Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. No wonder tourists flock there in droves to experience it for themselves. But what are the biggest tourist traps in Venice and how can you avoid falling into them? Here are a few other things to watch out for.
Tourist traps in Venice: Gondola rides
A gondola ride is one of the most romantic experiences in Venice, but you can easily fall victim to inflated prices. Instead of getting on the first gondola you see, arrange a gondola ride with our reliable partner.
What to watch for
Some gondoliers may charge exorbitant rates, especially during peak times or if they sense you’re unfamiliar with standard prices.
How to avoid
Check standard gondola ride prices before heading out. Consider booking through reputable agencies or hotels, or even better, explore the less touristy parts of Venice where prices may be more reasonable.
Book instead a gondola ride online
A gondola ride for two is always romantic, not only on Valentine’s Day. A private gondola ride* costs around 160 euros for 30 minutes.
(Make sure you really book a private gondola ride, and don’t join the group rides, which are cheaper but far less romantic).
Before you head out, don’t forget to brush up on some fascinating facts about gondolas to share with your fellow travelers!
Gondola prices
The prices for gondola rides are set by the municipality and the gondoliers must abide by them. The following constraints are currently in effect (August 2023):
The following constraints are currently in effect
- DAY HOURS (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.): 80 EUR for a 30-minute gondola tour
- NIGHT HOURS (7 p.m. to 3 a.m.): 100 EUR for a 35-minute gondola tour
- tour duration may be altered by a few minutes due to traffic, tide and weather conditions
- for any other service of different duration, the price is calculated in proportion to the time
- a maximum of no more than 5 people may board.
List of official gondola stations
Contacts for information and tour reservations.
| Name of location | Phone number |
| Danieli | +39-041-5222254 |
| Molo | +39-041-5200685 |
| Dogana | +39-041-5206120 |
| Trinità | +39-041-5231837 |
| Santa Maria del Giglio | +39-041-5222073 |
| San Tomà | +39-041-5205275 |
| San Benedetto | +39-347-5425236 |
| Carbon | +39-041-5299028 |
| Santa Sofia | +39-041-4765349 |
| San Marcuola | +39-338-2599604 |
You can find the latest numbers and information on the official website, but I recommend to take a look at my comprehensive article about gondolas in Venice as well.
Literature about Venice
Reading books about Venice can enhance your experience of visiting the city in many ways:
- They help to better understand the historical and cultural context. Venice has a very exciting and rich history as well as culture, and reading books can provide this context and help you understand the city’s art, architecture and traditions.
- While the major tourist attractions in Venice are well known, there are also many hidden gems that you can discover by reading books.
- The lagoon city has also been the setting for many famous literary works, including Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice. Reading these works can deepen your connection to the city and give you new insights into its culture and history.
Overall, reading books about Venice can lead to a better understanding and appreciation of the city, so you can have a more fulfilling and enjoyable visit.
Tourist traps in Venice: False masks
A colorful Carnival mask is the perfect souvenir to take home from Venice, but not all masks are created equal.
The cheaper masks – 20 euros or less – are made in China, not Venice. They don’t necessarily meet EU safety regulations, which means the substances they’re made of could be harmful if you wear them on your skin.
In fact, they should be labeled “For decorative use only,” but that’s not the case with many of them. Remember, you get what you pay for.
What to watch for
How to avoid
Tourist traps in Venice: Murano glass
Another popular Venetian souvenir is Murano glass, made on the island of Murano in the lagoon.
If you want to make sure you get a real souvenir, buy Murano glass on the island of Murano itself – it’s cheaper, really from Murano and you can take the opportunity to see another part of the lagoon.
What to watch for
There are many shops selling fake Murano glass items claiming they are genuine.
How to avoid
Buy directly from verified workshops on the Murano Island or from reputable dealers. Look for the official “Vetro Artistico Murano” sticker, which certifies its authenticity.
Here you can find a map with all the official Murano glass shops in Venice and Murano. A full list can be found on the website of the Regione Veneto:
Tourist traps in Venice: Tourist menus
As tempting as it may be to choose a restaurant where there are photos of the food and a friendly face standing outside the door to lure you in, this is the kind of restaurant you should avoid.
You should also stay away from restaurants that advertise “tourist menus”, as these are classic tourist traps in Venice, where you will most likely get inferior food at inflated prices.
What to watch for
These menus often offer sub-par food at inflated prices. Beware of restaurants that have hawkers outside trying to lure you in.
How to avoid
Do some research and find restaurants that locals recommend. Avoid places with picture menus displayed outside. Always ask for the local menu or dine where you see a lot of locals.
Tourist traps in Venice: Street vendor
As in many European cities, there are numerous illegal street vendors in Venice selling fake designer goods such as handbags and sunglasses.
You should definitely not fall for these tourist traps in Venice, because apart from the inferior quality of these goods, you can expect a heavy fine if you are caught buying them.
Whether you stay in Venice for a week or just a day trip, you can avoid the tourist and budget traps by going to a quieter part of the city.
What to watch for
Stalls or wandering vendors selling cheap masks, toys, or other souvenirs.
How to avoid
Purchase from established stores or workshops. If authenticity matters to you, avoid impromptu street stalls, as locals normally have brick-and-mortar stores in Venice.