Things to Know Before Cruising to Venice

Venice, known as “La Serenissima,” is a city like no other. Built entirely on water, its intricate canals, historic architecture, and unique culture make it one of the most enchanting destinations in the world.

From its iconic gondolas gliding through the Grand Canal to the stunning architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice offers you a magical experience. For cruise passengers, a day in Venice is an unforgettable opportunity to explore the heart of this ancient and captivating city.

Why Venice is a Must-Visit Destination

Venice’s charm lies in its combination of grandeur and hidden gems. The city is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich past as a maritime empire.

From the majestic Doge’s Palace to the colorful islands of Murano and Burano, Venice is a place where every turn brings a new discovery. Whether you’re exploring the bustling squares or quiet backstreets, Venice promises a truly unique and unmatched experience.

 Planning Your Trip

Planning is essential when visiting Venice, especially for cruise passengers who are on a tight schedule. The city’s narrow streets and waterways can be a challenge to navigate without a clear plan.

Having an itinerary that highlights the top attractions and includes time for leisurely exploration will ensure you make the most of your day in this extraordinary city.

Best Time to Visit Venice

Venice is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded.

Summer brings warmer temperatures and more tourists, which can make the narrow streets and canals feel crowded and hotter. Winter in Venice is quieter and can be chilly, but it also offers the chance to experience the city with fewer crowds and a magical atmosphere, especially around the holidays.

 How to Get There

Smaller cruise ships dock at the Port of Venice, which is located just outside the city center. From the port, you can easily access the main island by water taxi or shuttle bus.

Larger cruise ships have been diverted to the nearby ports of Marghera and Fusina in recent years, due to concerns of the ships’ wakes negatively affecting the city’s moorings.

Still, other cruise ships have been diverted to Ravenna and Trieste — so it’s vital to know just where your ship is docking so you can take any additional travel time into consideration when you make your plans for Venice.

The average stay for those ships in the Port of Venice is around 8 to 10 hours, giving you ample time to explore Venice’s main attractions.

 Getting Around in Venice

Getting around Venice is part of the adventure. The city center is best explored on foot, as many of its narrow streets and alleyways are pedestrian-only.

Water transportation is also a key part of Venice’s charm. The Vaporetto (water bus) is the most common way to travel along the Grand Canal, while private water taxis offer a faster, more direct option.

For a quintessential Venetian experience, don’t miss a gondola ride through the city’s romantic canals. These rides can be booked in advance, which we highly recommend — and can help you with — during peak tourist seasons.

Hopping on the People Mover (Venice’s driverless train) is yet another option. Of course, many cruise excursions will provide transportation to the attractions for you.

Essential Travel Information

Be prepared with some essential travel information to make your time in Venice easier and more enjoyable.

Entry Requirements

For cruise passengers, entering Venice is straightforward. The cruise line usually handles customs and immigration requirements, so there’s no need to go through lengthy procedures upon arrival.

You won’t need to carry your passport ashore unless you plan on making large purchases, but it’s always a good idea to have a copy of your ID with you just in case.

Currency

The official currency of Venice is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, but it’s always helpful to carry some cash for smaller purchases like snacks or souvenirs. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, particularly around popular tourist spots like St. Mark’s Square.

Health and Safety

Venice is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s always important to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur.

No special vaccinations are required for visiting Venice, but make sure you are up-to-date on routine immunizations. The local emergency number is 112, and pharmacies (often marked by a green cross) are easy to find if you need any medical supplies during your visit.

Top Excursions and Tours

Venice offers a wide variety of unique excursions that cater to all types of travelers, from history buffs to foodies. At Shore Excursions Group, we have curated a selection of the best tours in Venice to ensure that your experience in this wonderful city is unforgettable.

Scenic and Cultural Excursions

One of the top-rated excursions is the Hidden Corners of Venice tour, which includes skip-the-line access to two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks: The Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. This 4-hour walking tour takes you through the city’s historic center, revealing hidden gems along the way.

Another must-see is the Discover Murano and Burano by Motorboat tour, which takes you to the famous islands known for their glass blowing and lace making.

You’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride through the lagoon and witness traditional artisans at work. Enjoy free time to shop, or admire the stunning mosaic floor in the 12th-century Cathedral of Saints Maria e Donato.

Culinary and Wine Tours

For food lovers, the Cicchetti Bars and Taverns of Venice tour is an absolute treat. This 2-hour walking tour introduces you to Venice’s famous wine bars, where you’ll sample delicious tapas and local dishes known as “cicchetti” while sipping on regional wines.

As you make your way around, you’ll cross the Canal Grande like a local, hopping on one of the iconic Traghetto boats for a quick ride to the Rialto area.

If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, try the Cicchetti Cooking Class, where you’ll learn to prepare beloved Venetian small plates. This 4-hour class takes place in a professional kitchen and includes lunch and wine pairings.

Discover the culinary secrets of homestyle Italian cooking while mastering the art of crafting both traditional and modern gourmet cicchetti.

Gondola and Water Excursions

No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. The Skip-the-Line Guided St. Mark’s Basilica and Gondola Ride tour combines two exemplary Venetian experiences.

Enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica with a guided tour of the church’s gold-ground mosaic domes, intricately carved columns, and stunning sculptures. Next, step aboard a gondola for a peaceful glide through the canals, taking in the exclusive views.

For a more intimate experience, consider the Private Gondola Experience, where you’ll glide under bridges and past beautiful facades that line Venice’s enchanting waterways in a traditional gondola.

This private tour offers a unique perspective of the city from the water and is perfect for couples or small groups.

 Travel Tips and Tricks

To make the most of your time in Venice, it’s helpful to know a few travel tips and tricks. These insights will allow you to focus on soaking in the city’s beauty.

Packing Essentials

When visiting Venice, comfortable walking shoes are a must. The city’s streets are cobblestone, and you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking.

Pack layers in cooler weather to stay comfortable in the changing weather. Summer months call for lightweight clothing such as cotton or linen — and don’t forget the sunscreen.

A waterproof jacket or umbrella is also recommended, as Venice is known for its occasional rain showers.

Language and Communication

Italian is the primary language in Venice, but English speakers will be okay in popular tourist areas. Learning a few basic Italian phrases, such as “grazie” (thank you) and “buongiorno” (good morning), can go a long way in making your interactions with locals more enjoyable.

Cultural Etiquette

Venetians are generally friendly, however they have dealt with swelling tourist crowds over the past few years. Being respectful and watchful of your space will go a long way in good interactions with the residents.

Because Venice is such a small town, moving around in the crowds can get tricky. Walk in a line when on narrow streets, so as not to block traffic. If you wear a backpack, remove it while on buses and vaporettos.

When visiting churches and religious sites, make sure to dress modestly—covering shoulders and knees is often required. Ladies: bring along a light silk scarf for additional coverage, or to cover your head, if needed.

Tipping for taxis and gondolas is not obligatory in Venice, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. The wait staff in Venice’s restaurants are paid a fixed salary, however a 5-10% gratuity is a nice bonus for great service. Remember to tip your tour guides 10% for sharing their knowledge and curated routes.

What Every Cruiser Should Know About Venice

Venice is a city that enchants every visitor with its special blend of history, culture, and beauty. From the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica to the charm of its quiet canals, Venice offers you an unparalleled European experience.

To make the most of your time in Venice, consider exploring our carefully curated excursions with Shore Excursions Group. No matter if you’re drawn to history, cuisine, or picturesque boat rides, we have a tour for you. Visit our Venice Shore Excursions page to book your next Venetian adventure.