How Venice Is Fighting Overtourism
And How You Can Visit Responsibly
A City at a Crossroads
For centuries, Venice has dazzled travellers with its canals, palazzos, and romantic gondolas. But in recent years, the city has faced an overwhelming surge of visitors - up to 20 million a year in a city with fewer than 50,000 residents in the historic center. The strain has led to crumbling infrastructure, crowded waterways, and frustration for locals who feel their home has become a theme park.
In response, Venice has become one of the first cities in the world to introduce a daily visitor fee for day-trippers, effective in 2024. It also limits cruise ship access, encourages off-season tourism, and invests in sustainable infrastructure.
For travellers, this is a wake-up call: Venice isn’t going away, but the way you experience it is changing.
What’s Behind the New Rules?
Cruise ship bans: Large cruise liners have been barred from sailing into the historic lagoon.
Day-tripper tax: Non-overnight visitors now pay €5–10 on select days to enter, designed to reduce pressure during peak weekends.
Short-term rentals: Growing restrictions on Airbnbs in the historic center aim to make more housing available for residents.
Together, these measures reflect a city trying to balance preservation with tourism revenue - ensuring Venice survives for future generations.
How to Visit Venice Without the Crowds
- Travel Off-Season: The best time is October–March, when canals are misty, piazzas quiet, and hotel rates lower.
- Stay Overnight: Instead of a rushed day-trip, give yourself at least 2–3 nights. The evenings and early mornings show Venice at its most magical.
- Explore Beyond St. Mark’s Square: Visit Cannaregio for authentic Venetian life, or hop a vaporetto to Burano and Torcello.
- Support Local Businesses: Book walking tours with Venetian guides, eat cicchetti in bacari (local wine bars), and avoid chain restaurants.
Travel Gear That Makes Venice Easier
Venice’s canals, bridges, and cobblestones can be tough on travellers. Pack smart:
- Lightweight Rolling Carry-On – easy to maneuver over bridges (try Away’s Bigger Carry-On).
- Supportive Walking Shoes – waterproof sneakers or loafers handle wet, uneven streets.
- Packable Rain Jacket – Venice’s weather changes quickly; a jacket like Patagonia’s Torrentshell is perfect.
- Portable Power Bank – between maps, photos, and videos, your phone won’t last the day.
- Crossbody Anti-Theft Bag – keeps essentials safe in crowded spots.
Best Hotels in Venice for Every Budget
Luxury: Hotel Danieli – A legendary palace on the Grand Canal with sweeping views, ideal for travellers seeking a cinematic experience.
Mid-Range: Ca’ Pisani Hotel – A stylish boutique in Dorsoduro, close to art galleries and less touristy neighborhoods.
Budget: Hotel Antiche Figure – Across the canal from Santa Lucia train station, offering charming rooms at a fair price.
Sustainable Pick: Venice Times Hotel – Modern and eco-friendly, perfect for conscious travellers.
Tours & Experiences Worth Booking
- Small-Group Gondola Ride – Avoid tourist traps with reputable operators offering short, authentic rides.
- Cicchetti & Wine Tour – Eat and drink your way through backstreet bacari with a local guide.
- Lagoon Island Tour – Visit Murano for glassblowing, Burano for colorful houses, and Torcello for ancient history.
- Art & Architecture Walk – Discover hidden churches and contemporary galleries away from the crowds.
The Bottom Line
Venice is still one of the world’s most magical destinations - but it’s evolving under the weight of tourism. By planning ahead, travelling responsibly, and choosing where you stay and what you pack wisely, you can experience the floating city without adding to its struggles.
Smarter travel means richer memories - and a Venice that lasts.
