Venice is the kind of place that almost doesn’t feel real until you’re standing in it — gondolas drifting by, sunlight bouncing off pastel buildings, and quiet alleys opening into jaw-dropping piazzas. But once you’re there, the crowds, confusing transport, and tourist traps can quickly make things… less dreamy.
So if you’re wondering how to get around, what to eat, which tours are actually worth it, and how to avoid feeling like just another tourist — I’ve got you. This guide is packed with practical tips, lesser-known experiences, and affiliate-linked activities I’d recommend to my own friends and family. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, here’s how to do Venice right.
How to Get Around Venice (Without Losing Your Mind)
Venice is car-free. No Ubers, no traditional taxis, no buses (at least not on land). That’s part of its charm — and sometimes part of the chaos.
🚍 Vaporetto: Venice’s Waterbus
The vaporetto is Venice’s public water bus — affordable, scenic, and ideal for getting around like a local. You can buy single-ride tickets or save money with an ACTV transport pass (1, 2, 3, or 7-day options available). These passes work on both water buses and land buses (in case you head toward Mestre).
Pick one up at vaporetto stations, newsstands, or ACTV ticket offices — just remember to validate it before boarding.
Airport Transfers in Venice: Best Options for Arrivals & Departures
Whether you’re arriving with luggage or heading to catch a flight or cruise, these Venice airport and cruise transfers save time and sanity.
🚤 Private Arrival by Water Taxi
Private Arrival Transfer: Marco Polo Airport to Hotel
Start your trip stress-free with a private water taxi that drops you off near your hotel. Includes a meet-and-greet and personal assistance with bags.
🚤 Private Departure by Water Taxi
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Marco Polo Airport
A seamless way to leave Venice. A private boat picks you up from your hotel and takes you straight to the airport — no fuss, just a beautiful farewell ride.
🚐 Cruise to Airport by Luxury Car
Private Transfer: Cruise Terminal to Marco Polo Airport
Arriving by cruise? This luxury transfer picks you up directly from the terminal and takes you to the airport in a Mercedes — ideal if you’re traveling with luggage or a group.
🚤 Budget-Friendly Shared Boat Transfer
Venice Airport Link Arrival or Departure
Arrival: Book here
Departure: Book here
A great shared transfer that saves money without sacrificing experience. You’ll ride with other travelers, but still enjoy a scenic ride through the canals.
Where to Stay: A Quick Guide to Venice’s Neighborhoods
Each of Venice’s six main districts offers a different vibe. Here’s how to pick the one that suits your style:
- San Marco – Central and convenient, great for first-time visitors.
- Cannaregio – Local and budget-friendly. Home of the Jewish Ghetto.
- Dorsoduro – Artsy, peaceful, and full of great cafes and galleries.
- Castello – Quiet, charming, and full of local character.
- Santa Croce – Close to the bus/train stations, perfect for short stays.
- Giudecca – A peaceful escape just across the water, great views included.
What to Eat in Venice (And Where Locals Actually Go)
Must-Try Dishes:
- Cicchetti – Venetian tapas served in cozy bacari (wine bars).
- Sarde in Saor – Sweet and sour sardines with onions and vinegar.
- Bigoli in Salsa – Pasta with anchovies and onion sauce.
- Risotto al Nero di Seppia – Rich black risotto made with squid ink.
🍝 Venice Food Tasting Walking Tour
Eat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
Sample authentic bites — from gelato to seafood — while exploring Venice’s backstreets with a local foodie guide.
🍷 Cicchetti & Wine Tour
Discover Venice Like a Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour
Visit traditional bacari bars and sip on local wines with perfectly paired cicchetti. A local favorite for a reason.
🍴 Traditional Home Cooking Experience in Venice
Traditional Home Cooking Experience in Venice
Skip the restaurant and step into a Venetian home. You’ll cook a full 3-course meal — pasta, seasonal vegetables, and tiramisu — and eat like family with a local chef.
Local Experiences & Hidden Gems Worth Booking
🎭 Learn the Art of Carnival in a Mask-Making Class
Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy
Create your own Carnival mask from scratch with guidance from a real Venetian artisan. A fun, cultural souvenir you’ll actually want to keep.
🔥 Murano Glass Tour with DIY Workshop
Murano Glass Factory Experience-a Workshop in Venice
See live glassblowing, then make your own mosaic or jewelry using authentic Murano glass. Includes a boat ride and time to shop.
🚶 Off-the-Beaten-Path Walking Tour
Venice: Hidden Gems Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Go beyond the postcard views and explore Venice’s quieter districts — secret courtyards, little-known churches, and everyday Venetian life.
Unmissable Day Tours & Bucket-List Experiences
🏰 Skip-the-Line: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
Skip-the-Line: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Fully Guided Tour
Tour two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks — without waiting in hours-long lines. Your guide will reveal hidden secrets and rich history along the way.
🌈 Murano & Burano Small Group Tour
Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
Ride a private boat to explore Murano’s glass workshops and Burano’s rainbow-colored lace-making island. Picture-perfect and peaceful.
🚤 Venice in a Day Combo Tour
Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride
Short on time? See Venice’s highlights — the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Rialto, the market — and finish with a classic gondola ride.
🌙 Ghosts & Murders of Venice Night Tour
Venice: Ghosts & Murders – Mysterious Tales of San Marco Area
Venice has its dark side. This night tour weaves through alleys and piazzas as your guide shares spooky legends and true crime tales from centuries past.
Quick Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Bring waterproof shoes and layers — especially in spring or fall.
- Don’t roll loud suitcases over bridges late at night (locals will thank you).
- Buy attraction tickets in advance — skip-the-line = skip the stress.
- Public bathrooms are rare — carry coins or plan around cafés.
Is Venice Worth Visiting in the Off-Season?
Yes. Winter brings a calm, misty charm to the canals. Hotels are cheaper, restaurants are quieter, and the city feels more local than touristy. Bonus: Carnival in February is incredible — especially if you’ve booked that mask-making class.
Traveling Responsibly in Venice
Over tourism is real. Here’s how to help:
- Stay overnight rather than day-tripping.
- Visit lesser-known neighborhoods.
- Support local artisans, markets, and family-run spots.
- Avoid swimming in canals, sitting on bridges, or being noisy in residential areas.
Be the kind of traveler Venice wants more of.
Ready to Explore Venice Like a Local?
Slow down. Wander without a plan. Book a cooking class. Sip wine in the sun. Let Venice work its magic beyond the postcards. Whether you’re gliding in a gondola or stirring pasta in a family kitchen, this city leaves a mark — and I hope this guide helps you experience it to the fullest.
💙 Loved this post? Bookmark it, share it, or explore one of the tours above to start your own Venetian adventure.
✈️ Until next time,
Travel Edge Central