Venice, Italy

• Venice is built on 118 islands connected by bridges, so there are no cars - you walk or take water buses. You will get lost in the narrow streets and alleys. This is normal and part of being here. The heavy tourist presence means violent crime is rare, though pickpocketing is common in crowded spots like Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and packed vaporetto boats.
• The cicchetti bar culture makes eating alone straightforward. You stand at a bar, order small snacks for €2-4 each, and drink wine. No awkward table-for-one situations. Most people in tourist areas speak English. In residential neighborhoods, knowing basic Italian helps but isn't required.
• Emergency services have multilingual operators at 112. Keep your phone and wallet secure in crowded areas - back pockets are easy targets. The main safety issue here is theft, not physical danger.
• Areas like Dorsoduro and Castello feel less chaotic than San Marco. Things wind down around midnight except in student areas like Campo Santa Margherita where bars stay busy later. The narrow alleys can feel isolated at night when empty, but Venice has a low crime rate overall. Everything is expensive compared to other Italian cities.

Italian is the main language. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, especially in San Marco and Dorsoduro. Emergency services have multilingual operators at 112.

• Cappuccino is a morning drink only - ordering one after 11am marks you as a tourist. Get an espresso instead. Standing at the bar costs less than sitting at a table.
• Cover shoulders and knees for churches. St. Mark's Basilica will turn you away if you don't. Sitting on steps or eating in Piazza San Marco outside designated areas can get you fined.
• Cicchetti (small snacks) at bacari (wine bars) is how people eat here. You hop between bars, try different things, drink wine. No need to commit to a full restaurant meal. The areas around Campo Santa Margherita and Rialto Market have the most options.
• Acqua alta (high water flooding) happens November to March. Hotels have boots available and the city sets up raised walkways. There's an official app for flood warnings.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Universal Emergency: 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Vaporetto water buses connect everything. Single tickets are €9.50 for 75 minutes, day passes are €25 for unlimited rides. Lines 1 and 2 run along the Grand Canal - Line 1 is slower but you see more. The AVM Venezia app has route maps.
• You'll walk most places. The historic center is car-free and you can cross it in about an hour. The streets are a maze and you will get lost. Accept this as part of being here.
• Water taxis cost €60-120 for short trips. Skip them unless you have a specific reason. The vaporetto system works fine, runs late, and is safe. Watch your belongings during rush hours when boats are packed.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Venice with local guides and curated experiences.