Things to Do in Venice

About Venice

Venice sits on water that shouldn't support a city this size. Over 100 islands connect through canals and ~400 bridges, all anchored to wooden pilings driven into the lagoon floor centuries ago. The buildings didn't grow here—engineers forced them to stay. Gondoliers work the waterways. They've been doing it for generations, steering through passages barely wide enough for their boats. The pay is good when tourists show up. Walk across any bridge and you'll see another canal lined with old buildings. Some facades date back 600 years. The stone is worn smooth from salt air and flooding that happens more often now than it used to. Venice moves with the tides. High water floods the squares twice daily during certain months—locals wear boots and set up elevated walkways. Tourists don't expect it. Every narrow alley leads somewhere unexpected. Merchants set up shop in the same spots their families have occupied for decades. The city smells like seawater and wet stone. You can't just visit Venice. The place demands attention—the sound of water hitting marble steps, the tight turns between buildings, the way light reflects off canals onto ceiling frescoes inside churches. It wears you down in the best way.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a vaporetto day pass (€25) for unlimited water bus travel. Avoid tourist gondola stations near St. Mark's—find quieter pickup points in Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for better prices and real feels.

Money: Many restaurants add 10-15% service charges automatically. Always check receipts before tipping. ATMs are plentiful but carry cash for small cafes and markets. Expect to pay €4-6 for espresso in tourist areas.

Cultural Respect: Never sit on church steps or monument bases—it's illegal and fined €50-500. Dress modestly when entering religious sites: cover shoulders and knees. Keep voices low; Venice amplifies sound through narrow streets.

Food Safety: Avoid restaurants with multilingual menus near major attractions. Seek bacari (wine bars) where locals stand and eat cicchetti. Fresh seafood should smell like ocean, not fish. Tap water is safe and delicious.

When to Visit

Venice's charm shifts dramatically with seasons, each offering distinct experiences. Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures of 60-70°F with moderate rainfall (3-4 inches monthly). Crowds are manageable, and accommodation costs drop 20-30% from peak season. Summer (June-August) sees temperatures of 75-85°F but brings oppressive humidity, massive crowds, and prices inflated 40-50%. The famous Biennale runs May-November in odd years. Autumn (September-October) offers the sweet spot: pleasant 65-75°F weather, fewer tourists, and 25-35% lower hotel rates. November brings acqua alta (flooding) season—romantic but impractical with 4-5 inches of rain. Winter (December-March) transforms Venice into an intimate experience with temperatures of 40-55°F and minimal crowds. Carnevale (February-March) creates magical masked festivities but doubles accommodation prices. December offers Christmas markets and 50% off summer rates. For photographers, early morning mists in autumn and winter create ethereal scenes. Budget travelers should target November-March (excluding Carnevale and Christmas), while those seeking perfect weather with manageable crowds should choose late April-May or September-early October.