VENICE: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

by Cindi H. Fries, Ed.D., Max Travel Abroad LLC.

A CITY OF EMPIRE, TRADE, AND TIMELESS BEAUTY

In order to appreciate your time in Venice you should understand that Venice isn’t just about dreamy canals, crumbling facades, and overpriced gondola rides—it was once a global superpower that controlled the flow of wealth between East and West.

Rising from the Adriatic like some impossible fever dream, La Serenissima—the Most Serene Republic—was a ruthless global maritime empire that dictated trade, diplomacy, and innovation for centuries. Its merchant fleets weren’t just decorative—they funneled silk, spices, and untold riches from Asia and the Middle East straight into Europe’s eager hands. Venice didn’t just thrive—it dominated.

For over a thousand years, from its scrappy 5th-century origins to its grand fall in 1797, Venice stayed fiercely independent—until Napoleon waltzed in, dismantled the Venetian Republic, and handed it over to the Austrian Habsburgs. For 50 years Venice endured a love-hate relationship with Imperial Austria, which left behind lasting traces: grand neoclassical architecture, an unshakable coffee culture, and a generational distaste for being told what to do. Walk through the city today, and you’ll still feel Austria’s fingerprints—whether in a historic café serving an immaculate espresso or in the quiet, knowing grumble of an older Venetian about past rulers.

Venice remains a city of contradictions—opulent yet decayed, timeless yet ever-changing. But its real magic? That lies beyond the selfie-stick elbow-to-elbow crowd in St. Mark’s Square. Have the courage to navigate off of the people highway and you’ll find it in the soft echo of footsteps down an empty alley, the hush of lapping water at dusk, and the scent of briny sea air mixing with fresh-baked pastries. This isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to lose yourself, and if you're lucky, to glimpse the Venice that still belongs to Venetians.

Arriving in Venice & Getting Around

Venice is unlike any other city in the world—car-free, boat-filled, and entirely walkable. Whether you arrive by plane, train, or car, the final leg of your journey will take you into a pedestrian city of bridges, canals, and narrow alleyways. Here's what you need to know to arrive smoothly and navigate Venice like a pro. Whether you arrive by car, airplane, bus or train, you’ll need to choose how to enter Venice itself.

Venice Mestre vs. Venice Island

Venice is connected to the mainland by the Ponte della Libertà, a 2.4-mile bridge that ends at Piazzale Roma, the city’s transportation hub.

Venice Mestre is on the mainland, about 6–10 miles from the island. It’s where most locals live and a popular choice for budget accommodations.
Venice Island (the historic center) is car-free and where most visitors want to stay, walk, and explore.

VENICE TOURIST TAX – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Venice has implemented a day-tripper tourist tax to help manage overcrowding and fund city maintenance. The tax applies to visitors who are not staying overnight in the city. Here’s what you need to know:

✔ Who Pays? If you are only visiting Venice for the day, you may need to pay an entry fee (amount varies by season and demand).

✔ Who is Exempt? Tourists staying overnight in a registered hotel, B&B, or rental accommodation already pay a tourist tax through their lodging and do not need to pay the day-tripper fee.

✔ How to Pay? Payment is usually required via an online portal or kiosks at major entry points (Piazzale Roma, Train Station, etc.). Check Venice’s official tourism website for current details.

ARRIVING IN VENICE – WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO AVOID

✔Arriving by Air

Marco Polo Airport (VCE) – on the mainland, 5 miles from Venice

International airport
ATVO Bus (or ACTV): Fast, direct, and affordable—takes you to Piazzale Roma on the island or Mestre on the mainland.
Alilaguna Water Shuttle: A scenic boat shuttle service which drops passengers off at various stops in Venice.
Private Water Taxi service: A convenient but pricey option that takes you directly to your hotel’s nearest canal access.

Treviso Airport (TSF) – on the mainland, 20 miles from Venice

Serves EU budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Use the ATVO shuttle bus to reach Piazzale Roma on Venice Island or Mestre.

Max Travel Abroad Tip: You can buy ATVO bus tickets at vending machines near the airport exits.

✔ Arriving by Train

Make sure your ticket is for Venezia Santa Lucia, NOT Venezia Mestre (which is on the mainland). Santa Lucia Station is located directly on the Grand Canal, where you can immediately hop on a vaporetto or water taxi to your accommodation.

✔ Arriving by Bus or Car

The final stop is Piazzale Roma, the last point where vehicles can go before entering Venice proper. From here, you’ll need to take a vaporetto, a water taxi, or walk to your destination.

✔ Arriving by Cruise Ship

Cruise ships currently dock at Marittima or San Basilio. From there, you can take a water taxi or vaporetto into central Venice.

✔ Avoid staying in Mestre for Accommodations

Despite often being labeled as 'Venice' the Mestre is a commuter city on the mainland, not Venice. While hotels are cheaper there, staying in Mestre means you’ll be commuting in and out of Venice every day, losing the charm and ease of being inside the lagoon city.

GETTING AROUND VENICE

Venice is entirely pedestrian-only, and no rolling vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed. Expect to walk over bridges and through well lite narrow alleyways. Here are your transportation options:

✔ Vaporetto (Public Water Bus) – The best way to travel between neighborhoods and to nearby islands like Murano. Website

✔ Water Taxi – A private, convenient, but costly way to get around. Website

✔ Traghetto – A gondola which acts as a ferry to take people back and forth across the Grand Canal. There are 7 locations along the Grand Canal to catch the traghetto ferry, 7Eu for non-residents. They are all between the Train Station to St. Mark's Basin:

Fondamenta S. Lucia Rail Station
San Marcuola - Fóndaco dei Turchi
San Samuele - Cà Rezzónico
Campo Santa Maria del Giglio - Salute
San Tomà - Santo Stefano
Rialto Market - Cà D'Oro
Riva del Carbòn - Fondamente del Vin

✔ Walking – The best way to experience Venice—get lost and enjoy the adventure! Due to spotty cell service in areas, I recommend to download a map to your digital device, or use an 'ol fashioned paper map.

Tips on Avoiding Crowds & 'The People Highway'

Venice’s main thoroughfares— between the faded signs painted on buildings “Rialto Bridge” to “St. Mark’s Square” and “Strada Nova”—are often packed with tourists, making walking slow and less enjoyable. To avoid the crowds:

✔ Step off the main paths – Take any small alleyway or bridge that looks interesting.

✔ Follow the laundry – Residential streets with hanging laundry often lead to quiet, local areas.

✔ Watch for faded signs on buildings – Many streets have old, painted signs pointing toward Rialto or San Marco. These signs help with orientation but also indicate the busiest tourist routes. If you see one, consider taking a parallel path to avoid crowds. The beauty of Venice is that even the narrowest alleys are well-lit and clean, making them safe and enjoyable to explore.

✔ Use the traghetto – Instead of walking the long way, take one of the gondola style ferries across the Grand Canal. Venetians stand as they cross, however it is recommended for tourists to take a seat.

✔ Venture out early or late – Mornings before 9 AM and evenings after 6 PM are the best times to explore with fewer crowds.

✔ Embrace getting lost – Venice is best experienced by wandering without a set plan. Trust that you’ll always find your way back!

A QUICK GUIDE TO THE DISTRICTS

Venice is a floating labyrinth of over 100 islands, 400 bridges, and a maze of canals. But don't worry—you don't need to memorize a map to enjoy it.

The city is divided into six historic districts, or “sestieri,” each with its own personality.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you get your bearings:

✔ San Marco – The tourist hub, home to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and Piazza San Marco. Stunning but crowded.

✔ Cannaregio – The old Jewish Ghetto and a more authentic slice of Venetian life. Great local restaurants and fewer tourists.

✔ Dorsoduro – Venice’s artsy district, with the Accademia Gallery, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Santa Maria della Salute. A great spot for quiet walks.

✔ San Polo – Famous for the Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge, this is a great place to soak up Venice’s food culture and history.

✔ Santa Croce – The least touristy area, where actual Venetians live. This is also where you’ll find the main transport hub, Piazzale Roma.

✔ Castello – Home to the Arsenale (Venice’s historic shipyard) and the Venice Biennale, with a mix of quiet streets and grand open spaces.

For an in-depth guide to the best places to stay and explore, check out my full post: A Guide to Venice: Where to Stay & Explore.

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