October 25, 2022, 12:56 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

No doubt–Venice is one of the most impressive cities in the world and unique in its architecture. The historic center was built in a lagoon on more than 100 islands. Dozens of narrow and wider canals wind through them, with magnificent bridges connecting one island to another. And that’s not all: Venice is rich in historical buildings and art treasures, and it’s also world-famous for its traditional carnival and the annual Biennale.

More tips and inspiration about Venice are provided by Susi from mitsusi.reisen in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minutes Around the World:

Here are more podcast episodes in the overview.

The so-called “Pearl of the Adriatic” is definitely worth at least one visit in a lifetime. However, there are things you should definitely avoid in Venice.

1. Having the Wrong Expectations

If you want to experience genuine Italian culture and lifestyle, the lagoon city is completely wrong. Many now even describe Venice as a mere museum city with no soul. Anyone traveling to Venice should be aware that they are in a city with a turbulent history, but whose current service structure is primarily geared toward tourism. With this knowledge in mind, you can calmly admire what was once created with a completely different vision.

2. Choosing the Wrong Time

The hottest months, July and August, are not a good time to travel to Venice. Because 1) it is usually even more crowded during the holiday season, 2) it is even less fun to squeeze through narrow alleys between sweaty bodies in the heat, and 3) it can happen that an unpleasant smell rises from the city’s waters at high temperatures. The best seasons to visit Venice are spring and fall. It’s especially quiet in winter–just right for visitors who appreciate a morbid charm. Be sure to pack rubber boots: There could be high water! However, this can also happen in summer.

Also interesting: Venice: How the Flood Protection System Works

3. Dining at St. Mark’s Square

Sitting in one of the cafés on St. Mark’s Square, sipping an aperitivo or a cappuccino, watching the hustle and bustle, and listening to the music–what could be better? However, anyone indulging in this fun must be prepared for a nasty surprise that comes with the bill. Not only do the drinks cost four times as much as in one of the side streets–which any reasonably clear-thinking person would expect anyway. In addition, the café operators charge a hefty “music surcharge,” usually between 5 or 6 euros per person. This is only mentioned in the fine print on the menu.

“Cappuccino cost 7.50 euros, etc. Pure rip-off, was really annoyed,” writes a Tripadvisor user who was in Venice in early October. So either avoid the overpriced cafés on the Piazza altogether–or prepare yourself for the high price surcharges. Then you can really enjoy it. The musicians don’t play that badly, after all.

Also interesting: Excursion to the Euganean Hills in the Hinterland of Venice

4. Staying on the Tourist Path

Piazza San Marco, Calle Larga San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Riva degli Schiavoni: These are the places and streets where most tourists flock and shuffle between the most popular attractions. On either side, almost exclusively souvenir shops, pizza stands, overpriced (and bad) restaurants, and cafés await paying customers.

Our tip: Leave the tourist paths, discover alleys, noteworthy side streets, pretty bridges, and parks that make up Venice just as much–or even more–than the usual tourist miles. You should definitely take the Vaporetto to the island of Giudecca. It’s much quieter here than on the main islands, you can stroll through the alleys at your leisure, eat in good restaurants at normal prices–and have one of the best views of the Venice skyline with St. Mark’s Basilica and the famous Campanile bell tower.

5. Paying Too Much for Accommodation

You’re better off visiting Venice in the off-season and not necessarily checking into the most central hotels near well-known attractions. They are usually quite noisy anyway–and overpriced, of course. You can find affordable and beautiful accommodations from Venetians who sublet their apartments or rooms on Airbnb. With a bit of luck, you might even book an apartment right on the canal. It’s best to avoid the time during the Biennale, as many places are booked up and prices generally rise.

6. Feeding the Pigeons

Almost everyone who visited Venice in the ’80s or ’90s had a great time feeding the pigeons in St. Mark’s Square and taking photos. The food was provided by street vendors in the form of dry corn kernels. But that’s been over for a few years: To manage the pigeon droppings, the city has officially banned feeding the birds. Anyone who doesn’t comply and gets caught must pay a 500 euro fine. In fact, the number of pigeons in St. Mark’s Square has significantly decreased since this measure was introduced.

Also interesting: 17 Things to Avoid in London

7. Getting in the Wrong Gondola

Whether you really need to take a gondola ride in Venice is debatable–the experience is expensive and not entirely safe on the busy canals. For many, however, a gondola ride is part of the perfect romantic getaway in Venice, and everyone is entitled to it. Just don’t get ripped off! Ideally, you speak Italian, which makes it easier to negotiate with the gondoliers.

A 50- to 60-minute ride costs about 100 euros, and you shouldn’t pay much more than that. In general, be friendly; sympathy plays a significant role in the price. If a gondolier absolutely won’t budge from his high price, try again elsewhere–but preferably out of sight of the first driver. The gondoliers are like a close-knit family and would never take passengers from each other. Less romantic but much cheaper are the Vaporetti, line boats that operate between various stops.

The Current Weather in Venice

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Venice on the Map

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