Venice Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Essential Tips for Your Dream Vacation

Welcome to this blog post showcasing what Venice has to offer for first-timers! You have already heard of Venice in Italy (not to be confused with Venice, California), even if you live far away from Europe. You may have seen it represented in Venice-themed casinos, Italian restaurants, gelato shops, or even amusement parks.

Now, you’ve managed to book your flight to Italy, and one of your stops is the magical city of Venice. Your accommodation is ready, your excitement is high, but there’s one big question: how do you actually find your way around this unique city? Don’t worry—this post has you covered.

Read along and apply these tips to make your Venice vacation smooth and unforgettable.

Off you go…

1. Leave your suitcase off Venice

The island of Venice is a car-free zone, and even bicycles aren’t allowed. That means bulky luggage will quickly become your worst enemy. Each time I visited, I saw tired tourists struggling to drag heavy suitcases over the bridges and along the Fondamente (promenades), desperately trying to reach their hotels.

If you can, travel light—backpacking will make your stay much more comfortable.

There are luggage storage options scattered across Venice (search for “deposito bagagli”), but roaming around the city with bags in tow is not recommended. If you can’t avoid bringing large suitcases—perhaps because you plan to pack souvenirs or are arriving by car—then consider staying on the mainland in places like Mestre, Forte Marghera, or even Treviso. These areas have plenty of parking and direct connections into Venice.

On the Venice Island itself, the only major parking hub is Piazzale Roma, located at the eastern edge where Venice connects to the mainland by bridge. Leaving larger bags at your accommodation will make it much easier on your back and shoulders while exploring the canals.

2. Always look up at the signposts while walking

This tip was given to me by a hotelier during my first stay in Venice in 2014, and it has stuck with me ever since. My accommodation back then was a tiny pension tucked away in Cannaregio. At check-in, the hotelier told me to always look up at the signposts rather than relying on a map.

Those yellow and white signs point toward major landmarks: Piazzale Roma for public transport, San Marco and Rialto for Venice’s iconic spots, Accademia for the bridge, and Fondamente Nove, which connects to the lagoon islands like Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Lido. If you follow the arrows, you won’t need Google Maps—you’ll be guided naturally through the city.

The “signposted” routes are often crowded during the day, but they are also safer and well-lit at night, making them perfect for solo travelers. Restaurants, bars, and cafés along these paths stay open late, so you can also grab a bite or drink while navigating your way back to your hotel.

3. Visit Piazza San Marco and Rialto early in the morning or late in the evening

Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge are Venice’s most iconic sites, which means they are also the busiest. Restaurants and cafés here often charge inflated prices, with notorious surcharges such as the €10 fee just for sitting outside at St Mark’s Square.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid them altogether. Instead, time your visit for off-peak hours—either early in the morning before 8 a.m. or later in the evening after 9 p.m. At night, St Mark’s Square is magical, beautifully lit and free from the daytime crowds.

In the early morning, the Rialto area has a charming atmosphere as shops open and cafés begin serving breakfast.

These off-peak experiences will stay with you much longer than a rushed visit in the midday chaos.

4. Tips are not obligatory in Venice

Unlike in countries such as USA or Germany, tipping is not expected in Venice. Hospitality workers are supported through different structures, so you won’t feel pressured to leave extra money. Once, I tried to tip a friendly server in Piazzale Roma, and he immediately returned the money, insisting it wasn’t necessary.

Of course, you can always round up the bill or leave a small gesture of appreciation, but don’t feel obliged—it’s not part of the culture here.

5. Cover yourself when visiting religious sites

Summer in Venice can be hot, and light clothing such as shorts, crop tops, or mini skirts feels like a necessity. However, if you plan to enter cathedrals or chapels, be mindful of dress codes. Shoulders should be covered, and skirts or trousers should be knee-length or longer.

Signs are usually posted outside religious sites reminding visitors of these rules. Remember, Venice is not just a tourist attraction—it is a living city where traditions are respected, so be mindful to avoid cultural faux pas.

6. Familiarize yourself a little with Venetian dialects

A Calle can be so narrow like this that you barely pass it

Nobody expects tourists to master Italian, let alone Venetian dialect, but familiarizing yourself with a few key terms can be surprisingly helpful. For example, Venetian street signs often use local terms like “Campo” (a small square), “Calle” (narrow alley), “Sottoportego” (an underpass between buildings), “Riva” and “Fondamenta” (types of promenades), or “Rio” (a canal-side walkway).

A tourist group on a Campo

Food menus also feature Venetian words you’ll quickly recognize, such as “risi” (rice dishes), “baccalà” (a codfish specialty), “sarde in saor” (marinated sardines), or “cicchetti” (small tapas-style bites). Even if you rely mostly on English, learning these words adds another layer to your experience and helps you better connect with the culture.

Ordered plates of cichetties (Italian tapas) paired with Aperol Spritz glasses

7. Beware of tourist rip-offs

Unfortunately, Venice has its share of tourist traps, especially around high-traffic areas like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto. Meals and drinks there can be far more expensive than just one or two streets away. My advice is to avoid dining in these areas altogether and instead explore quieter neighborhoods for authentic and affordable options.

Social media and local recommendations are excellent resources for finding hidden gems. If eating out becomes too costly, don’t forget that supermarkets and apps like Too Good To Go can help you enjoy food without overspending.

8. Plan around peak times and weather conditions

St Mark’s Square under Acqua Alta. Photo: delgrangeeric5 of Pixabay

Venice may feel busy year-round, but there are peak times you might want to avoid. Carnival in February is world-famous but brings overwhelming crowds and confetti-filled streets. If you prefer a calmer experience, steer clear of that period.

Weather also plays a big role. From November through winter, the city can experience acqua alta, or high tides, which flood many areas. The city’s official website provides regular updates on tide levels, so check in advance and bring waterproof boots if you can’t avoid traveling then.

Summer brings another challenge: heatwaves. From late June to September, Venice can be extremely hot and crowded, making sightseeing tiring and at times dangerous. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and take breaks indoors.

For milder, more comfortable weather, November to March is a great window (excluding high tide periods). Winters are cool but rarely too cold, and you’ll enjoy fewer tourists.

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