Autore: Timmy

Never forget that Venice is a very peculiar city, must be treated with a special care by everyone, including you

Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world, but it can also be overwhelming and crowded with tourists. To have a more authentic and enjoyable experience, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Here are some tips for exploring in Venice responsibly.

Backpacks on waters

The water buses can get crowded, and it’s important to save space for other passengers. Sailors will remind you to remove your backpack to make more room.

Backstreets boys win

The best views and most authentic shops are away from the main streets. The larger and more crowded a street is, the more likely it is to be full of tourist traps and cheap souvenir shops. Walk down the backstreets for a more authentic experience. You may get lost. Oh well.

Don’t sit on steps or bridges

While it may seem tempting to rest on the steps of a church or bridge, it’s important to remember that these are public spaces and not meant for lounging. Instead, sit at a café or restaurant and enjoy the view.

City tax / tourist tax

Many cities around the world have a tourist tax, and Venice is no exception. The tax must be paid in cash upon arrival, and it’s important to have the correct amount ready. Please note: If you booked through Booking.com, the tax may not have been collected yet, just indicated a rough amount.

Dry mouth

There are many little taps around Venice that provide fresh tap water. The water is drinkable and free, so fill up your water bottle instead of buying expensive bottled water. The San Benedetto, an Italian famous soft drink company, has the main production plant in the Venice mainland area and uses the same water spring for their drinks. Otherwise wine is always a good option.

Famelish

How to fill that ginormous blackhole in your stomach while waiting for a main meal? Here are some hints to navigate in this sea of snackbars / cafes / taverns / takeaway in town.

• Pasta-to-go, the disgusting option. Pre-cooked pasta briefly stir-fried in a sauce from a jar, eaten from a cardboard carton walking the streets. Every time a portion of that is ordered, an italian nanny cries.

• Gelato, the sweet option. Scout for any place which is “artigianale”: at least, they make their own icecream.

• Cicheti, the traditional option. Meatballs, finger food, crostini, tramezzini and other goodies (a rich list is on the blog) to have at the counter of a bacaro (local nickname for tavern – here our fav). Best thing to wash it down is wine (“ombra”, tiny glass of house wine). Or Prosecco.

feeding pigeons

It’s not only illegal to feed the pigeons in Venice, but it’s also unhealthy and unsanitary. Avoid feeding the pigeons and enjoy the city’s beauty from a safe distance. Why would you do that?

Got lost? Need info?

See Restroom.

Identification & safety

It’s our duty to notice the Police Office who is in our apartments within 24h from the arrival. That’s why we’ll ask you to scan your ID / passport when you check-in. These informations will be partially shared with the City Board and Tourist Boards: that’s why we’ll need to see them on arrival. We consider this topic extremely important as they are sensitive contents. Here you may find our GDPR compliant privacy policy.

Maps

You may find handy giving a look to this map with our favourite shops in town and this one with fair-trade shops, organic food sellers, free tap sinks and much more.

Murano glass and authentic masks

Plenty of shops sells fake Murano glass and plastic masks. Check always the tag behind and ask if they are manufactured in Venice before buying it. In town there are plenty of small craft shops #supportlocal

Restroom / loo / public toilets

There are several public toilets in town. Not many, pricey and smelley. It’s a good alternative in Italy to:

1.  in a bar or a cafe
2. order a soft drink, bottled water or coffee to have at the counter (or at the tables, if you prefer)
3. ask if the restroom is available
4. use it while your drink is prepared
5. get your drink
6. ciao

Recycling

Contribute to keep clean and tidy this place (read “the world”) respecting the recycling and waste collection methods and times: you can find the official flyer in the folder of the apartment or here

it’s a bridge, not a bench

Would you park your car in a tunnel? Probably not. Everyone has to go through the bridges so the “traffic” should be as smoother as possible. Stopping on a tiny or crowded bridge will make impossible walking by you for the others.

Support local economy

Residents in Venice still purchase in little shops. Shopping at small family-run businesses like butchers and bakeries will help support the local economy and keep Venice authentic and maintaining its social texture.

Tasting free samples

We don’t consider polite asking to sip a wine or a taste of ice-cream before ordering it, unless the tavern’s host or the parlour’s clerk suggests. Rather order just a glass or a scoop of it.

The selfie-stick slap

When you are finally taking a selfie, be careful how you move the stick around. You might hit someone. Also if you are just pointing out directions or things to see. You may still poke someone in the eye.

Venice is a live city, not an amuse park

Remember that Venice is a live city, not an amusement park. Be respectful of the locals and their daily activities, and try to contribute to keeping the city clean and tidy by following the recycling and waste collection methods.. Be respectful like you would like tourist would be in your hometown. Thank you

Walk on the right side

Just like driving, we follow this street code. Walking on the left side will occur several “accidents” and disputes.

Window shopping

Feel free to walk in any shop you like, you don’t need to buy anything, you can just look around, but remember always to say “Buongiorno” (good morning) and “Arrivederci” (goodbye) walking in and out.