We have a love/hate relationship with Venice. The city is impossible to beat in terms of beauty, has breathtaking museums, churches and canals, but it’s also rammed with tourists. Millions of tourists. In fact up to 30 million per year.
This massive overcrowding, regular floods and the mega cruise ships that plough through the increasingly delicate port have put the city in peril.
We’re not saying don’t go, as you will miss out big time. But if you follow our tips, you will have a much more magical time and minimise your impact on this world class UNESCO heritage site.
Do:
Stay longer – stay for a few days, instead of day tripping. This puts more money back into the city and allows you the time to visit the main sites early morning and in the evening.
Go off season – there will be fewer tourists and the winter light and fogs are other worldly in Venice. Do check for likely flooding times (acqua alta) – November is notorious, so take wellingtons to wade though the high tides.
Get lost – allow a few hours everyday to deliberately get lost. Wander back streets and tiny squares, explore dead ends and small churches. Venice is a small island, so you will always find your way back to a main drag when you want to.
Explore quieter districts – visit districts away from the main tourist sights – like Castello and Cannaregio – to experience local city life and cheaper cafes.
Get up early – do visit main attractions first thing. As soon as you’re up. The Rialto Market is less crowded and more atmospheric early morning and St Mark’s Square is phenomenal pre-crowds.
Pre-book – pay extra for a pre booked slot at St Mark’s Basilica. It’s worth it. As the Basilica is normally free, the queue can be 5 hours long.
Don’t:
Cause damage– don’t drag a wheelie bags up marble bridge stairs, carry it to avoid chipping.
Block bridges – remember it’s not all about instagram. The narrow bridges are public thoroughfares, let locals pass.
Block streets – many tourists seem to think they can ignore the locals, stay right and be polite.
Eat at chains – instead eat local to put the money back into the community. Plus, cicchetti, at a back street bacaro will be cheaper and more delicious.
Arrive by cruise ship – they are a danger to other canal traffic and destroying the city.
Go on a gondola – unless you feel you have to. They are incredibly expensive and unless you go at night, you certainly won’t be alone on the inevitable tourist circuit. Using water buses or vaporettos is a cheaper and more authentic way to explore. Or, if you’re in a group, sharing a water taxi to the airport can take you through some small canals and save you time.