11 things to know before visiting Venice
Last updated on March 23rd, 2026.
I never get tired of visiting Venice.
The island city, and capital of the Veneto region is around 50 minutes’ drive from our home in neighboring Vicenza.
A city that we regularly visit, there’s always a new angle, building or landmark that I didn’t notice before.
But there are several things to know before visiting Venice Italy especially if it’s your first time in the city.
This Venice travel guide will be your insider’s resource as to what you can expect when you visit Venice.
Full of useful Venice travel tips, use this article to help plan your own Italy trip.
11 things to know before visiting Venice
1. There are two airports
How to get from Venice Airport to the city center
One of the most important things to know before arriving is that Venice has two airports: Marco Polo (VCE) and Treviso (TSF). Depending on where you land, your arrival experience will be very different.
From Marco Polo (VCE)
This is the main international airport. Many tourists take the Alilaguna water bus which drops you at major stops like San Marco. One-way tickets cost €18 while return tickets cost €32.
On land, the no. 35 ATVO bus or no.5 ACTV bus takes you to Piazzale Roma in about 20 minutes.
From Treviso (TSF)
Many budget airlines, like Ryanair, fly into Treviso Airport. The best way to reach Venice is the ATVO Treviso airport bus. One-way tickets cost €14 and it takes roughly 50 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma.
The luxury option
If budget isn’t a concern, a private water taxi from Marco Polo is the ultimate bucket list arrival. It will take you directly to your hotel’s private dock or the closest one to your hotel.
Planning your flight? Read my complete guide to the 26 major international airports in Italy to see which airport works best for your itinerary.
2. There are free things to do in Venice
Venice doesn’t have the reputation of being one of the most affordable places in Italy.
But this doesn’t mean it isn’t possible to enjoy Venice on a budget. With several activities that don’t cost a cent, some of my favorite free things to do in Venice include:
Exploring Venice by foot
One of the best things to do in Venice is to just walk.
Put on a pair of your comfiest walking shoes, make sure that your phone/camera battery is fully charged and go.
I typically rack up around 25,000 steps on each Venice visit. Am I tired? 100%. Is it worth the muscle pain the next day? Absolutely.
But exploring Venice on foot doesn’t just benefit your physical health — and your wallet. You also get to discover every fabulous nook and cranny in this fairytale city.
3. There is a Venice day tourist tax
Venice has had an overnight tourist tax in place since 2011.
The cost ranges from €1 ($1.17/£0.87) to €5 ($5.9/£4.4) per person per night. It’s typically added to your hotel or B&B bill and paid upon checkout.
However, a new Venice day tourist tax (also known as the access fee) was introduced on 24 April 2024. It’s one of several important things to know before visiting Venice Italy.
A plan that’s been in the works for several years, Venice Council is finally rolling out the initiative. It's something that's still in the 'experimentation' stage (as stated on their website) so many things are subject to change.
Why the new tax/access fee in Venice Italy?
The Venice day tourist tax is being introduced for several reasons. One of these is to help contribute towards the upkeep and cleaning of the city.
Things to know about the Venice Italy access fee
- The Venice day tax will cost €5 or €10 ($12/£9) per person to visit the city of Venice from 8.30am to 4pm.
- For 2026 the access fee will cost €5, but only if you book at least 4 days in advance. Last-minute bookings will increase to €10.
- The Venice city tax runs from April to July. This means that visitors traveling to Venice outside this period are exempt from paying the access fee.
- Aside from the Easter holidays the tax mainly applies to visitors traveling to Venice on the weekend.
- For 2026, the access fee doesn't apply to visitors traveling to the smaller islands in the Venetian Lagoon. This includes Venice Lido, Murano, Burano and Torcello. Visitors passing through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto or Stazione Marittima will also be exempt.
- Cruise ship passengers disembarking at Riva degli Schiavoni in 2026 will also be exempt.
- Anyone over the age of 14 that wants to travel to Venice on a day trip is liable to pay the day tax.
- You have until 11.59 p.m. on the day before your booked visit to cancel.
- Visitors staying overnight in Venice are exempt. To be clear, you only have to pay one of the tourist taxes.*
Payment of the Venice day tourist tax
There are several ways to pay the city day tax in Venice.
The easiest, and cheaper, method is to pay in advance on the Venice council website. Click on ‘payment of the fee’ and fill in the details accordingly. Visitors will also be able to purchase the access fee from ticket counters at various locations (see below).
You can cancel your payment until 11.59 p.m. on the day before your booked visit.
Not everyone has to pay the Venice day tourist tax. Children under 14, and people visiting extended family living, or renting an apartment, in Venice are exempt.
Venice council has the full list of exemptions on its website.
How will they check the Venice Italy access fee?
There will be inspection points in place during the period when the Venice Italy access fee is active. Make sure to have proof of payment with you. These points will also double as information hubs and is likely where you'll find ticket counters.
- Marco Polo Airport
- San Giuliano
- Fusima
- Santa Lucia train station
- Piazzale Roma
- Fondamente Nove (where to get a direct vaporetto to Burano)
- Riva Sette Martiri
- Riva degli Schiavoni
- Punta Sabbioni
4. Venice attractions get extremely busy
Given its huge popularity among visitors, I always advise booking Venice tickets in advance. It’s something that many visitors overlook when planning a trip to Italy.
While lines for top attractions in Venice quickly build in summer, it’s normal to see long lines in winter too.
Instead, be smart and stay one step ahead of the others by getting skip-the-line tickets for these popular Venice landmarks.
- Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
- St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs (Basilica di San Marco)
- Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) and Piombi Prisons
5. There are other islands to visit
While Venice is an island city, many visitors don’t know about the surrounding islands in the Venice Lagoon.
We’ve visited several on our trips to Venice, including visits to Murano, Burano and Torcello and Lido di Venezia.
One of several things to know before visiting Venice, these islands also make an ideal Venice day trip.
On top of this, the islands are easily accessible by taking a vaporetto or by joining a tour. Some top tours to consider booking include:
Map of Venice Italy
6. You can buy vaporetto tickets on board
Aside from exploring Venice on foot, the vaporetto is the most economical way of getting around Venice.
A single ticket costs €9.50 ($10.35/£8.13) but it lasts for 75 minutes. This means that you can hop off one and onto another during this timeframe.
There are different ticket types for the vaporetto that work out cheaper if you plan on staying longer in Venice. They are:
- 24-hour ticket: €25 ($27/£21)
- 48-hour ticket: €35 ($38/£30)
- 72-hour ticket: €45 ($49/£38)
- 7-day ticket: €65 ($71/£56)
Don’t forget to validate your ticket by holding it close to the machine when on board. You must do this for each journey.
My guide on how to use the vaporetto in Venice Italy outlines everything you need to know.
No ticket machines
There may be times when the nearest machine to buy vaporetto tickets may be out of order.
It happened to me on two visits, and during one of them I was at a remote vaporetto stop. It was only on the second occasion that I discovered I could buy a ticket on board.
My feet sore from walking, I’d no desire to go searching for another ticket machine. Instead, I hopped onto the next vaporetto, found the conductor and told him that the machine was broken.
He told me that it wasn’t a problem and that I could buy a ticket on board. Easy as that, I paid by credit card and sailed off down the Grand Canal.
One of the most essential things to know before visiting Venice, it’s something to bear in mind on your trip.
7. Some Venetians can be standoffish
One of the most eye-opening things to know before visiting Venice is that some Venetians can be standoffish towards visitors.
It’s something that I first experienced (a few times) during my first Venice trip back when I was in university. Some of these incidences included:
- The owner’s mother of the pensione we were staying at banging our door to remind us of the check-out time
- A rude waiter pretending he couldn’t speak English, only to insult me behind my back after in perfect English, and
- Locals on the vaporetto giving me disapproving looks because I didn’t properly close the door (it was winter)
At the time, I felt extremely self-conscious and thought that I’d done something wrong.
The reasons why
It was only years later that my husband (who studied in Venice) told me that many Venetians behave like this. He, and his family, weren’t surprised at all by my stories.
There are several reasons that can explain some Venetians’ standoffishness towards visitors.
For one, Venice attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its confined streets. To put it simply, some locals are just tired of the tourists.
The second reason is that Venetians are extremely proud of their city.
But the constant influx of tourists makes some feel that they’re unable to maintain their traditions and way of life.
8. Many services close in January in Venice
I’m a big advocate of visiting Venice in winter.
It’s true that it’s colder, foggier and with a higher chance of rain. But on the plus side, there are some benefits too.
For one, there are fewer crowds to contend with during the winter months. Top indoor attractions are more breathable and there’s less chance of someone photobombing your shot.
However, one of the main things to know before visiting Venice is that some services are closed in winter.
We discovered this during a trip to Venice in January. Our friends visiting from Sicily wanted to spend the night; something that shouldn’t have been difficult to find in January.
Instead, we found that many mid-range hotels were closed for the season. Though we did eventually find one, we later encountered the same issue with restaurants. Many had closed for the season and would be re-opening in February.
9. There’s more than one neighborhood
If you’ve more than one day in Venice to spare, don’t miss out on visiting the other neighborhoods.
I cover this topic in greater detail in ‘where to stay in Venice’. The travel guide highlights the pros and cons of each Venice neighborhood and lists several hotels in different budget categories.
These areas provide a breath of fresh air from the masses of tourists plus there’s also plenty to explore.
Take the Jewish Ghetto. Situated in the Cannaregio neighborhood of Venice, exploring the area is like taking a real-life history class.
Browse the exhibition at the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Venice before trying some Kosher delicacies from the nearby eateries.
Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Venice (Sinagoghe e Museo Ebraico di Venezia), Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, 2902
10. Ponte dei Sospiri isn’t Lovers’ bridge
There are plenty of famous bridges in Venice to admire from afar and to pass over. But one of the best known is Ponte dei Sospiri, or the Bridge of Sighs.
The famous bridge in Venice was built in the 16th century and was designed by architect Antonio Contino. It spans the Rio di Palazzo, connecting the Doge's Palace to the New Prison (Palazzo delle Prigioni Nove).
Why is it called the Bridge of Sighs?
The Bridge of Sighs name comes from a romantic legend that dates to the 19th century.
As prisoners were led across the bridge to their impending imprisonment, many would sigh at their final view of Venice. But, as poetic as this sounds, the Bridge of Sighs legend was an invention rather than a historical fact.
It’s not the Lovers Bridge in Venice
Another of the most interesting things to know before visiting Venice is that the Bridge of Sighs isn’t ‘Lovers Bridge’.
Many couples visit believing that their love will last forever if they share a kiss beneath the Bridge of Sighs. The same goes for sharing a kiss atop the wooden Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia).
While both are romantic in notion, unfortunately there’s no truth behind it. Instead, enjoy visiting every Venice bridge and make your own backstory on your trip.
Other famous bridges in Venice, and some of the most famous bridges in Italy, to add to your itinerary include:
- Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) (the oldest bridge in Venice)
- Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione) (designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it can sometimes be referred to as Calatrava Bridge)
- Scalzi Bridge (Ponte degli Scalzi)
- Guglie Bridge (Ponte delle Guglie)
11. Gondola rides are expensive
Probably the most iconic symbol of Venice, enjoying a gondola ride is a dream Italy bucket list item.
So, it’s probably not surprising to read that the cost of a gondola cruise can be higher than you expected. It’s one of many important things to know before visiting Venice.
Many gondola rides in Venice last from around 30 to 50 minutes depending on who you book with. My advice is to ask the gondoliere questions before agreeing to a ride.
Some example questions could be:
- How much is a gondola ride per person?
- How long is the gondola ride?
- What route will the cruise take?
- Is there a discount for children?
- What is the maximum number of passengers on board?
Book gondola tickets in advance
The following are some selected gondola rides in Venice. Read the description carefully before booking and see if they match your travel needs and budget.
- Grand Canal gondola ride with in-app commentary (this includes a 15-minute walk introduction to the gondola experience and 30-minute ride)
- Shared gondola ride with app commentary (split the cost of a gondola ride on this 30-minute cruise)
- Grand canal by gondola with commentary (20-minute introduction and 30-minute gondola ride)
- Classic 30-minute gondola ride in Venice
What are your thoughts on this guide to things to know before visiting Venice? Is there anything that surprised you on the list? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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Reading about Venice reminded me of my trips there, especially the four days in March filled with stunning buildings, tasty food, and lovely wine. This guide nails it with handy tips that even someone like me, who's been to Venice a few times, finds useful. Also, mentioning other incredible islands to check out, like Murano and Burano, brought back fond memories.
I'm glad you enjoyed it here 🙂
Venice is such a fascinating place. It would be neat to be able to visit and explore some day. It is always helpful to have some tips for travel before leaving.
I hope you visit one day
Your post made me instantly want to go back to Venice. I haven`t been there for a really long time (maybe more than ten years). And with all these talks about overtourism I was not to eager to return. But you are right, Venice is such an amazing town - and I should plan a return visit.
I am glad. Hopefully this tax will make things get better with the overtourism
We too never tire of visiting Venice. But your points are great for first time visitors to this interesting city. We do love to head out on foot and away from the more crowded tourist spots. And we love to use the vaporettos to visit the other islands. The tourist tax is new since our last visit. But it is not enough to stop me from visiting. I would not have thought to be worried about visiting in January and finding things closed. All good things to remember.
I'm glad this is helpful. The tourist tax is new for this year, it's just a pilot so we will see how it will work out. In winter, some services do close for the season
I'm traveling to Venice this summer with my family! Such great tips here. Defiantly feel more ready than yesterday!!
Perfect! I'm glad it helped 🙂
I didn't expect there to be long lines for tourist attractions in winter as well as summer. That's good to be aware of. It's also good to be aware of the tourist charge especially as there are at least 5 of us travelling.
It's really important to know as you can receive a fine if you don't pay for this tax in advance 🙂
This blog post beautifully captures the enduring allure of Venice, highlighting its proximity and the perpetual discovery it offers even to frequent visitors. It teases the reader with the promise of hidden gems and essential tips for first-time travelers, inviting them to immerse themselves in the enchanting labyrinth of this iconic city.
Thank you
Venice is so beautiful...I dream of taking a gondola ride through the canals. So much to see and do!
It's an iconic item, just be sure you research the right one and don't jump aboard just any 🙂
We went to Venice one year in November and wanted to travel over to murano but there was a lot of flooding and bad weather so the boats wouldn't go there (although we still had a lovely time). But I'm keen to go back during slightly nicer weather x
That's a shame. It does happen here during winter, I hope you come back again when the weather is better
I can totally understand that some inhabitants might be tired of having tourists over constantly, but still no reason to be that rude
I totally agree. I took it badly when I was younger, now I see it differently but it's still not right
I must admit, I didn't really know a huge amount about Venice! Thank you for the information about the tax, that is interesting to know, I was also not really aware of the other little islands that could be visited either. It looks wonderful!
There are so many and it's really worth seeing 😀 Happy it is helpful!
All these are very informative. Thanks for sharing it with us, I will save this for my future travel.
I'm happy to read that
Venice is truly an awesome city to visit and I've heard great things about it. I am thinking to visit with my family and this guide will be truly helpful. Thank you so much!
That is great! I hope you do visit one day
I packed my bags for Venice, armed with tips from blogs and seasoned travelers: choose the right route from the airport, know your boats, and embrace the city's delicate balance between sightseeing and preserving. With each step on the cobblestone paths, I discovered the city's charm, respecting its history while creating my own memories. I left Venice with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that the city's beauty is matched only by the importance of visiting it responsibly.
That is awesome to read. It's a great, but busy, city and it's good that you came here and treated it responsibly too
I would love to see Venice one day. I learned so much reading this post. There's a lot more to visiting than I thought!
I hope you do! There is plenty to think about 🙂
I had no idea there was a visitor tax. That's actually really smart. You multiply that little fee by all the people that come to see the city? That's a ton of revenue.
There has been an overnight tax since 2011. But this new one affects visitors coming on a day trip. As a frequent visitor it's actually a small amount to help towards the cleaning and other services