Venice, Italy—a beautiful city with timeless beauty. Characterised by winding canals, Gothic architecture, centuries-old bridges, and a culture that’s incomparably sweet, there’s no wonder why Venice remains at the top of everyone’s bucket list. And to make your excursion around the city one of the best you’ll have, consider these do’s and don’ts when travelling in Venice.
What to see in Venice
However, before we get to that part, continue reading to have an idea of the things to see and experiences to have in this magical city. Check out our list of the must-see places here.
1. St. Mark’s Square
Located in the heart of Venice, this square is where you can see most other main sites. There’s a lot of people here all day everyday, so it’s a nice place to capture a glimpse of how the locals go about their day. And with hundreds of pigeons that abound, you’ll have a good time feeding them or taking photos of them.
2. Campanile di San Marco
Ever wonder what structure dominates the skyline of Venice? That’s the Campanile di San Marco, a bell tower whose top is accessible only by elevator. Of course, it’s where you can see gorgeous views of the city.
3. The Rialto Bridge
Venice’s most popular bridge, the Ponte di Rialto spans the Grand Canal offering a grand view of the city from the top of the bridge. Here, you can watch as the gondolas float by and listen to the familiar singing of the gondolier. Your eyes can also feast at the sight of passing vaporettos and ferries that travel up and down the canal.
Now that you already have an idea of where to go, you’d surely want to have the best experience. Check out our do’s and don’ts when travelling in Venice.
Do’s and Don’ts When Travelling in Venice
DO’s
1. If you’re coming from the airport with a lot of luggage, your best option is the water taxi. It may be pricey, but it offers you convenience and a hassle-free way to get to your hotel. Plus, it’s a unique experience that shows you the views around the city.
2. When dining at a restaurant, always take the time to ask if they have a ‘coperto’ or cover charge. In many restaurants, this is applied and is stated on the menu but is written discreetly. So, if you don’t want any surprises at the end of your meal, make sure there is no ‘coperto’.
3. When in Italy, be an Italian and drink what the locals have. Called the Aperol Spritz, this light and refreshing cocktail can be found everywhere in the city because it’s a staple! Get them to go as you go around Venice.
4. Be wary of your surroundings. This might be a no-brainer, but you need to pay extra attention when in Venice. Aside from pickpockets (no thanks to more than 26 million tourists coming here each year), there are numerous scams running around. One of these is the friendship bracelet scam, where someone gives you one and expects you to pay for it. The best thing to do is to just refuse anything from strangers.
5. Dress appropriately if you want to visit churches for the day. Being a catholic city, you cannot get inside the churches wearing your beachwear or tank tops. Be courteous by wearing something appropriate. So, it’s best to schedule a day for just visiting churches and museums.
DON’TS
1. Don’t walk shoulder-to-shoulder to avoid blocking pathways. There are millions of tourists that come to Venice and occupying an entire area like the sidewalks and bridges is going to cause inconvenience to other tourists and locals.
2. Don’t forget to be courteous. This is especially true when going inside stores and shops. Show your respect to the locals by greeting the storekeepers and shaking their hands when they offer you one.
3. Don’t wear fancy shoes. Instead, wear something comfortable to ensure that you don’t get blisters from walking and sightseeing. Rubber shoes are highly recommended.
4. Don’t eat pizza in Venice. Surprised? It’s not because they don’t taste good here. It’s only because wood-burning is banned in the city, and you know how wood-burning makes pizza taste a lot better right?
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts when travelling in Venice, it’s time to book that tour to see one of the best and most beautiful cities in the world.
