20 Venice Travel Tips That Will Make Your Trip 10x Better in 2025

Visiting Venice is awesome, but there are some things we wish we knew before we went. It’s easy to waste time and money if you don’t plan ahead. 

We want you to have the best experience possible, so here are the essential Venice travel tips that will make your trip so much better.

Travel Tips for Venice, Italy

To help you enjoy the best of Venice, here are 20 travel tips for Venice Italy:

1. Choose the Right Transportation from the Airport

Getting into Venice is easy if you pick the right option. If you’re okay spending extra, take a water taxi for around €130—it’s convenient and takes you close to your hotel. 

For something cheaper, the Alilaguna ferry is €16 and gives you nice views on the way. The bus is the cheapest at €8, but it only takes you to Piazzale Roma, so you’ll still need to walk or grab a vaporetto from there.

2. Walk to Truly Experience Venice

Venice is a city for walking, so make sure you wear comfy shoes. Wandering through narrow streets and over tiny bridges is the best way to experience everything. 

Actually, walking is often quicker than waiting for a water bus, especially for short trips like Piazza San Marco to the Rialto Bridge.

3. Save Money with a Vaporetto Pass

If you’ll be using the water buses often, grab a vaporetto pass. A single ride is €7.50, but a 24-hour pass costs €21 and will save you money if you’re exploring places like Murano or Burano. You can buy passes at ticket machines, kiosks, or even tobacco shops.

If you want to skip the line at the ticket office and go straight to your destination, check out this waterbus and mainland bus pass. This is perfect for taking multiple rides.

4. See Free Art in Churches

You don’t need to spend a lot to see great art in Venice. Many churches have amazing works for free or just a small donation. Check out San Zaccaria near St. Mark’s Square or San Pietro Martire on Murano for stunning pieces by Bellini and other masters.

If you want to check out even more historic sites, a walking tour of must-see attractions is a great choice.

5. Book Top Attractions in Advance

Save yourself some stress by booking tickets online for popular spots like St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace. It’ll save you from waiting in long lines, especially during peak seasons.

Reserve your ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace now to skip the long lines and make the most of your time.

6. Try Local Snacks

Skip the big meals and grab some Cicchetti, which are small snacks like fried mozzarella or sardines on bread. They’re cheap and just usually €2-€3 each. You can find them at bars called Bacari. The Fondamenta della Misericordia area is great for this.

If you want to taste the best cicchetti and pair it with a classic spritz, join a street food tour with a local guide for an authentic Venetian food experience.

7. Take a Traghetto Instead of a Gondola

Gondolas are nice but expensive (€80 for 30 minutes). If you just want a quick ride on one, hop on a traghetto. It’s an oversized gondola used to cross the Grand Canal, and it only costs €2.

8. Escape the Crowds by Visiting Lesser-Known Islands

Skip the busy Murano and visit quieter spots like Torcello, where you can see beautiful mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. For something even more peaceful, check out San Francesco del Deserto, a monastery island with guided tours.

9. Respect Local Rules to Avoid Fines

Venice has strict rules to protect the city, so avoid swimming in the canals, sitting on pavements, or feeding pigeons. You can get fined for these things, so it’s best to play by the rules.

10. Visit the Lido for a Beach Day

If the summer heat gets too much, head to the Lido. It’s a quick vaporetto ride and has sandy beaches where you can swim or relax. There’s a free public beach at the northern end, or you can pay for sun loungers at beach clubs.

11. Stay in Less Touristy Neighborhoods

If you want to escape the crowds, stay in neighborhoods like Dorsoduro or Castello instead of near St. Mark’s Square. These areas are quieter and more local, with great cafes, galleries, and lively squares.

12. Try a Venetian Select Spritz Instead of Aperol

Instead of the usual Aperol spritz, order a Select spritz, which is a local favorite. It’s slightly bitter and pairs perfectly with Cicchetti. Venetians tend to keep it simple, so don’t expect fancy glasses—it’s all about the drink.

13. Avoid Tourist Traps When Shopping

When buying souvenirs like masks or Murano glass, look for artisan shops where you can see the work being made. But keep in mind that if it’s super cheap, it’s probably fake. 

Don’t be afraid to ask the shop owner about their craft. They’re usually happy to share.

14. Start Your Day Like a Local with Sweet Pastries

Venetians love starting their day with coffee and pastries. Visit places like Tonolo or Rosa Salva for cream-filled croissants or Carnival Frittelle. My favorite thing to do is pair them with a cappuccino or macchiato for a real local vibe.

15. Pack Practical Essentials

Comfortable shoes are a must for walking on Venice’s cobblestone streets. Also, bring a travel umbrella in case of rain and insect repellent if you’re visiting in summer. If you’re visiting churches, carry a wrap or scarf to cover your shoulders and knees.

16. Avoid Overpaying at Restaurants

Always check the menu for prices and seating fees before you order. Items like fish priced by weight can be tricky, so ask before committing. For affordable food, stick to Bacari or restaurants off the main tourist paths.

17. Visit Fondaco dei Tedeschi for Free Panoramic Views

For an amazing view of Venice, head to the rooftop of Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a shopping center near the Rialto Bridge. It’s free, but you’ll need to book your time slot online in advance.

18. Keep Your Valuables Safe

Venice is generally safe, but pickpocketing can happen in busy spots like vaporetto stops or the Rialto Bridge. Use a bag with zippers and keep an eye on your belongings.

19. Learn a Few Italian Phrases

Even though many Venetians in tourism speak English, learning a few Italian phrases like “Grazie” (Thank you) or “Per favore” (Please) shows effort. Locals appreciate it, and it makes interactions a bit more fun.

20. Follow Vaporetto Etiquette

On vaporettos, let people off before you board and store your luggage in the designated areas. Some stops have priority lines for residents. Don’t use those unless you have a local pass.