Venture beyond Piazza San Marco and the clusters of souvenir stalls to discover the “real” Venice, a gothic fairy tale of a town. You’ve heard that the city is sinking and crowded (true and true), but to truly understand Venice’s ways, savor a long meal at a tiny restaurant beside a canal, enjoy an Aperol spritz and cicchetti (snacks) in a cozy bacaro (wine bar), and ramble through the winding streets.
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did you know?
The construction of Venice boggles the mind — the entire city sits on more than 10,000,000 submerged tree trunks, meaning that it’s literally built on wood and water.
QUICK GUIDE
WHEN TO GO
Venice is always teeming with tourists, but if you want to escape the crowds as much as possible, plan to visit between November and February. With the exception of Christmas, New Year’s and Carnevale, this is when the city is at its quietest (and its wettest — pack your waterproof gear). The shoulder seasons in Venice are March through mid-May and September through November, offering a balance of cool, pleasant weather and slightly fewer crowds than in summertime. The city is abuzz with events and festivals year-round.
NEED TO KNOW
Visas: U.S. citizens visiting for less than 90 days do not need to obtain a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure (six months is recommended).
Money: Local currency is the euro. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Although credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere you go, carrying a little cash is always a good idea.
Travel Health: As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travelers should be fully vaccinated before going to Venice. Be sure to check airline requirements — as well as requirements at your destination, including (but not limited to) proof of vaccination, testing or quarantine — before you go. The Italian Health Ministry and the CDC are the best resources for up-to-date information and guidance. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.
GETTING AROUND
Getting Here: Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located roughly 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Both ACTV and ATVO buses run between Marco Polo and Piazzale Roma; this is the cheapest option. Taxis are readily available. Or opt for water travel (welcome to Venice): Alilaguna operates regular water buses (a one-way ticket costs 15 euros). If you don’t mind shelling out (at least) 100 euros, there are private water taxis that will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
Getting Around: Part of the fun of being in Venice is experiencing the vaporetti (public water buses) and traghetti (less-fancy gondolas used by locals), but make plenty of time to wander on foot. Getting lost in the city’s labyrinth of narrow, twisty streets and canals is an adventure.
LOCAL INTEL
Local Lingo: Italian is the official language. It’s always helpful to learn a few simple words and phrases before you go, even if most people do speak English. Ciao! – Hello! Buongiorno – Good morning. Buonasera – Good evening. Per favore – Please. Grazie – Thank you. Prego – You’re welcome.
Must-Have Apps: Venice Travel Guide and Map; iBacari; High Tide Venice
Insider Tip: The isle of La Certosa formerly housed a monastery and is a lesser-known escape that makes for a quiet, pretty place to picnic and stroll around.