Venice, a seductive location that is on many people’s bucket lists, is known for its romantic ambiance, picturesque canals, and world-class architecture.
Although the city experiences over-tourism and is frequently overrun with tourists, it is also bursting to the seams with amazing history, art, cuisine, and entertaining things to do.
The 117 tiny islands that makeup what appears to be one large island are connected by a confusing network of canals, bridges, quaint communities, and famous structures.
Venice has become a tourist hotspot thanks to its distinctiveness, but as the city’s fame and accessibility have increased, so have the difficulties it faces.
However, there are a few considerations you should make before traveling to Venice. We’ll go over everything you need to know about visiting Venice in this article, stay tuned!
Did you know…
Carnival, which lasts for 10 days each February, is the most well-known occasion in Venice.
Since at least 1269, the city has welcomed hordes of tourists who come for the lively boat parade and light show on the Rio di Cannaregio canal as well as the masquerade balls, when guests dress in historical attire and spectacular masks.
Here are the top Things To Know Before Visiting Venice:
1. Venice Is Crowded
The fact that Venice is crowded and that most of the people there are tourists is among the most important things to know before coming. On the congested streets, especially in the vicinity of well-known locations like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, be prepared for throngs of tourists.
There isn’t a “shoulder season” in Venice because the city’s tourism has grown so much. The busiest seasons to visit Venice are, however, in the late spring and summer, on weekends, and around Carnival. If you don’t enjoy crowds, avoid going during these times.
Autumn often sees fewer visitors, but it’s also when flooding and high water are more common in Venice.
2. Venice Is Expensive
Be prepared to pay to play while visiting Venice because rising prices are spurred on by the growing number of visitors.
If you go to a restaurant or pub close to a popular tourist destination, especially one like St Mark’s Square, be prepared to pay more than usual. The cost of sitting at a table in these locations is significantly higher in addition to the higher pricing for food and beverages.
Going a little off the main road will help you avoid paying high costs and save some money. You can save money on meals, beverages, and table fees by relocating away from popular tourist attractions.
3. Accommodation
If you can’t afford these high summer rates, think about traveling in the off-season as lodging in Venice varies quite a bit with the seasons.
- The typical cost of a hotel stay is about $350 for a 3-star hotel and $525 for a 4-star establishment.
- Excellent 5-star hotels may be found in Venice for roughly $925 per night. If you want to splurge, there are ultra-luxury hotels you can stay at, like the stunning St. Regis Venice, where ordinary rooms start at $1700 and suites cost almost $4,000 per night.
- If you’re on a tight budget, a bed in a dorm at one of Venice’s hostels costs between $35 and $50 during the busiest tourism seasons, or between $85 and $175 for a private room.
4. Food
- A 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two costs around $77.
- For a cheap meal at an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay less than $20.
- A beer costs about $5.50, while a cappuccino is a steal at $1.75.
5. Transportation
- There is a network of services for public transport in Venice, but the floating buses are the most helpful for tourists.
- These Vaporettos, which are run by the Actv, transport visitors almost anywhere they need to go. A 3-day pass is $49.50, a 24-hour pass is $27.50, and 75-minute tickets are $10.45 each.
- The Grand Canal can also be crossed by ferry, often known as traghetto. Tickets are $2.20 each.
- Although they are the most expensive form of transportation, water taxis are the fastest. Expect to pay between $45 and $75 depending on where you’re going and the time of day you’re traveling.
6. You need to Walk A Lot In Venice
Canals, bridges, and cobblestone lanes make up the labyrinth of Venice. You must walk a lot to visit the city of Venice because automobiles are not permitted there. It is challenging to move around in a wheelchair because many of the bridges that cross the city’s canals have stairs.
7. You Pay To Dine In Restaurants
The majority of eateries in Venice—and throughout Italy—charge a coperto (cover price) or servizio (service charge) to reserve a table. The property, which often costs just a few euros per person, contributes to the restaurant’s operating costs like water and electricity.
The waitstaff is compensated with the service charge, which is typically 10% of the total cost. This indicates that gratuities are not expected in Venice because the service charge ensures that the waitstaff is given a living salary.
8. Culture And Etiquette In Venice
Before leaving, check this list! In Venice, there are a few key Dos and Don’ts.
- DON’T invade others’ personal space when traveling in a group; avoid blocking streets. Keep in mind your personal space and walk on the right, allowing others to pass on the left.
- DO NOT EAT IN THE PIZZA: Locals view eating in the Piazza San Marco as rude and a crime punishable by penalties.
- DO remove your rucksack: To create more space and prevent hitting other passengers with your bag, remove your rucksack before boarding a bus or Vaporetto.
- DO NOT go shirtless Even if it’s hot outside and you’ve just left the house, you should always wear a top.
9. Public Restrooms Are Hard To Find And Cost Money
You should be prepared to pay to use public restrooms in addition to the costs connected with dining in restaurants.
The average fee to use the facilities in a public place is 1-2 euros ($1.08-2.16) per person. From my perspective, the restrooms were quite clean and well-stocked thanks to the money.
Of course, going to a bar and ordering an espresso or a croissant is another choice. You can use the loo after completing this as a paying customer.
10. Buy Tickets For Top Attractions In Advance
The most popular sights in Venice, such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, are frequently quite crowded and have lengthy admission lines. By ordering tickets in advance for Venice’s biggest attractions, you can skip these lines.
You may frequently save crucial vacation time by purchasing tickets that also include early access or skip-the-line admittance!
