Kayla CosmosTable of Contents
Disclaimer: I’ve included links to some of the activities I booked through Klook. If you use my code ‘KAYLACOSMOS’ on checkout, you’ll receive a discount and I’ll earn a small commission. Thanks!
If you’ve caught yourself debating, “Is Venice worth visiting?” while planning your dream trip to Italy, I felt the same exact way.
I’ve spent the past three+ years living in Asia, so it was only natural that I began to crave a taste of that Eurosummer Americans (like myself) flock to for vacation. And Italy, which has been pinned to my vision board for years, was at the top of my list.
Cities like Rome and Florence are no-brainers for sightseeing, and I even visited Cinque Terre and Milan with family friends.
But what about Venice? After chatting with friends and consulting the ‘gram, no one was shy to say how much they hated Venice.
Yet the negativity people held toward Venice made me even more curious.
I dove into Venice travel guide after travel guide to plan the ultimate one-day trip (yes, I was that tight on time). And yes, I did almost all the top things to do in Venice in just a day.
And while that solo trip was overwhelming, exhausting, and made me despise crowds in less than 24 hours, I fell in love with Venice at the same time.
If you’re considering going but the noise around Venice has you thinking twice, keep reading. I’ve created this “how to fall in love” with Venice travel guide, so you know how to navigate this magnificent place with intention. Stop asking yourself is Venice worth visiting, and get to planning your Venice love story.
Be Prepared for Crowds and Tired Locals
If you look at the map, you’ll notice Venice is made up of islands: 118 to be exact. Despite its size, Venice attracts up to 30 million visitors a year.
Yet Venice has only about 50,000 locals living in the historic center. As costs rise, locals are finding themselves moving to the mainland to afford to live.
Put these factors together, and you can see why anyone visiting and living in Venice may feel overwhelmed. You have a small island with millions of annual tourists and locals who seem to never catch a break.
Tourists queue for social media-famous gelato, stand at cafes with no more available seating, and fill narrow alleyways. Not every street was packed, but the number of people in some areas is anxiety-inducing.
The evening I arrived, I sat chatting with some local girls on the steps of a canal bridge. One lived there, and the other was a student in Germany.
They shared how Venice had changed over time, how hard it was to find decent-paying jobs, and, at one point, said, “We hate tourists.” I wasn’t offended because the interaction was overall wholesome, and I could see where their perspective came from.
During my visit, I stopped at many cafes and restaurants. While most locals working in service jobs were welcoming, you could also feel frustrated, hurried, and annoyed energy coming off others. Even if it’s not pleasant as a visitor, I can understand.
What’s the lesson? Expect to be in busy, even stress-inducing, spaces or situations. I did my best to treat everyone and every situation with patience and kindness. Or if I wanted a picture or video, I would try to avoid being in the way. Just the simple things to not only keep my calm, but also not be “that tourist.”
Do the Top Venice Tourist Activities (but Learn Venice History)
As I wondered if Venice was worth visiting, I even started to question if the main attractions were worth it?
Once again, social media chatter intruded. Should I go on a gondola ride? Should I visit Doge Palace? Blah, blah, blah.
Fortunately, as I was creating content for a brand and they were interested in Venice, I was able to get many experiences covered. Here’s what I learned.
First, plan ahead for the most popular things to do in Venice.
I booked entry for Doge Palace days beforehand, and was able to enter as soon as I arrived for my time slot. Getting there earlier is also great to beat the crowds that build up in Piazza San Marco.
I also reserved my seat on a shared gondola ride to avoid having to figure it out on the street.
Trust me, booking tickets ahead of time for at least a few activities can save you on the stress of waiting in lines or dealing with potentially pushy street sellers.
And was it worth doing the most popular things in Venice? Yes! At least once.
I’m actually mad at myself I even considered skipping attractions like Doge’s Palace or the Gondola ride due to cost. Aren’t these the reasons people go to Venice?
Another way to make the most of the most touristy things in Venice is to have a guide along the way.
I took a guided tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica, which made visiting the church and understanding Venice so much more intriguing with just a bit of historical context.
The gondola ride I went on had a short guided walk before we reached the docks, which also provided some fantastic history.
It’s easy to admire a place by how it looks, but when you hear the stories and learn the history, it becomes so much deeper. The more I learned about the story behind Venice, the more I fell in love with it for what it actually was.
Stray From the Typical Venice Travel Guide
There are a lot of Venice travel guides out there, and most often, they name the same things: gondola rides, San Marco Piazza, San Marco Basilica.
And while all these things to do in Venice are essential for the experience, it’s worth it to find some more unique things to do as well.
I’ll also link the activities I did. If you book them through Klook, you can use my code ‘KAYLACOSMOS’ for a discount, as I am an affiliate.
Hands down, my favorite activity in Venice was going to a Vivaldi concert. It was beautifully played, the musicians were passionate, and in stereotypical American fashion, I realized I knew all the songs, yet didn’t even know the composer, Vivaldi, was from Venice.
The beauty of the concert and its obvious connection to the culture and history of Venice, made me fall more in love.. Plus, after a long and busy day in Venice, it’s nice to do something that lets you check out and relax.
A few other unique things to do in Venice include Venetian mask making or visiting the Chiesa di San Pantalon.
Once again, I felt like an ignorant American because the Venetian masks were so recognizable, and yet I had no idea they came from Venice. If you come to Venice with kids, Venetian mask-making is an especially great idea.
As for the Chiesa di San Pantalon, the church is home to the world’s 2nd-largest canvas painting, which stretches across the ceiling. If you go when it first opens (10 AM), it’s virtually empty.
Don’t Stay in Tourist Central
As I mentioned, one thing I mentally prepared myself for before coming to Venice was being overwhelmed by tourists.
In fact, it’s one of the main reasons people who “hate” Venice feel the way they feel. Leaving us to wonder, is Venice worth visiting despite the negative opinions?
I chose to stay at the Ostello Domus Civica, a 10-minute walk from the train station. The hostel had a terrace with views of the city and a rustic elevator that glided through the round stairwell shaft.
The hostel entrance was at a crossroads of several streets, with restaurants and cafes nearby.
My first impression: Venice isn’t that bad! Yes, the area catered to tourists, but there weren’t many people.
As soon as I stepped onto the Ponte Di Rialto heading to the Piazza del San Marco, I understood. I was in a sea of people.
After spending the whole day walking around Venice, I realized one thing. There are quaint, quiet areas that make you fall hard for Venice. Then there’s high-season chaos.
My hostel was in Northern San Polo, and I would 100% stay in the area again. Because visiting Venice’s main tourist areas is exhausting, a quiet retreat to recharge is necessary.
Stop Wondering “Is Venice Worth Visiting?”
If you’re still thinking, “Is Venice worth visiting?” save yourself the headache and go! Sometimes it’s better to just get off the fence and do it. And maybe plan out other European destinations while you’re there.
I’m glad I decided to visit for myself. I saw how people could hate it, but you have to see past the crowds. Ultimately, I was astonished by how Venice came to be.
With a sparked curiousity, go to Venice (with all the tips I mentioned), and write your own Venetian romance.
If you want to keep exploring, here are a few of my other travel experiences below.
Is Venice worth visiting if I only have one day?
Yes! Even one day in Venice is enough to fall in love if you plan intentionally. Book key attractions ahead of time, expect crowds in popular areas, and balance major sights with quieter neighborhoods. I saw Venice in a single (very full) day and still found moments of calm and magic.
Is Venice really that crowded?
Short answer: yes, especially around Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and during peak season. That said, Venice has plenty of quieter streets, canals, and neighborhoods if you’re willing to wander. Expect crowds, but don’t let them scare you off entirely.
Why do so many people say they hate Venice?
Most complaints come down to overcrowding, high prices, and rushed visits. Venice can feel overwhelming if you don’t prepare or only experience the most tourist-heavy areas. Visiting with patience, respect for locals, and a bit of historical context makes a huge difference.
Should I do touristy things like gondola rides and Doge’s Palace?
Absolutely. At least once. These experiences are iconic for a reason. Booking in advance and choosing guided options helps you avoid stress and actually understand what you’re seeing, rather than just snapping photos and moving on.
Is a guided tour in Venice worth it?
Yes. Venice becomes much more meaningful when you understand its history, politics, and architecture. A guided tour of places like Saint Mark’s Basilica or Doge’s Palace adds depth and helps you appreciate Venice beyond its beauty.
Where should I stay in Venice to avoid crowds?
Avoid staying right near Piazza San Marco if possible. Neighborhoods like San Polo, Dorsoduro, or areas closer to the train station offer a quieter experience while still being walkable. Having a calm place to retreat at the end of the day is key.
What are some unique things to do in Venice beyond the main attractions?
Attending a Vivaldi concert, visiting lesser-known churches like Chiesa di San Pantalon, or trying Venetian mask-making are all memorable ways to experience Venice’s culture. These quieter experiences often end up being the most meaningful.
Is Venice expensive?
Venice can be pricey, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Booking activities ahead of time, staying slightly outside the center, and being mindful of where you eat can help keep costs manageable.
What’s the best mindset to visit Venice with?
Go in expecting crowds, embracing patience, and staying curious. Venice isn’t meant to be rushed or consumed for content alone — it’s a place to slow down, learn its story, and find beauty in both the chaos and the quiet moments.
Kayla Cosmos
Cait Charles
Trevor Carlson
