10 Essential Tips for Visiting Venice
Venice is one of the most enchanting cities in the world, and while it can be busy, there are ways to experience its magic without feeling overwhelmed. Having visited twice—once in November and again in March—I found that these are actually fantastic times to explore the city. The cooler weather meant fewer crowds, and while one boat trip to Murano was a bit windswept, overall we were quite lucky with the weather.
Stay Overnight in Venice
Venice is compact, covering only about six square miles, and while it’s possible to do a day trip, staying overnight offers a completely different experience. The city sees a high number of day-trippers, which can contribute to overcrowding so staying for at least one night allows you to experience Venice at its best—early in the morning and after sunset, when the crowds have dispersed. Plus, you can enjoy local dining and perhaps even some shopping.
Stay on the Island, Not the Mainland
Venice itself is an interconnected series of small islands linked by canals and bridges, while Mestre, on the mainland, is connected by a 2.5-mile causeway. Though hotels in Mestre are often cheaper, staying in the historic centre means you won’t have to commute daily via bus, train, or water taxi. Staying on the island also allows you to pop back to your hotel for a break and take full advantage of quiet mornings and evenings.
Visit During the Shoulder Season
Venice’s peak tourist season is summer, particularly July and August, when it is hot and crowded. The winter months (November to March) see fewer visitors, but they can also bring colder weather and occasional flooding due to high tides. The ideal time to visit is from October/November or March/April—when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are more manageable.
Avoid the Crowds – Get Up Early and Go Out Late
Venice can be extremely busy during the day with lots of tours taking place. If you want to enjoy places like St. Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge without the crowds, aim to visit early in the morning or later at night. Consider booking an evening tour of major attractions like the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica—many of these tours offer exclusive access to areas closed off during regular hours.
Avoid Eating in Tourist Hotspots
Cafés and restaurants in Piazza San Marco and along the Grand Canal tend to be overpriced and cater primarily to tourists. Many charge extra just for sitting down. Instead, check out the local cicchetti bars that serve small Venetian bites alongside wine or an Aperol Spritz.
Book Skip-the-Line Tickets
Many of Venice’s top attractions offer timed-entry tickets that allow you to skip long queues. This is especially useful for St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile. Though some sites, like St. Mark’s Basilica, have free entry, a small fee for priority access can save valuable time.
Explore and Wander
Venice is a labyrinth of narrow streets, bridges, and canals and exploring the quieter backstreets can often lead to unexpected gems. It’s easy to get lost but you really do discover some of the best parts of the city when you go off the beaten track.
Gondola Ride or Public Boat?
Gondola rides are a quintessential Venetian experience but are quite expensive usually at least €90 for 30 minutes. So although it could be a lovely romantic experience you may prefer to save your money and take a traghetto instead—these boats operate as ferries across the Grand Canal and cost around €2 or so per person.
Visit Other Islands in the Lagoon
Venice isn’t the only island worth visiting. Murano is famous for its glassmaking, and visiting the glass-making factories was an unforgettable experience. Although the workshops do encourage purchases, we were interrailing at the time, so buying fragile glassware wasn’t really an option. I really enjoyed visiting Burano (photo above) which is full of colourful houses and also boasts a lace-making heritage. You can also explore Torcello, home to impressive Byzantine mosaics, or Lido, which has a beach. Public vaporettos (water buses) make it easy to reach these islands, or you can join a guided tour.
Experience the City Beyond the Tourist Spots
To truly appreciate Venice, do just follow your nose and go beyond the usual sights. Take a food tour, explore hidden alleyways, or visit local artisan workshops. Whether wandering through quieter campos or taking a boat ride away from the crowds, discovering the local side of Venice will make your trip even more special.
Venice is an incredible city, and by planning wisely, you can experience its beauty without the stress of overcrowding.
Top Tips For Visiting Venice
When: Best during shoulder seasons (October-November, March-April)
Website: Visit the website here for more information
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