Surviving in the Top Tourist Destination in the World: Venice

Updated: January 2023

Venice is a top tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. As with any popular tourist location, it’s important to be aware of potential scams and criminal activity. While most people in Venice are honest and welcoming, there are a few who may try to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.

Here are some practical tips to help you stay safe and avoid common pitfalls during your visit to Venice:

• Be wary of fake designer handbags sold on the streets. Not only are they illegal, but there is also a hefty fine of 3,000 Euros for buying them.
  
  
• Be cautious when purchasing Venetian masks, as they can be overpriced or even imported fakes. Look for shops where you can see the papier-mâché process in action to ensure you’re buying an authentic mask.
  
  
• When ordering fish at sidewalk cafes, be aware that it is often sold by weight rather than by piece. A price of 7 Euros per etto (100 grams) means that a regular fish weighing 5 etto (500 grams) could cost you 35 Euros. Always ask for clarification before ordering.
  
  
• If you want to enjoy a coffee at St. Mark’s Square, be aware of hidden cover charges, which can be more expensive than the coffee itself. For a more reasonably priced experience, try Campo San Polo or Campo Santa Margherita.
  
  
• Note that in most of Italy, sitting down to eat or drink costs more than standing at the bar.
  
  
• Authentic Murano glass pieces, hand-blown and designed by master glassmakers, can be expensive. However, items sold near Piazza San Marco may be discounted due to competition among shops. You may also find bigger discounts in Burano or other outlying areas away from commercial centers. Be cautious of fakes imported from Asia and passed off as original Murano glass.

Some additional practical tips for your stay in Venice include:

• If you’re visiting in spring or summer, ask for mosquito repellents as many hotel windows do not have screens.
  
  
• Bring a small pocket flashlight to help you read maps in the evenings, as Venetian street lamps can be quite dim.
  
  
• Maps of Venice are available for free with your transport ticket pass at the airport. Elsewhere, maps may be sold to unsuspecting tourists who don’t have one. Some hotels also offer free maps at reception.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a safe and memorable stay in one of the world’s most enchanting cities.