Venice has always been on my bucket list, but visiting during Carnival? That was a whole other level. Imagine ancient piazzas bursting with music, cloaked figures gliding past in elaborate masks, and the scent of fresh pastries wafting from tiny cafes hidden in the maze of alleys.
✨ In this blog, I’m sharing highlights from my 5-day Carnival adventure and how you can recreate the dream for yourself (any time of year!). If you're dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's elegant, unforgettable, and stress-free, you’ll definitely want to grab my full itinerary, now available for instant download. 👇
🎭 Grab my complete itinerary here → https://payhip.com/b/Iaei9
Venice Weather & The Best Time to Visit
Venice is a destination that feels straight out of a fairytale and each season adds its own magic. Whether you're picturing golden hour gondola rides, misty canals, or festive vibes during Carnival, knowing what to expect from the weather can make all the difference. Here's your seasonal guide to help plan the perfect Venetian escape.
Spring in Venice (March – May)
Spring is one of the most enchanting times to visit Venice. Temperatures rise from around 8°C in March to 21°C by late May. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, blossoming gardens, and the city waking up after winter. It’s the perfect time for relaxed sightseeing and long strolls through hidden alleys.
What to pack: Light layers, a jacket for the evenings, and comfy walking shoes.
Summer in Venice (June – August)
Expect sunshine, vibrant energy, and lots of tourists. Temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, with high humidity, perfect for breezy dresses and plenty of gelato stops. It’s also the ideal time to escape to the beaches of Lido for a sunny day by the sea.
What to pack: Light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a portable fan or mini water spray.
Autumn in Venice (September – November)
Autumn brings a touch of romance and quiet charm. September is still warm, but by November, the chill starts to creep in. This season is perfect for cozy cafes, canal reflections, and fewer crowds.
But — it's also when Acqua Alta, the seasonal flooding, begins.
What to pack: A warm jacket, umbrella, waterproof boots (especially for late autumn).
Winter in Venice (December – February)
Venice in winter is calm, mysterious, and incredibly photogenic. Expect cool temperatures (3°C to 8°C), foggy mornings, and festive lights during Christmas and Carnival. It’s also the peak of Acqua Alta, when the tides rise and flood parts of the city, particularly around St. Mark’s Square.
Don’t worry the city stays open and magical. Wooden walkways are set up, and locals simply wear stylish rain boots and carry on.
What to pack: A warm coat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof footwear.
What is Acqua Alta & Should You Be Concerned?
Acqua Alta means “high water” and happens when tide, wind, and weather combine to raise the sea level in Venice. It usually occurs between late October and January and can flood low-lying areas like Piazza San Marco.
This isn't a reason to skip Venice, it's part of the city's unique rhythm. Raised wooden walkways are quickly installed, and the atmosphere becomes even more surreal and romantic.
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting during Acqua Alta season, bring waterproof shoes or buy a cute pair of boots in Venice (they make great souvenirs too!). And check the daily tide forecast, your hotel will often provide it.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Venice?
If you're after sunshine and energy, go for late spring or early autumn, the weather is ideal and the crowds are more manageable. For a quieter, more intimate experience (and dreamy foggy canals!), winter is underrated. Carnival season in February is especially magical.
No matter when you go, Venice is always unforgettable.
💶 NEW: Venice Entry Fee (Access Contribution)
As of 2024, Venice now requires most day visitors to pay an Access Contribution Fee of €5 per person on certain high-traffic days, especially during Carnival and holidays.
Who needs to pay:
- Day-trippers (not overnight guests)
- Ages 14 and up
- Applies during select dates (listed on the official site)
How to pay:
- 🔗 Register & Pay Here before arriving
- You’ll receive a QR code to show if asked.
Who’s exempt:
- Hotel guests staying in Venice (tourist tax covers it)
- Children under 14
- Students and residents (registration still required)
💡Tip: Even if you're staying overnight, some hotels ask for confirmation.
It's best to register in advance just in case.
🚗 Important Reminder: Venice = No Cars
Whether you fly or take a train, all roads stop at Piazzale Roma. From there, it’s water transport or walking only. Luggage porters are your best friend!
Arrival Options — Step-by-Step
From Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Take the Alilaguna Water Bus — the easiest and most scenic route into Venice.
- 🛥 Boats go directly to San Marco, Rialto, Fondamente Nove, and more
- 🎟 Pre-booking is essential during Carnival
- 🔗 Book your Alilaguna ride here
📍 Find the boat: Follow airport signs to "Water Transport" → walk 10–15 min via moving walkway to the docks.
🧳 Luggage porters are available at the dock
💰 Typical cost: ~€15–€25 per bag depending on distance
(more for multiple bridges or late hours).
🛬 From Treviso Airport (TSF)
🚍 Step 1: Take the ATVO Express Bus to Piazzale Roma (Venice’s last car-accessible point)
🛥 Step 2: Transfer to the ACTV Vaporetto (water bus)
- Take Line 1 (scenic route through the Grand Canal)
- Or Line 2 (faster via Giudecca Canal)
- 🔗 Pre-book your vaporetto pass here
🧳 Porters wait near Piazzale Roma, especially helpful if your hotel is far or you’re carrying multiple bags.
💰 Typical cost: €15–€25 per bag (quoted in-person or arranged ahead)
🚆 Arriving by Train (Venezia Santa Lucia)
Santa Lucia is Venice’s main train station, located right on the Grand Canal.
- 🚉 Exit the station → cross the small bridge → find the vaporetto piers directly in front
- Lines 1 and 2 can take you anywhere in Venice
- 🔗 Grab your ACTV water pass here
🧳 Porters can be hired outside the train station
💰 Prices range from €15–€25 per bag depending on distance and time of day
Health & Safety Guidelines
While Venice is a safe destination, it’s always good to stay updated on local health guidelines. Masks may still be required in crowded indoor spaces or public transport, so keep a mask handy. Also, follow any signs about social distancing and sanitizing your hands regularly during your visit.
Currency & Payments
Venice uses the euro (€). Most places accept credit and debit cards, but having some cash is handy for small purchases like gelato or market snacks. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated in restaurants and cafes.
Useful Italian Phrases
You don’t need to be fluent in Italian, but a few simple phrases can go a long way:
- Ciao (Hello/Bye)
- Per favore (Please)
- Grazie (Thank you)
- Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?)
- Dove si trova...? (Where is...?)
Venetians are friendly and often speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Accessibility Tips
Venice’s narrow streets and many bridges can be challenging for those with mobility issues or strollers. If you need assistance, consider planning your route around the main tourist areas which are more accessible, and look out for vaporetto (water bus) stops with ramps.
Emergency Contacts
In case of emergency:
- Medical: 112
- Police: 113
- Tourist Help Center: Look for the “Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche” signs in main squares like Piazza San Marco.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Help keep Venice beautiful by using refillable water bottles, there are public drinking fountains called nasoni throughout the city. Respect local customs, avoid littering, and try to support local artisans and small businesses when shopping or dining.
Local Etiquette
When visiting churches, dress modestly (no bare shoulders or shorts). Be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas, and avoid feeding pigeons in Piazza San Marco, as it’s discouraged to protect the city.
Restaurant Seating Fees
In Venice, many restaurants add a small seating fee called a coperto to your bill. This charge usually ranges from €1 to €3 per person and covers bread and table service. It’s common, especially in busy tourist areas, so be sure to check the menu prices carefully before ordering to avoid surprises.
🧭 What’s Inside the Itinerary (Without Spoilers)
I’m not giving it all away here, but here’s a peek at what you’ll get in my exclusive 5-Day Venice Carnival Itinerary:
✅ A step-by-step plan for 5 magical days (with booking links, travel tips & hidden gems)
✅ Where to rent costumes — from budget DIY to luxe makeovers
✅ Safety tips for solo travelers, hijabis & first-timers
✅ What to do if you're visiting Venice outside Carnival season
✅ My personal do’s & don’ts (including what not to do in Venice)
✅ Bonus: Parade schedules, restaurant recs, costume-friendly packing tips & more
🛍 This isn’t a copy-paste guide. It’s the exact plan I followed, tested, and refined designed for zero stress and maximum magic.
🎭 Get my full arrival guide + bonus travel hacks here → https://payhip.com/b/Iaei9
🎭 Why You’ll Thank Yourself for Getting This:
During Carnival, Venice gets packed. Boats sell out. Queues grow fast. It’s easy to feel lost. That’s why I included:
🎨 A hands-on mask painting experience (create your own souvenir!)
👑 Where to rent stunning costumes without getting ripped off
🚣♀️ How to book a gondola ride + photoshoot like royalty
🍽 The cabaret dinner show you didn’t know you needed
🎭 Where & when the free parades and shows happen, plus insider tips for the Best Mask Contest
🏝 A magical boat party around Venice’s islands with food, music & Carnival energy
🧳 Comfort tips, weather advice, and clever ways to stay cozy & cute in February
✨ Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a girls' trip, or your solo dream moment this itinerary is your backstage pass to Venice at its most magical.
💡 Want to know exactly what to wear, where to book, and how to stand out at Carnival?
🎭 Get my full arrival guide + bonus travel hacks here → https://payhip.com/b/Iaei9
Trust me — it’s the Venice you’ve always dreamed of, brought to life.
💫 My Favorite Moment? Gondola + Dress-Up Experience + Photoshoot
If there’s one thing I’d do over and over, it’s this: getting fully dressed up in a traditional Venetian costume, stepping onto a gondola, and being photographed as we drifted through the canals.
The moment didn’t just look magical — it felt magical.
That’s when it hit me: This is what Venice was made for. And yes, inside my guide, I include:
- The exact gondolier and photographer I booked
- Costume tips (even if you're modest/hijabi!)
- How to pose like a pro, even if you're camera-shy
“Beneath the Rialto’s ancient arches, we kissed, a whisper wrapped in Venetian dreams, where masks fade and only love remains.”
🛑 Avoid These Tourist Traps in Venice
Venice is beautiful, but yes, some traps are designed to take advantage of tourists.
A few to watch out for:
🚩 The Rose Scam — Someone hands you a “gifted” rose, then demands payment or won’t leave you alone until you pay. Just politely decline and keep walking.
🚩 Restaurant Menus Without Prices — If the menu isn’t clear or prices are “seasonal,” walk away. You might end up paying €20 for water.
🚩 Gondola Surprise Charges — Not all gondola rides are equal. Some charge extra for weekends, singing, or even per person. (In my itinerary, I tell you exactly which gondola experience to book — no surprises.)
🚩 Fake Costume Sellers — Some people will try to sell you “authentic masks” made in China. Stick to artisan shops or workshops listed in my guide.
🚩 Crowd Pickpockets — Carnival attracts big crowds. I share my exact safety system (especially if you carry a crossbody or travel with kids).
🎨 Not Visiting During Carnival? You’ll Still Love It
Good news, the magic doesn’t stop when Carnival ends!
Inside my guide, I’ve also included:
- Things to do year-round (like food tours, art districts, and bookshops on boats!)
- Where to find off-season costume photoshoots
- Quiet neighborhoods away from the tourist buzz
- Night tours, opera shows, and island escapes
Venice doesn’t need a mask to enchant you, the city itself is the show.
🎁 Why This Itinerary Is Actually Worth Buying
Sure, you could spend hours researching every little detail...
…or you could download one detailed, honest, experience-tested plan and be done. 🙌
This itinerary:
- Saves you time, stress, money, and mistakes
- Tells you exactly what to book and when
- Protects you from scams and tourist traps
- Makes room for both culture and comfort
If you want to feel prepared, inspired, and totally immersed in the elegance of Venice, this guide is for you. 👉 Download the Itinerary Here
🧳 Bonus: The Ultimate Travel Checklist for Families (All Ages & All Seasons)
Traveling with kids, whether it’s a baby, toddler, or teen, comes with its own kind of packing chaos. I created a complete, printable Travel Checklist to make sure you never forget the essentials again.
🎯 Perfect for every trip, not just Venice, and works in any season.
✅ What’s Inside:
- Baby, toddler & child packing lists
- Mom & dad essentials
- Medical, hygiene & in-flight comfort items
- What to bring in your carry-on (especially for long flights)
- Bonus: Digital checklist version for phone/tablet
🎁 Whether you're flying to Venice or anywhere else, this checklist helps you pack smarter, lighter, and with confidence.
👉 Grab Your Family Travel Checklist Here → https://payhip.com/b/BGhQs
💡 Print it or save it digitally — I use it for every trip, and it’s a total lifesaver with kids in tow.
💌 Final Words: Venice Was a Dream — And Now It Can Be Yours
This wasn’t just a trip for me, it was a love story. One woven through cobblestone alleys, handmade masks, and moments of absolute awe.
And that’s why I created this guide, to give you the same experience, but without the guesswork.
📸 Ready to step into your own fairytale?
🎭 It starts right here → https://payhip.com/b/Iaei9
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This content is meant to be read and enjoyed on this blog. You are welcome to share the link with others, but the text, images, and guides may not be copied, resold, or redistributed without permission. 🚫
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