Last updated on June 4th, 2025 at 02:57 am
Venice is one of the world’s most enchanting cities, but its popularity can sometimes work against it. As someone living here, I’ve learned what’s worth your time and what can be skipped.
Venice is a city of quiet beauty and charm, but it’s easy to fall into tourist traps that detract from the experience. By avoiding overpriced attractions and overcrowded spots, and instead seeking out authentic neighborhoods, local artisans, and hidden gems, you’ll discover a Venice that feels magical and personal. Let yourself wander, explore at your own pace, and embrace the unique rhythm of this floating city.
Here’s a guide on what not to do and better alternatives to make your Venice experience more enjoyable and authentic.
Read here Mistakes to avoid in Venice and our recommended sim card in Italy
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Things Not To Do In Venice
1. Avoid: Gondola Rides from Touristy Spots
Why Not:
Gondola rides are iconic but very expensive (€80–120 for 30 minutes). Rides near Piazza San Marco or Rialto Bridge are often rushed and crowded.
What to Do Instead:
Take a traghetto, a shared gondola ferry, for just €2–3 to cross the Grand Canal. It’s a short ride but offers the gondola experience without the hefty price tag.
Explore Venice’s canals by vaporetto (water bus) for panoramic views.
2. Avoid: Eating at Restaurants in Piazza San Marco
Why Not:
Restaurants in Piazza San Marco charge exorbitant prices for average food. Many include hidden charges, like €10–15 just for sitting at a table.
What to Do Instead:
Venture into quieter neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro for authentic Venetian dishes at reasonable prices.
Try small bacari (wine bars) serving cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and a glass of local wine.
3. Avoid: Shopping for Souvenirs on the Rialto Bridge
Why Not:
Shops on the Rialto sell overpriced, mass-produced souvenirs rather than authentic Venetian crafts.
What to Do Instead:
Visit artisan shops in Murano for genuine glasswork or Burano for handmade lace.
Explore hidden workshops in Castello where you can find unique items like masks and marbled paper.
4. Avoid: Day Tripping to Venice
Why Not:
Rushing through Venice in a single day leads to a shallow, overcrowded experience. You’ll spend most of your time navigating crowds and seeing only the most touristy spots.
What to Do Instead:
Stay overnight or longer to explore Venice when it’s quieter, especially in the early morning or evening.
Take time to wander off the beaten path in neighborhoods like Giudecca or Santa Croce.
5. Avoid: Climbing the Campanile di San Marco
Why Not:
The Campanile has long queues, an expensive entry fee, and views that are often obscured by crowds.
What to Do Instead:
Visit the San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower across the lagoon for a stunning, less-crowded view of Venice.
Try the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi terrace (near Rialto Bridge), which offers free panoramic views.
6. Avoid: Overpaying for Murano Tours
Why Not:
Many glass factory tours in Murano are overpriced and focus on selling glass rather than showcasing true craftsmanship.
What to Do Instead:
Take a self-guided trip to Murano and visit smaller glass workshops where you can watch artisans work for free or a nominal fee.
Look for the Vetro Murano Artistico® trademark to ensure you’re buying authentic Murano glass.
7. Avoid: High-Season Visits
Why Not:
Summer months bring overwhelming crowds, hot weather, and unpleasant canal smells.
What to Do Instead:
Visit during the offseason (late autumn or winter). Venice is magical in the misty winter months and much less crowded.
8. Avoid: Taking Pictures with Fake “Venetian” Costumes
Why Not:
Street vendors offering costume photo opportunities are often overpriced and unauthentic.
What to Do Instead:
Visit during Carnevale di Venezia (Carnival) in February to see authentic Venetian costumes.
Rent a real costume from a reputable shop like Atelier Tiepolo for an immersive experience.
9. Avoid: Crowded Tourist Attractions Without Planning
Why Not:
Places like Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco can be chaotic without prior planning.
What to Do Instead:
Book skip-the-line tickets or visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Explore lesser-known churches like Santa Maria dei Miracoli or San Pietro di Castello for quiet moments of beauty.
10. Avoid: Staying Only on the Main Island
Why Not:
While the main island is iconic, it’s also the most crowded and expensive area to stay.
What to Do Instead:
Stay in Giudecca or Lido di Venezia for a quieter and more affordable experience while still being a short vaporetto ride away from the main attractions.
11. Avoid: Ignoring the Lagoon Islands
Why Not:
Many tourists stick to Venice proper and miss out on the beauty of the surrounding lagoon.
What to Do Instead:
Visit Burano for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition.
Explore Torcello, the tranquil island with ancient Byzantine churches and fewer tourists.
12. Avoid: Buying Water from Street Vendors
Why Not:
Vendors often sell overpriced and sometimes unsealed bottles of water.
What to Do Instead:
Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at Venice’s many free public fountains (look for “acqua potabile” signs).
13. Avoid: Overpacking Your Itinerary
Why Not:
Venice is best enjoyed slowly. Rushing through a packed schedule robs you of the city’s charm.
What to Do Instead:
Spend time getting lost in Venice’s labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden squares, small bridges, and local eateries.
14. Avoid: Overpriced Coffee at Tourist Cafés
Why Not:
Iconic spots like Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco charge exorbitant prices (€15+ for a coffee).
What to Do Instead:
Visit local cafés like Torrefazione Cannaregio for authentic, high-quality coffee at reasonable prices.
15. Avoid: Expecting a “Party Scene”
Why Not:
Venice is not a nightlife hub. Bars and restaurants close early, and the city is relatively quiet at night.
What to Do Instead:
Enjoy a relaxed evening at a bacaro, sipping wine and enjoying cicchetti.
For a livelier night out, visit Mestre or nearby cities like Padua.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.