Venice Carnival is one of the most recognisable events in the world.
For a couple of weeks each winter, the city fills with costumes, masks, concerts, parades, and small performances scattered across squares and canals.
It’s a great time to experience a different side of Venice, the period when the city is at its liveliest and most colourful.
But Carnival is also one of the busiest moments of the year. Crowds are intense, especially around San Marco and Rialto, and moving around can be very slow.
How to visit the Venice Carnival
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to enjoy the Carnival without adding extra pressure to the city or its residents.
I will include everything from booking your stay in Venice to navigating events, choosing where to take photos, and travelling respectfully.
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1. Book your Venice Carnival accommodation early
If you want to visit Venice during Carnival, start by reserving your accommodation because it’s the first thing that gets booked out. Hotels, B&Bs, and even guesthouses fill up months ahead of time, especially anywhere close to San Marco.
Staying in licensed accommodation (rather than unregulated short-term rentals) really helps Venice. It supports local businesses and avoids contributing to the city’s ongoing housing issues.
Neighbourhoods like Cannaregio, Santa Croce, and Castello are great options during Carnival. They’re well connected, less chaotic than San Marco, and give you more space to breathe when crowds peak.
If you’re unsure where to stay, I have a full guide that breaks down every Venetian neighbourhood in a simple way so you can pick what feels right for you.
2. Venice Carnival schedule & events guide
The 2026 Venice Carnival runs from 31 January to 17 February.
This edition focuses on “Olympus – The Origins of the Game”, getting inspiration from the Olympic world and mixing it with theatre, music, and the traditional spirit of Carnival.
You’ll find a mix of free public events and ticketed experiences. The big shows tend to happen around the weekends, which means those days are a lot busier.
Main Carnival events (2026)
Here are some of the most important dates to keep in mind:
- 31 January 2026 – Opening show on the Grand Canal. A great way to start Carnival, but expect large crowds along the canal.
- 1 February 2026 – Carnival of the Venetians by boat: a lively local celebration that’s especially fun to watch around the Rialto area.
- 7 February 2026 – “Festa delle Marie”: a historic parade moving from San Pietro di Castello to Piazza San Marco.
- 7–8 February 2026 – First dates of the Carnival Dinner Show (ticketed).
- 12–17 February 2026 – Final stretch of Carnival, with nightly dinner shows and many small events across the city.
If you want a detailed breakdown of where these events usually take place and how to plan your time around them, you can check the official programme site, it’s updated regularly and is the most accurate source.
Big events tend to draw huge crowds, so balance them out with quieter neighbourhood walks or smaller community celebrations. These are often the most enjoyable moments of Carnival, especially if you like seeing the more local side of the festival.
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3. Respect crowds and public spaces
Carnival is busy. There’s no way around it. Calli get packed, especially between San Marco, Rialto, and anywhere along popular photo routes.
A few tips that genuinely help everyone:
- Avoid stopping on bridges or narrow walkways to take photos, it blocks the flow and makes moving around harder for locals and visitors.
- If you want to admire a costume or take a good picture, step into an open campo or a quieter side street. For example, I saw costumes in Campo Santa Maria Formosa and Cannaregio, near the Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli.
- Follow the “keep right” rule on busy calli and bridges. It makes a big difference on peak days.
No matter how many days in Venice you have, it’s these small habits make navigating Carnival much smoother, both for you and the people around you.
4. Photographing Venice Carnival costumes respectfully
Most people wearing elaborate costumes enjoy being photographed, it’s part of the experience. But a little courtesy goes a long way.
- Ask before taking a photo. A smile and a simple “Photo?” is always appreciated.
- Don’t touch costumes or masks. Many are handmade, delicate, and expensive.
- If someone is clearly there to pose, try not to keep them too long and be mindful of people waiting behind you.
It keeps the atmosphere friendly and respects the effort that goes into creating these outfits. Are you considering getting dressed up for Carnival?
Then check out these ateliers in Venice Ca’ del Sol and Atelier Nicolao. If you are on a budget, but still want to try on 17th/18th Venetian dresses, read about my personal experience at Venice Dress Up experience for more inspiration.
5. Dress well for Venice Carnival weather
Carnival happens in February, one of the coldest months in Venice. See my guide on Venice in February for more on visiting the city during this month. Expect chilly mornings, damp air, and days that can go from sunny to foggy quickly.
To stay comfortable:
- Wear layers: indoor spaces are warm, but outside it’s cold and humid.
- Bring waterproof shoes, especially if you walk a lot.
- Choose a mask that doesn’t block your vision: you’ll be moving through crowds.
- Use a small cross-body bag so your hands stay free for bridges, steps, and taking photos. I recommend this anti-theft bag by Pacsafe.
If you want more detailed outfit advice, I have guides on what to wear in Venice based on my frequent travels here and seeing many Carnival seasons up close.
6. Support mask makers and local artisans
Masks are a huge part of Carnival, but sadly many shops now sell imported products that have nothing to do with Venetian craftsmanship.
If you want a meaningful souvenir, or simply want to support Venice’s artisan community, look for traditional mask ateliers. These are workshops where masks are designed and created by hand using real Venetian techniques.
Some studios also offer mask-making workshops, which can be one of the best experiences you have during your trip. You learn about the history behind the craft, work with proper materials, and create something unique to take home.
7. Travel responsibly during carnival
Carnival is a beautiful celebration, but it also brings extra pressure to a city that already deals with overtourism year-round.
A few simple actions make a real difference:
- Stay overnight instead of day-tripping: day trips contribute to congestion, while overnight visitors support local businesses.
- Keep noise levels low in residential areas, especially late at night.
- Use vaporetti only when you need them, and offer your seat to locals who rely on them daily. You can walk anywhere in Venice and this is the time of the year where I really recommend doing so.
If you want tips for moving around in a slower, more thoughtful way, I have a dedicated guide with a fantastic slow travel itinerary.
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Make the most of your Venice Carnival trip
The Venice Carnival is an incredible experience, not just because of the costumes and events, but because it shows the city in a completely different light.
With a bit of planning, some awareness of how the city works, and a respectful approach, you can enjoy everything Carnival offers while helping Venice stay liveable for its residents.
Take your time, explore beyond the main squares, and enjoy seeing Venice at its most festive.
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