Venice is undeniably one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with its enchanting canals, historic architecture, and timeless beauty. However, it’s also famous for something else—its overwhelming crowds! On my first visit, I found it difficult to fully appreciate Venice’s magic, especially with the swarms of tourists and the relentless summer heat, not to mention being dragged around by our parents (thanks, Dad!).
Now, returning to Venice as an adult has been a completely different experience. With a bit of planning and insight, I discovered how to enjoy the city’s charm without feeling suffocated by the crowds.
In this guide, I’m excited to share my top five tips on how to avoid the crowds in Venice, even during peak tourist season. And don’t worry—these strategies don’t involve visiting during the off-season or dragging yourself out of bed at 5 AM! Instead, they focus on clever ways to experience Venice’s beauty in a more peaceful and relaxed manner, so you can truly enjoy everything this iconic city has to offer.
wanna learn more about Venice?
In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in Venice, how long to stay, and most importantly, where to find the best Italian food for your Dolce Vita.
1. Cross the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is not only the oldest but also the most iconic bridge spanning the Grand Canal, serving as a vital link between the districts of San Marco and San Polo. This magnificent structure, with its elegant arches and bustling atmosphere, has been a central point of Venetian life for centuries. The San Marco side of the bridge is where you’ll find many of Venice’s most famous landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile. This area is always lively, with tourists and locals alike flocking to see the historic sites, shop in the boutiques, and dine in the restaurants.
However, once you’ve explored the big attractions on the San Marco side, I highly recommend crossing the Rialto Bridge and venturing into the San Polo district. As you move away from the main streets that line the canal, where most of the restaurants are located, you’ll notice a significant drop in the crowds. This part of Venice offers a more authentic and relaxed experience, where you can wander through narrow alleys, discover hidden courtyards, and take in the quieter side of Venetian life.
To make the most of your time in this less crowded area, consider adding a few activities to your itinerary.
Some less crowded activities to add to your itinerary
- visit the Rialto Market: Start by visiting the Rialto Market, one of Venice’s oldest and most vibrant markets. Here, you can browse stalls brimming with fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties. It’s a great place to experience the daily rhythms of the city and maybe even pick up some ingredients for a picnic by the canal.
- After exploring the market, take a break and indulge in Venice’s beloved tradition of aperitivo hour. Head to Al Merca, a popular spot near the market, where you can enjoy a drink for just 3.50€. Sip on a spritz or a glass of wine as you soak in the local atmosphere.
2. Opt for less crowded sites
Most visitors to Venice are day-trippers arriving from nearby areas, eager to see the city’s most famous landmarks. Naturally, they prioritize must-see sites like Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, both of which are undeniably stunning and worthy of their reputation. However, while these popular sites deserve all the love they get, Venice has so much more to offer
Teatro La Fenice
A stunning theater that can be visited both by day or by night, accompanied by an opera show from the best artists around the world.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a lesser-known but fascinating architectural gem. You can walk up the beautiful spiral staircase and will be greeted with a scenic view above the city.
Ponte Dell’Academia
Head to Ponte dell’Academia for sunset instead of the Rialto Bridge, where pretty much everyone rushes to when the sun sets. The views are equally stunning from both bridges!
3. Plan your trip and schedule your itinerary accordingly
As mentioned earlier, most people visit Venice on a day trip, often as part of a guided tour, which means the city’s most popular attractions can become quite crowded. To navigate around these crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience, consider visiting the most popular sites first thing in the morning, right when they open. Early mornings in Venice offer a serene atmosphere, allowing you to take in the beauty of landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace before the crowds arrive.
Another great time to visit these attractions is during lunch, when many tourists are occupied with finding a meal, or in the late afternoon, about 1-2 hours before closing time. During these periods, you’ll find the lines shorter, the spaces less congested, and the experience more enjoyable overall.
Most day-trippers and tour groups tend to leave the city once the sun sets, providing you with a golden opportunity to explore Venice in a more relaxed and intimate setting. As the crowds thin out, you can leisurely stroll through the city’s winding streets and take in the iconic sites with nearly no one around.
4. Step away from the Main Street
As someone once said, the best way to explore Venice is to simply get lost—and this couldn’t be more true. The city’s narrow streets and labyrinthine layout can quickly fill up with people, especially along the main thoroughfares. But the real magic of Venice reveals itself when you step away from the crowded main streets and start wandering through the smaller alleys and hidden corners.
As you venture off the beaten path, you’ll discover some of the most beautiful and unexpected views, from quiet canals reflecting the architecture to charming bridges and secluded courtyards. In these lesser-known areas, you might even find yourself completely alone! It’s in these quiet moments that the city’s true character shines, offering a more intimate and authentic experience.
5. Leave (no, seriously)
If you’re planning an extended stay in Venice, think about taking a day trip to some of the nearby islands. A visit to Murano and Burano is a fantastic choice; these islands are equally stunning as Venice itself, but often with fewer crowds.
Murano is world-famous for its glassmaking, where you can watch artisans at work and explore local shops filled with beautiful glassware. Burano, on the other hand, is a picturesque gem known for its brightly colored houses by the water.
If you’re looking to travel beyond the islands, Verona and Lake Garda are excellent options for a day trip from Venice. Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, is just a hour away by train. You can explore the ancient Roman amphitheater, visit Juliet’s house, and explore the beautiful piazzas. Meanwhile, Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, provides stunning scenery and a peaceful retreat. The two can easily be combined into a single day trip.
