Venice Travel Guide

From gondola rides along the Grand Canal to mouthwatering street food tours, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do alone in Venice. The city is perfect for solo adventurers, with iconic attractions like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Basilica just waiting to be discovered. There’s also a wide range of fun and interactive activities such as Italian cookery classes and Venetian mask painting workshops. With so much to explore, from the city’s rich history to the opulent Doge’s Palace, independent travelers can dive fully into Venetian culture. Here’s your guide to the best activities for solo travelers in Venice.

Understanding how to get around in Venice is essential for uncovering its iconic landmarks and hidden gems tucked away in its maze-like alleys and canals. With no cars or buses, the city relies on Vaporetto water buses, gondolas, water taxis, and walking paths to connect its breathtaking sights.

Whether you’re gliding along the Grand Canal, visiting famous landmarks like Piazza San Marco, or stumbling upon secret courtyards, this guide makes getting around Venice effortless.

Getting around Venice: tips and tricks

• Getting into Venice: Venice is accessible by several modes of transportation. Trains arrive at Santa Lucia station. Buses and trams terminate at Piazzale Roma, the city’s main entry point for road vehicles. You can park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto Island if you’re coming by car. You can take water buses and private water taxis from Marco Polo Airport or nearby areas.
• Use the Vaporetto Water Bus: Venice’s main public transportation system is the Vaporetto, a fleet of water buses crisscrossing the canals and connecting the islands.
• Explore on Foot: Walking is the best way to truly experience Venice. Many of its most famous landmarks, like Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal, are within walking distance of each other. Just be prepared to get lost—that’s part of the charm.
• Ride a Traghetto Across the Grand Canal: For a quick, authentic (and budget-friendly) gondola experience, hop on a traghetto. These simple gondola ferries cross the Grand Canal at key points and cost just a few euros.
• Consider a Rolling Venice Card: If you’re under 29, the Rolling Venice Card offers discounted transportation passes and other benefits, making it a great choice for younger travelers.
• Plan for Water Taxis Sparingly: While convenient, water taxis are expensive compared to other options. They’re ideal for groups or traveling with lots of luggage but not for everyday use.
• Be Mindful of Bridge Stairs: Various Venice neighborhoods feature beautiful bridges, including the famous Ponte di Rialto and Ponte dell'Accademia, often have stairs, which can be challenging for travelers with strollers or heavy bags.

As one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities, there is plenty to see and do during a trip to Venice. The best time to visit “The Floating City” depends entirely on what you want from your experience. Whether it’s fewer crowds at top attractions like Piazza San Marco or soaking up traditional Venetian culture during the Venice Carnival, this month-by-month guide to Venice has everything you need to know. From weather to crowds, prices, and cultural events, discover the best time to visit Venice that fits your preferences.

Choosing the best time to go to Venice

April to June and September to October are perfect for enjoying mild weather conditions and thinner crowds than during the peak summer months. However, if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind compromising on weather, winter is a great time to visit the famous “Floating City.”

Best time for foodies

August is a great time to visit Venice and experience the freshest flavors of local fruits and vegetables. Eggplants and tomatoes are in season, and you can enjoy them in classic dishes such as bruschetta, caprese salad, and eggplant parmesan.

Alternatively, October is the best month to go to Venice to experience harvest. This is an excellent time for seasonal produce such as grapes, olives, chestnuts, and truffles.

Best time for people on a budget

Avoid the peak tourist season if you’re visiting Venice on a budget. November, January, or February are the best months to go if you want to save some money and don’t mind compromising on the weather.

Best time for sightseeing

Want to check out Venice’s most iconic sights? Visit the city in spring or fall. From April to June and September to early October, you will experience pleasant yet mild weather and fewer crowds than during the peak tourist season of July and August.

Venice throughout the seasons

Spring in Venice

March to May

Spring in Venice is mild and sunny, with showers throughout the month. Crowds are lower than during the peak summer season, making this the best time of the year to visit for sightseeing. Take advantage of the good weather and thin crowds to explore the narrow Venetian streets at your leisure.

Summer in Venice

June to August

Summer is Venice’s peak tourist season, so expect hot weather and big crowds. This might not be the ideal time for sightseeing, but there are plenty of lively cultural events and concerts taking place in the city that are worth checking out. One of the most famous is the Festa del Redentore, which takes place on the third Sunday of July.

Fall in Venice

September to November

Fall in Venice is an excellent time to visit as it is much quieter than summer, but the weather remains sunny and mild. Fall is also the perfect season to visit for foodies, as the summer produce is reaching its peak, so you can enjoy the freshest, finest produce.

Winter in Venice

December to February

Winter in Venice is the cheapest and quietest season to visit. However, it is also the coldest time of the year, so pack your layers. Discover plenty of indoor activities or immerse yourself in the festive spirit by enjoying Christmas Markets, traditional religious services, or the festive lights. January begins with a New Year’s swim, where thousands of people dip into the chilly waters of Lido di Venezia. Epiphany and Befana celebrations also offer a lively atmosphere throughout the month.