Venice FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Venice
Travel, Food, Tickets, Tipping and more
Enjoy Venice!
Although holiday/vacation times can be short and you want to see everything Venice has to offer, sometimes taking it easier will be more enjoyable. Here are some tips to get the most out of Venice
Don’t plan too much to do in Venice
Venice is best taken at a more relaxed pace. There’s so much to do, the only way to see everything is to keep coming back, or to stay for a long time!
Work out what the most important things you want to see and do are and work out a schedule based on that and don’t be afraid to alter your wishlist.
They say the best way to see Venice, is to wander and get lost. Having done this a number of times, I can recommend a mixture of planned things and wandering time for the best Venice experience.
Use the vaporetto (waterbus)
Using the vaporetto (waterbus) can be one of the joys of Venice – especially when they’re not too busy.
This will save walking time and allow you to see sights in different areas of Venice without sore feet.
View page:
Which vaporetto stop do I need? A guide to attractions in Venice and their vaporetto stop
Guide to the Vaporetto Waterbus A general guide with maps and timetables
Waterbus Line 1 The most used vaporetto in Venice – maps, timetable and tickets
Visit Venice in off-season
Off-season Venice can be wonderful, even when the weather is not perfect, with fewer people and a more relaxed visit rather than having to battle through crowds of people.
The best off-season times are probably April/May and Late September/October (avoiding any days with large public events)
Do some research
Always do some research before visiting Venice so that you can get the most from what it has to offer.
On this website you will find a lot of information about Venice from transport to Venice attractions. Have a good look through the website and use our Love Venice Facebook page for any updates or questions.
View areas of Venice and on each page you’ll find different attractions in that area
Venice Islands – Burano – Murano
There are also many good books on Venice worth reading. One photographer/author worth mentioning is Fulvio Roiter (1926-2016). He was known as the poet of Venice and photographed the city’s many moods using, of course, just film (as it was a pre-digital era!). His books include Living Venice (1978), Venice (1979), Laguna (1978), Il Palazzo ducale (1977) and many others. These days the books are a little hard to find but Amazon and others may have copies. Although most of these may be in Italian, the beautiful pictures are of a time past and something to enjoy.
You can also find the Fulvio Roiter Foundation on Facebook
Getting to my Hotel in Venice & Getting to the Airport
How do I get to my hotel?
The first thing you should do is view your hotel’s web page.
Almost every hotel has a page detailing how to reach them. For example, the three star Hotel Ala Venezia has this page (https://www.hotelala.it/en/reach-hotel/) showing details of how to get to the hotel from a variety of places: Venice Marco Polo Airport, Treviso Airport, Venice train station, from the Cruise Port, from Piazzale Roma & Tronchetto Car Parks.
Some hotels will charge you a premium for water taxis so, if you want a more affordable option, look at our private/shared water taxi offers.
There’s also the Alilaguna boat that serves the airport. For full timetables and information, view the Alilaguna page here.
If your hotel doesn’t show details of how to reach them, email the hotel for details.
I have to leave my hotel early, how can I get to the airport?
Depending where your hotel is, you may need to get a shared or private water taxi.
Having said that, the first Alilaguna vaporetto to the airport starts at 3.35am from Giudecca, getting to the airport at 5am. More details on our Alilaguna page here which includes a timetable.
If your hotel is near Piazzale Roma, you can get a bus or (road) taxi. The first bus leaves at 4.20am (always check as timetable can change) and gets to the airport in 20 minutes, 4.40am. More information on this airport transport page.
Tipping in Venice
Should I tip everyone?
The brief answer is no. If someone provides service above and beyond then feel free but it is not customary in Italy and not expected.
In some situations tipping could be viewed as slightly offensive, so use your initiative.
Sometimes a service charge may be added to a bill (especially in a hotel). If this is the case you do not need to tip.
Should I tip the bartender?
No. It is not expected nor required. Service staff get a decent wage in Italy.
When should I tip someone in Venice?
When the service is exceptional. Otherwise it’s not required.
Should I tip at the restaurant?
You can if service has been exceptional. If your restaurant adds a service charge, tipping is not required.
St Mark’s Basilica
Do we have to cover shoulders and legs to get into the Basilica?
Yes. Dress modestly because, as well as being a tourist attraction, it is a place of worship. Usually knee-length shorts will be ok.
The Basilica says: sleeveless shirts, shorts, and miniskirts are not allowed inside the Basilica. If visitors do not adhere to the dress code, they may be denied entry or provided with a shawl or scarf to cover their shoulders.
Can we take photos inside the Basilica?
The short answer is no. Although some people do, there are security staff who can remove you from the Basilica if you do take pictures
Can I take a bag into the Basilica?
Small bags should be OK. The security personnel will tell you whether or not it’s OK. Large backpacks and luggage are not allowed in. There’s a storage locker nearby and the staff will tell you where it is.
Is food allowed inside the Basilica?
Generally no. This is a place of worship. Eat before you arrive or after you leave
Should I take some form of identification?
Yes. In Italy you must carry some form of ID – usually a passport. It may also be necessary for some attractions including St Mark’s Basilica. Having said that, some people for security purposes just carry a paper copy of their passport. It might also be worthwhile to have a scan of it on your phone.
I’ve booked a ticket. What do I need to take to get into the Basilica?
If you have booked tickets online, it is important to carry a printed copy of the ticket with you.
Can I take a stoller/pushchair?
Strollers/ Pushchairs are not allowed inside the Basilica, so it’s advisable to carry a baby carrier if you are traveling with a young child.
Transport in Venice
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
It depends on where your hotel is. It is always recommended to go onto the hotel’s website and see their instructions (and, for people taking a water taxi, whether or not a water taxi can get to the hotel). Either that or send them an email.
For options from Venice airport into Venice view our pages:
Where can I get more information on the waterbus service?
View our vaporetto/waterbus page which has details of all the lines and you can download vaporetto timetables.
How much walking will I need to do in Venice?
It depends on what you want to do and see. A more concise answer would be, quite a lot. Most people find they walk a lot from historic sight to historic sight. But Venice isn’t a marathon. Take it easy and plan your day if you don’t wish to walk a lot. And remember, using the vaporetto (waterbus) can reduce the amount you walk and is very convenient.
Is Venice suitable for someone with a physical disability?
Although normal itineraries may prove challenging, there are specialist books written on the subject and specialist tour operators who put on travel in Venice specifically for people with disabilities. Here’s a small list:
What footwear should I wear in Venice?
The chances are that you will be doing a lot of walking. Although Venice is fairly small, your step count is likely to be high as you walk to see all the sights.
Bring something comfortable and good for walking (Merrells or equivalent).
It’s also worth bringing a nice pair of shoes if you plan to go out in the evening – Italians will nearly always dress up more smartly for the passeggiata* and for an evening meal.
*Passeggiata – a leisurely early evening stroll, usually visiting a bar or two or tasting a gelato and socializing
Does my vaporetto (waterbus) pass go to the airport?
No it doesn’t. To get to the airport you need to use either:
Which vaporetto (waterbus) stop do I need?
For all the major Venice attractions we have created a list showing you which is the nearest vaporetto stop.
Should I book a gondola ride?
You will find gondola rides everywhere in venice. But if you would like to take advantage of special offers, wish to book a shared gondola (cheaper!), or something special it’s worth booking one our gondola rides.
Bars & Restaurants
Where can I get restaurant recommendations?
What are the best bars to eat cicchetti?
Please see our bacari & cicchetti pages which should give you a good starting point:
Are there any bars with live music?
Yes, the Venice Jazz Club (Google Map).
What type of food is in Venice?
The food is Venice is Italian with an emphasis on seafood. You will be able to buy a wide range of food and the best food is undoubtedly seafood based.
Pizza and Spaghetti Cabonara, burgers, pasta with a tomato sauce and many more dishes can be found, so if you don’t wish to eat seafood you won’t go hungry!
Medical Help
Is any medical help available in Venice?
Yes, there are emergency services, first aid points and more.
See our Medical Help pages
Do I need insurance to get medical help in Venice?
It’s always advisable to get medical insurance before you travel.
Some countries have reciprocal emergency medical arrangements with Italy. For further information contact your country’s health service.
Can I get a prescription in Venice?
Italian pharmacies are usually happy to fulfil prescriptions but not all medications will be the same as in other countries.
It’s always advisable to bring enough medication for your stay. If you have lost or forgotten a prescription go into a pharmacy (farmacia) and ask for their help. You will often find they will be able to help you. It helps to have an empty box of your medication but is not essential.
Some medications cost more and some less. For example, Salbutamol inhalers for asthma can be bought for about €4.00; Beclometasone (pink inhaler) may cost €35.00+
Tips, Laws & Etiquette in Venice
Dress code for churches in Venice
Places of worship in Venice expect you to be dressed modestly. In reality this means that your your shoulders and knees should be covered and your dress appropriate.
No swimming, no feeding pigeons
Each year in Venice someone is fined (and sometimes banned from the city) for taking a plunge in one of the city’s many canals.
1. Do not swim in canals
2. Do not feed pigeons
3. No picnics except in designated spaces.
4. Although the temptation is to take pictures from Venice’s bridges of the beautiful views you see, be mindful not to block the passage of other people.
Venice is not Disneyland
Venice is a working city with real businesses, people commuting to work, suppliers making deliveries and all the functions of a normal city.
Always be respectful of other people, the monuments, churches and please don’t drop litter/trash.
Assorted Other Questions
Can I take a lot of luggage to my hotel?
Yes, if you take a private water taxi – although they may charge more for lots of luggage.
If you are taking public transport it will be more of a challenge .
The the maximum luggage officially allowed on the vaporetto is this:
Each passenger with a valid ticket can carry three pieces of luggage/packages on board free of charge provided the pieces do not exceed the following measurements:
- two bags/packages whose total L+W+H does not exceed 120 cm+
- one bag/package whose total L+W+H does not exceed 150 cm.
- The maximum number of bags/packages allowed for each passenger is three pieces, each of which must not, in any case, exceed a total L+H+W of 150 cm, however, only one piece measuring over 120 cm and below 150 cm can be transported free of charge.
Some people get away with taking more, but it’s not advisible, especially in peak season.
Also, bear in mind that trying to cross bridges and small alleyways with a lot of luggage, and with a lot of people around, is going to be challenging.
The best option may be to store your excess luggage in one of Venice’s many storage facilities. More on this luggage storage in Venice page.
Are there public toilets/restrooms in Venice?
Yes, there are public toilets/restrooms in Venice and a map to find them (below).
It can be far more convenient to buy a coffee or other drink in a bar and use their facilities instead. This is what most Italians will do.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Venice?
Yes it is. For more information on tap water in Venice, view our page here.
What is Acqua Alta High Water and do I need boots?
The acqua alta is a high tide that causing temporary flooding usually in the lowest lying areas of Venice (around St Mark’s Square) between October and March.
It doesn’t last that long and elevated walkways are provided.
View the high tides on our Venice weather page and read more about acqua alta on this page.
What are the most authentic souvenirs to buy in Venice?
There are two: authentic Murano glass (look for the Vetro Artistico Murano trademark) and handmade lace from Burano.
You can go to the lace making museum on Burano and watch (or participate in) making Murano glass.
View our Murano page and Burano page for more.
What should I pack for Venice?
You will be walking so, smart, comfortable walking shoes are a must, along with a reusable water bottle and a bag that is easy to carry, as you will cross many bridges.
You can refill the water bottle from one of Venice’s many fountains ( read Is Venice water safe to drink?)
Should I bring some cash or is card enough?
Yes, you should bring some cash for small items such as a coffee etc. Although most places take card, cash is still preferred for small purchases.
The currency of Venice and Italy is the Euro.
Do I need to pay to enter Venice?
Venice has introduced an entry tax on certain high-traffic days. The access fee is payable by anyone who is not staying in Venice. If you are staying in Venice you will need an exemption code.
Read more about Venice Entry Fee.