Venice is one of those magical cities that feels like stepping into a dream. With no cars, centuries-old bridges, winding canals, and pastel-colored buildings, itโs a place like no other. But between the high prices, tourist crowds, and maze-like layout, visiting Venice for the first time can be a little overwhelming.
Thatโs why weโve put together this friendly, down-to-earth guide packed with Venice travel tips โ so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking up the beauty of this floating city.
Getting From the Airport to the City Center
Youโll likely arrive via Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). From there, getting into the heart of Venice is an adventure in itself!
Your Options:
- Water Bus (Alilaguna): Affordable, scenic, and drops you at major stops like San Marco or Rialto. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Water Taxi: Venice water taxis are the priciest option but also the most convenient โ especially with lots of luggage or if youโre staying somewhere tricky to reach.
- Bus to Piazzale Roma: Quick (about 20 minutes) and cheap. From there, you can take a vaporetto (water bus) or walk.
- Shared Shuttles or Private Transfers: A balance of comfort and cost. Some even include part of the journey by water!
Top Tip: If youโre arriving late or carrying lots of bags, book a private transfer in advance โ itโll save you time and energy.
Getting Around the City
Venice has no roads or cars, which makes it one of the most walkable cities in the world โ but also one of the most confusing.
Best Ways to Get Around:
- Walking: Be ready for bridges, stairs, and lots of wandering. Google Maps works okay, but signs and asking locals help too.
- Vaporetto (Water Bus): Veniceโs public transport system. Get a multi-day pass to save money if youโll be hopping around.
- Gondolas: Fun and romantic, but pricey. More of a bucket-list splurge than a way to get around.
- Traghetto: Like a mini-gondola ferry that crosses the Grand Canal for just a couple of euros.
Streets can flood during high tide (called acqua alta). Bring waterproof shoes or check tide schedules in advance.
Must-Try Foods & Where to Eat in Venice
Venetian cuisine is all about fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and bold flavors.
Signature Dishes:
- Sarde in Saor: Sweet and sour sardines.
- Bigoli in Salsa: Thick spaghetti with anchovy sauce.
- Risotto al Nero di Seppia: Squid ink risotto.
- Cicchetti: Venetian tapas served in bacari (local wine bars).
- Tiramisu: Fun fact โ it was invented in nearby Treviso!
Where to Eat:
- Osteria al Squero: Loved by locals for its cicchetti.
- Cantina Do Spade: Historic, authentic, and delicious.
- Mercato di Rialto: Grab fresh produce, cheese, and bread for a DIY picnic.
- Bacaro Quebrado: Small, casual, and fantastic for wine and snacks.
One of our best Venice travel tips: Avoid restaurants with photos on the menu or staff trying to pull you in. Look for handwritten menus and locals eating nearby.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Thereโs so much to see in Venice, and itโs all walkable!
- St. Markโs Basilica & Square: Arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Dogeโs Palace: Fascinating history and epic views.
- Rialto Bridge: Iconic and photogenic. Watch out for pickpockets.
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Modern art in a gorgeous palazzo.
- Burano & Murano: Colorful island villages just a short ferry ride away.
- Libreria Acqua Alta: A quirky bookshop with gondolas full of books.
- Scala Contarini del Bovolo: A spiral staircase with a stunning viewpoint.
Bonus Tip: Many churches in Venice are architectural gems and cost just a few euros (or are free!)
Activities for Families & Kids
If you know where to go, Venice can be magical for families if you pace yourselves and mix in fun stops.
- Take a Vaporetto Ride: Kids love boats โ especially if you sit up front.
- Visit the Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs and sea creatures galore.
- Feed the Pigeons at St. Markโs Square: Itโs a Venice classic!
- Make Glass in Murano: Some studios offer kid-friendly workshops.
- Climb the Campanile (Bell Tower): Take the elevator up for amazing city views.
Finding the Best Accommodation
Where you stay really shapes your Venice experience.
- San Marco: Close to the main sights but crowded and pricey.
- Cannaregio: Quieter, more local, and still central. A great pick for families.
- Dorsoduro: Artsy, studenty, and filled with cool cafรฉs.
- Giudecca: Peaceful and scenic โ great for couples.
- Santa Croce: Convenient if youโre arriving by train or bus.
Booking Tip: Venice fills up fast, especially during events like Carnival and the Biennale. Book early!
Best Time to Visit Venice
- Spring (AprilโJune): Lovely weather, fewer crowds.
- Summer (JulyโAugust): Hot, humid, and busy.
- Fall (SeptemberโOctober): Mild and beautiful.
- Winter (NovemberโMarch): Quiet and romantic โ but can be foggy and wet.
Visit in shoulder season (late spring or early fall) for the best combo of weather and fewer tourists.
Free & Affordable Things to Do in Venice
You donโt have to break the bank to enjoy Venice.
- Walk & Explore: Venice itself is the attraction.
- Window Shop on the Rialto: Look, but donโt feel pressured to buy.
- Visit Churches: Many are free or just a few euros to enter.
- Watch the Sunset from Accademia Bridge: Gorgeous and free.
- Browse the Biennale (when it’s on): Some installations are free to view.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Venice isnโt known for being a party city, but thereโs still plenty to enjoy after dark.
- Bacaro Hopping: Try local wines and cicchetti.
- Teatro La Fenice: Catch an opera or ballet in a historic setting.
- Live Jazz: Venice Jazz Club is cozy and fun.
- Night Walks: Venice is stunning under the moonlight and much quieter.
Night Tip: Venice at night is peaceful and romantic. Bring a sweater and enjoy the quiet alleys and canals.
Safety & Common Tourist Scams to Watch Out For
Venice is very safe, but hereโs what to be aware of:
- Pickpockets: Especially in busy areas like St. Markโs Square.
- Overpriced Gondola Rides: Always agree on the price upfront.
- Fake Souvenirs: Avoid knockoffs โ real Murano glass is expensive but worth it.
- Pushy Vendors: A firm โno, grazieโ usually works.
Packing Tips & Travel Essentials
Hereโs what to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes: So many bridges!
- Reusable water bottle: Fill up at public fountains.
- Travel umbrella: Showers can pop up anytime.
- Power adapter: Italy uses Type C and F plugs.
- Light layers: Weather can shift quickly.
- Backpack or tote: Handy for day trips and snacks.
From gondola rides and seafood pasta to hidden alleys and romantic canals, Venice has it all. These Venice travel tips are here to make your visit smoother, easier, and way more fun. Keep this guide handy, take your time exploring, and remember โ you donโt need to do it all. Just enjoy every step (and every bite).
About the Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance in Venice (or anywhere you travel).
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Active in 90 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists, gynecologists, and pediatricians
FAQs
Yes! Just stick to well-lit areas.
Yes! Venice is super walkable.
It’s not seen as rude – but it’s not always necessary.
