What NOT to Do in Venice – Tourist Mistakes to Avoid in Venice Italy!

I adore Venice, and it always surprises me when people say that they don’t like this incredible city.  However, when I press them further it becomes clear that they didn’t have the best experience because of some common tourist mistakes.  Unfortunately, these mistakes can ruin a trip, so to help you to avoid them here are all my top Venice tips for things NOT to do in Venice!

Know Before You Go to Venice

Venice Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Only Visiting Venice for a Day

This is a particular bug-bear of mine and I wrote a whole post about why you should not visit Venice for the day, but people still continue to do it.  This applies even more now since the introduction of the day tripper fee for people coming to Venice just for the day, so do yourself a favour and spend a night (or two or three!) in Venice to make the most of your visit.

Venice at night is even more magical when the day-trippers have left and you can explore the peaceful streets without the crowds.  

Overpacking Itineraries

Venice is best explored slowly. Rushing from place to place, especially during peak season, can be exhausting as you battle the crowds like everyone else. Instead, take time to wander and get lost in the maze-like streets to discover hidden gems that are so easily missed when you have a packed itinerary.  Then you’ll find the real magic of Venice!

Staying too Close to Tourist Hotspots

Many tourists book hotels near Piazza San Marco or the Rialto Bridge, leading to higher prices and a less authentic experience. Staying in quieter areas like Dorsoduro or Cannaregio offers a more local feel and can save money.

Visiting Only in Peak Season

Venice gets extremely crowded during summer, particularly in July and August. I know you might not be able to, but if you can visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn/fall) or during the winter, you will get to enjoy the city with much fewer tourists.

Not Booking Tickets in Advance

Popular sites like the Doge’s Palace can have long queues. Booking tickets online in advance can save time and make sure you get tickets for the time you want, especially during peak season.  Unfortunately, you can’t book tickets for the Basilica in advance, so arrive early in the morning for a chance of beating the worst of the queues. 

Underestimating Flooding (Acqua Alta)

During rainier months, Venice can experience seasonal flooding which is known as Acqua Alta. Tourists often overlook this and are unprepared without waterproof shoes or without knowing that some areas of the city may be temporarily inaccessible.

If you are able to come to Venice in the quieter and cooler seasons, make sure you do some research about Acqua Alta, and if heavy rain is forecast then bring or buy some wellies!

Foodie Things Not to Do in Venice

Dining in Tourist Traps

Restaurants near major attractions (I’m looking at you St Mark’s Square!) often charge stupidly high prices for below-average food. To experience authentic and delicious Venetian cuisine, it’s better to explore side streets away from the crowds, or look out for where locals eat and join them.

Look for “osterie” or “bacari” for traditional food and wine.

Buying Bottled Water

Venice has free public water fountains where visitors can refill their own reusable bottles, so you don’t need to buy bottled water which can be expensive, and create unnecessary plastic waste. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated without wasting plastic or money.

Overpaying for Coffee in St. Mark’s Square

It’s not just the restaurants that are expensive, the cafés in St. Mark’s Square also charge a premium for sitting down and enjoying a coffee in the square (especially if there is live music). While it’s not as relaxing, standing at the bar for a quick espresso is far cheaper at most cafés in Venice.

Things Not to Do in Venice for Other People

Ignoring the Rules for #RespectVenezia

Venice has strict rules about where you can sit, eat, and how to behave. Sitting on monuments or eating on the steps of historic sites is not allowed, and you can be fined if you continually break the rules.  Usually you will just be moved on, so do some research before you go and plan regular breaks in quieter piazzas or cafes where you can sit and rest.

Feeding the Pigeons in St. Mark’s Square

This is a big no-no.  While it might seem charming, feeding the pigeons is actually illegal in Venice as the large pigeon population (and their droppings) are harmful to the city’s monuments and buildings.  You can face a fine ranging from €25 up to a whopping €500 for feeding the birds, so don’t be tempted!

Rolling Large Suitcases

Venice’s narrow streets, multiple bridges with stairs, and cobbled paths make dragging heavy luggage a major challenge. While wheeled suitcases are not banned in Venice, they are not very practical, and they make a lot of noise so opt for lighter luggage or backpacks, and be prepared to carry your bags. 

Blocking Narrow Streets & Bridges

Venice’s streets and bridges can be incredibly narrow and walking slowly or stopping in the middle to take photos creates traffic jams and bottlenecks. Be mindful of locals trying to go about their day and make sure you leave space for people to get around. 

Not Being Respectful in Churches

Venice has stunning churches, many of which are still active places of worship. Tourists should be respectful, avoid making noise, and dress appropriately when entering these sacred spaces.  While some churches allow photography inside, not all do so look out for signage banning phones and selfie sticks, and follow the rules.

Venice Mistakes to Avoid to Enjoy Your Trip

Taking a Gondola Ride without Considering the Alternatives

While gondola rides can be romantic and a unique activity to enjoy in Venice, they are expensive if you’re visiting Venice on a budget!  A cheaper and equally scenic alternative is taking a Vaporetto (water bus) along the Grand Canal, or how about learning to row your own gondola?

Not Exploring Other Islands in the Lagoon

Many tourists focus only on the main islands of Venice and miss out on nearby gems like Murano, Burano, and Torcello. It is well worth taking a trip to explore these other islands too, as they offer a more peaceful atmosphere and unique attractions, like glass-blowing in Murano and colourful houses in Burano.

Book a day tour to experience all three islands with a guide, or hop on the vaporettos and visit independently.

Not Validating Your Vaporetto Ticket

It’s an easy one to forget but it can land you with a hefty fine – after buying a Vaporetto ticket, you must validate it at one of the machines at the dock before you board.

Getting Scammed by Cheap Souvenirs

Venice is known for its glass, masks, and lace, but many shops sell mass-produced, low-quality knock-offs which are imported from abroad. For authentic souvenirs, it’s best to visit certified artisans and studios in Murano (for glass), Burano (for lace), or other reputable stores that guarantee authenticity.

Missing out on Venice’s Museums and Galleries

Tourists often stick to the big landmarks and skip the incredible array of art museums, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or smaller galleries that house Venetian and Renaissance masterpieces. While you should definitely enjoy the stunning buildings and architecture in Venice, a visit to a couple of museums or even churches will give you a unique cultural experience in Venice.

Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes

Leave the high heels at home, unless you want to take a water taxi everywhere!  Venice is a walking city, with no cars or bikes allowed, and the streets are full of cobblestones, stairs, and bridges. Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes is essential to avoid sore feet and enjoy exploring at your own pace.

Forgetting that Venice has Beaches

Did you know Venice has a beach?  Many visitors overlook Venice’s beach, the Lido, especially during the summer. While Venice isn’t a typical beach destination, it can be a relaxing break from the busy city, and a nice place to take a dip.

Focusing too Much on Photos

OK, I know that Venice is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, but some people get so caught up in taking the perfect shot that they forget to enjoy the moment. While having photos for your social media and trip memories is great, make sure you take time to absorb the city’s beauty without a lens and enjoy the moment camera-free.