If you are currently planning a trip and soon to be a first time visitor to Venice, then welcome to Venice Travel Tips, a space dedicated to Venice and the Veneto region.
I can imagine, like many others, you have dreamt for months if not years about visiting Venice. All those amazing videos and pictures on the gram are truly stunning! Well, I have very good news for you! I can confirm that Venice really is THAT beautiful.
Travel tips for your first time in Venice
This city is world famous for its timeless beauty and romantic vibe which can be taken in from the top of a bridge while watching the gondolas glide along the canals.
But let’s keep it 100% real: with so many things going and so little time, even in a dreamy place such as Venice, things can sometimes go… let’s say, pear-shaped.
That’s why I’m here to suggest 3 things to do before your trip:
- Do some reading up on Venice
- Plan (way) ahead
- keep those expectations in check
In other words, with a sprinkle of research and a dash of preparation, you’ll be gliding through Venice’s winding streets and shimmering canals like a pro.
Before sharing my personal advice on this topic, who is Maddy?
Who am I (and why trust me)?
If you are visiting this page for the first time, my name is Maddalena, but you can call me Maddy and I’m the face (and hand) behind this website: Venice Travel Tips.
I created this blog about Venice and the Veneto region to help you and thousands of others to find your feet in this incredible city that I can say I know pretty well.
You’ve probably already read my about me page where I have explained my connection with Venice in more detail, how everything started and why I do this.
As a local and frequent traveller to Venice, I know the challenges and struggles that many of you have when it comes to finding simple and clear information on how to get around Venice and its lagoon, where to stay and where to eat.
For this reason, you can use my blog as a point of reference, a virtual space where I pour my passion and knowledge of this city and the region I come from.
I’ve worked in the travel industry for many years and I have a passion for everything travel and have recently started to help my readers to get the right information on a more personal level where we craft and create the most memorable experiences.
Some of the things I can help you with include:
- Trip planning
- Itinerary creation
- Itinerary feedback
- Travel coaching
If you want to have a chat or need a hand with planning out an outline for your visit to Venice, just visit my travel consultation page and we can start planning together!
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12 Tips for first time visitors in Venice
Now you can see that I have your best interest at heart, let’s now dive into my tips for first time visitors to Venice so you know exactly what to expect, ready? Let’s go!
1. Carefully choose how many days to stay
Despite its relatively small size, Venice, which is the city with the highest density of landmarks in the world, requires time (and lot’s of it).
To embrace the beauty of this city, you also need to be able to relax and enjoy the views at a slow pace. Not be getting funnelled from one place to another.
For you to be able to know what is right for you, there are some factors I suggest taking into consideration when it comes to how many days to spend in Venice:
- Which Venice tourist attractions you want to visit;
- Half or full day trips you want to do like to Murano and Burano;
- If you’re interested in immerse yourself in the local culture;
- Your pace of travel (is it fast or is it slow?).
Of course, if you only have 2 days to spend in Venice, you can squeeze in the top attractions and maybe a half boat tour to Murano and Burano, and that’s great!
However, a longer stay is better as it will allow you to ‘take it easy’ and mix up famous attractions to hidden gems. I suggest spending at least 3 or 4 days in Venice.
2. Carry comfortable footwear
It’s a fact: in Venice, get ready to walk a lot, cross tens of bridges and visit several attractions. This means knowing what to wear while in Venice and that comfortable footwear is paramount to not be in pain for the duration of your limited time here.
It’s always worth reminding you that you should carry shoes that you wore a couple of times at least before this trip. You need to feel comfortable whilst wearing them and know that you can wear them for many hours without the slighest discomfort.
Whether they’re boots, sneakers (these Geox for women are my favourite) or even sandals, make sure you have good support from high quality and sturdy shoes.
3. Avoid visiting Venice in the summer
In Venice there’s no real low season and there is almost always hoards of tourists hovering around because it’s just a beautiful city to visit it all year-round.
My recommendation is to avoid Venice in summer because the influx of domestic and international tourists increases massively and the weather gets very hot and humid.
On top of that, imagine yourself navigating the crowded streets and shops, long queues in front of famous sights and the midday sun beaming down on your head.
No, thank you! I personally suggest visiting early spring or late autumn for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. To further illustrate this point, I even wrote a guide all about the worst time to visit Venice so you can get more information there.
4. Do cultural tours to save time
If you plan your time strategically and know which attraction to visit and when, you can cover many places in one day in Venice quite easily if you stick to a plan.
But this means two things:
- Feeling exhausted at the end of the day;
- Rushing your visit of some attractions.
For this reason, booking a small group or private tour can be the best decision for many travellers! Not only can you choose an itinerary that includes the attractions you’re interested in but you can also gain insights from passionate local guides.
Whether it’s in the form of a walking tour, a visit to art museums or food tour, a local guide can elevate your cultural experience in Venice. Plus, your guide will happy to share tips and less touristy spots to discover that you might otherwise miss.
5. Book to see the main attraction in advance
Don’t waste precious time waiting in long queues at the entrance of Venice’s top attractions. Plan as far ahead as possible and book tickets online for must-see sights like the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the St. Mark’s Campanile.
With advance reservations, you can skip the queues and spend more time immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and culture. I also suggest that all first time visitors to Venice who decide to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace to join a guided tour with an expert local guide for the best possible experience.
See my list of recommended skip the line tickets and guided tours:
- Doge’s Palace skip-the-line entry ticket;
- Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour;
- St. Mark’s Campanile: Skip The Line Entrance.
You can connect with both places which are steeped in history and there are many interesting facts and special nuggets of information that only a guide will give you.
6. Choose your neighbourhood carefully
When it comes to deciding where to spend your precious time, did you know that each neighbourhood in Venice offers a unique atmosphere and vibe?
Whether you prefer the vibrant energy and authenticity of Cannaregio, the artistic charm of Dorsoduro, or the historic allure of San Marco, you can go as far as being able to choose a neighbourhood that aligns with your interests and travel style.
I highly recommend that you begin to consider the proximity to attractions, dining options, and closeby water bus stops and water taxi piers when selecting your accommodation for a truly tailored Venetian experience.
Other factors to take into account are:
- Travel budget;
- Your desire to stay in a quiet area or in the middle of action;
- Whether you’re interested in Venice nightlife or not.
7. Know the best places to get a coffee in Venice
Coffee culture runs deep in Venice, with numerous cafes serving up the classic espresso, cappuccino, and other Italian specialties.
While iconic spots like Caffè Florian and Caffè Lavena in St. Mark’s Square offer a once-of-a-kind experience being the oldest cafès in Italy, venturing off the beaten path to discover hidden gems frequented by locals.
From traditional espresso bars like Caffè del Doge to hipster coffee shops with canal views like Torrefazione Cannaregio, exploring Venice’s coffee scene is a delightful adventure for caffeine enthusiasts. Then, if you’d like to know who the oldest coffee roaster in Venice is, just head down to Caffè Girani in the Castello neighbourhood.
8. Carry a theft-proof or crossbody bag
While Venice is safe for tourists, it’s wise to take precautions against pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
Opt for a theft-proof or crossbody bag with secure closures and keep your belongings close at hand. By staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy exploring Venice without worry.
9. Walk on the right and don’t feed the pigeons
In Venice, walking on the right side of narrow streets and bridges helps maintain a smooth flow of pedestrian traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons.
It is also worth mentioning that as a first time visitor to Venice, you will want to resist the urge of feeding the pigeons in St. Mark’s Square and other public areas.
While it may seem charming, feeding pigeons contributes to sanitation issues and disrupts the city’s delicate ecosystem. Plus, you can actually get fined!
Enjoy the beauty of Venice responsibly by respecting local customs and follow the #EnjoyRespectVenezia campaign guidelines.
10. Learn some basic Italian or Venetian dialect
While English is widely spoken in Venice, learning a few basic Italian phrases or Venetian dialect expressions can facilitate your interactions with locals.
Not only will this enrich your travel experience but if you practise common greetings like “buongiorno” (good morning) and “grazie” (thank you), without being afraid of mistakes, you’ll engage shopkeepers and restaurant staff in their native language.
You can even carry an Italian phrase book like this one to help you refresh your memory when you have some downtime at a coffee shop or back at your hotel room.
Your efforts will be appreciated and may even lead to memorable encounters and cultural exchanges during your time in Venice. Need to practise your Italian on a more advanced level? Don’t hesitate to contact me and we can arrange something!
11. Try Venice’s Traditional Sweets and Pastries
No visit to Venice is complete without indulging in the city’s delectable sweets and pastries. I can’t hide the fact that every time I visit Venice, I want to eat more.
The list is long and you can spend days exploring the sweet treats scene in Venice! The absolute must-try are: Carnival frittelle (fried sweet dough), tiramisù originally from Treviso (coffee-flavored dessert), and bussolà, esse and zaeti biscuits.
During Easter you can try the Venetian focaccia (fugassa) and the colomba too. Other pastries to try are the pinsa veneziana and the crema fritta.
Seek out historic pastry shops and bakeries renowned for their artisanal creations like the Pasticceria Tonolo in Calle San Pantalon and Rosa Salva in Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Savour each bite as you stroll along Venice’s enchanting campi, calli and canals.
12. Carry some Cash for smaller transactions
While many places in Venice accept credit cards, cash is king for smaller transactions, especially at local markets, cafes, and smaller shops.
Be sure to have enough euros on hand for those impulse purchases too (something will catch your eye), things such as Venetian souvenirs, snacks, and water bus tickets.
ATMs are available throughout the city, but having cash readily accessible simplifies your transactions, save precious time, and allows you to immerse yourself fully in Venice’s street life without interruption.
Venice for first time visitors
To wrap this up, Venice promises an unforgettable journey for first-time visitors that take time to plan their trip and follow a few simple good practices.
By travelling light, booking top attractions in advance, and immersing yourself in the local culture, you’ll have an unforgettable experience in this city.
If you want to receive more in depth advice on visiting Venice for the first time as well as some of my local tips, subscribe to my 7 day course where I share even more.
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