Venice

Venice is a sanctuary on a lagoon that is virtually the same as it was 600 years ago, adding to its fascinating character. It has decayed since its heyday and suffers from overtourism, but the romantic charm remains. It is also known as the birthplace of composers Tomaso Albinoni and Antonio Vivaldi, and of the poets and opera librettists Apostolo Zeno and Carlo Goldoni. Venice and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Water plays a crucial role in transportation, as Venice is on a lagoon. Whichever way you arrive, the last part of your journey will be on foot from the nearest waterbus/watertaxi jetty. Day-trippers visiting the city on peak days must pay an Access Fee (€5) online in advance. Overnight guests are exempt but must register.

Venice is easily walkable, and the absence of cars makes this a particularly pleasant experience. However, walking and standing all day can be exhausting. There are numerous vaporetti (water buses) and water taxis. GPS navigation services such as Google Maps are notoriously unreliable due to dense stone buildings. Bicycles are banned in the main city.

Venice has a humid-subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. July and August may be the worst time to visit due to heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and large crowds. Mid to late spring and early to mid autumn are probably best, with temperatures of 10-25°C. Between November and January, you may have Venice to yourself, but it can be chilly, windy, and damp. Beware of acqua alta (high water) which floods streets, usually in colder months, lasting a few hours with high tide.

Due to the historic city's constrained area and international popularity, hotels are expensive. Bed and Breakfasts and guesthouses offer better rates. Real budget solutions (like camping and hostels) can be found in Mestre (mainland Venice) and on the island of Lido. Alternative accommodation can also be found on Murano. Staying further from the centre is not a big problem as it takes only 11 minutes from Mestre to Venice by train.

Venice has a rich and distinct regional cuisine. One trademark is Sepe al nero (cuttlefish with ink). Other dishes include Fegato alla veneziana (chopped liver with onions) and Sarde in saor (fried sardines with onions and vinegar). For snacks, try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) often paired with wine at a bacaro. The typical local drink is Spritz, a mix of liquor and Prosecco with sparkling water. Aperol Spritz is most common. The Bellini (white peach juice and Prosecco) was invented at Harry's Bar. Beer in a small pub is about €5 for a pint.

Venice is packed full of sights. Must-sees include the Doge's Palace (don't miss the 'Secret Itinerary' guided tour), Saint Mark's Basilica, Bell tower of St. Mark (great views), Clock tower (guided tour of mechanism), Scuola Grande di San Rocco (Tintoretto masterpieces), Jewish Ghetto (five synagogues), and Rialto Bridge. For a romantic ride, take a gondola, though they are more scenic than practical.

Venice is considered a safe city, but take habitual travelers' precautions. Keep valuable items close due to pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. In case of need, dial 112 (Carabinieri) or 113 (Police) free of charge. In the evening, Campo Bella Vienna and Campo Santa Margherita can be places for violence. Since 2024-2025 there are many pickpockets, so avoid highly crowded areas.

As of Sep 2021, Venice has 4G from Iliad and TIM, and 5G from Vodafone and Wind Tre. The city has a municipal Wi-Fi network covering the Grand Canal area; guest access costs about €5 per day. Internet cafes are expensive at around €6 per hour. Free Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations and some museums. The Telecom Italia Future Centre in Campo San Salvatore offers free browsing for one hour after registration with an ID card.

To preserve the city, observe local rules: walk on the right side of the street, do not bathe or swim in canals (fine up to €350 and 48-hour ban), do not walk bare-chested or in swimwear (fine up to €250), do not sit or lie down on steps, bridges, or monuments (fine €100-200), do not feed birds or litter (fine up to €500). Picnics are banned in public areas.

Around the Venetian lagoon are smaller islands worth visiting: Burano (lace and colorful houses), Lido (beach and film festival), Murano (glassware), San Lazzaro (Armenian monastery), Torcello (7th-century basilica). Further afield: Riviera del Brenta (Palladian villas), Lake Garda (an easy day trip by train), Po Delta (marshy area with bike trails), Eraclea (pinewood and lagoon), Jesolo (beach), Padua (Basilica of St. Anthony, Scrovegni Chapel), and Cortina d'Ampezzo (alpine town, site of 1956 Winter Olympics).

Metropolitan Venice has many interesting destinations far from the crowds. Recommended onward destinations: Burano, Lido, Mestre, Murano, San Lazzaro, Torcello, Riviera del Brenta, Lake Garda, Po Delta, Eraclea, Jesolo, Padua, and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Do not touch or swim in the canals as they are extremely polluted with untreated sewage. At night, there is a risk of falling into the water due to poor lighting. For medical emergencies, dial 118 free of charge. Chemists (farmacie) are open 24 hours on a rotational basis; check the list outside for operating hours.