Frequently Asked Questions about Venice

What is the best time of year to visit Venice?

Every season has its special charm and its special corners to discover. Tourists enjoy sightseeing in Venice all year round:Carnival has its peak periods in the last ten days. In autumn and in the winter, you can enjoy a very unique atmosphere, more intimate and secluded, a mysterious ambience largely created by the mist that hovers many days.
Frequently, the flood waters that invade Venice (see the tide forecast) charm visitors more than scare them off ...
As many Venetians go on holiday in August, it becomes the month when the city belongs to its visitors.
In any event, you'll soon find that a visit to Venice is not enough: so, come whenever you like and discover the city in all of its diverse aspects.
 

How can I get around easily in Venice?

Venice is a walking city, but you can also move by water bus, taxi, ferry, gondola, bycicle (in  Lido and S.Erasmo), ecc.

To find the cross streets of a particular address in Venice or in the mainland, the waterbuses stops and much more, use the handy Address search in our Map

Can I walk around all of Venice on foot or are there only canals?

A funny question, but not unusual: it is true that the main roads in Venice are waterways (canals and side canals), but there are hundreds of bridges that cross the canals and unite the calli (pedestrian walkways of Venice which may be wide, narrow, long or short) with the campi (the only real square in Venice is St. Mark's Square).

Why aren't there any roads, streets or squares in Venice?

Venice is also unique because of its layout. Streets have very interesting names in Venice, with unusual origins: rughe (from the French rue) and salizade (selciate) are the more important streets; calli are the smallest streets, while the strands that line the canals are called fondamenta. The rii terà are streets that were once canals since filled in, while a campo is a plaza in front of a church (in ancient Venice, these areas were cultivated with gardens), while a campiello is a square in the midst of homes, where lanes merge.
Most city streets were named after the particular function they held in the past (Calle dei Fabbri where many ironsmiths had their workshops and Calle del Frutariol where the vegetable vendor kept his stand, etc) or by the structural characteristic (rio terà: a filled-in canal; fondamenta: the strand along the canal). The names are written on the nizioleti, the white signs posted on perimeter walls of the homes.
 

When can I find information on disabled accessibility?

When you come to Venice, it is best to gather all the information you need before departing. This recommendation is even more important for visitors with special needs.
Booklets, guides and maps of the city with special information on accessibility are available from the Servizio Informahandicap of the City Council of Venice.
In this web site you can also find a map with  itineraries for disabled visitors.

What can I do if I forget or lose something on a water bus?

Call 041-2722179, from 8 am to 8 pm.

Can I take my dog on the water buses?

Yes, but don't forget to bring a leash and muzzle. Other small domestic animals can be transported in pet carriers. Always carry a pooper-scooper and plastic bag to keep your dog from soiling the city. The fine can be quite high!

Can I reserve and rent a boat when in Venice?

Renting a boat is an excellent idea because seeing Venice from the water is the best way to take in the spectacle of one of the most unique cities in the world.
You can hire a boat from the ACTV: for a trip in the North or South lagoon, you can rent (minimum 4 hour rental) a 19-seat boat or more spacious craft such as water buses or 500-seat motorships or even up to 50-vehicle ferry boats.
You can rent a boat over the internet, sending an e-mail to the address navigazione@actv.it, or calling 041-2722421 or 041-2722422.
Ships for hire:
- motor boats for up to 19 passengers
- motor boats for up to 70 passengers
- larger motor boats for up to 150 passengers
- outer motor boats for up to 250 passengers
- motorships for between 200 and 500 passengers
- ferry boats for up to 50 vehicles.

Where can I get a map of the canals of Venice lagoon?
 
In this map you can find out the ship canals of Venice lagoon and speed limits.
 
 

Can I circulate in the canals in Venice with my boat?

You cannot circulate freely in the canals in Venice due to the restrictions imposed by their inherent structure (some of the smaller canals are quite narrow) and by city regulations.
The only recreational boats that can navigate in the inner canals are those owned by residents in the Venice historic centre or lagoon islands or holders of special licenses for water space in the historic centre or the Giudecca and in craft whose tonnage does not exceed 5 tons.
On the other hand, tourists may travel at will from the St. Mark's Basin towards the Lido and the lagoon, while always observing the Practical Regulations
Regulations for water circulation within Venice city limit

Temporary circulation permit  for motorboats: ask the APT Office Tel.: 0415298711 
E-mail: info@turismovenezia.it

 
 
 

Can I camp with a tent in Venice?

There are no campgrounds in Venice, with the exception Lido. However, there is a wide variety of camping possibilities in Punta Sabbioni (Cavallino, Ca' Savio) with campsites right at the shoreline or in Venice mainland. 
 

I am foreign tourist: can I get married in Venice?

Yes, you can plan the wedding of your dreams by getting married in one of the most romantic cities in the world, in a Renaissance building on the Grand Canal right around the corner from the Rialto Bridge.

The date for the registry-office wedding must be agreed beforehand with the Registry Office.

You can call or write:
 
Palazzo Cavalli
San Marco 4089
Tel. +39 041.2748331
statocivile.venezia@comune.venezia.it
 
or Reserve your wedding on line
 

Are there any particular rules to be respected in Venice?

In accordance with Art. 12, 23 and 28 of the Regulations of the Metropolitan Police of the City of Venice for the St.Mark's area, you must not:
- lie down in public places
- sit or linger on the street to eat picnic lunches
- litter
- swim in the canals or in the st. mark's bay
- ride bicycles or other vehicles in the city
- perform unsafe or bothersome activities
- undress in public places
- walk about the city shirtless or in bathing suits.
Offenders will be fined 50 Euros.

Where can I listen to an ancient music concert, for free?

The Fondazione Querini Stampalia, a splendid aristocratic Venetian residence (and subsequently famously renovated by Carlo Scarpa and Mario Botta), offers several ancient music concerts. The cost is included in the admission price to the museum (6 euro). 

On Sundays afternoon at 4 pm free organ concerts at Basilica della Salute (Tel:+39 0412743928)

Musical afternoons at PALAZZO ALBRIZZI: visit the official website or call +39 0415232544.
 

Does it flood every time it rains in Venice?

Rain and flooding are not strictly related to each other.
Flooding in Venice is caused by high tides that are influenced by the lunar phases and meteorological phenomena: flooding sometimes reaches a level where it invades the historic centre of the city and the island lagoons. Flooding is most common in the months of October, November and December.
At any rate, just do as the Venetians do: wear a pair of high rubber boots and stroll the city, waiting for it to subside.
The Centro Previsioni e Segnalazioni Maree (Tide Forecasts and Reporting Centre) provides forecasts on the flooding situation and weather conditions.
Call 041 2411996 to listen to the 36-hour forecast (taped message, in italian).

To learn more about the flood routes to take to move from one point to another in Venice without getting your feet wet during flooding, check out the Insula web site.

Are there ambulances in Venice?

Certainly. Venetian ambulances are motorboats especially fitted for this purpose.
Daily life in Venice is influenced by the water and the various activities done on foot or with the boat: boats are used to move merchandise and mail, for marriage ceremonies and funerals, as well as the police, carabiniere and fire fighters have their own specialized boats. Walking about in the city you will certainly come upon them... and they are always fun to see, especially for children!

 

I was not very happy with the treatment I received in Venice (at the restaurant, hotel, bed and breakfast, room, etc): where can I go to lodge a complaint?

We are sorry to hear that everything was not perfect during your stay in Venice. Still, you can lodge a complaint at the following office:
The APT (Tourism Board of Venice), has a Complaint Office you can contact by calling 041-5298722/3 (Monday to Friday) or sending an email to: complaint.apt@turismovenezia.it

 

Where can my kids play while visiting Venice?

The squares and alleys of Venice are a splendid place to play in the open air, away from the danger of cars that pervade other cities!
The best squares to play and meet other little Venetians are Campo Santa Margherita, Campo Santo Stefano, Campo San Polo, Campo Santa Maria Formosa and Campo San Giacomo dall'Orio.
If you have some time, take a trip up to the top of the St. Mark's belltower: children will enjoy counting the steps and can get a splendid bird's eye view of the city.
In the warmer months, the Lido area is worth a visit: you can take a bike ride, stroll along the seafront or go for a refreshing swim.
If you want to spend an afternoon in Venice all to yourself and wish to leave your child to play in a safe and supervised place, come to the Ludoteche comunali (city recreational centres) of Venice and Mestre.

Am I allowed to ride my bike, scooter or use roller blades in Venice?

Use of bicycles, scooters and roller blades is not permitted in the historic centre, nor can you play ball in the squares: if you do, you might be slapped with a hefty fine! (Art.28 of the city police regulations: "Circulation on scooters and use of roller skates are strictly prohibited in the squares and alleys of Venice...").
However, you are allowed to ride your bike on several of the lagoon islands (Lido, Pellestrina, Sant'Erasmo), as well as mainland Venice, Mestre and Marghera.

Do any of the Venice museums specifically cater to children?

Venice does not have specific museums or museum sections for children, but it does offer initiatives as part of the programmes for Venetian City Museums (For the moment these services are only available in Italian).

 

Where do Venetians do their shopping?

You'll find many Venetians buying their fruit, vegetables and fish at the Rialto market, as well as the other produce and seafood stands dotting Cannaregio.
The few Venetians are easy to recognize as they are armed with shopping trolleys and come out to have a chat or drink a refreshing spritz (an aperitif based on white wine, Aperol, bitters and soda water) or an ombra (a glass of wine imbibed in the shade of the belltowers): age-old customs that modern Venetians are happy to carry on.
You can also shop at the several supermarkets around the city. 

 

Where can I go to the beach in Venice?

The beaches frequented by Venetians are on the Lido and Punta Sabbioni and are easy to get to by using public transportation. If you want to go by car, take the ferry-boat (line 17).

Where are the hospitals and drugstores in Venice?

Please visit the official website of Venice National Health Services
Search in the Map of the City of Venice health services
For more information, please visit  Health Care for Foreign Nationals Coming to Italy

Where can I buy tickets for the ACTV boats and buses?

Tickets can be purchased at ACTV ticket offices, Ve.La sales counters, APT Information Desks  or at businesses that display an ACTV sign (bar, tobacco shops, newsstands).
If you buy them from private businesses, remember to validate them before boarding!

ATTENTION: On non-working days and weekdays from 8 pm until 7 am, you can buy your ticket on board the bus, by asking the driver. The cost is higher than the tickets normally available from any outlets. After purchasing, you must stamp your ticket in the machine. Please have the right coins ready. Urban fare 1,50€" (from the ACTV regulations)

Can tourists take advantage of special discounts for public transportation and museums?

You can also find a fare for the public transportation that fits your budget with the ACTV. By purchasing the VeniceCARD, you will be entitled to even more services and discounts.

For the city Museums you can take advantage of special cumulative tickets and discounts for students and persons over 65.

Are there discounts available for students and young people?

The Rolling Venice card, caters especially to visitors aged 14 to 29 and entitles the holder to discounts and special offers at cultural institutions and commercial ventures. It also entitles the cardholder to buy a 72-hour ticket for all the ACTV boat and mainland and Lido bus lines at a discount. The card costs Euro 2.58. 
The VENICEcard, is a single ticket for accessing all the main visitor services offered by the city. A junior version is available at a discount for youngsters from 5 to 29 years (children under 4 may use all the services under the VENICEcard for free).
You can make reservations for purchase (up to 48 hours before pick up) by Internet, or calling the call-centre 041 2424 (from Italy) or +39 041 2424 (from abroad), every day from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm or you can buy it when in Venice from
Biglietterie VELA Ticket Office
Uffici Informazioni APT Information Desk
Welcome Desk VeneziaSì
Uffici Prenotazioni CATEV Reservation Office
Uffici Informazioni VTP Information Desk
OLTREX Viaggi
Ostello AIG
InterParking Italia
 
 

How can I reach the Goldoni Theatre (or the Gesuati church or the Basilica dei Frari, etc) by public boat?

The "Water transportation" category in Venice Map lists the stops made by the public transit boat lines. Select a boat stop to view a list of the attractions in the vicinity of that stop. Click the items included in the list and highlighted in red to view on the map the sites in the vicinity.

What hours are the churches open for visits?

Venetian churches hold some of the most extraordinary and richest art collections in the world.
Selecting "Places of worship" in our Venice map you can consult information and opening hours relating to several Venitian churches.

These are the opening hours for the 15 churches that make up the Chorus - The Association of Churches of Venice:
- from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm
- Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
The Basilica dei Frari observes the following hours:
- from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm
- Sunday from 1:00 to 6:00 pm
Closings:
· 25 December - Christmas Day
· 1 January - New Year's Day
· Easter
To learn which churches are members of Chorus, check out the web site of the association, where you'll find the maps of the churches and information on tours, ticket prices, events and happenings.

Can I park my car in St. Mark's Square?

This may seem like a silly question for anyone who knows Venice, but it is posed frequently by visitors coming by car, weighed down with baggage and eager to get to their hotel.
When you come to Venice, you have to park your car before entering the city. After you can walk around as much as you want, or take a gondola, taxi or ACTV boat. You can drive your car on the Lido, so if you are staying on Lido, you can take your car on the ferry-boat.

When are the banks open?

The banks are open from Monday to Friday, generally from 8:30 am until 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm until 3:30/4.00 pm (these hours may vary as each bank observes its own hours).
ATM machines are installed on the outside of almost every bank branch.

Why do people in Venice row boats standing up?

The history of Veneto-style rowing is associated with the specific characteristics of the lagoon and the "use of flat bottomed boats without keel, which are light weight and can be steered by a single oarsman ... Rowing a boat with two crossed oars - called "alla Valesana" - was and still is practiced in the shoals and in the fishing valleys, however, this style of rowing is not possible in the narrow waterways in Venice with the heavy boat traffic. The oarsmen developed a special one-oared rowing technique in order to do away with the rudder, which was aided by their development of asymmetrical boats." (from the site www.vogaveneta.it).
A bit of exotica: even abroad many folks have fallen in love with this type of boating and gondolas are used in Holland, Germany, the United States and even China!

How is a gondola made?

Gondola=Venice. For thousands of visitors, these two images overlap for their uniqueness.
The gondola is a very special boat: it is 11 meters long and weighs in at 600 kg. It can be easily handled by a single person, with just one oar.
If you want to learn more about the gondola, check out the official site of the Venetian gondola.
In addition to the gondola, Venice is also home to many other local boats (only in Italian).

I would love to take my girlfriend for a ride in a gondola. How much does it cost?

The gondola is surely the most romantic way to sightsee in Venice. The institution for the preservation of the gondola and the protection of the gondolier apply this tariff

I'd like to spend my vacation in some other spots in Veneto: how can I find out the weather forecast?

At the ARPAV (Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Protection of the Veneto) you can find meteorological information
You can also subscribe to the bulletin by e-mail cmt.meteoveneto-join@arpa.veneto.it
 

Where are the swimming pools and gymnasiums in Venice?
 
Either in the historic centre or mainland Venice, you can find the Piscine Comunali (community pools) , which offer both specific swimming courses and free swimming on certain days and hours, at reasonable prices.
You can find the location of Sporting venues, by selecting in the map the category Sport venues.

How can I visit the St. Mark's Basilica?

Beside being a grand architectural monument, the St. Mark's Basilica is also an important place of worship and as such it deserves respect.
To give the greatest number of visitors as possible the chance to admire the interior of the building the visit lasts 10 minutes, also in order to reduce the wait at the entrance.
Bags must be left at the Ateneo San Basso (Piazzetta dei Leoncini - in front of the Gate of Flowers, north façade)

Opening Times
 
From October 1st to March 31st :
Basilica: 9.45 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (entrance free)
St. Mark's Museum: 9.45 a.m. - 4.45 p.m. (entrance: ticket 3 € , reduced 1,5 € only for groups with more than 15 people)
Pala d'oro: 9.45 a.m. - 4.45 -Sunday: 1.00 - 4.45 p.m. (entrance: ticket 1,5 € , reduced 1 € only for groups with more than 15 people))
Tesoro: 9.45 a.m. - 4.45 - Sunday: 1.00 - 4.45 p.m.(entrance: ticket 2 € , reduced 1 € only for groups with more than 15 people)


From April 1st to September 30th:
Basilica: 9.45 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. (entrance free)
St. Mark's Museum: 9.45 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.(entrance: ticket 3 € , reduced 1,5 € only for groups with more than 15 people)
Pala d'oro: 9.45 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.- Sunday: 2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.(entrance: ticket 1,5 € , reduced 1 € only for groups with more than 15 people)
Tesoro: 9.45 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.- Sunday: 2.00 p.m.- 5.00 p.m. (entrance: ticket 2 € , reduced 1 € only for groups with more than 15 people)


Campanile/Bell tower
October 1st - March 31st : 9.45 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. (entrance: ticket 6€ , reduced 3€ only for groups with more than 15 people)
April 1st - June 30th: 9.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. (entrance: ticket 6€ , reduced 3€ only for groups with more than 15 people)
July 1st - September 30th: 9.45 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. (entrance: ticket 6€ , reduced 3€ only for groups with more than 15 people)

 

How can I reserve a guided visit of the St. Mark's Basilica?
For information, you can contact The Tourism and Pilgrimages Pastoral Office of the Diocesi of Venice
Phone (+39) 041 2413817 from Monday to Friday
fax +39 041 7241124
email turismo@patriarcato.venezia.it
 

Arriving in Venice - Useful Phone Numbers

Train:
- Rail services: Trenitalia 89 20 21 
Airports: 
- Treviso Airport +39 0422 315331 - 0422 315333
- Verona Airport +39 045 8095715 - 045 8095767 - 045 8095611
Cruises and ships:
- Venezia Terminal Passeggeri VTP +39 041 2403000
Tour bus:
- ZTL Bus (info) +39 041 7293346

Getting around Venice: 

- VeniceAirport boats: How to get to Venice
Getting around
 

Can I find gluten-free restaurants in Venice?
 
Visit the local celiac desease website (unfortunatel, only in Italian)or some coeliac friendly guide in the web. In the Venitian "farmacie" (drugstores) and in some supermarkets you can find gluten-free food.

Can I find gluten-free restaurants in Venice?
 
Visit the local celiac desease website (unfortunatel, only in Italian)or some coeliac friendly guide in the web. In the Venitian "farmacie" (drugstores) and in some supermarkets you can find gluten-free food.

Where can I play a game of golf in Venice?
 
On the Lido at the Alberoni: the Circolo Golf Venezia (Venice Golf Club), has an 18-hole course and is open all year round