Venice welcomes roughly 6 million tourists a year. Traveling to The Floating City is all about gliding along romantic canals, marveling at stunning architecture, and taking in its rich cultural heritage. As a world-famous destination that’s especially popular with history buffs, this stunning waterfront city — located just a few hours by train from both Rome and Milan — offers a unique experience that’s both enchanting and unforgettable. Plus, throw in the benefit of enjoying a car-free experience, and you’ve basically got a recipe for travel perfection.
This leads us to our first important rule if you’re planning to visit: Don’t drive to Venice. For starters, parking at Piazzale Roma (the city’s main transportation hub and only place for vehicles) is nearly impossible during peak seasons. In addition to the frustration, you’ll also be wasting valuable time trying to navigate the city’s one-way, crowded streets. Instead, parking at the quiet little town of Mestre on the mainland and then taking a quick 10-minute train into the city — or arriving directly by rail — is the best way to go.
That said, this “no cars allowed” policy is just the beginning of Venice’s so-called “forbidden behaviors.” Beyond banning loud and polluting vehicles, the fragile city also enforces a series of strict regulations to help preserve its historic charm against the impact of massive tourism. Walking on the right side of narrow streets, never sitting on monuments, avoiding public picnics, and keeping swimwear at the beach are among the many guidelines that can help you avoid fines (sometimes amounting to between $25 to $500-plus). And while these rules might seem overly strict, they’re necessary protective measures to protect its structural and historical integrity.
Other behaviors to avoid while visiting Venice
