In an emergency
- Emergency112
112 is the EU-wide emergency number.
Fair prices
What locals pay. If you are asked for much more, you are probably being overcharged.
| Vaporetto single ticket (75 minutes)Official ACTV fare; three rides already cost more than a 24h pass. | 9.50 EUR |
|---|---|
| Vaporetto 24h / 48h / 72h / 7-day passRuns from first validation, not midnight; also covers the train Santa Lucia - Mestre. | 25 / 35 / 45 / 65 EUR |
| Rolling Venice 72h transport package (ages 6-29)Cheaper than the adult 72h pass (EUR 45). | 33 EUR |
| Traghetto gondola crossing of the Grand CanalThe standard visitor fare for the short standing crossing. | 2 EUR |
| ACTV Aerobus airport - Piazzale RomaWith a 24-72h pass the airport supplement is EUR 7 one way / EUR 13 return. | 10 single / 18 return EUR |
| Day-tripper access fee (on fee days only)Not charged after 27 July 2026; anyone asking for it outside official fee days is not legitimate. | 5 (4+ days ahead) / 10 (later) EUR |
| Pizza slice at a student pizzeria (Pizza al Volo)Takeaway slice price reported on Wanderlog (not verified 2026). | about 3 EUR |
| Mini crostino/toast at a cheap bacaro (Arcicchetti)Per-piece price reported on Wanderlog (not verified 2026). | about 1 EUR |
| Takeaway fresh pasta box (Dal Moro's)Budget hot lunch near San Marco (Wanderlog, not verified 2026). | under 10 EUR |
| Spritz at a luxury hotel bar (Bar Longhi, Gritti Palace)Upper benchmark; a bacaro spritz costs a fraction of this (Time Out, 2024). | about 20 EUR |
| Bellini at Harry's BarReviewer-reported price for a small glass (not verified 2026). | about 22 EUR |
Tickets
Official prices and the only places to buy. Anyone else selling on the street is a reseller.
- Doge's Palace
EUR 30 full / EUR 15 reduced; EUR 25 / 13 if bought online 30+ days ahead (2026)
Buy at: https://www.visitmuve.it/en/visit/tickets/ (MUVE, official) or its ticket partner CoopCulture
Search results are full of look-alike sites such as dogespalacetickets.com and palazzo-ducale-tickets.com that resell tickets or tours at a markup; they are not the museum's own shop.
- Doge's Palace
EUR 40 full / EUR 22 reduced, valid 6 months (2026)
Buy at: https://www.visitmuve.it/en/visit/tickets/
Buy from MUVE directly.
- Doge's Palace
EUR 32 full / EUR 20 reduced (2026)
Buy at: https://www.visitmuve.it/en/visit/tickets/
Third-party 'secret tours' may not include the same rooms.
- St Mark's Basilica
Basilica EUR 10; + Pala d'Oro EUR 20; + Museum and horses loggia EUR 20; complete ticket EUR 30 (2026)
Buy at: https://tickets.basilicasanmarco.it/
Sites like saintmarksbasilica.com and stmarksbasilicatickets.com appear first in search but are not the basilica's own ticket office.
- St Mark's Campanile
EUR 15 (2026)
Buy at: https://tickets.basilicasanmarco.it/
Avoid bundled 'priority' resellers.
- Venice Access Fee (day-tripper fee)
EUR 5 if paid 4+ days ahead, EUR 10 later; 2026 fee days ran April-July and ended 27 July 2026
Buy at: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en
Only the Venezia Unica access-fee site issues the QR code; exempt visitors (e.g. overnight guests) register there for free.
- ACTV vaporetto tickets and passes
Single EUR 9.50 (75 min); 24h EUR 25; 48h EUR 35; 72h EUR 45; 7-day EUR 65 (2026)
Buy at: https://www.veneziaunica.it/en (official) or ACTV machines and offices at the stops
Several look-alike 'vaporetto pass' sites exist; buy from Venezia Unica, the AVM Venezia app or ACTV ticket points.
- Rolling Venice 72h (ages 6-29)
EUR 33 (card + 72h transport, 2026)
Buy at: https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/buy-tickets/public-trasport-in-venice/actv-3-days-transport-rolling-venice
Buy on Venezia Unica.
- Teatro La Fenice
Varies (not verified 2026)
Buy at: The theatre's own box office or website
Resale sites often add large markups.
Traps
- Watch outLook-alike ticket websites
Searching for Doge's Palace or Basilica tickets brings up commercial sites (dogespalacetickets.com, saintmarksbasilica.com and similar) that resell at a markup. Buy from visitmuve.it / CoopCulture and tickets.basilicasanmarco.it.
Source: untolditaly.com, tickets.basilicasanmarco.it - Watch outFake or out-of-season access fee
The day-tripper fee is paid only on cda.veneziaunica.it, and in 2026 it stopped on 27 July. Nobody at the station or on a bridge can collect it in cash.
Source: cda.veneziaunica.it, blog.ricksteves.com - Watch out'Skip the line' Basilica tours
The Basilica itself sells timed slots from EUR 10; a tour is only worth it for the guide, not for entry.
Source: tickets.basilicasanmarco.it - Watch outDoge's Palace at the door costs more
Walk-up tickets are EUR 30 against EUR 25 online 30+ days ahead, and queues can reach 1-2 hours.
Source: untolditaly.com - Watch outSingle vaporetto tickets add up
At EUR 9.50 a ride, three singles cost more than a 24h pass (EUR 25). Decide on a pass before your first boat.
Source: visit.venice.it - Watch outFamous-name bar prices
A Bellini at Harry's Bar is small and reported at about EUR 22; a spritz at the Gritti's Bar Longhi about EUR 20. Fine if you know, a shock if you don't.
Source: wanderlog.com, timeout.com - Watch outAirport water taxi on impulse
The ACTV Aerobus to Piazzale Roma costs EUR 10; a water taxi costs many times more. Agree any taxi fare before boarding.
Source: visit.venice.it - Watch outTurned away at the Basilica
Bare shoulders, short shorts and backpacks get refused at the door, losing your timed slot. Carry a scarf and use the free bag deposit at Ateneo San Basso first.
Source: earthtrekkers.com - Watch outMachine-made 'Murano' and 'Burano' souvenirs
Learn what the real thing looks like at the Murano Glass Museum and the Burano Lace Museum (where lacemakers demonstrate) before buying.
Source: wanderlog.com
Money
- TipBook museums 30 days out
The St Mark's Square Museums ticket drops from EUR 30 to EUR 25 (reduced EUR 15 to 13) when bought online 30+ days ahead.
Source: untolditaly.com - TipMuseum Pass maths
The MUVE Museum Pass (EUR 40, valid 6 months) only pays off if you add at least a couple of other civic museums to the Doge's Palace.
Source: untolditaly.com - TipUnder 30? Rolling Venice
Ages 6-29 get 72 hours of ACTV transport plus the Rolling Venice card for EUR 33, versus EUR 45 for the adult 72h pass.
Source: veneziaunica.it, visit.venice.it - TipEat standing for less
Bacari price cicchetti per piece: mini toasts around EUR 1 at Arcicchetti, slices around EUR 3 at Pizza al Volo, pasta boxes under EUR 10 at Dal Moro's.
Source: wanderlog.com - RulePay the access fee early
On fee days the fee is EUR 5 if paid at least four days ahead and EUR 10 after that.
Source: cda.veneziaunica.it, venicexplorer.com - TipBasilica discounts
Children under 11 enter free; ages 10-18, students up to 26 and over-65s get further reductions on the Basilica's official site.
Source: tickets.basilicasanmarco.it
Transport
- RuleValidate every time
Tap or validate your ticket or pass at the pontoon reader before boarding each vaporetto, even with a pass.
Source: visit.venice.it - TipLine 1 is the cheap Grand Canal tour
Line 1 stops at every landing from Piazzale Roma to the Lido in about 45 minutes; line 2 is the faster Grand Canal service.
Source: visit.venice.it - TipCross by traghetto
The standing gondola ferry across the Grand Canal costs EUR 2: the cheapest gondola ride there is.
Source: visit.venice.it - TipIslands from Fondamente Nove
Line 12 runs to Murano, Burano and Torcello from Fondamente Nove.
Source: visit.venice.it - TipPasses cover the train to Mestre
ACTV passes include the regional train between Venezia Santa Lucia and Mestre, handy if you sleep on the mainland.
Source: visit.venice.it - RuleLuggage
One piece of luggage per passenger travels free on the vaporetto.
Source: visit.venice.it - TipAirport by bus
ACTV Aerobus to Piazzale Roma costs EUR 10 single / EUR 18 return; the Rolling Venice package does not include it.
Source: visit.venice.it, veneziaunica.it
Etiquette
- RuleCover up in churches
St Mark's enforces shoulders and knees covered; the same standard is expected in other churches.
Source: earthtrekkers.com - RuleSunday mornings are for Mass
At St Mark's only the museum and horses loggia open on Sunday morning; the church reopens around 14:00.
Source: earthtrekkers.com, tickets.basilicasanmarco.it - TipStand at the bacaro counter
Classic bacari like Al Merca and All'Arco have no seats: order a few cicchetti with a glass, eat standing or on the campo, and order again.
Source: wanderlog.com, timeout.com - TipThese are residential streets
Cannaregio's fondamente, Campo Santa Margherita and Via Garibaldi are where Venetians live; keep noise down late and return your glass.
Source: wanderlog.com, spottedbylocals.com - TipWatch the gondola yard from across the canal
The Squero di San Trovaso is a working boatyard; admire it from the opposite fondamenta, not by walking in.
Source: wanderlog.com - RuleCarry your access QR code
On fee days visitors must show a valid QR code if checked, including exempt overnight guests who registered.
Source: blog.ricksteves.com
Food
- TipCicchetti crawl around Rialto
Venetian bar food is cicchetti: small crostini, panini and bites at bacari such as All'Arco, Do Mori and Al Merca, eaten with a small glass of wine.
Source: wanderlog.com - TipTramezzini at Toletta
Venice's soft crustless sandwiches are an institution; Bar alla Toletta is known for adventurous fillings.
Source: wanderlog.com - TipFried seafood in a paper cone
Acqua e Mais and Frito Inn serve fried fish in cones, Venetian street food eaten walking.
Source: wanderlog.com - TipAperitivo on the Cannaregio canals
Fondamenta della Misericordia and Ormesini are lined with bars; locals sit on the canal edge with a glass.
Source: wanderlog.com, timeout.com - TipVenetian sweets
Look for fritole (Carnival doughnuts, e.g. Rosa Salva), focaccia veneziana at Dal Nono Colussi and Jewish-Venetian pastries at Panificio Volpe in the Ghetto.
Source: wanderlog.com, wanderlog.com - FunNo spritz at Vino Vero
The natural-wine bar deliberately skips spritz; ask for a glass from a small producer instead.
Source: timeout.com
Safety
- RuleLeave big bags before the Basilica
Large bags are not allowed inside; the free deposit at Ateneo San Basso is the official solution.
Source: earthtrekkers.com - Watch outCheck what's temporarily closed
Some venues listed online are temporarily closed (for example the Venice Jazz Club and the Piccolo Mondo disco in 2026 listings); confirm before a late trip across town.
Source: wanderlog.com - TipSummer on the Lido
The public beach on the Lido is where Venetians swim; Aurora Beach Bar runs summer DJ nights, so plan your last vaporetto back.
Source: wanderlog.com, wanderlog.com - TipOfficial water transport only
Use ACTV vaporetti, the Aerobus or officially booked taxis rather than unsolicited offers of a boat ride.
Source: visit.venice.it
Free
- TipSanta Maria della Salute
The great domed church is free to enter; only the sacristy has a charge.
Source: wanderlog.com - FunSan Pantalon's giant ceiling
Free to enter when open, with what Spotted by Locals calls the world's largest canvas painting.
Source: spottedbylocals.com - TipPunta della Dogana at sunset
The tip of Dorsoduro is free to stand on, with San Marco and San Giorgio across the water.
Source: spottedbylocals.com - TipBovolo staircase from the courtyard
You can see the Contarini del Bovolo spiral from the courtyard; you only pay to climb it.
Source: wanderlog.com - TipWalk Via Garibaldi and San Michele
Eastern Castello and the cemetery island cost nothing but a vaporetto ride.
Source: spottedbylocals.com - TipFree for kids and residents
St Mark's Basilica is free under 11; the Doge's Palace is free under 5.
Source: tickets.basilicasanmarco.it, untolditaly.com
Fun
- FunThe Bellini was born at Harry's Bar
Both the Bellini cocktail and beef carpaccio were created at Harry's Bar, opened in the 1930s.
Source: wanderlog.com, wanderlog.com - FunA 1462 wine bar
Cantina Do Mori claims to date from 1462; Do Spade says 1415.
Source: wanderlog.com - FunThe word 'ghetto' comes from here
Cannaregio's Ghetto was the world's first; visit the synagogues on guided tours.
Source: wanderlog.com - FunOldest cafe in Italy
Caffe Florian opened in 1720 on Piazza San Marco.
Source: wanderlog.com - FunA pastry shop from 1742
Pasticceria Rizzardini has been baking since 1742 in a tiny San Polo shop.
Source: wanderlog.com - FunDrinks in a flour mill
The Skyline Rooftop Bar sits on top of the Hilton in the old Molino Stucky flour mill on Giudecca.
Source: wanderlog.com, timeout.com - FunCocktails for explorers
Il Mercante's menu is themed on great explorers; the house drink is The Captain's Death.
Source: timeout.com - FunJapanese cicchetti
Koenji serves onigiri and takoyaki the way a bacaro serves cicchetti.
Source: wanderlog.com - FunA vineyard in the lagoon
On Mazzorbo, next to Burano, Venissa grows vines inside the lagoon.
Source: wanderlog.com - FunLace being made live
At the Burano Lace Museum craftspeople demonstrate the technique.
Source: wanderlog.com - FunCasanova's cell
Only the Secret Itineraries tour of the Doge's Palace takes you to the cell Casanova escaped from.
Source: untolditaly.com - FunBronze horses up close
The Basilica's museum ticket takes you onto the loggia beside the horses above the piazza.
Source: tickets.basilicasanmarco.it
When to go
- RuleAccess fee season
In 2026 the fee applied on 60 days from 3 April to 26 July, mostly Fridays to Sundays, 8:30-16:00. Expect a similar spring-summer calendar in 2027 (not verified).
Source: blog.ricksteves.com, venicexplorer.com, cda.veneziaunica.it - TipLonger museum hours in summer
The Doge's Palace opens 9:00-19:00 from April to October and 9:00-18:00 from November to March.
Source: untolditaly.com - TipWinter evening openings
Selected Fridays and Saturdays in December-January the Doge's Palace stays open until 21:00.
Source: untolditaly.com - TipCarnival sweets
Pastry shops sell fritole (frittelle) in the Carnival season; Rosa Salva is famous for its fritola col buso and Pasticceria Trevisan for fluffy fritelle.
Source: wanderlog.com, wanderlog.com - TipLido in summer
Beach life and the Aurora Beach Bar's DJ nights on the Lido are summer only.
Source: wanderlog.com
Words
- TipCicchetti
Small bar snacks (crostini, mini panini, meatballs) eaten standing with a drink.
Source: wanderlog.com - TipBacaro (plural bacari)
A Venetian wine bar serving cicchetti.
Source: wanderlog.com - TipTramezzino
Soft crustless triangular sandwich, a Venetian bar staple.
Source: wanderlog.com - TipTraghetto
Gondola ferry crossing the Grand Canal (EUR 2).
Source: visit.venice.it - TipFondamenta / Campo
A canal-side street / a city square (only Piazza San Marco is a 'piazza').
Source: wanderlog.com, wanderlog.com - TipVaporetto
The ACTV water bus.
Source: visit.venice.it
Checked September 2026. Every item links to where it came from.