Is Venice Worth Visiting?

Is Venice Worth Visiting in 2025? My Honest Opinion

Venice has become known for over-tourism in recent years, as well as flooding. So, is Venice worth visiting during a trip to Italy?

My personal opinion is that, yes, Venice is worth visiting at least once. You don’t have to stay overnight (although, there are benefits to that which I’ll cover below) but

I do believe that while you’re in Italy – especially Northern Italy– Venice is a city you should see at least once.

Venice is the most unique city in Europe, and isn’t really a city, but several small islands connected by bridges. In addition, the entire city of Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight.

Although Venice is not my favourite Italian city (I liked the ambiance of Florence a little bit better) I do believe its the prettiest city in Italy. When you look back on your photos of Italy, it will be the ones of Venice that are the most breathtaking.

I have been to Venice twice, and I can speak to the things there are to do in Venice for adults on a getaway, as well as families with kids. Venice is a good place to visit for all ages.

So, let’s jump in – what makes Venice worth visiting, pros and cons, and tips for visiting Venice.

Highlights of Venice (That Make it Worth a Visit)

Here are the reasons to visit Venice, and why it is worth a visit

1. It’s extensive, rich history

Venice was founded in the 5th century AD, which is over 1600 years ago. It has buildings that are over 1,000 years old.

venice

You can explore Venetian history through marvelling at the medieval buildings and unique architecture, and visiting museums

2. The canals

Venice has over 150 canals, and 400 bridges. While the canals and bridges are common for other islands surrounding Venice, Venice has more canals than any other Italian city.

Venice the City on water

It’s known as “the city on water,” for a reason. Everywhere you look looks like a painting.

Whether you’re in a gondola, or simply admiring the canals from a bridge – all the views of the canals are so quaint and picturesque, and make it (in my opinion) the prettiest city in Italy.

3. It’s completely car-free

You won’t see any motorized vehicles on the streets of Venice. Walking around a city with no cars (only canals, bridges and cobbled streets) is relaxing, romantic and picturesque.

Some streets in Venice are busy with a bustling atmosphere of tourists, cafรฉs, and souvenir stores – and others are quiet, with narrow alleyways.

While Venice is notorious for being ‘too touristy’, there are plenty of off the beaten path corners of Venice that aren’t really that touristy at all.

We found many quiet streets for a relaxing stroll, enjoying beautiful views.

4. Boat rides

With no cars, the only two ways to get around Venice are on foot – and boat rides. Gondolas are the first option you may think of when you think of a boat ride in Venice, but there are other types of boats too.

venice italy by boat

Here are your options for boat rides in Venice:

  • Gondolas -They’re expensive, but a really neat experience – the gondola operator will tell you stories and teach you about the history in the area.
  • Vaporetto (also known as water taxi or water bus)
  • Traghetto (which means ferry) which is a larger type of gondola, and rowed by two people instead of one

5. The nearby islands

There are several islands near Venice that are also beautiful to visit; Murano and Burano are two of the most popular and known for the colourful buildings and canals.

burano near venice
The island of Burano, near Venice

These islands are accessible by boat from Venice, and you can get to them in 30-45 minutes in a traghetto (water taxi.)

6. Wine tasting

Venice is the capital of the Veneto region, which is the most popular place for wine-tasting and production in Italy.

Most of the Veneto wine production happens in the towns of Treviso, Verona, and Vicenza. Treviso is only 35 minutes from Venice, and there are wine tours from Venice that bring you to Treviso.

7. Festivals

Venice is a city of festivals, and there’s something going on almost every month of the year. Regardless of when you go to Venice, there is likely a festival going on.

Carnival in Venice

Some of the most notable festivals in Venice are:

  • Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) which has been running since the 1100s. Its held in January. Very exciting, but very popular too.
  • Venice Film Festival, held in September, which has been running for over 80 years

To see a complete list of all the festivals in Venice by month, click here.

8. The weather

If you’re not a ‘heat’ person – then this will be good news to you. Venice doesn’t typically get as hot as other Italian cities, because of its location in the north of Italy.

Venice summer temperatures falls around 26ยฐC to 28ยฐC (78ยฐF- 82ยฐF), although it can go over 30ยฐC (86ยฐF), especially in recent years.

In the summer, the weather is more tolerable than central or southern Italy – plus, there’s a beach nearby to cool off at on hot days. (Lido beach.)

Pro Tip: In the winter, Venice can actually be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to 0ยฐC or 1ยฐC (32-33ยฐF.)

9. Traditional Venetian food

Different regions in Italy have their own signature dishes and food, and Venice is no different.

When you’re travelling through Italy, its very hard to find traditional products and dishes from a different area.

frittelle in venice
Venetian frittelle

Since most people appreciate Italy’s culinary scene, you might want to know what is special about food in Venice.

There are certain pasta dishes that are unique to Venice, and different kinds of pastries that are very hard to find outside of Venice.

One example is the frittelle, which is like a doughnut. It’s a staple Venice carnival food, but you can find it in Venetian bakeries year-round.

Things to Keep in Mind About Venice

We’ve already gone over what is so magical about Venice – let’s talk about the downsides as well, so you can make a decision with all the information

1. The over-tourism and crowds

My honest opinion is that the claims of over-tourism in Venice are definitely true. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place as busy and crowded as the San Marco area.

In addition, the narrow streets can get quite congested at busy times. As someone who tries to avoid crowds, it was a little overwhelming.

San Marco crowds

However, at no second did I ever regret coming to Venice.

I’m very glad that I got to see at twice, and I’m going to share with you what was so special about it so that you can determine if you’ll feel the same way.

Pro Tip: As a way to manage crowds in 2024, an entry fee of 5 euros will charged to tourists visiting Venice on certain days – likely in the summer. (They have not announced which days yet, as it is a trial.) This may means you’ll need to set aside some extra cash just to see Venice

2. The accessibility

Venice is beautiful, but it wasn’t built with accessibility in mind.

For people with mobility issues, or visiting Venice with babies and toddlers, it can be quite challenging to get around Venice, there’s no option but to walk.

Venice isn't stroller friendly

Most of the bridges have stairs on them, so you can’t even push a stroller or wheelchair up the stairs; you have to lift it.

I was in Venice with a 3-year old, and it was challenging having to help her mom to lift the stroller and carry it every time we arrived at another set of stairs.

3. Venice can be pricey

Yes, Venice is can be pretty expensive. According to Statista, a study was done in December 2023 that found Venice to be the most expensive city in Italy for four-star hotel accommodations.

According to the study, average price per night for a 4-start hotel in Venice is 190 euros ($206 USD.)

Pro Tip: Of course, like with any city – it is possible to do Venice on more of a budget. But if you want more of a luxury experience, it will be fairly pricey.

4. The possibility of flooding

If you’re planning to visit Venice in the fall or winter, you may have heard of the possibility of flooding. Being a city on water has its downsides, especially during the fall and winter.

Acqua alta,” the local word for rising water levels, can occur anytime between October and January (but November and December is most common.)

When it floods, there are pools and puddles of waters in the piazzas and canals. However, its important to know that flooding has not been as much of a problem in recent years since they built the the MOSE dam.

The MOSE dam has been working fairly well, and is expected to be fully functional by 2025. You can read more about the Venice project here.

Regardless, to be safe – just be sure to bring rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots if you’re visiting Venice during the times where floods are possible.

taking a boat ride in venice

Things to Do to Make Your Visit to Venice Worth It

Here are the things to take advantage of in Venice, to make your time there special and well worth a visit

1. Go for leisurely strolls

Being car-free makes Venice a safe and nice place to visit for all age groups.

Whether you’re a couple on your honeymoon, have your elderly parents, kids or even toddlers with you – (aside from the accessibility issue mentioned above) Venice is a great place to visit for all ages.

walkable venice

While you’re in Venice, be sure to carve out some time for just walking around leisurely and exploring.

There are many tourist attractions, but I found the streets and the ‘off the beaten path’ areas to be underrated.

3. Check out the Piazza de San Marco

The Pizza San Marco (often called “St. Mark’s Square” in English) is by far, the most popular tourist attraction in Venice, and a must-see while you’re there.

The architecture of San Marco Basilica is stunning. You can see so much detail on it. such as little animal sculptures on the outside. This building is 1,100 years old!

St. Mark's Venice
Venice

Having said that, it is crowded here at the St. Mark’s Square and there’s no avoiding that if you’re here at popular times of the day.

Expect your photos to have other people in them, and to navigate crowds. You absolutely must see San Marco, but just expect it to be busy.

Pro Tip: If you’re staying overnight in Venice, head to St. Mark’s very early in the morning before the sun is rising – you’ll get the most beautiful photos with hardly any other people there.

4. Take a ride in a gondola

You can’t underestimate the fun of boat rides in a city that is completely on water.

Most people think of the gondola when they think of Venice boat rides, but there are are (cheaper) options too.

Gondola in Venice
A gondola
Venice with toddlers

Taking a boat ride allows you a to get views and a perspective of the city from the water’s surface, which different from standing in the streets.

Gondolas cost โ‚ฌ80 for 30 minutes. (The price is agreed upon by all the gondola drivers, so there’s no haggling or trying to get a deal.)

Traghettos look like a gondola, but are much larger and only cost โ‚ฌ2 and can take you across the Grand Canal.

traghetto
Traghettos

Vaporettos (which are the water bus or taxi) are only โ‚ฌ7,50 per ride. You can buy a pass for them online here, which will allow you to get around Venice and to neighbouring islands.

5. Check out the masks, and do a mask-making workshop

One of the special things Venice is known for is the masks. Venetian masks go back to the Middle Ages.

Venetian masks make a very special (and expensive) Italian souvenir, especially if you’re buying an authentic handmade one.

Venice souvenir masks

However, did you know that you could do a mask making workshop in Venice? It is a very popular activity for people in Venice with kids, but they have mask-making workshops for all ages.

Ca’Macana offers mask-making workshops for families, but mask workshops for all ages are offered through Viator here.

6. Visit Museums

Similar to Rome and Florence, Venice has fascinating museums which can help you learn more about the history of the Venice.

Doge’s Palace – was once a prison, but is now a museum. Has beautiful Gothic architecture, and contains one of the largest canvas oil pantings in the world (Il Paradiso by Jacabo Robusti) which you’ll see in the Grand Hall

Doge’s Palace

Peggy Guggenheim Collection -named after an American art collector who was made an ‘honourary citizen of Venice,’ this museum is a beautiful place to admire works by Peggy, and other artists

7. Take a day trip to the islands of Murano and Burano

Murano and Burano are two islands near Venice. They’re known for their colourful buildings on canals.

While they’ve become very touristy, much like Venice, they are much quieter in terms of crowds. They make a great day trip from Venice if you want to see more of the area.

Murano
Burano

Of course, the only way to get to these islands is by boat. Most people start with Murano, and then head to Burano (but you could do the reverse if you want.)

Murano is about a 45 minute boat ride from Venice, getting to Burano from there is another 30. They are all pretty close.

You don’t need a lot of time on Murano or Burano; they are quite small, so you can walk around them both in a couple hours. I recommend

Check availability for this Murano and Burano day tour

8. Try some traditional Venetian food

Like most parts of Italy, Venice has its culture, traditions and cuisine that it specializes in.

There are pastas, desserts, wines and local cooking techniques that are special to the Venice region that you should try while you’re there.

Bigoli in salsa pasta
Zaeti cookies

A few examples of traditional Venetian dishes include:

  • Bigoli in salsa. Thick noodles (they remind me a bit of Udon noodles) with local sauce consisting of onions, herbs and spices. You’ll see this on most menus in Venice
  • Frittelle, a pastry connected with the carnival, but can be found year-round in Venice bakeries
  • Zaeti, a cookie made with corn flour and raisins. They have been made since at least the 1700s

Pro Tip: Venice does not have wood burning ovens (they’re banned in the city due to fire hazard), so pizza isn’t really a local Venice food and isn’t the best in Venice. For this reason, I recommend veering towards pasta dishes in Venice instead!

9. Do a wine tour to Treviso

With Italy being known for its wine, and the Veneto region being the largest wine-producing area of Italy – visiting a winery when you’re in Venice is a must (especially, if you enjoy wine.)

The three Veneto towns that produce the most wine are 35-90 minutes outside of Venice.

The closest one is Treviso, and there are tours out of Venice that bring you to Treviso wineries.

Check availability for wine tour to Treviso from Venice here

10. Do a glass-blowing workshop

Aside from doing a mask workshop, doing a glass-blowing workshop is another way to do something artistic in Venice, and experience the local heritage and culture.

The island of Murano, near Venice, is known for the art of glass-blowing, and its has been practiced for over 700 years.

Glass blowing classes are about 90 long, and allow you to make your own glass creation that you can take home.

Even though you’re learning the Murano technique from a local craftsman, the workshop takes place on Venice, for your convenience.

Book your Murano glass blowing workshop here (ages 18+ only)

11. See the most famous bridge in Venice

There are hundreds of bridges in Venice, but the most famous is a white limestone bridge built in the 1600s called “The Bridge of Sighs.”

the bridge of sighs in Venice

The reason its called that is actually sort of a sad story. You see, Doge’s Palace (which the bridge is attached to) used to be a prison. It earned its name “bridge of sighs” because it was said that prisoners would sigh at their past glimpse of beautiful Venice before heading to their imprisonment.

There is even a legend about this bridge, however (a happier one)- any couple who kisses in a gondola under the bridge of sighs will enjoy eternal love.

Pro Tip: You can see Bridge of Sighs from a gondola passing through it. What I did to get the view above was to stand on the Bridge of Paglia, which is right next to St. Mark’s Square

Tips for Visiting Venice

Here are some of my tips to make your trip to Venice go smoothly, and allow you to enjoy the experience to the fullest

Tip # 1: When you look at a Venice map, draw a line between the Venice Santa Lucia train station station and the San Marco Plaza. This will be the most busy area, because that is where most people are walking – especially in the middle of the day (between 11am and 6pm.)

There’s nothing special about this area other than that is the most obvious path to the most popular tourist attraction.

crowded venice
Crowds flooding out of the San Marco area

So, my tip is – avoid walking in this area if you want to experience the city with less crowds. (This is the best tip that I received about Venice before my trip. )

Tip # 2: Wear good shoes. Venice has cobbled streets, and hundreds of bridges, and there is a lot of walking!

Tip # 3: Venture the world less travelled. The streets and restaurants in the main area of town (the area between San Marco and the Venice Santa Lucia train station can get busy – but there’s much more to Venice than that. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path to see what you’ll find.

Don't worry about getting lost in Venice

Tip # 4: If your goal is to travel to Venice on a budget, don’t just eat in cafes and restaurants that are in the main path area. There are many other places to eat outside of the busy areas that will be less busy, and even cheaper.

I went to Tecchi Vegano, which is in Santa Marta, a quieter area in Venice and much less frequented and it was great! However, if vegan food isn’t your preference, you can try Osteria Bakan which is nearby and serves traditional Italian food.

Tip # 5: If you stay in or near Venice, get up early in the morning to see the city as the sun rises. Venice has such a different atmosphere without all the people, and you can get some amazing photos

Tip # 6: Book skip the line tickets. Most of the museums in Venice offer skip the line tickets, which I would highly recommend to avoid having to wait in a hours-long lineup to get in.

How many days in Venice is enough?

Two to three days in Venice is enough time to see most of the highlights, and experience what the city has to offer.

Two full days in Venice gives you enough time to:

  • stroll leisurely through the streets
  • visit a museum or two
  • admire the grand Piazza San Marco
  • take a boat ride (or two)
  • Visit the islands of Murano and Burano
  • enjoy traditional Venetian food
  • shop for masks, or do a mask-making workshop

However, if you want to add anything else to your itinerary, such as a wine tour to Treviso, then a 3rd day in Venice will be needed. A visit to Murano and Burano requires almost a full day, and so does a wine tour takes one full day.

venice beautiful

Suggested 2-day Venice Itinerary:

Here is how to spend two days in Venice (with an optional 3rd day added on)

Day 1:

Visit Piazza San Marco, take a gondola or boat ride, as well as leisurely walks. Do either a glass-blowing or a mask making workshop.

Day 2:

Visit a museum in Venice of your choice, and take a boat ride to the islands of Murano and Burano.

Day 3 (optional):

Take a wine tour to Treviso. Head back to your hotel, and pack up to be ready for to head home (or two your next destination in Italy.)

Toddlers watching Gondolas in Venice

Best Ways to Visit Venice

When it comes to visiting Venice, you have two options:

  • Stay at a hotel right in Venice
  • Stay in a nearby town or city, and take the train to the Venice Santa Lucia train station
  • Stay on a nearby island, such as Murano, Burano, Torcello or Lido – and take the boat to visit Venice

Where to Stay in Venice

If you stay right on the island of Venice, then these are the best hotels that are close to attractions

  • Budget: Hotel Moresco Boutique 1800s hotel just 5 minutes from Piazzale Roma, and offers free continental breakfast.
  • Mid-Range: Hotel L’Orologio Right next to the Grand Canal, and serves a fabulous breakfast
  • Luxury: Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel 5 star hotel with on-site restaurant, bar and garden. Your own little oasis within Venice
venice

How to Get to Venice (if you stay nearby)

During one of my trips to Venice, I chose to stay in a nearby town called Mira. Mira was a x train ride from Venice, and it was very easy to get there.

There was nothing particularly special about Mira, but it was a much more affordable place to stay than Venice. It only took 25 minutes to get to Venice in the morning by train from Mira.

Pro Tip: You can check schedules and prices for taking the train to Venice on the Trainline website here

Visiting Venice FAQ

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about making the decision to Venice

Is Venice or Florence better?

Venice and Florence are both beautiful cities – neither is better than the other; it’s a matter of personal preference. Florence has large piazzas, several famous art pieces. Venice has the water, bridges and canals. They have different style, ambiance and their own unique qualities.

Is Venice too touristy?

Yes, Venice is known for being over-touristed. It can get quite intense there with crowds, especially at peak times like summer. However, I wouldn’t say that this alone is a reason to miss out on Venice.

Why is Venice so expensive?

Venice is expensive because its highly sought after – it is simple supply and demand. Venice has been suffering from some over-tourism in recent years; increased popularity allows restaurants and hotels to raise prices, because they can.

child visiting venice

Is Venice Worth a Visit? Final Thoughts

By now, you know what qualities Venice has, and if it sounds like its worth a visit to you. I personally would want to miss Venice while in Italy, because its such a unique city – very different from anything you can find in Italy, or abroad.

Is Venice worth visiting? 100% yes! If you want to go to Venice, then you should go. It’s a fascinating, remarkable and picturesque city that will make you feel like you’re walking through a painting.

However, if you’ve decided that Venice isn’t what you’re looking for, then you have other options. If you enjoy Italian cities near the coast, then other places to consider are the Almafi Coast, Sardinia Island and Rome.