12 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Venice

Venice is a city unlike any other for good reason. It was in the 5th century and the mighty Roman Empire was losing its footing. Invasions were taking place more regularly and the local Venetians decided to do something about it. They used what they had – marshy islands in a lagoon and they began to build. The strategy was to isolate themselves enough to make invasion more difficult. And thus a city known for its canals, gondolas and many bridges was formed.

I arrived in Venice with little idea of what to expect. Uncharacteristically, I hadn’t researched photography locations or must-visit spots. I had one photo location in mind and one location only: The gondolas tied up along the river at blue hour. I had seen images of this rarity when I worked at the Landscape Photography Magazine. I wasn’t sure when, but I knew one day I needed to go and experience this spot for myself.

We had been guiding photography workshops in Tuscany for several years with our local partners and it was time for me to head back to Italy. I was just wrapping up a scouting trip in Scotland and had a couple days to spare before needing to head into another scouting trip in Umbria. The most convenient flight happened to take me to Venice. I didn’t complain. I arrived and met two of my dearest friends. We grabbed an Air B&B that kept us in “real” Venice. Surrounded by locals, the cutest coffee shops and several churches we called the Air B&B

While there I took notes on everything I observed so I could share with you my top 12 tips for visiting Venice. Let’s get started.

1) How Much Walking Will You Do In Venice?

There’s no taxi’s here. In fact you’ll hardly see a motorized vehicle save the boats traveling through the rivers. So before leaving home find the most comfortable shoes possible and get ready to wear them out (literally). With over 160 square miles and a lot of hidden gems to find you’ll be doing a significant amount of walking.

2) How To Navigate Venice with Google Maps (and When Not To)

Imagine an ancient maze but instead of hedges you have small channels of water that direct your path. This is the essence of Venice. You can be strolling down a street only to find it dead ends and you have to trek back. It might just be the most beautiful maze on earth but it can also be frustrating when you’re trying to get from one location to another. Luckily they do have signs scattered across the city that point to the tourist attractions but let’s be honest most of us are going to what to see those quickly before finding the hidden gems. Google Maps will be your best friend. Go ahead and download the offline maps before you leave home if you want to use your phone without cell signal. My current phone provider is Verizon and on international trips I get 10 free days and then pay $10 a day to use my current plan in European countries. I highly recommend this. Finally, know in advance that the roads are windy and the direct route is never the best route. Although Google Maps are mostly helpful there will be some moments where you can’t access the bridge you were hoping to cross.

3) Why Getting Lost in Venice is the Best Way To Explore

Once you’ve been in town for a couple hours, put your phone with your maps away and get lost. Wander. Stop at anything that looks interesting. If you see people that look like they might be local all going in one direction, follow them. Some of my favorite moments were letting Venice embrace me by allowing her to reveal herself to me in her own special way. So set aside your plans, list of locations and maps and allow yourself to take notes of what Venice is trying to say to you. It sounds silly but I guarantee you this practice will change your life.

4) Where to Find Local Venetians (and Why You Should)

I had spent a few hours battling the barrage of tourists all fighting for spaces along the most famous spots in Venice. The Ponte di Rialto, Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco… and I had enough. I needed some space. I needed quiet. I needed to stop hearing English speakers. And so I decided the next morning I was going in search of Italian and my goal was to be in a place without English. I knew that truly connect with the Venice I needed Venetians.

Armed with a book, my journal and a pen I left the Air B&B before my pals were ready to start the day and I made my way down to the nearby cafe. I ordered my cappuccino and cornetto crema and grabbed a seat. Taking my cup in hand I took my the first luxurious sip of the smooth dark liquid and watched. Women passed the windows, clothed in sensible business attire and walked with purpose towards work. Men slowly meandered near the window, dropped in for a cafe which they sipped slowly together outside near the bistro tables. Their exaggerated hand gestures and dramatic tones showed they didn’t have a care in the world and didn’t seem in a rush to get to work. The darling barista asked me in Italian if I wanted another cappuccino. I didn’t say no. I knew I had found my spot. This is where the locals hung out and by sitting and observing I heard Venice whisper “here I am”.

The most important thing I can suggest for your Venice adventure or any adventure in Italy is to leave your watch at the hotel, grab a notebook and pen, go to a local cafe and sit. Set your phone aside and watch. Listen. Write notes and observe. It’s only when you are still and quiet that you’ll begin to hear the true heartbeat of the city.

5) Does Luggage With Wheels Work In Venice?

So you’ve grabbed the bus or the vaparetto and you’ve been dropped off at the station or the nearest dock. Now you have to walk to your hotel or Air B&B and drag your bags. I mentioned in the first part of this blog that I hadn’t given much thought to my Venetian adventure but this is one thing that had me concerned. Just how far was I going to have to drag my luggage and how difficult was it going to be? I had visions of broken Roman cobblestones and having to fight my heavy American suitcase for a mile of walking. Remember…there are no cars.

I’m very pleased to report that the “roads” were smooth and getting my luggage to and from the dock and the train station was a breeze. Choose a hotel close to a canal if you have mobility issues or don’t want to drag your luggage down the narrow streets. However that leads me to my next very important point…

6) Hire a Luggage Porter In Venice

Everything is fine and dandy, you’re happily rolling towards your hotel or you’re heading back to the train station for your next adventure and that’s when you stop in your tracks and stare at the stairs in front of you. The Ponte degli Scalzi translated “bridge of the barefoot monks”.

Here’s everything you need to know. Stop where you are and hand over 5 Euros to one of the porter who will take your bags directly over the bridge, up and down all the steps and straight to the train station for you. Don’t even think twice.

Making your way over the smaller bridges between your hotel and the train station is another matter. While some were small and easy enough to manage with a large roller, I was extremely thankful when a few very kind Italian men stopped and helped me. I’m pleased to report chivalry is alive and well in Italian men. Single ladies….get yourself a flight asap.

7) What is Cicchetti? Venice’s Best Local Food Experience

One of my highlights of the Venetian life is Chicchetti. This word sounds like chuh-keh-tee. This is a remarkable experience of small plates of food often eaten with wine. There are two times you can enjoy this tradition. Either just before noon when everything comes out of the oven fresh or as a light dinner, early nibble before a late meal (or on time meal for Italians: 8:00 pm). You’ll find cicchetti in traditional bars scattered throughout the streets of Venice. For a single piece expect to pay between €1 to €4. Keep an eye out for a busy little bar, drop in and fill up a small plate.

8) The Best Time To Visit Venice’s Landsmarks (Without the Crowds)

This almost goes without saying but the BEST way to enjoy the iconic locations is to pull yourself out of bed early and go directly to the tourist spots. Make use of your jet lag and go when nobody is outside. This includes late at night (Yes, Venice is safe) or just after sunrise. You’ll find the icons substantially less populated and you’ll actually be able to enjoy the locations. This is also paramount for truly great photography. These early or very late hours are the only time I’ll venture into the icons.

9) Unlike Rome, expect to pay an admittance fee to enjoy the churches. 

This tip really shocked me. When I’m in Rome I spend an extraordinary amount of time in churches. It’s not just because my faith is important to me, but in Rome every single church is a museum. Some of the great artists of Italy are hidden away either on the walls or ceilings of these beautiful sanctuaries.

In Rome you can wander in and out respectfully, while in Venice you are usually expected to pay an admittance fee to gain entrance. On principle alone I completely disagreed with this and decided to keep walking. I’ll leave that alone and also walk past the soap box that looks so tempting to stand on right now.

10) The Best Souvenirs To Buy in Venice (and What to Avoid)

After you’ve eaten your fill of cicheti, wandered the streets, seen the icons in the early morning light and savored the scent and taste of your cappuccino and cornetto it’s time to load up on souvenirs. As with any major city where tourists flock, you get what you pay for. This is perhaps the cardinal rule.

Some souvenir’s to consider are glass work, glass beads, handmade journals, leather shops selling bags, and of course an authentic Venetian mask.

One of my favorite things to do while in Italy is to search out the artisans. These are the people who care more about the art of what they are making than they do about the money in their pocket. They are creating with purpose. If you wander and pay attention to the shops, these artisans are easy to spot. Stop in, ask questions respectfully, don’t balk at the prices and engage them. You’ll no doubt leave with a fantastic story, a new friend and perhaps even a souvenir that means something. If you can’t afford the expensive journal, buy the bookmark. The bookmark will mean more to you than the factory produced glass bracelet you bought for 5 Euros.

I hope you found these tips helpful. Venice and Italy itself is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Just be warned – once you visit, Italy’s culture will seep into your veins, and you’ll start planning your next trip before you even step off the plane towards home.