What are the key things to know before travelling to Venice, Italy? Venice is a car-free city where walking or water transport is essential. Visit during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds, and explore beyond the main island to experience its authentic charm.
Travelling to Venice, Italy, can be magical, but it’s essential to prepare well for its unique environment. Using the AIDA formula—Attention, Interest, Desire, Action—this guide ensures you’ll know exactly what to expect for a smooth trip.
1. Preparing for Your Trip
i. Best Time to Visit Venice
Avoid peak tourist seasons (June to August) for a quieter experience. The best times are spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds. If you’re visiting during winter, watch out for the famous Acqua Alta (high water floods), especially in St. Mark’s Square. For flood forecasts, check local updates before your trip.
ii. Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Venice’s cobblestone streets and countless bridges can be challenging. A refillable water bottle is also a must; Venice has public fountains with free, safe drinking water.
iii. Navigating Venice’s Streets
Bring a map or navigation app to avoid getting lost. Venice’s maze-like layout, narrow streets, and unnamed alleys can make finding your way tricky. Use apps like Google Maps offline for turn-by-turn directions.
2. Transportation Insights
iv. Arriving in Venice
Choose transport based on your budget and convenience. From Venice Marco Polo Airport:
- Water taxi: Most expensive (€80-€120) but direct and scenic.
- Vaporetto (water bus): Affordable and practical (€7.50 per ride).
- Shuttle bus: Cheapest (€8-€15 round trip), but stops at Piazzale Roma.
v. Getting Around Venice
Walking is the best way to explore. The city’s small size and pedestrian-friendly layout make walking ideal. For longer distances, use:
- Vaporetto: Venice’s leading public transport.
- Gondolas: A romantic option, but pricey (€80 for 30 minutes). Use them for the experience rather than commuting.
3. Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs
vi. Basic Italian and Venetian Phrases
Learn a few Italian phrases to connect with locals. Common ones include:
- Hello: “Ciao” / Goodbye: “Arrivederci”
- Thank you: “Grazie” / Please: “Per favore”
- Where is…?: “Dove si trova…?” Locals appreciate even small efforts to speak their language.
vii. Dining Tips
Avoid tourist-heavy restaurants near St. Mark’s Square. These charge higher fees (including a sitting fee, “coperto”). Venture into side streets for authentic and affordable meals. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but leaving small change is appreciated.
viii. Cash is King
Carry euros, as many smaller shops and cafes don’t accept cards. Use ATMs strategically to avoid high withdrawal fees.
4. Must-Know Venice Experiences
ix. Exploring Beyond the Main Island
Visit Murano and Burano for glass art and colourful houses. These islands are easily reachable via vaporetto. Plan a half-day trip to experience their quieter charm.
x. Navigating Top Attractions
Pre-book tickets to avoid long lines. Key sites like St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace are viral. Use skip-the-line tickets to save time.
Just like in Siena, where planning your visit to historic sites can save time and energy—don’t miss our Top 15 Places to Visit in Siena.
xi. Hidden Gems
Libreria Acqua Alta is a must-see bookshop. Famous for its unique setup, with books stored in waterproof gondolas to combat flooding, it’s a hidden treasure for book lovers and photographers.
If you love historic spots like this, you might also enjoy exploring Florence’s hidden art gems in our Best Guide to San Marco Museum in Florence.
5. Unique Local Tips
xii. Bacaro Hopping
Try local wines and cicchetti (small bites) at bacaros. These traditional Venetian wine bars offer a cosy and authentic dining experience.
xiii. Local Festivals
Plan your visit around events like the Venice Carnival. This world-renowned festival brings the city to life with elaborate costumes and parades, but book accommodation early.
xiv. Flood Preparedness
Prepare for “Acqua Alta” during winter. Wear waterproof boots or use the elevated walkways. The flooding is temporary and usually clears within hours.
We faced similar seasonal challenges during our trip to Austria in winter. Check our 7 Days Austria Itinerary for smart packing and route tips in European weather.
xv. Eco-Friendly Travel
Use refillable bottles and avoid single-use plastics. Venice has water fountains across piazzas, helping travellers stay hydrated and sustainable.
Conclusion: Things to Know Before Travelling to Venice
Venice is a city like no other, offering timeless beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. With these 15 tips, you’re set to make the most of your journey. Remember to plan, walk often, and explore beyond the prominent attractions for a truly magical trip.
Let us know in the comments: What excites you most about visiting Venice? Or share your Venice travel tips!