There is a common myth that Venice smells bad, but this is not true. Venice does not smell bad everywhere all the time. However, like most cities, there are certain areas and conditions that may produce an unpleasant smell from time to time.
Some sources report an occasional bad smell in the summer months due to garbage left out in the summer heat and occasional algae buildups in the Venice lagoon. However, the city’s canal system underwent renovations in the early 2000s and now has a modern system of draining and cleaning canals.
Overall, a trip to Venice won’t be ruined by rotten smells. If you visit in the summer, you might encounter a few odors wafting your way. However, this is no different than any other city. Some smell is only noticable during some hot summer months coming mainly from the canals, depending on where you are and the time of the day.
But don’t worry. Nothing can ruin your trip to Venice.
Afterall … what if it smells ? IT IS VENICE !
ps: there is actually some smell all year, in San Marco square, coming from the huge pigeon population (poop).