5 Dos & 5 Don'ts for Visiting Venice
Venice, otherwise known as the Floating City, is definitely a place to behold. Being like nothing else I have ever experienced before, it offers up incredible views, impressive history and extraordinary food that is just out of this world.
It's one of the most enchanting destinations on earth, with winding canals and historic piazzas. But while there are loads of things you can do and experience while you're there, believe it or not, there are some things you shouldn't do while in Venice.
The last thing you should do, however, is panic. I'm on hand to tell you some of the do's and don'ts of visiting Venice, as someone who has been there and done it before. Here are the do's and don'ts of going to Venice that you might not have thought about.
5 do's of visiting Venice
1. DO explore beyond the main tourists
It might sound scary to go beyond the crowds, but something you need to do while you're in Venice is to go off the beaten track. Go where the locals go, do the activities that most tourists will steer clear of and go and explore some less busy areas of the city. Better yet, get a water bus over to another island. They all have something different to offer their visitors.
2. DO make use of public transport
The last thing you want to do is pay an arm and a leg for private water taxis. Instead, you should make use of the public transport they run around all of the islands. It's far cheaper and you can buy water bus tickets that are valid for as long as three days.
3. DO respect local customs
Venetians value their traditions, and that includes being polite and dressing modestly when visiting churches and other important places, like the Doge's Palace. You should also learn a few Italian phrases as even a simple 'grazie' or 'buongiorno' goes a long way.
4. DO try authentic Venetian cuisine
Skip the tourist menus and try local specialities, like their fish food and their Venetian tapas. Pair certain dishes with the right wine, such as enjoying a glass of white with fish and a glass of red with tapas. You should also embrace the alcoholic Spritzes they have on offer as well, with the most popular one being Aperol.
5. DO support local vendors
Don't be tempted by huge names like KFC, McDonalds, Zara or other household names. If you want some new clothes, go to a tiny boutique in the middle of the city. If you want something to eat, go to a little cafe or enjoy some tapas in local bar.
For sweet treats, get gelato from a dedicated parlour rather than a McFlurry from Maccies. Give the locals your custom, and you'll also get a far more authentic experience while you're visiting.
5 don'ts of visiting Venice
1. DON'T feed the pigeons
It might seem like a nice thing to do, but pigeons are a nuisance. Not to mention that feeding the pigeons in St Mark's Square is actually illegal, as well as being harmful to the city's monuments and ecosystem. If you must, admire them from a distance.
2. DON'T sit on monuments
Venice has extremely strict rules in place to protect its public spaces. Avoid sitting on bridges, church steps or historic fountains, whether it's just to rest your feet or to enjoy a scoop or two of gelato. There are plenty of designated spots and lovely little cafes for you to sit in instead. You're also protected from the pigeons and pests indoors.
3. DON'T swim or dip your feet in the canals
Not only is this for your own safety, but it's also against the city's regulations. The Venice water is dirty and is filled with debris which can cause serious harm to humans if they submerge themselves in it.
This even includes dipping your feet in there. You could risk picking up nasty bacteria or cutting your feet on brick, metal or other obstacles. If you need to cool off, enjoy a drink by the open lagoon or grab some authentic gelato.
4. DON'T overpack
Venice is a walking city. In fact, suitcases are banned in most places throughout the city. It's also not convenient to be pulling suitcases around narrow walkways and canal bridges. Not only are large, heavy suitcases exhausting to haul around, but they're also disruptive to others who are enjoying the city.
If you can, use a backpack rather than a suitcase or just limit your luggage. When we went, we used one suitcase for both of us, and it was plenty. We also didn't have to drag it through most of the city, only from the railway station to the water buses on the other side of the island to get to our hotel.
5. DON'T forget about the tide
Venice experiences high water at certain times of the year, normally from October to January. Check what the water levels are expected to do at the time of year you're looking to visit. If levels are supposed to be rather high, then bring waterproof shoes, boots and even trousers with you, just in case.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it useful? Let me know in the comments below if you have any more do's and don'ts of visiting Venice and I'll see you all again very soon with some brand new content!
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