Venice Tourist Traps: 9 Tips to Avoid Them from a Local

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Ah, Venice!

A city that dances on the waters, a place so unique it’s like stepping straight into a painting.

But, is Venice worth visiting with its notorious reputation for tourist traps? Absolutely!

You see, the secret to appreciating Venice lies not in avoiding the city, but in avoiding the pitfalls that can turn a dream trip into a tourist nightmare.

As somebody who has been living near Venice for years, I have the inside scoop on how to avoid getting ripped off.

In this guide, we’ll navigate around the tourist traps, and instead, dive into the authentic Venetian experience that makes this city a treasure of Italy. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey to explore Venice, the way locals do.

When’s the worst time to visit Venice? Read my guide here!

How to Spot a Tourist Trap

Restaurant

In Venice, like many popular tourist destinations, it’s easy to fall into the trap of dining at a less-than-stellar restaurant. Here’s how to spot a tourist trap restaurant:

Menus with pictures: If a restaurant has menus in multiple languages, and includes pictures, it’s a clear sign that it caters primarily to tourists. These restaurants often serve subpar food at inflated prices.

Location: Restaurants located in popular tourist areas, such as San Marco Square or near the Rialto Bridge, are often more expensive and of lower quality. Instead, venture off the beaten path and explore the quieter neighborhoods of Venice for a more authentic dining experience.

This isn’t a hard and fast rule, however, as there are some options close to touristy areas like Piazza San Marco and Rialto where you can get a good meal or bar snacks, however. A good example is the bacaro All Arco which is just a few steps from the Rialto bridge that I highly recommend.

Promoters: Be wary of restaurants that have promoters standing outside trying to lure you in. This is a common tactic used by tourist trap restaurants. You’ll see these barkers in front of restaurants holding a menu near the crowded areas.

Tourist Menus: Avoid restaurants that advertise ‘tourist menus’. These are typically overpriced and offer poor quality food.

A tourist menu is one with a fixed price that usually includes an appetizer, entree, and side dish along with some water or soft drink for a fixed price. Usually, these are great deals in Italy, but not in overly touristed areas like Venice.

Souvenir Shop

Souvenir shops are often filled with overpriced, mass-produced items. Here’s how to spot a tourist trap souvenir shop:

Location: Shops located in high-traffic tourist areas often sell overpriced souvenirs. Look for shops in less crowded areas for better deals.

Too much variety: If a shop sells a little bit of everything then it is likely a rip off and the goods are mass produced. If the products all look identical then this is a sign that they are mass produced as well. In other words, if there are only a handful of masks but they all look exactly the same then these are not authentic.

Carnevale Masks: Venice is famous for its carnival masks, but not all masks are created equal. The cheaper ones, often priced at 20 Euros or less, are likely made in China and not Venice. They may not comply with EU safety regulations and could be harmful if worn. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Biggest Tourist Traps in Venice

St Mark’s Square, gondola rides, and glass-blowing factories are quintessential Venetian experiences that shouldn’t be missed. However, these popular spots can also be riddled with tourist traps, turning a magical experience into an overpriced disappointment.

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square, also known as Piazza San Marco, is the heart of Venice. It’s a grand open space that showcases the splendor of Venetian architecture and the city’s rich history. The square is home to some of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile bell tower. However, while St. Mark’s Square is not just a tourist trap and is a must-visit, it’s also a hotspot for overpaying. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Overpriced Cafes: The cafes in Piazza San Marco, such as the famous Caffè Florian, are known for their high prices. While it can be a unique experience to sip a coffee while listening to live orchestra music in the square, be aware that you’re paying a premium for the location and the atmosphere. If you want to save money, consider visiting coffee shops elsewhere. I have a full guide on the best coffee shops in Venice to help you out.
2. Street Vendors and Souvenirs: The area around Piazza San Marco is often teeming with street vendors selling all sorts of souvenirs, from carnival masks to miniature gondolas. While these trinkets might seem like a fun memento, they’re often overpriced and not of the best quality. For more authentic souvenirs, consider visiting local artisans or shops away from the main tourist areas.
3. Photo Opportunities with Pigeons: Piazza San Marco is famous for its pigeons, and many tourists enjoy feeding them and taking photos. However, be aware that feeding the pigeons is actually illegal and can result in a fine. Plus, these birds can be a nuisance and are not always the cleanest creatures.

Remember, the key to enjoying Piazza San Marco is to appreciate its historical and cultural significance while being aware of potential tourist traps. With a little planning and awareness, you can have a memorable visit to this iconic Venetian square.

The Rialto Bridge

When you see the perfect Instagram photo of somebody at the Rialto Bridge with the gorgeous view of the canal and the light hitting their face just right, beware. What you’re not seeing in that picture are the throngs of tourists out of the frame.

Not only is it very crowded on the bridge, but the surrounding area is also a tourist trap.

1. Overpriced Souvenirs: The area around the Rialto Bridge is filled with shops selling a variety of souvenirs. While these can be fun to browse, be aware that many of these items are overpriced and can be found cheaper elsewhere.
2. Street Vendors: You’ll often find street vendors around the Rialto Bridge selling everything from selfie sticks to knock-off designer bags. These items are usually of low quality and are best avoided.
3. High-Priced Restaurants and Cafes: The restaurants and cafes near the Rialto Bridge are often more expensive due to their prime location. For a more authentic and affordable dining experience, consider exploring the eateries in less touristy areas.

Remember, visiting the Rialto Bridge is about more than just shopping and dining. Take the time to appreciate the bridge’s architectural beauty and the stunning views it offers of the Grand Canal. With a little awareness and planning, you can avoid the tourist traps and make the most of your visit to this iconic Venetian landmark.

Gondola ride

Gondola rides in Venice are often romanticized in films and literature, painting a picture of a serene journey through the city’s winding canals. However, the reality can sometimes be a bit different. While a gondola ride can indeed be a charming and romantic way to see Venice, it can also turn into a tourist trap if you’re not careful.

1. Overpricing: One of the most common issues with gondola rides is overpricing. The official rate for a 30-minute gondola ride is 80 euros, but the price is 100 in the evening for the same ride. Always confirm the price before you get on the gondola to avoid any surprises.
2. Lack of Authentic Experience: Another issue is that the ride may not offer the authentic experience you’re expecting. Some gondoliers may be more focused on their phones than on steering the gondola, and the canals can sometimes be crowded with other gondolas, making the ride feel less serene and personal.
3. Route: Not all gondola rides take the same route. Some may stick to the Grand Canal, while others venture into the smaller, quieter canals. If you have a specific route in mind, discuss it with the gondolier beforehand.
4. Long Lines: When you pick up a gondola near the major attractions, expect long lines to get on.

Remember, a gondola ride can still be a wonderful experience if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. Make sure to read my guide on taking a gondola ride so you can get a memorable experience but for the right reasons and not because you feel like you fell victim to a tourist scam.

Glass blowing factories

Venice, particularly the island of Murano, is world-renowned for its exquisite glassware. The art of glass-blowing is a centuries-old tradition here, and a visit to a glass making factory can be a fascinating experience. However, it’s important to note that not all glass-blowing factories are tourist traps. Many offer insightful demonstrations of this ancient craft and sell beautiful, high-quality products.

That being said, some factories employ high-pressure sales tactics that can put a damper on the experience. After a demonstration, which can sometimes be mediocre, visitors may be ushered into a showroom and encouraged, or even pressured, to make a purchase. The prices in these showrooms can be significantly higher than what you might find in local shops or markets.

My recommendation is to visit the Wave Glass Factory demonstration from the video above. It doesn’t feel touristy in the least, and there is no high pressure sales pitch at the end. Just exit through the gift shop.

9 Ways to Avoid Tourist Traps in Venice

1 – Plan Your Day Well

Venice requires more planning than other cities due to the number of tourist traps. Having a schedule and a plan for when to eat, for example, will ensure that when hunger strikes, you’re not in a high traffic area and can get a local and authentic experience.

Even as a local, this can happen when you don’t plan well. I didn’t time my day well on a recent trip and ended up getting lousy food because I was too tired and hungry to continue on to my preferred bacaro for a light lunch.

It’s a good idea to plan out your ideal itinerary to make sure you hit the areas you need to see, schedule activities you want to take part in, and then plan some free time for those moments when you want to be spontaneous. Use a map and plan your route for the day, making sure to include rest stops at less touristy areas such as a quiet park or a campo (piazza) where the locals hang out.

2 – Avoid Touristy Restaurants

Look for ‘bacari’ for ‘cicchetti’, small bar snacks or Venetian tapas that are a tradition in Venice. Avoid restaurants with barkers luring customers, and menus with pictures.

The best restaurants have a hand written menu. The menu should also not be huge. A small menu with a few specialties usually guarantees freshness and an expert hand in the preparation of the dishes.

Also, avoid dishes that are not traditional in Venice such as carbonara, ragu alla bolognese, and pizza. Instead, opt for local dishes like ‘sarde in saor’ (friend sardines with onions and vinegar), ‘spaghetti al nero di seppia’ (black spaghetti cooked in squid ink), or ‘fegato alla veneziana’ (Venetian-style liver).

Here’s a list of some of my favorite places to get cicchetti:

Bacaro	Location
Osteria al Squero	Link to Map
Osteria del Boccon Divino	Link to Map
Bacareto da Lele	Link to Map
All Arco	Link to Map
Al Timon	Link to Map

3 – Understanding the Local Cuisine

Every region in Italy has its own specialties that make it unique. Understanding what authentic Venetian cuisine is and how to identify it is crucial.

Traditional dishes include seafood, polenta, and risotto. Drinks like the Spritz, a cocktail made with Prosecco and a dash of some bitter liqueur, are also part of the local culture. Familiarize yourself with these dishes and drinks to avoid falling for touristy imitations.

4 – Explore the City

Venture beyond the usual tourist spots. Visit places like Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto, Castello, Dorsoduro, and Giudecca. These less crowded areas offer a more authentic glimpse of Venetian life. Take time to wander through the narrow streets, visit local markets, and enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of these neighborhoods.

Campo Santa Margherita is a piazza not far from the major attractions that feels like a world apart and is where many locals like to hang around.

Even when near major sites there are some hidden spots to get away from the crowds and enjoy an authentic experience. For instance, near the Rialto Bridge is the Rialto market where you can buy food for a picnic or fresh fish to cook at your hotel or hostel with a kitchen.

5 – Time Your Itinerary

Visit heavily touristed areas like San Marco Square and Rialto Bridge early in the morning or in the evening when there are fewer crowds. Book tours so you can skip the line and visit when there are fewer tourists. For instance, the evening tour of the Basilica of St Mark is sure to be a highlight of your trip. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of these places without the stress of large crowds.

Getting coffee at a place like Caffe Florian comes with a hefty price tag and is known to be the most expensive coffee in the world. However, some feel it’s worth it to experience coffee in the oldest coffee house in Europe. If you feel that way, then consider that you aren’t just paying for coffee, but the chance to listen to music and people-watch in one of the grandest squares in the world.

6 – Gondola Tips

Stay away from the Grand Canal and ask the gondolier to take a route on the quieter canals. Pick up a gondola at one of the quieter areas away from the major tourist areas. Prices are fixed so make sure to confirm the cost before boarding.

If you book your gondola tour ahead of time, you can pick it up in the areas near major attractions and not have to stand in line. This is crucial if you are spending just a day in Venice and can’t afford to waste any time.

Here are some places to pick up a gondola that will take you on the quieter canals:

Name	Location
Servizio Gondola ai Miracoli	Link to Map
Ponte della Malvasia	Link to Map
Campo San Felice	Link to Map
Bacino Orseolo	Link to Map

A couple of great alternatives to a gondola ride are kayak tours of the canal and a rowing class with a local. A 2-hour lesson with Row Venice costs less than a gondola and gives you an equally memorable experience. Kayak tours get you down on the water and give you a perspective of the city that is not achievable another way.

7 – Take a Murano Tour

Avoid going to touristy free glass blowing demonstrations by booking a tour with a guide for a more authentic experience and less of a high-pressure sales pitch at the end. There’s more to Murano Island than just glass. Explore the island’s history, visit its churches, and enjoy its quieter, less touristy atmosphere.

8 – Buy Authentic Souvenirs

One of the best ways to be a responsible tourist in Venice and help the local economy is to buy from local artisans instead of from touristy souvenir shops that sell mass produced, inferior products. The way to know if you are buying the real deal is to only shop at stores that sell one type of thing.

For instance, if you want a real mask, shop at a store that only sells masks. Many of these stores make their masks by hand themselves. You can even book a mask making class at many of them to add an even more memorable experience to your time in Venice.

Name	Location
Ca Macana	Link to Map
La Commedia	Link to Map
Benor Maschere	Link to Map
Alberto Sarria Masks	Link to Map
Teatro Maschere	Link to Map

The same goes for Murano glass. Stick with shops that only sell handmade glass items from Murano. Better yet, buy from the factories themselves when you take a Murano glass blowing factory tour.

9 – Take a Tour

The tour guides in Venice are all locals that have either grown up in Venice or have lived there for a number of years. They are the best people to help you avoid tourist traps because they will bring you to areas that you wouldn’t have heard about otherwise. A cicchetti tour is going to bring you to some out-of-the-way bars and a walking tour will keep you away from the throngs of tourists while showing you some interesting things you won’t get in a guide book.

Wrapping It Up

Venice is a city of wonder, filled with history, culture, and unique experiences. While it’s true that the city has its share of tourist traps, with careful planning and a bit of insider knowledge, you can navigate Venice like a local.

Remember, the key to a memorable trip isn’t just about seeing the sights, but about immersing yourself in the culture and lifestyle of the place.

So, venture beyond the usual tourist spots, savor the local cuisine, and take the time to appreciate the city’s beauty. With these tips in hand, you’re ready to experience the best that Venice has to offer.