Please sign in to post.

how crowded is Venice these days?

Posted by (Edmonds) on

We have an unexpected opportunity to go to Slovenia with family that could include a 3 night stay in Venice. My husband and I were there in 2022 for several nights and were overwhelmed by the number of tourists and drunken bachelor and bachelorette partyers. Even the restauranteurs complained about the rowdiness. Admittedly we had stayed near the university district. We are somewhat reluctant to return because of this. Is this what to still expect during the day or has the tax on daytrippers moderated the crowds somewhat?

Is there somewhere else along the northeast border of Italy that might be a good alternative? Trieste, for example.

Thanks!
M.E.

Posted by
139 posts

Duh, of course dates are important. The end of May, probably28, 29 and 30.

Posted by
18122 posts

End of May is peak tourist season, therefore the crowds will be intense.

The university area is not necessarily the source of drunks and bad behavior since binge drinking is not part of the Italian culture much, especially in the university students' circle where students are more serious than the typical US college fraternities, most drunks are actually students visiting from other shores (especially from American shores).

If you want to avoid crowds stay away from the major "calli" where visitors tend to congregate. Basically the main calli connecting San Marco to Rialto to the S. Lucia station, and also the calli connecting San Marco to the Accademia or to the Basilica dei Frari. As you walk away from the Grand Canal, in either direction, the crowds will be less. The Sestiere di San Marco is the one with the most crowds. So you can stay in the other sestieri but away from the Grand Canal. The Sestiere di Castello, east of San Marco toward the Arsenale, is the one that has a lot of local residents feel and where not too many tourists venture into.

Posted by
7265 posts

"If you don't like Venice, you stayed in the wrong neighborhood and tried to cram too much in."
-I don't know who said this, but it's so true.

We love the Cannaregio neighborhood, on the quiet back canals, where there are NO crowds. The area has a nice energy, with shops and restaurants, and one can take sunset pix without a soul spoiling the frame. The area is a 15 minute walk from the train station, and an eight minute walk to a vaporetto stop on the Grand Canal.
We stay at Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente, which has its own dock.

We go back every few years, and never go near St Marks Square. I have never seen the drunkenness that you described.
I hope you have a great experience.

Posted by
6990 posts

I agree with Pat. We stay in Santa Croce, just west of San Polo. It's very quiet, but the areas that are more lively are filled with families! Kids playing soccer, adults lined up volunteering at a local food bank...

Sure, there are plenty of tourists, especially at the restaurants, but on the whole it's a lovely, peaceful place to stay.

Posted by
139 posts

Many thanks for these quick responses.I am encouraged to return. I agree the city is lovely.

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.