The Complete Venice Tourist Taxes Guide
VENICE TRAVEL GUIDE
Discover one of the most romantic cities in Europe on your next trip! My detailed Venice travel guide provides all the info on where to see, do and how to get around this romantic city.
Venice is a city that will surprise you with its beauty, its romantic scenery and its delicious food.
Many tourists decide to travel to Venice for only a couple of days but there are so many things to do in Venice, islands to explore and so much local food to eat that I advise you to spend at least 3 days in Venice.
Make sure to really enjoy it, losing yourself in its narrow alleys, taking your time to take the perfect picture and do your best to try all the delicious food that Venice has to offer (don't worry there is a lot to walk so you will burn all the calories).
LET'S DISCOVER VENICE TOGETHER...
Venice is one of the most touristic cities in the world so it becomes very busy during summertime, but surprisingly quiet at night when all the tourists are gone.
Venice alleys become so quiet you will feel alone in the whole city. And do you know why? Because many tourists decide to travel to Venice only for one day, seeing only a tiny part of it.
Described as one of the most romantic cities in the world, it can be also a lot of fun to visit Venice with friends and family.
With all the museums, cathedrals and palaces, handcrafts souvenirs shops, and local restaurants, you won't feel the time flying.
Are you in?
You will need at least five days to explore the incredible city of Venice and enjoy everything it offers.
If you are a curious traveler like me, I am sure you don't want to visit Venice in a rush but wish to learn about Venice's history and customs.
And also, because of its high prices, most of the houses in Venice are inhabited or turned into b&b, and many locals decide to move to the nearest towns where the cost of living is cheaper.
IS VENICE OVERCROWDED?
DO I NEED TO PAY TO ENTER VENICE?
From summer 2023, you'll need to make a reservation through the new digital system and pay a daily fee (the website is not yet available for pre-bookings). The cost will be between 3 to 10 euros depending on the time of year and how crowded the city is.
tourist taxes to pay to visit Venice
To visit Venice, there will be two types of tourist taxes to pay. One is the "overnight tax" (started in 2011) that you will pay at your accommodation, and the other is the "access fee" called the day-trippers tax that will be in place from summer 2023.
You won't have to pay for both fees. If you stay at a Venice hotel, you will pay the "overnight tax," but if you visit Venice only on a day trip, you have to pre-book it and pay the "day-trippers tax."
WHAT IS THE OVERNIGHT TAX IN VENICE
All guests in hotels or B&Bs must pay a nightly charge called "overnight tax" of 1€ to 5€ per person. This tax applies from the first day of your trip and up to five days, after which it no longer needs to be paid. You will pay this tax at your accommodation check in.
WHAT IS THE ENTRANCE TAX IN VENICE
The "day-trippers tax" is to manage tourist numbers better and protect Venice's delicate infrastructure. The cost will differ each month, depending on how many people visit Venice on a specific day.
Winter is usually a less crowded month, while summer is very crowded. Prices will go from 3 to 10 euros per person.
It is still unclear when this "day-trippers tax" will be implemented.
WHEN TO VISIT VENICE
The best months to visit Venice with warm temperatures and a sunny sky is on shoulder season so in September, October, April, and May.
If you wish to visit Venice during the summer, be prepared to spend 1 hour instead of 20 minutes to get somewhere and be aware that Venice can be extremely hot, reaching more than 38º C/100º F.
From November to March, Venice can be so peacefully quiet, especially on weekdays. Most people go to Venice over the weekend, so if you can be there during weekdays, you will find it more enjoyable.
There is Carnival month when it is more crowded and expensive, but Carnival in Venice is incredible, with its boat parades and masks, you can't miss it.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT VENICE?
To have enough time to visit some museums, lose yourself in its suggestive alleys, visit its most famous islands, and taste Venice's local dishes, your should spend at least four days in this beautiful city.
Venice is not only the main island where St Mark Squares and most of the famous museums are. There are other beautiful islands to visit in Venice, so you should avoid spending only two days in Venice.
EUROPEAN TRAVEL ALERT
If you are from the US and want to travel to European countries within the Schengen Area, you'll need to fill out an ETIAS visa waiver form before your trip and pay the €7 ($7.25) fees. This easy-to-complete form should give you instant approval, but it's recommended that travelers plan and submit their forms a few weeks before their departure date.
This Venice Travel guide will help you with articles about everything you need to plan the perfect holiday in Venice.
From accommodations for every budget (some of them are perfect for a romantic weekend in Venice), where to eat in Venice (and most important "what to eat" the fish is delicious), what to see, where to book in advance the skip the queue tickets (essential in a tourist city like Venice, it will save you a lot of time) and much more.
By Walking:
Walking is the best way to visit Venice. There are many charming alleys, churches, shops, and hidden corners where you will take amazing pictures. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk a lot.
By Ferry:
Moving around Venice by ferry is the best way to reach your hotel when you arrive in Venice with heavy luggage.
You can purchase many tickets: 1-way ticket, daily ticket, two days..etc. This is the only way to reach the other Venice islands, like Burano, Murano, etc.
You can purchase ferry tickets in advance to save money and time here.
HOW TO MOVE AROUND VENICE
Water Taxi:
Water Taxi is a luxurious way to move around Venice in style; there is no need to wait for the ferry and spend triple the time to get to your destination. But of course, it is more expensive.
Gondola:
The famous Gondola, with its singing "Gondolieri," full of the charm of the Italian Latin lover that ladies will surely enjoy; 30 minutes on a Gondola costs up to 100 Euro if purchased on the spot.
Tip: If you want to add it to your bucket list, I found it for you for a much lower price. Check availability here.