Venice Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Venice.
Healthcare System
Venice is part of Italy's public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN), which provides high-quality medical care. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access emergency care, while non-EU visitors typically need private insurance or must pay out-of-pocket.
Hospitals
The main hospital is Ospedale dell'Angelo in Mestre (mainland), with emergency water ambulance transport from Venice. The Ospedale Civile SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Venice handles emergencies and is accessible by water ambulance. Private clinics are available for non-emergency care.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacie) are widely available throughout Venice, marked by green crosses. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can provide advice for minor ailments. Many common medications require prescriptions. At least one pharmacy operates on a rotating 24-hour schedule (farmacia di turno).
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for non-EU visitors, as medical costs can be expensive. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card. Insurance should cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and medical evacuation if needed.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your EHIC card (EU citizens) or travel insurance documents at all times
- Learn basic Italian medical terms or carry a translation app for pharmacy visits
- Many pharmacists speak English in tourist areas, but less so in residential neighborhoods
- Water ambulances are the primary emergency transport - they're fast and efficient
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications, as specific brands may not be available
- The water quality in Venice is safe, but tap water may have a different taste due to the lagoon environment
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Venice, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation. Thieves often work in groups and target distracted tourists.
Opportunistic thieves may grab unattended bags in restaurants, cafes, or on vaporetti, particularly from tourists who are distracted taking photos or consulting maps.
Venice's uneven cobblestones, numerous bridges with steps, slippery surfaces near water, and algae-covered stones pose significant fall risks, especially when wet or during acqua alta flooding.
Seasonal flooding occurs when high tides combine with certain weather conditions, typically between October and January. Water can rise quickly and make streets impassable or hazardous.
Summer temperatures in Venice can be very high with intense humidity due to the lagoon environment. The combination of heat, crowds, and extensive walking can lead to heat-related illnesses.
Venice's labyrinthine layout with narrow alleys, dead ends, and confusing signage can easily disorient visitors. While not dangerous, it can cause stress and delays.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some restaurants, particularly around St. Mark's Square, add excessive service charges, coperto (cover charges), or charge exorbitant prices for sitting at outdoor tables. Bills may include items not ordered or multiply drinks ordered.
Unlicensed or dishonest gondoliers may quote one price then demand much more at the end, claim the agreed price was per person not per gondola, or add unexpected fees for singing or specific routes.
Scammers posing as plainclothes police ask to see your wallet or passport to 'check for counterfeit money' or verify identity, then steal cash or cards while 'inspecting' them.
Individuals approach tourists offering to tie a 'free' friendship bracelet or give a 'gift,' then aggressively demand payment once it's on your wrist, sometimes with accomplices blocking your path.
Vendors in St. Mark's Square offer bird seed to tourists to feed pigeons, then demand payment after you've used it. Feeding pigeons is actually illegal in Venice and can result in fines.
Con artists operate shell games or card tricks, often with accomplices posing as winners to lure tourists. The games are rigged and you will always lose money.
Unlicensed water taxi operators or legitimate drivers may quote excessive prices, take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken, or add surprise surcharges for luggage, night travel, or holidays.
Shops sell cheap imported glass as authentic Murano glass at inflated prices. Some tours include 'free' trips to Murano that take you only to specific overpriced shops with commission arrangements.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable items you don't need daily
- Carry only the cash and cards you need for the day
- Keep money in multiple locations (front pockets, money belt, hotel safe)
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Be discreet when handling money; don't flash large amounts of cash
- Make copies of important documents and store separately from originals
- Use credit cards over debit cards for better fraud protection
- Notify your bank of travel dates to prevent card freezing
Transportation Safety
- Hold onto handrails on vaporetti, especially during boarding and disembarking
- Watch the gap between vaporetto and dock; it can be wide and dangerous
- Keep luggage close on water buses to prevent theft and tripping hazards
- Validate vaporetto tickets before boarding to avoid fines
- Stand away from the edge of docks and be aware of passing boat wakes
- Use only licensed water taxis (white with yellow stripe) and agree on price beforehand
- Be cautious when walking along canal edges, especially at night
- Watch for delivery carts in narrow streets; they have right of way
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms with reviews
- Verify the exact location; some 'Venice' hotels are actually in Mestre on the mainland
- Confirm your accommodation has proper fire safety equipment
- Note emergency exits and evacuation routes upon arrival
- Be cautious with ground-floor rooms which may be vulnerable to flooding or break-ins
- Keep windows and doors locked when absent
- Don't leave valuables visible from windows
- Know how to contact your accommodation's emergency contact 24/7
Personal Safety
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas at night
- Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Keep your phone charged and consider a portable battery pack
- Learn basic Italian phrases for emergencies
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics unnecessarily
- Be wary of overly friendly strangers who may be setting up scams
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
Health and Wellness
- Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes; you'll walk 10,000+ steps daily
- Use public drinking fountains (safe tap water) to stay hydrated and save money
- Pack a basic first aid kit with blister treatment, pain relievers, and any prescription medications
- Bring motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness (vaporetti can be choppy)
- Apply sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days due to water reflection
- Take breaks; Venice's pace can be exhausting with crowds and constant walking
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Be aware of restaurant hygiene; choose busy establishments with good reviews
Navigation and Getting Around
- Download offline maps before arrival (Venice has free WiFi but it's not always reliable)
- Learn the main landmarks for orientation: San Marco, Rialto, Ferrovia (train station), Piazzale Roma
- Follow yellow signs (cartelli gialli) pointing to major destinations
- Take photos of street names and landmarks to help find your way back
- Accept that getting lost is part of the Venice experience; stay calm and enjoy
- Know your hotel's nearest vaporetto stop and major landmark
- Carry your accommodation's business card or address in Italian
- Be aware that GPS can be unreliable in narrow streets; traditional maps work better
Cultural Awareness and Respect
- Dress modestly when visiting churches (covered shoulders and knees)
- Don't sit or eat on church steps or monuments; it's prohibited and fines apply
- Be respectful in residential areas; Venice is a living city, not a theme park
- Dispose of trash properly; littering carries heavy fines
- Don't feed pigeons (illegal with fines up to €500)
- Keep noise levels down, especially at night in residential areas
- Don't swim in canals or drink/eat while walking in certain areas (fines apply)
- Support local businesses rather than international chains when possible
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Venice is generally very safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The city has low rates of violent crime and harassment is less common than in many other Italian cities. The compact size, pedestrian-only streets, and constant presence of tourists and locals create a relatively safe environment. However, standard precautions should still be observed, particularly at night and in crowded areas.
- Venice is excellent for solo female travelers; many women explore the city alone without issues
- Catcalling and unwanted attention are less common than in other Italian cities but can still occur
- Dress modestly when visiting churches, but otherwise clothing choices are generally respected
- Stay in well-populated areas at night; the main tourist routes are busy until late
- Be cautious accepting help with luggage from strangers, particularly at the train station
- If staying in budget accommodations, choose female-only dorms if available
- Trust your instincts; if someone makes you uncomfortable, move to a public area
- Avoid isolated areas of parks or outer islands late at night
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts
- Italian men may be flirtatious; a firm 'no grazie' and walking away is usually sufficient
- Take official water taxis or vaporetti rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Join group tours to meet other travelers and enhance safety through numbers
- Be aware that some bars and nightlife areas may have more aggressive behavior late at night
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm if it makes you feel more secure
- Women-only accommodations and tours are available if preferred
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Italy has legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex civil unions have been legal since 2016, though same-sex marriage is not yet recognized. Venice and broader Italy are generally safe for LGBTQ+ travelers with legal protections in place.
- Venice is generally welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers; discrimination in tourist services is rare
- Same-sex couples can book double rooms without issue in hotels and accommodations
- Public displays of affection are generally tolerated in tourist areas but may attract stares in residential neighborhoods
- The Venice area has less visible LGBTQ+ nightlife compared to Milan or Rome, but gay-friendly venues exist
- Nearby Padua has a more active LGBTQ+ scene if seeking specific venues
- Use discretion in very traditional or religious settings
- Major hotels and international chains are typically LGBTQ+-friendly
- Venice hosts some LGBTQ+ events during Carnival, though it's not specifically a gay event
- Online resources and apps can help identify LGBTQ+-friendly establishments
- Younger Italians are generally more accepting than older generations
- Legal protections exist if you experience discrimination; contact police or tourist authorities
- Pride events occur in Venice occasionally; check local listings if visiting in June
- Transgender travelers should carry identification; Italy requires ID cards match gender presentation
- Some conservative areas outside Venice center may be less accepting
- Overall, Venice is considered one of Italy's more LGBTQ+-friendly destinations
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Venice and essential for non-EU visitors. While Venice is safe, the unique environment presents risks including flooding, medical emergencies requiring water ambulance transport, trip disruptions from acqua alta, and potential theft in crowded tourist areas. Medical costs in Italy can be expensive for those without EU health coverage, and evacuation from Venice's islands adds complexity to emergencies.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries