10 Big Mistakes To Avoid In Venice, Italy

There is plenty of information on the web about planning a trip to Venice, but most of it focuses on what you should do. I even have multiple posts such as a list of Things To Do In Venice or a Venice Itinerary.

INSTEAD, in this post I will give you all the MISTAKES TO AVOID when visiting Venice! These helpful tips will keep you from making some of the most common mistakes tourists make when traveling to Venice!

Whether you are visiting Venice for the first time, visiting for a day trip, or a few days, avoiding these mistakes are sure to help your trip go smoothly! Venice is a city to explore and get lost in, so pack your walking shoes and enjoy your time!

10 Big Mistakes To Avoid In Venice, Italy

Mistake # 1: Spending too much or too little time in Venice

For those of you who only have one day, you CAN see Venice in a day, know you won’t be able to get the full Venetian experience. But, don’t stress or avoid a trip just because you have limited time! I have been to Venice for one day and still had an enjoyable trip. 

So, what is the right amount of time in Venice? I think 48 to 72 hours is perfect for a first-time trip to Venice. 

For those who have 2 or 3 days in Venice, you will be able to explore Venice proper, and the outlying islands, while not feeling rushed!

Mistake #2: Only Visiting one Venetian Island

With more than one day, I strongly advise visiting one, if not several of the nearby islands. One of the most popular islands to visit is Murano. Other popular islands are Burano and Lido! In the Venetian Archipelago, there are 118 islands. Only visiting the island of Venice, is one of the mistakes to avoid in Venice!

Murano is best known as the glass-blowing island where all the Venetian glass is made. I had an amazing visit to the island and glass-blowing factory last summer, and it is one of the most visited islands. Don’t forget to buy a glass souvenir here – I love the jewelry sold in Murano ( and Venice).

Burano is an even smaller Venice. This tiny island is known for its stunning and colorful buildings with a a museum dedicated to lace located on the island.

Lido is the largest of the Venetian islands, and home to the Venice Film Festival. This island is best visited during the summertime as it is known for its beaches.

Mistake #3: Not booking tickets in advance to major attractions

In the height of the high season ( summer), you will want to make sure you book tickets to any major attraction, T Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop viewing area, and activities you want to do while in town. I suggest booking skip-the-line tickets. This is one of my biggest Venice mistakes travelers make, is not booking advanced tickets only to arrive at sold-out attractions and museums.

Only having a few days in town, means you don’t want to waste your time waiting in line or missing the chance to see iconic sights like the Doge Palace, Fonta rooftop viewing area, and St. Mark’s Basilica. This is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid making in Venice Italy!

Lastly, I suggest booking restaurants in the high season, especially if you have a certain restaurant in mind.

Here are a few of the tours I would suggest booking in advance.

Click here to book: Doge’s Palace Entry Ticket 

Click here to book: St Marks + Doge’s Terrace Access Tour

Click here to book: Skip the Line: St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour

Mistake # 4: Not taking a gondola ride if you can afford it

One of the most iconic memories of my trips to Venice is the first time I took a gondola ride. I think it is a Venice bucket list item for those who can afford it! The average cost of a gondola ride is 80 euros for 30 minutes. And higher prices in the evening of around 110 euros. 

I have some tips after several trips. I prefer to start my gondola ride on one of the smaller canals, the water is calmer, and you get to see the back streets of Venice. If you opt for the Grand Canal, it is equally as stunning.

You can book a gondola ride ahead of time. One of my favorite spots to hire a gondola is the Ponte de la Guerra Bridge. 

Click here to book : Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Click here to book: Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

Mistake #5: Not knowing about Traghetto Ride

If you have 6 or more in your party or don’t want to splurge on a gondola ride, take a traghetto ride. These gondolas transport you across the Grand Canal for just 2 euros! This is a huge budget trick, but, don’t expect a luxury experience as this is how locals get across the canals!

Look for the “traghetto sign” along the pier; it runs weekdays from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.

Mistake # 6: Brining too many things

This is an important mistake to avoid in Venice, I see far too many tourists making it. Venice is a city that is not overpacking-friendly. The cobblestone streets and multiple bridges connecting the canals with steps make it difficult to get around.

I always suggest bringing a “backpack” style suitcase without wheels. This will allow you to walk to your hotel easily ( no taxis or cars allowed in Venice), so instead of having to lug your suitcase along cobblestone streets and up and down stairs it is easier to carry your bag on your back.

For those taking a road trip through Italy, bring just what you need for a few days and leave the rest of the luggage in your car. Or you can leave your larger bags at the train station lockers in town!

Mistake #7: Eating in St. Mark’s Square

I think this goes for almost any city you visit, if you eat or drink in the touristy areas you pay higher food prices that are often not authentic (like pizza). One of the mistakes to avoid in Venice is eating in any touristy area like St. Mark’s Square.

I generally head 3 or 4 blocks off the main square to find more authentic restaurants or bars. Just wandering off the main path you will find hidden gems. One of my favorite coffee shops in the area is Caffè Florian, while overpriced (20 euros for a coffee) I love to people-watch here!

Below are some of my recommendations for spots to eat.

• Bacaro Quebrado ( season small plates and pasta)
• Trattoria Dona Onesta ( hidden spot with fresh seafood and pasta)
• Osteria Fanal del Codega ( dine on the canal)
• Trattoria Bar Pontini (traditional Venetian bar)
• Antica Osteria Ruga Rialto (terrace, seafood, vegetarian friendly)

But, if the time and your budget allow, I highly suggest booking a Venice: 3-Course Dining Experience at Local Home! You will be treated to a delicious Venitien home-made meal with a local host!

Mistake # 8: Only Sticking to the Main Canals

This next mistake builds on mistake #7. When planning a trip to Venice you will want to make it a point to explore outside the main canals. This is especially true if this is your first time in Venice. There are so many cool, hidden spots that you will discover by “getting lost”.

Getting lost is one of my favorite ways to explore Venice. You will discover the true Venice, away from tourists, and get a feel for Venetian life. The same goes true for sticking to only touristy neighborhoods. I love exploring the more residential neighborhoods to see what life outside of the tourist city center is like.

This is the best way to discover a city. Some of my favorite areas to explore are Dorsoduro, and Cannaregio. I love grabbing Ciccheti ( Venetian appetizers with a glass of wine) in this area where the local gondoliers go! 

Mistake # 9: Avoid early morning for exploring

In Venice, it is counterintuitive to other cities where I often wake up early to explore. The reason is that the canals are the lifeblood of this city. And during the early mornings while you won’t see other tourists the city is bustling!

During the early morning hours, you will find merchants buzzing around town delivering food and beverages to restaurants, as well as merchant pickups.

Meaning the picturesque canals are filled with action, boxes, and more. For those looking to take pictures you are better off waiting until after 8 am! I learned from experience and it is often left off the Venice Italy travel guides.

We have a guide to the best photo spots in Venice!

Mistake # 10: Not staying in Venice proper instead of the Venice Mestre

One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is to stay in Venice Mestre to save money instead of Venice. If you are traveling on a budget there are budget accommodations in the residential areas and the train station. We have an entire guide of the best places to stay in Venice including smaller boutique hotels!

This will save you valuable time on short trips ( almost every trip to Venice). But, not to worry if you end up booking a stay in Mestre, as it is a short 2 euro train ride into Venice.