lilac Tree
