Venice receives millions of visitors each year. Whether it’s for its iconic canals and gondolas, its diverse architectural landscape, or its famous carnival traditions, the city remains one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. And while its major sights are undeniably worth visiting, there’s so much more to La Serenissima than what crowds typically flock to. That’s why we created a Venice Travel Tips Guide: to share insider tricks that help you experience the city in ways most tourists don’t.
Our Top 6 Venice Travel Tips
Read on to discover how to make the most of your time in the Floating City. Uncover the authentic Venezia –the one that lives beyond the crowds and tourist traps.
1. Visit Venice After Dark
During the day, Venice buzzes with life; from market vendors arranging fresh seafood to the sound of vaporetto horns on the water. But what many visitors don’t realize is that at night, the city takes on an entirely different vibe.
Our first Venice travel tip is simple: explore the city after dark. Whether you’re wandering through quaint backstreets or standing on an empty bridge watching the water below, night-time Venice reveals a calmer, quieter side of the city.
For an even more exclusive evening, join our St. Mark’s Basilica After Hours Tour. Once the basilica closes to the public, you’ll step inside for rare, crowd-free access to one of the Floating City’s most iconic landmarks.
By day, this space requires a ticket and long waits, but during your visit, you’ll get special access, including the chance to enter the glowing nave shimmering with some 43,000 square feet of golden mosaics.
2. Taste Venice, One Bàcaro at a Time
It’s tempting to default to pizza and pasta in Venice, especially in the more touristy areas. However, the city’s true food culture lives in its cicchetti – small, flavorful bites traditionally eaten standing at bars.
Think creamy baccalà mantecato on warm bread or marinated seafood skewers. You’ll find these in bàcari, Venice’s casual neighborhood wine bars, where locals drop in throughout the day for a quick bite and a glass of wine or a spritz.
Our next Venice travel tip is to skip the tourist menus and embrace the cicchetti-and-bàcaro tradition. It’s the most classic (and fun) way to eat through the city.
On our Tastes and Traditions Food Tour, we’ll take you to some of the best family-run bàcari, teach you how to order like a local, and show you how Venice’s culinary traditions are shaped by the lagoon, the Rialto Market, and centuries of trade.
By the end, you’ll not only know what to eat –you’ll know how Venetians eat.
3. Explore the City Without the Crowds (Yes, it’s actually possible)
Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, so you’ll never have it entirely to yourself. But you can experience calmer corners of the city if you know when and where to go.
Early mornings and evenings are your best bets. Our third Venice travel tip is to head out before 9 a.m. or after sunset, when popular areas like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge feel completely different –atmospheric and more peaceful than you’d expect.
During the day, venture beyond the classic routes and explore residential neighborhoods like Cannaregio, Castello, and Dorsoduro for a taste of everyday Venetian life.
At night, experience Piazza San Marco and its iconic basilica after the crowds have gone on our After Hours Tour. Along with access to the nave, you’ll get to visit the famous Pala d’Oro altarpiece, which requires an extra ticket during the day, and appreciate its nearly 2,000 precious gems from up close.
4. Support Venice’s Local Businesses
A great way to do this is by visiting the Rialto Market, where locals buy their seafood and seasonal produce. Our Tastes & Traditions Food Tour brings you straight there, introducing you to trusted vendors and showing you how Venetians shop, cook, and eat, far beyond the tourist traps.
Venice’s true character lives in its small, family-run shops; from neighborhood produce stalls to artisan mask makers and traditional bakeries. Our fourth Venice travel tip is to skip the souvenir megastores and head to the establishments Venetians actually go to..
Insider Tip: Venice was once the printing capital of the world. By the 16th century, half of Europe’s print shops were located here. You can still experience this legacy today at Paolo Olbi – a historic bookbinding workshop where traditional Venetian techniques are kept alive.
5. Embrace Getting Lost (and Learn the Routes Locals Take)
Venice is a city where getting lost isn’t a mistake. La Serenissima was designed as a maze of curving alleyways, tiny bridges, and dead ends. For the fifth of our Venice travel tips, we suggest exploring with no agenda. You’ll get glimpses of real local life, from laundry strung between windows, to neighbors chatting outside their doors.
If you want a little guidance before you start exploring on your own, join our Tastes & Traditions Food Tour. You’ll get to eat your way through Venice, but also get a feel for the city’s layout. Learn how to navigate like a local, and see corners of the city most visitors never find on their own.
After the tour, “getting lost” becomes the best part of your trip.
6. Learn Venice’s Story Through Its Monuments
Last but not least, the final Venice travel tip is simple. Don’t just look the city’s landmarks, use them to understand how the Floating City became one of the world’s most influential powers. Venice’s history is written into its churches, palaces, and piazzas, each reflecting centuries of trade, religion, and politics. And no monument tells that story better than St. Mark’s Basilica.
This is another benefit of taking a tour. A good guide really does bring the past to life. From the relics that shaped Venice’s rise to the five massive domes that crown the basilica. Keep in mind that it is not just a visit; it’s a chance to understand Venice through the monuments that define it.
FAQ – Venice Travel Tips
When is the best time to travel to Venice?
Spring and early fall (April-June, September-October) offer mild weather, manageable crowds, and the most enjoyable atmosphere.
How do I get around Venice?
On foot or by water; vaporettos are the main public transport; cars aren’t allowed in the historic center.
How much Italian do I need to know?
In general, Most people working in tourism speak English, but learning a few basic phrases goes a long way.
Is it safe to wander Venice alone?
Yes, Venice is generally very safe. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for narrow, uneven streets.
How do I avoid tourist traps?
Skip restaurants near major squares and explore neighborhoods like Cannaregio, Castello, and Dorsoduro.
Venice rewards travelers who go beyond the obvious. By following these Venice travel tips, you’ll experience the city more slowly, thoughtfully, and with curiosity. Dont be afraid to wander quiet neighborhoods after dark and taste local flavors in traditional bàcari. Be open to learning the stories behind iconic landmarks, because the real magic of Venice lies in the details most visitors miss.
For an unforgettable perspective on the city’s history, art, and architecture, don’t miss the After Hours Tour. With exclusive access after closing time, one of our expert guides will lead you through St. Mark´s most iconic spaces. Or if you´re a foodie – join the food tour experience to taste Venice beyond the tourist menus and discover the city through its food. Come hungry, explore hidden spots, and turn a simple meal into one of the highlights of your time in Venice.