When is the best time to visit Venice?

Unlike many European holiday destinations, arguably the best time to visit Venice is not necessarily during the summer. Many find that the months of March to May or September to November are great times to visit this stunning city; there are fewer crowds, the prices are lower and there isn’t a stifling heat to cope with whilst sightseeing. The canals are not as crammed, which creates the perfect opportunity to enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the waters.

In May and September, you can practically guarantee that most restaurants, places of interest and services are up and running. Plus, the shorter queues for attractions also mean you can fit more into your day and enjoy all that Venice has to offer. Whilst the cold winter temperatures will have gone during these months, it can still get quite chilly and windy, so be sure to bring a jacket.

Another popular time to visit is before mid-spring. This is for one specific reason 一 the Venice Carnival. Whilst the exact date changes each year, if you aim for February to March, you’re in for a chance of seeing lots of extravagant costumes, dancing, music and art. It is definitely colder during this period and there will be lots of people who have come to see the celebrations. Nevertheless, the parties, costume contests and parades may be appealing enough to sway you to go earlier in the year.

During the winter, hotels and flights are more affordable, but many attractions and activities are either closed or have shorter opening hours. There is a higher chance of experiencing Acqua Alta, or in other words, high tide and possible flooding; it could, unfortunately, disrupt your plans. Whilst this can happen during October and November, it is more common in the winter.

During the summer, the tourist season peaks and Venice’s tiny canals fill up with visitors quickly. The price tag on hotel rooms and transport gets bigger, the humidity is higher and the bugs become more irritating. However, summer does come with some persuasive perks, such as the longer days, the glorious sunshine and the exciting hubbub of the crowds. Essentially, the city’s beauty and fascinating culture can shine year-round, so regardless of the month you choose to go, Venice will undoubtedly wow you. 

What is there to do in Venice?

One key aspect of visiting Venice is exploring all the tasty food, but that doesn’t just mean going to restaurants. For example, you can walk through the Venice Rialto Market and take in the sights, sounds and smells of piles of fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, cured meat and spices. This is where chefs and locals will come to buy flavourful produce, so it’s an authentic and convenient place to pick up your picnic essentials. That being said, there are some fantastic opportunities to eat a lot of traditional food in the hundreds of restaurants and cafés.

For example, you could try the cicchetti (Venetian finger food) with a refreshing Aperol Spritz or glass of wine. If you have more of a sweet tooth, the butter cookies from the town of Burano, called buranelli, might just satisfy your craving. And if you’re visiting during the Carnivale season, go on a hunt for some delicious frìtole, which are globes of fried dough enriched with alcoholic raisins and pine nuts ー they are certainly sweet treats for fun celebrations.  

Another experience that’s so iconic is taking a gondola ride. These beautifully decorated Venetian rowing boats have been a core part of the city’s culture and transportation for hundreds of years, so it’s no wonder that visitors flock to them. Seeing the historic architecture from the waterways gives you a unique angle, free from anyone blocking your view, plus it’s unsurprisingly very romantic. Nevertheless, the downside has to be the price: for €80 you can buy a 30-minute private ride, with the cost rising at sunset. If you can split that cost between your travel group or don’t mind spending on this fantastic experience, it may be the best option for you.

For more travellers on a budget, there is a fabulous alternative 一 Traghetti. A traghetto is essentially a water bus in the shape of a gondola. Whilst sharing the experience with strangers might not be quite as idyllic, it still means everyone can enjoy the view from the canal at the low price of €2 per journey.

Venice gives you so many amazing opportunities to take in popular landmarks and stunning architecture. If you take a walk along the Grand Canal, you can see what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Full of spectacular palaces and prestigious buildings with sparkling waters below, whether you see it from the waters or on foot, you will be left speechless. This canal also has the famous Rialto Bridge across it.

The stone, arched bridge is a living piece of history from Venice’s artistic hay day and is something you simply have to see.

Speaking of art and architecture, the Doge’s Palace is a complete masterpiece from the outside in. Whether you check out the exterior’s intricate design and patterns or go inside to see the impressive gilded ceilings, the inspiring work of the artisans who built it is always on display.

Right next to this gorgeous building is the famous St Mark’s Square and St Mark’s Basilica. The square is surrounded by stately buildings and historically was where the hub of Venetian life was. Overlooking St Mark’s Square is the elegant basilica with elaborate domes, golden features and a lavish design.

If you’re looking to explore further than the city itself, you can always hop across the Venetian lagoon on a boat to the quaint towns of Murano and Burano. The Vaporetto (water ferry) can take you from Fondamente Nove to Murano in about 15 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be exploring the charming side streets, browsing the world-renowned glass products, and seeing Murano’s version of the Grand Canal.

If you travel 30 minutes further by water, you'll reach the delightful town of Burano, where the main attractions are the brightly-coloured houses. When you arrive in this picturesque fishing village, you’ll be met with thousands of vibrant buildings in different shades that give you some great photo opportunities. You can also enjoy the lace goods produced here and spot the Leaning Bell Tower of Burano.

What should I know before I visit Venice?

Crowds are common

Venice is quite a small place, so it’s not uncommon to find yourself in a big group of people or even playing follow-the-leader in the narrow streets. You can always choose to go at less busy times of the year, but even the most organised planners will likely not entirely avoid crowds.

The early bird catches the worm

If you’re looking to do some serious sightseeing, choosing to explore at an earlier time can give you a more peaceful experience as fewer people tend to be out and about. Venice is well-known for having magical sunsets that paint the sky with different colours and make the waters glitter. If you’re a morning person, this city takes on a whole new, stunning look in the early hours of the day.

Pack the essentials

Carrying heavy bags around on boats and up bridges is no easy task. To make your life easier, try to pack light to get to your hotel without having to lug large suitcases around the city.

It may be sinking but it's not stinking

You might have heard of Venice’s reputation of being smelly, but that’s generally an unfair misconception. The water in the canals moves enough that it doesn’t become stagnant; there is usually nothing more than the typical salty smell that comes with any city or town near the sea. That being said, when the tide is low, it can smell a little, which is made worse in the summer heat. Even so, this isn't the norm and your nostrils will definitely be safe in Venice.