Admission Fee & Overtourism
Since 2024, Venice charges a 5 € admission fee for day visitors on selected peak days (mostly weekends and holidays from April to July). The fee must be paid online on the city of Venice's website — a QR code is issued as proof. Overnight guests are exempt (they already pay a tourist tax). The system is controversial and still being adjusted.
Practical Information
- Vaporetto: Single ride 9.50 € (valid for 75 min). Passes: 24h 25 €, 48h 35 €, 72h 45 €, 7 days 65 €. For more than 3 rides a day, the pass is worth it.
- Luggage: Dragging large suitcases over Venice's bridges is a torture. Travel light, use water taxis (expensive: from 70 €) or the People Mover from Piazzale Roma.
- Acqua Alta: High water (mostly October–January) floods low-lying areas, especially St. Mark's Square. Buy rubber boots in shops (10–15 €). The city sets up elevated walkways. The MOSE system (flood barriers) has protected against extreme high water since 2020.
- Tourist Tax: Hotels charge 1–5 € per person/night (depending on hotel category and season).
Achtung
Venice has strict rules against overtourism: Picnicking on bridges and squares is prohibited (fines up to 500 €), swimming in the Grand Canal as well. Since 2019, large cruise ships are no longer allowed to pass through the Giudecca Canal. Respect the city — the 50,000 remaining residents live here.