Venice, the legendary city of canals, bridges, and timeless beauty, continues to enchant millions each year. But 2025 brings new rules, hidden treasures, and reasons to look beyond the Grand Canal. This guide blends updated travel info with unforgettable experiences in Venice and the wider Veneto region.
Venice Entry Fee & Visitor Rules 2025
As of April 2025, Venice has introduced new crowd-control measures. If you’re visiting on certain high-traffic days, you’ll need to pay a Venice entry fee.
Entry fee: €5 when pre-booked, €10 if booked on the same day
When: On 29 designated days between April 25 and July 14, 2025, from 08:30 to 16:00
Who pays: Day-trippers only; overnight guests are exempt
In addition, tour groups are limited to 25 people, and loudspeakers are banned to preserve the city’s peaceful atmosphere. Always check updated regulations before your visit.
Top 10 Things to Do in Venice, Italy
From iconic landmarks to peaceful escapes, here are the best experiences in Venice:
1. 🔍St. Mark’s Basilica
Admire golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Consider a night visit for fewer crowds.
2. 🔍Doge’s Palace
Explore the heart of Venetian power with grand halls and the eerie Bridge of Sighs.
3. Gondola vs Vaporetto
🔍Gondola: Romantic but pricey. Great for private memories.
🔍Vaporetto: Venice’s waterbus system. Efficient and scenic for all budgets.
4. 🔍Grand Canal
Take Line 1 for a slow cruise past elegant palazzi.
5. 🔍Murano & Burano
Murano is famous for glass, Burano for colorful houses and lace-making.
6. 🔍Teatro La Fenice
Catch an opera or take a self-guided tour through this historic theater.
7. Venice Hidden Gems
🔍Libreria Acqua Alta: Quirky canal-side bookshop
🔍San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower: Stunning views
🔍Bacan Island: Local-favorite mini beach, protected by the new MOSE system
8. 🔍Rialto Market
A taste of local life with fresh produce and fish. Best early in the morning.
9. 🔍Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Modern art in a quiet palazzo. Ideal for art lovers.
10. Sip a Spritz by the Canal
Relax like a local with this classic Venetian aperitivo.
Where to Stay in Venice: Best Accommodation Options
Finding the perfect place to stay in Venice can significantly shape your travel experience. From elegant canal-side hotels to affordable guesthouses in quieter neighborhoods, the city offers a variety of accommodation options for every traveler and budget. Here’s a look at the best places to stay in Venice in 2025, based on traveler reviews and popularity on platforms like Booking.com.
1. Grand Canal Luxury: Stay in Style
For those seeking the ultimate Venetian experience, look no further than the luxury hotels along the Grand Canal. Properties like 🔍The Gritti Palace and 🔍Hotel Danieli, a The Gritti Palace Hotel offer opulent suites, private balconies, and stunning views of Venice’s most iconic waterway. These five-star stays come with a price tag, but also with impeccable service, gourmet dining, and rich historical charm.
2. Boutique Hotels in San Marco
Want to be near major landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace? San Marco is the place to be. Boutique hotels such as 🔍Rosa Salva Hotel and 🔍Hotel Flora balance a central location with personalized service and cozy charm. Rooms are typically smaller, but the atmosphere and convenience more than make up for it.
3. Budget-Friendly in Cannaregio
Cannaregio offers one of the best blends of affordability and local flavor. Known for its relaxed vibe and fewer crowds, it’s ideal for travelers who want to experience a more authentic side of Venice. Budget-friendly accommodations like 🔍Hotel Apostoli Garden and 🔍Hotel Ca’ Dogaressa receive great reviews for comfort, cleanliness, and friendly service.
4. Peaceful Retreats in Dorsoduro
Art lovers and romantic couples may prefer Dorsoduro, home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and charming canals. It’s less touristy and more peaceful, with mid-range options like 🔍Locanda Ca’ Zose and 🔍Hotel Moresco offering stylish interiors and warm hospitality.
5. Unique Stays on the Islands
If you’re looking to escape the main crowds, consider a stay on nearby islands like Giudecca or Murano. 🔍Hilton Molino Stucky Venice on Giudecca is a standout, offering spacious rooms and a rooftop bar with panoramic views. Murano offers boutique hotels such as 🔍Hyatt Centric Murano Venice, which combine modern comfort with the island’s famed glassmaking heritage.
Tip: Venice is very walkable, but bridges and canals mean more walking than usual. Choose a hotel near your arrival point (Santa Lucia train station or Piazzale Roma) if you’re traveling with heavy luggage.
Pro Tip for Booking: Book early—especially in spring, summer, and during Carnival. Always check cancellation policies, and look for deals on Booking.com where many properties offer free cancellation.
Staying in Venice can be just as magical as exploring it. With options ranging from palatial to practical, there’s a perfect room waiting for you among the canals.
Book Your Stay
Day Trips Beyond Venice: Discover the Veneto Region
Don’t stop at Venice. The Veneto region offers cultural towns, countryside escapes, and scenic rides.
🔍Verona from Venice by Train
Just over an hour away, Verona offers Roman ruins, Juliet’s Balcony, and charming piazzas. Easy day trip via regional rail.
🔍Prosecco Hills Tour
Explore the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills near Valdobbiadene and Conegliano. Visit family-run vineyards and sip local sparkling wine.
Padua & Vicenza
🔍Padua: Home to Italy’s oldest botanical garden and Giotto frescoes.
🔍Vicenza: Andrea Palladio’s architectural masterpieces await.
🔍Dolomites Day Escape
Take a guided excursion to the Eastern Dolomites for alpine air and dramatic peaks. Perfect for summer hiking or photography.
Best Time to Visit Venice
Spring (April–June): Mild weather, vibrant events like the Vogalonga boat parade.
Autumn (September–October): Fewer tourists, romantic foggy mornings.
Avoid: August, unless you’re prepared for high heat and crowds.
If visiting during the entry-fee period, book ahead and stay overnight in Venice to avoid the tax.
Sustainable Travel in Venice
Venice’s fragile ecosystem needs protection. Here’s how to be a mindful visitor:
Stay overnight: Avoids the day-tripper tax and spreads out tourist traffic.
Use refillable water bottles: Public fountains offer clean water.
Support local artisans: Buy genuine Murano glass or Burano lace.
Travel off-peak: Choose early mornings or shoulder seasons.
With the MOSE flood barrier operational, Venice is safer from high tides. The system now activates during tides over 110 cm and will be fully completed by late 2025.
FAQs
Do I have to pay the Venice tourist tax in 2025?
Yes, if you’re visiting during specified days (April 25 to July 14, 2025) as a day-tripper. Overnight guests are exempt.
How many people are allowed in tour groups now?
Groups are limited to 25 people. Loudspeakers are not allowed.
What’s the difference between a gondola and a vaporetto?
Gondolas offer private, romantic rides. Vaporettos are public transport and much cheaper.
Can I visit the Prosecco Hills from Venice?
Yes! Take a train to Conegliano or book a guided tour for tastings and scenic views.
Is Venice safe from flooding now?
The MOSE barrier now rises during high tides and is expected to be fully completed in late 2025.
Final Tips & Call to Action
Venice offers far more than postcard scenes. With updated rules and better-managed tourism, 2025 is the perfect time to experience it in a sustainable, immersive way.
Whether you’re chasing gondolas, Carnival masks, or Prosecco trails—Venice and the Veneto await. Book your trip early, stay overnight, and explore beyond the canals for a truly unforgettable Italian adventure.
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!
