Major city · Italy
VeniceVenezia
Stay 2 nights on the island, not a day trip: early mornings and after 20:00 are the only hours the city is walkable.Stay 2 nights on the island, not a day trip: early mornings and after 8:00 PM are the only hours the city is walkable.
Venice is a lagoon city of about 250,000 people, built on water, with no cars in the historic centre. Two nights on the island buys you the two quiet windows — before 09:00 and after 20:00 — that day-trippers never see. Sleep in San Marco only if you want the postcard at dawn; Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and Castello are cheaper and calmer.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, mosquitoes), Nov–Jan (damp, fog, acqua alta)
- Airports
- VCE · TSF
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Venice112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Venice, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetyVenice is a safe city; the real risks are pickpockets on crowded vaporetti and around Rialto, overpriced tourist restaurants…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) · 113 police · 115 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportVCE Marco Polo Airport (On the mainland near Mestre; ATVO express bus 35 or ACTV bus 5 to Piazzale Roma, about 20–25 min).
- Getting aroundNo cars in the historic centre: you walk, or you take a vaporetto (water bus) on the Grand Canal and to the islands.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at the bar (standing)€1.20–1.50 (≈ US$2)
- Street or quick mealCicchetti (small bar snacks)€2–4 (≈ US$3–5) each
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Water taxi, short hopcheck€60–100 (≈ US$70–120)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star, a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star, a night, per room€350 (≈ US$450)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €140 (≈ US$170) · High €260 (≈ US$350)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- VCE Marco Polo Airport (On the mainland near Mestre; ATVO express bus 35 or ACTV bus 5 to Piazzale Roma, about 20–25 min) · TSF Treviso Airport (About 25 km (16 mi) from Venice; ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma, about 70 min)VCE Marco Polo Airport (On the mainland near Mestre; ATVO express bus 35 or ACTV bus 5 to Piazzale Roma, about 20–25 min) · TSF Treviso Airport (About 16 mi (25 km) from Venice; ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma, about 70 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
not flagged
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (56°F)56°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (83°F)83°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (83°F)83°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
19°C (65°F)65°F (19°C)
Nov
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (83°F)83°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Apr (8 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Venice: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
6 rd
Feb
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
1°C (33°F)33°F (1°C)
6 rd
Mar
13°C (56°F)56°F (13°C)
5°C (40°F)40°F (5°C)
6 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (56°F)56°F (14°C)
8 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Jul
29°C (83°F)83°F (29°C)
19°C (67°F)67°F (19°C)
6 rd
Aug
28°C (83°F)83°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
Oct
19°C (65°F)65°F (19°C)
11°C (51°F)51°F (11°C)
7 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (42°F)42°F (6°C)
8 rd
Dec
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No cars in the historic centre: you walk, or you take a vaporetto (water bus) on the Grand Canal and to the islands. Buy a 24 h, 48 h or 72 h ACTV travel pass if you plan more than a couple of rides; single rides are expensive. Water taxis are fast and costly. Expect bridges with steps — a rolling suitcase is a liability.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Murano and Burano
goDoor to door: 1–1.5 h each way
Vaporetto from Fondamente Nove, about 40 min to Murano, then 35 min to Burano
Glass on Murano, painted houses on Burano; go early, the boats fill up.
Lido
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Vaporetto from San Zaccaria or Santa Maria Elisabetta
Beach and a break from the crowds; bikes can be rented on the island.
Torcello
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Vaporetto to Burano, then a short connecting boat
Quiet and historic, but the round trip eats half a day.
Mestre
skipDoor to door: About 30 min
Train or bus from Piazzale Roma, about 15–20 min
Mainland transport hub, not a sight; useful only for cheaper beds or onward trains.
Verona
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
High-speed or regional train from Venezia Santa Lucia
Roman arena and a compact old town; an easy full day.
Padua (Padova)
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Regional train from Venezia Santa Lucia, about 30 min
Scrovegni Chapel needs a timed booking; the rest of the centre is walkable.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
San Marco
The postcard: basilica, Doge's Palace and the Piazza on your doorstep. Highest prices, most crowds, hardest with bags.
Cannaregio
Residential, near the train station and the Jewish ghetto; good value and quieter evenings.
Dorsoduro
Student quarter with the Guggenheim and Accademia; budget rooms and a local bar scene.
Castello
East of San Marco along the 'tail of the fish'; calmer, still walkable to the main sights.
San Polo
Rialto Bridge and the market; central, busy by day, quiet after the crowds leave.
Santa Croce
Where buses and cars arrive at Piazzale Roma; practical for one night with luggage.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–100 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- €110–180 (≈ US$130–250) excl. bed
- High
- €200 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star1 × 2 nights × €180 | €360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €140 | €560 |
| ATVO express bus VCE ↔ Piazzale Roma, both ways2 × €18 | €36 |
| ACTV 48 h vaporetto pass2 × €35 · check | €70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €106 |
| Trip total≈ €291 per person per day, bed included | €1,162≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at the bar (standing) | €1.20–1.50 (≈ US$2) |
| Coffee at a table in Piazza San MarcoMusic surcharge can apply. | €5–10 (≈ US$6–12) |
| Cicchetti (small bar snacks) | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) each |
| Pasta or pizza in a trattoria away from San Marco | €12–20 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Vaporetto single ridecheck | €9.50 (≈ US$12) |
| Gondola ride, 30 min, shared or privateOfficial rate; agree the price and duration before boarding. | €90 (≈ US$110) private |
| Water taxi, short hopcheck | €60–100 (≈ US$70–120) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Acqua alta (high water) floods low squares, usually in the colder months; sirens sound and raised walkways go up. Check the tide forecast before a winter trip.
- Day-trippers on peak days must pay an Access Fee (€5 (≈ US$6)) online in advance; overnight guests are exempt but must register.
- Restaurants with touts and photo menus near San Marco and Rialto charge the most; walk 10 minutes inland.
- Pickpockets work the vaporetti, Piazzale Roma and the Rialto area.
- Cobblestones and marble steps damage hard suitcase wheels and are noisy at night — pack soft-wheeled bags.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
VeniceVenezia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- Police113
- Fire115
- Ambulance118
Embassy
The US has a consulate in Milan and an embassy in Rome; the UK has a consulate in Venice (check the address); most countries: embassies in Rome.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- VCE → Piazzale Roma, ATVO bus: €10 (≈ US$12) one-way, €18 (≈ US$25) return, about 20 min
- VCE → San Marco, Alilaguna water bus: €18 (≈ US$25) one-way, about 90 min
- Vaporetto single ride: €9.50 (≈ US$12), 75 min validity (check)
- Water taxi VCE → city: about €150 (≈ US$180), 30 min
Say or show
- Scusi — Excuse me / Sorry (SKOO-zee)
- Grazie — Thank you (GRAH-tsee-eh)
- Quanto costa? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KOS-tah)
- Il conto, per favore — The bill, please (eel KON-toh per fah-VOH-reh)
- Dov'è la fermata del vaporetto? — Where is the vaporetto stop? (doh-VEH lah fer-MAH-tah del vah-poh-RET-toh)
- Posso pagare con la carta? — Can I pay by card? (POS-soh pah-GAH-reh kon lah KAR-tah)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Venice. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, mosquitoes), Nov–Jan (damp, fog, acqua alta) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 6 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for VCE: ATVO and ACTV last departures, Alilaguna water-bus fallback, water-taxi rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: San Marco, Rialto and San Polo, Dorsoduro and Accademia, Cannaregio and the station.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Basilica, Doge's Palace, Accademia, Guggenheim) and eat pages with last orders.
- Acqua alta and Access Fee fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVenice tourism (Venezia Unica)
- officialComune di Venezia
- officialVenice Marco Polo Airport
- officialATVO airport buses
- officialAlilaguna water buses
- secondaryWikivoyage: Venice, revision 5333255 (CC BY-SA 4.0)