Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, but it is also known for its tourist crowds.
With more than 20 million visitors every year, it's important to know how to avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit to the city of gondolas and canals.
Check out essential tips for escaping the crowds below.
1. Choose your accommodation carefully:
Venice is divided into six sestieri (or districts), and areas such as San Marco and San Polo are famous for their attractions and consequently attract large numbers of visitors during the day. On the other hand, Cannaregio, Castello and the island of Giudecca (part of the Dorsoduro district) are residential areas and receive fewer tourists.
Choosing to stay in one of these districts could be key to avoiding the hustle and bustle once you leave your hotel or B&B.
If you're looking for silence and tranquility, you might even consider staying on one of the smaller islands around Venice, but be aware that you'll need to use public transport to get to the main island.
2. Avoid public transport whenever possible:
Os vaporetto, public transport boats, are often crowded during the hot months, especially at peak times.
If the idea of being on a cramped boat with dozens of passengers doesn't appeal to you, consider getting around on foot. Venice is relatively small compared to other cities, which means you will hardly need to walk more than 30-35 minutes to reach your destination.
While walking isn't always the most convenient option, it's still preferable to a cramped boat ride – and it's free!
3. Explore lesser-known places:
As in other Italian cities, Venice's most popular attractions, such as the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and Ponte de Rialto, can get crowded during peak tourist season.
Fortunately, the city offers a plethora of hidden gems that generally attract fewer visitors but are just as enchanting. From lesser-known churches, such as Church of San Pantaleone and Church of San Zaccaria, the Jewish ghetto and traditional gondola yards (squeri), there is a lot to discover. Furthermore, the small islands around Venice, such as Murano, Burano, Torcello, Sant'Erasmo e San Francesco in the Desert, also have their own hidden treasures.
4. Visit at off-peak times and take tours after opening hours:
If you can't resist the most popular attractions, the best way to avoid the crowds is to start your day early.
Most museums and cultural sites in the city open at 9am, and arriving around this time can save you a lot of time in queues.
In some cases, you can also skip the lines by booking your visit online and purchasing skip-the-line tickets, although not all attractions offer this option.
Additionally, some museums have special evening opening hours during the warm months, meaning you may only be able to share the place with a few people.
5. Avoid restaurants in central areas:
Restaurants in central areas, especially those along canals, tend to be extremely busy during the summer months.
This means you may have to wait over an hour for a table or even be told they are completely booked for the night.
Two options to avoid this are: booking in advance or looking for restaurants outside of the most touristy areas, such as the Saint Mark e San Polo.
Follow the recommendation of locals to find an authentic baccaro (typical Venetian tavern) could also be a great idea.
By following these essential tips, you will be able to enjoy Venice in a more relaxed and authentic way, making the most of your visit to Venice. city of gondolas and channels.
Extra Tip: It is recommended to avoid visiting Venice during the period from June to September, when the city is overloaded with tourists due to the high season, in addition to the high temperatures that can make the experience less pleasant.
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