Is Venice worth visiting?

Is Venice worth visiting? Absolutely—but it’s not for everyone.

If you dream of getting lost in canalside alleys, hearing nothing but the sound of water, and admiring stunning architecture, Venice is pure magic. But if you hate crowds, high prices, or a city built for walking, it might not be the best fit.

I’ve visited Venice with family, friends, and on romantic trips with my boyfriend, and every time, it felt like a completely different city. I’ve seen it in the quiet of winter, the magic of Carnival, and the height of summer crowds. From chasing pigeons in St. Mark’s Square as a kid to watching the city come alive with masks and costumes, Venice always surprises me.

Not sure if it’s worth it? I get it, especially now that day-trippers might have to pay an entry fee in high season.

Let’s dive into what makes Venice so special and whether it’s the right destination for you!

Who will love Venice? Who should skip it?

Venice is one of the most unique and magical cities in the world, but is it the right destination for you?

Venice is for you if:

• You love history, stunning architecture, and romantic places that feel straight out of a dream
• You’re excited to wander through canals, get lost in tiny alleys, and take a gondola ride
• You want to experience a city with no cars: just boats, bridges, and pedestrian streets
• You enjoy photography, art, and slow, scenic moments instead of a rushed itinerary

Venice might not be for you if:

• You hate crowds, especially in peak season
• You prefer modern cities with metros and easy public transport (Venice is all boats and walking!)
• You’re on a tight budget: Venice can be pricey

Let’s take a look at what makes Venice such a special destination!

Here’s why Venice is worth visiting

There’s no place on Earth like Venice

People usually think of Venice as a single city, but it’s actually 118 tiny islands, stitched together by more than 400 bridges and floating on millions of wooden pilings.

It was founded in the 5th century by people escaping barbarian invasions, and somehow, against all odds, it thrived. For over 1,000 years, the Republic of Venice, known as “La Serenissima”, controlled trade between Europe and the East, thanks to its strategic location and powerful navy. At its peak, it was one of the richest cities in the world.

You can still feel its grandeur at the Doge’s Palace, once the political heart of the city, where Venice’s rulers (Dogi) shaped history.

But what truly sets Venice apart isn’t just history—it’s the mood. No cars. No roads. Just canals.
The Grand Canal is its main “street,” lined with Gothic palaces, and the only way to get around is by vaporetto, gondola, or on foot.

The air feels different here—quieter, more mysterious, almost surreal. 

At sunset, when the water glows and gondolas glide through hidden canals, you realize Venice isn’t just another place. It’s a feeling. Nowhere else in the world comes close!

It’s incredibly romantic

Everybody knows Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. But does it live up to the hype? Absolutely yes.

Maybe not in peak season, when the crowds take over, but visit in the shoulder months, or simply enjoy Venice in the early morning, at sunset, or after dark, and it’s pure magic.

A gondola ride is the ultimate romantic cliché, but for good reason. Gliding through the canals, admiring centuries-old palaces from the water, and seeing Venice from a perspective you just can’t get on foot is unforgettable. 

Trust me, I put it off for years because of the price, but when I finally took a gondola ride with my boyfriend, I wished I had done it sooner. It was super romantic, an experience we’ll never forget!

Our gondolier was a friend of a friend, and she told me proposals happen all the time. Yet somehow, every single one still feels so emotional to watch. If you’re planning a proposal in Italy, well… this might be the spot ❤️

But romance in Venice isn’t just about gondolas. My favorite moments are sunrise, sunset, and late at night, when the city is quiet, moody, intimate. 

A slow stroll, getting lost together in the maze of canals and narrow streets, stopping for a glass of wine on a terrace at sunset, and sleeping in a historic Venetian hotel, surrounded by antique furniture and Murano glass chandeliers…. I promise you, it’s as romantic as it gets.

There are no cars: canals are the only roads

Every time I visit Venice, the first thing that strikes me is the silence. No cars, no honking, no traffic noise. Instead, when the city is quiet, you hear water lapping against the buildings, footsteps echoing through the alleys (called calli in Venice) and the occasional call of a gondolier. It’s unbelievably relaxing.

In Venice, there are no cars, buses, or even bikes. You either walk or travel by boat. The Grand Canal is the city’s main “road,” and yes, there’s traffic—but instead of cars, it’s vaporettos, gondolas, water taxis, and delivery boats weaving through the waterways.

There are around 150 canals in the city so everything moves by boat here—police, ambulances, even Amazon deliveries. It truly feels like stepping into another world.

One thing that always makes me laugh? Parking 😂
Turns out, it’s just as much of a nightmare for boats as it is for cars. You’ll even see NO parking signs along the canals like this, because apparently, some things never change.

The architecture is stunning

As I mentioned earlier, Venice isn’t just one city—it’s a collection of tiny islands, all connected by bridges and canals. Water isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the city itself, so the architecture is absolutely unique here. 

The Grand Canal is a great example of Venice’s incredible architecture. It’s the city’s main waterway and is lined with majestic palaces dating back as far as the 13th century, like Ca’ d’Oro, Palazzo Dario and Ca’ Rezzonico.

And then there’s the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, where merchants have been trading for centuries.

Everywhere you look, palaces rise straight from the canals. Some have been transformed into hotels, others into museums, and some are still private homes. Just imagine living in a centuries-old palace with your own gondola parked outside…

And then there’s St. Mark’s Basilica with its golden mosaics, domes, and intricate marble details, it looks almost surreal. Its design reflects Venice’s past as a major trading power, blending influences from both the East and the West. 

From Carnival to the Biennale, Venice is packed with events and museums

Venice is a city that lives and breathes art, history, and world-class events.

Every year in February, Carnevale transforms the city into a magical masquerade, with ornate masks, grand balls, and parades filling the streets. 

Then there’s the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most important art and architecture exhibitions, where creativity takes over palaces, gardens, and even hidden corners of the city. It’s held every odd-numbered year for Art (April–November) and even-numbered years for Architecture (May–November).

If you love movies, the Venice Film Festival on Lido Island is a must, it’s the oldest film festival in the world. It’s basically our version of the Oscars, held every late August to early September.

Then there’s the Regata Storica, Venice’s most famous rowing race, held every September, with elaborately decorated boats and gondoliers in traditional costumes.

But beyond the big events, Venice is packed with incredible museums, churches, and palaces you can visit all year:

• Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) & St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
  Opulent interiors where you’ll get a real sense of Venice’s history and political power.
• The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
  Home to masterpieces by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí.
• Negozio Olivetti
  A hidden gem you probably don’t know about! Olivetti is an iconic Italian company famous for its innovative typewriters and early computers. Their original 1950s showroom in St. Mark’s Square is a masterpiece of mid-century Italian design—if you love architecture and interiors, this is a must-see.
• Teatro La Fenice
  One of the world’s most iconic opera houses.

It’s the perfect base to visit other amazing islands like Murano and Burano

Island hopping is one of my favorite things to do in Venice, and Murano and Burano are the classic choices. Both are incredible, each with its own charm and centuries-old traditions.

Murano has been the home of Venetian glassmaking since the late 1200s, and you’ll find plenty of workshops and showrooms where artisans still practice the craft. 

Watching a glassblowing demonstration is so fascinating! You’ll see molten glass shaped into delicate chandeliers, vases, or intricate sculptures right before your eyes. 
I still remember the first time I visited as a kid—I was completely mesmerized. Last time I went, the artisans created a vase and a small horse sculpture. 

Then there’s Burano.

I’ve been here three times, and every single time I’ve been blown away. It’s SO colorful and happy, like a little fairytale. Even on a gloomy winter day, it still looked absolutely adorable. 

If I had to pick a favorite, I’d probably go with Burano, but honestly? You don’t have to choose.

It’s super easy to visit both islands in a single day. Just hop on a vaporetto from Venice, and in about 15 minutes, you’ll be in Murano, then it’s another 40 minutes to Burano.

It’s a dream for photographers

I’m sure everything I’ve written so far already makes it clear, but let’s say it anyway: Venice is an absolute dream for photographers!

I especially love it at night, when the city is quiet, moody, and almost surreal (and for the record, I’ve never felt unsafe wandering around at night!).

And then there’s sunrise, when the streets are empty, the light is soft, and Venice feels like a completely different world compared to the chaos of midday. 

Sure, you could say that about a lot of places, but Venice is something else. Photographing the canals wrapped in winter mist or the sunrise over the lagoon is pure magic. The only “problem”? If you’re anything like me, you’ll come back with thousands of photos.

And it’s not just Venice—the islands are a treat too. 

Burano is my favorite with its colorful houses, endless hidden corners, and the easiest street photography ever.

Murano has its moments too. Last time I was there, I ended up photographing two dogs living their best life on a boat and three ladies gossiping while gazing at the lagoon and I think those shots might be some of my favorites.

Food is amazing

Food, again? Of course!

Like everywhere else in Italy, one of the best reasons to visit Venice is the food, and for good reason. You’ll find plenty of amazing regional dishes, but my personal favorite? Cicchetti.

Think of cicchetti as Italian tapas (my fellow Italians, don’t kill me please). They’re small bites you enjoy while sipping on an ombra di vin—a small glass of wine, a Venetian favorite. My go-to? Prosecco, obviously.

Cicchetti are best enjoyed at a bacaro, a traditional Venetian wine bar, usually tiny, rustic, and packed with locals. The best way to experience them? A bacaro tour, hopping from one spot to another, trying different cicchetti with a glass of wine or a spritz at each stop.

And for my vegan friends: Venice is surprisingly vegan friendly! You can find the best vegan cicchetti at H2NO and Sullaluna. 

Reasons why Venice might not be for you

It can be very crowded

Venice can be very crowded, so if you’re looking for a peaceful vacation, it might be something to keep in mind. 

Spring and summer are peak season, and the city is packed with tourists. In fact, it gets so busy that Venice introduced an entry fee in 2024 for tourists who don’t spend the night. It’s only active on select days to manage overcrowding and promote sustainable tourism and costs €5 or €10 per person, depending on when you book.

But it’s not like this all year long. If you visit in autumn, you’ll find a much calmer atmosphere. Winter is the quietest time—except during Carnevale, when the crowds return in full force.

That said, Venice isn’t always as chaotic as social media makes it seem. Yes, spots like Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square can be overwhelming, but the moment you wander into the smaller alleys and hidden canals, the city feels surprisingly quiet and peaceful. 

No matter when you visit, you can always enjoy a nice, crowd-free stroll.

The real issue? Visiting famous sites. Places like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace get incredibly packed, and if you don’t book tickets in advance, you’ll waste hours in line.

Vaporettos can be a struggle too—in high season, the queues to board are long, and there’s even a skip-the-line entrance just for locals (which tells you everything you need to know).

It’s expensive

This is one of the most famous “cons” of visiting Venice, and honestly? It’s kind of true. Venice can be expensive, especially when it comes to hotels, which tend to be pricey.
Then there are the famous cafés in St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll pay premium prices for the experience. At Caffè Florian, even just a coffee will set you back €7. 

It’s all true, but it’s not like that everywhere. So take the whole “Venice is expensive” thing with a grain of salt. Money is subjective, and you can visit Venice without spending a fortune.

To save money, consider visiting in the low season and staying outside the city center, like in Mestre, which is just 10 minutes away by bus for €1.50 or a short train ride. Restaurants can be tourist traps, but if you stick to bacari or places where locals eat, you’ll spend much less.

That said, Venice will never be a “cheap” destination. If you’re on a very tight budget, be aware of that. Your best bet is planning ahead and deciding what you want to visit, where to eat, and where to stay before you go, so you don’t get hit with unexpected costs.

Flooding (acqua alta) can disrupt your trip

Acqua alta is a seasonal high tide that floods parts of Venice, especially St. Mark’s Square and other low-lying areas. It usually happens in autumn and winter and rarely lasts more than a few hours, so it’s usually not as dramatic as it might sound.

The key is to be prepared though, otherwise you’re in for a rather unpleasant experience. Acqua alta is forecasted, so you usually won’t wake up to a surprise flood. If you’re visiting during high tide season, just check the tide alerts in advance. 

Locals are used to it, and Venice has raised walkways in key areas, so you can still get around. Worst case? You’ll need waterproof boots but honestly, it’s all part of the experience!

Accessibility is a challenge

Venice isn’t the most accessible city, it can definitely be challenging. It’s full of bridges, which means steps everywhere, and many don’t have ramps. Add in narrow, often crowded cobblestone streets, and getting around can be tricky if you have mobility issues or even just a stroller or heavy luggage.

You can call a water taxi to bypass some of the obstacles, but they’re pretty expensive, and since not every street has a canal, you might still have to go through less-than-ideal conditions at some point.

If you’re staying in a hotel in Venice, I highly recommend calling ahead to check if they can assist with accessibility needs. Some hotels offer help with luggage or have easier access points, some have direct access to the canals, which can make a huge difference.

7 Mistakes first-timers make in Venice (and tips on how to avoid them)

1. Booking a hotel in the wrong area

If you have limited time in Venice, choosing the right hotel is key—you don’t want to spend half your day on vaporettos.

Venice isn’t like other cities where you can just hop on the metro. Distances and transport work differently, so location matters.

The best hotels—those with Grand Canal views and great facilities—are pricey (no surprise there, right?). 

Staying on Giudecca, Murano, or Burano might sound tempting with lower prices and beautiful views, but it takes time and money to reach the main sights, and vaporettos aren’t cheap. 

Your best bet? A balance of location, facilities, and price. I absolutely love Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace!

It’s a beautiful boutique hotel that’s historic and central, yet away from the crowds. It’s just a 20-minute walk from St. Mark’s, 2 minutes from two vaporetto stops, and 3 minutes from Ponte dell’Accademia. We had a wonderful stay here, I highly recommend it ❤️

2. Eating at the wrong restaurants

This is so easy to get wrong in Venice. Many tourists end up in overpriced, mediocre restaurants just because they stop at the first place they see (or because it’s trending on TikTok).

To be honest, almost everything around St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge is a risky choice if you actually care about good italian food. A dead giveaway is the menu. If it’s 10 pages long and has every Italian dish imaginable, run. “It’s a trap!” cit. 

Also, check if the only people eating there are tourists. Look for places where you see locals—that’s always a good sign.

To eat well without overpaying, stick to osterias for authentic Venetian dishes or grab cicchetti at a bacaro with a glass of wine. Last time we were in Venice, we had cicchetti and drinks for about €20 per person and it was amazing, so it’s definitely possible to eat in Venice without paying too much.

Some fantastic options for cicchetti (all approved by our local friends, no tourist traps here) are:

• Vino Vero
• Cà D’oro alla Vedova (famous for their meatballs)
• Al timon
• Cantina Vecia Carbonera
• All’arco
• Al mercà
• Hostaria Vecio Biavarol
• Cantina Arnaldi
• Adriatico Mar
• Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
• Osteria Al Squero
• H2NO and sullaluna bistrot for vegan cicchetti

3. Taking a gondola ride without knowing your options

Many people think all boats in Venice are gondolas, but the city actually has several types of traditional boats!

The gondola, dating back to the 11th century, was once used by nobles and is known for its asymmetrical shape and smooth glide. But there’s also the sandolo, a lighter, smaller boat that locals still use today. It’s even older than the gondola and comes in different variations for fishing, racing, and everyday transport.

While gondolas are mostly for tourists, sandolos remain a true local tradition.

Gondola and sandolo rides aren’t cheap, I know. But the prices you see online can sometimes be even higher than what they actually cost. The official price is €90 for 30 minutes, set by the city. Booking online costs a bit extra but guarantees your spot, which can actually be very helpful in peak season.

Most tourists stick to Rialto and the Grand Canal for gondola rides, but for a more intimate experience, I recommend booking with Chiara, the only female sandolist in Venice, who navigates the quiet, hidden canals of Ghetto Nuovo. It’s a peaceful, local, and authentic experience. You’ll find her at the bridge called Ponte de Gheto Novo, if you want to book ahead contact me and I’ll help you get in touch with her.

If you choose a Grand Canal ride on the other hand, expect crowds, noise, and tourists snapping photos of you—so just weigh your options!

4. Not booking tickets ahead for major attractions

The lines outside St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are legendary, and not in a good way. If you don’t book ahead, be ready to spend hours waiting in line, especially in peak season.

You should 100% book in advance if you want to make the most of your time. Many tickets sell out, so it’s not just about skipping the line, you might not even get in if you wait until the last minute.

If your time in Venice is limited, just book everything ahead. Trust me, you’ll want to spend those hours exploring, not standing in line.

5. Assuming Venice is just a quick day trip

You can see the highlights of Venice in one day, but if you don’t stay overnight, you’ll miss the best part: Venice at night and at sunrise.

Once the day-trippers leave, the city transforms. The streets are quiet, mysterious, moody and unbelievably atmospheric—a completely different experience from the crowded daytime.

And then there’s early morning, which might just be my favorite time of day. 

Walking through Venice at sunrise, when the streets are empty and the light reflects on the canals, is pure magic. If you only visit for a day, you’ll never see this side of Venice and that’s a shame!

I wrote a detailed guide to help you figure out how many days you need for your trip to Venice.

6. Overpacking and struggling with luggage

Venice is built on water, which means bridges, lots of them, and you’ll have to carry your luggage up and down all those steps.

There are luggage transport services, but if you can, pack light. I always prefer traveling with a backpack rather than dragging a big suitcase, especially when navigating narrow alleys, crowded streets, and endless bridges. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person wrestling with a trolley on a tiny Venetian bridge.

7. Spending too much on vaporetto

Yes, the vaporetto is Venice’s public transport, but it’s also really expensive. A single ride costs €9.50, and a day pass is €25, so not exactly cheap.

The thing is, you can walk pretty much everywhere in Venice. I personally only take the vaporetto to visit other islands, since, well… I can’t walk on water 😂

Check Google Maps before buying a ticket because most of the time, walking takes just as long. Skipping unnecessary vaporetto rides saves you a lot of money—and honestly? Venice is best explored on foot anyway!

FAQs

More tips to help you plan your trip to Venice

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably decided Venice is worth visiting. If you’re ready to start planning, here’s what to check out next:

• How many days in Venice do you really need?
• One day in Venice (perfect itinerary for first timers)