INTRODUCTION

With its picturesque canals, elegant bridges, and breathtaking architecture, it’s no wonder that every year 25 million visitors are drawn to the stunning city of Venice. However, it’s also notoriously expensive and can easily catch people off guard. That’s why we’ve asked Richard Madeley—a frequent visitor to Venice for over 20 years—to share his best survival tips.

Venice can enchant you with its beauty, but it can also be overwhelming. Crowded streets, busy waterways, and steep prices can take the joy out of a trip if you’re not prepared. So, here’s Richard’s personal guide to getting the best out of this magical city.

WHERE TO STAY

Choosing a place to stay in Venice can be a real challenge—many of the streets don’t even have signs, and even the postmen get confused! To make things easier, try to book accommodation near a well-known landmark. That way, you’ll have a better chance of finding your way back.

Richard recalls a time he visited Venice with Judy. He had gone out alone and was supposed to meet her for lunch at a restaurant. But could he find it? Not at all! He was completely lost—and furious. Since then, they always return to the same hotel, which has a surprisingly easy-to-find location. Thanks to that, there’s no risk of getting lost.

A great example is Saint Mark’s Square. It’s the heart of Venice and home to the city’s three most iconic attractions: the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica of Saint Mark, and the bell tower known as San Marco Campanile. Locals even call it Triangolo della Bermuda—the Bermuda Triangle—because tourists go in and never come out. It’s the busiest area in the city, so prepare for crowds.

If you plan to visit the Doge’s Palace, avoid the long lines by booking a “Secret Itinerary Tour” in advance. These tours have fixed departure times and designated entry points, meaning you can just show up and go in—no waiting required.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Because of its popularity, Saint Mark’s Square is also one of the most expensive places in Venice. A regular plate of pasta at a nearby café might cost you €15 if you’re lucky—or up to €50 if you’re not. Even a single cup of coffee can cost as much as €25.

Instead, take a walk through the backstreets. That’s where you’ll discover the true character of Venice—and much better prices. Richard recommends trying one of the many cicchetti bars. Cicchetti is similar to Spanish tapas and offers the best value for authentic Venetian cuisine.

When it comes to coffee, follow the locals: drink it at the bar instead of sitting at a table. An espresso at the bar costs just €1. Also, tipping in Venice is simple. A 5% tip is more than enough. You can round up to the nearest five or ten euros, and if your bill says “servizio incluso,” it means service is already included.

For dessert, enjoy some gelato—but beware of fake ice cream! If the gelato is piled too high in the display, it’s a sign that it’s been whipped rather than churned. True Italian gelato is churned, giving it a dense, creamy texture. At La Boutique del Gelato, you’ll find the real thing—authentic and delicious.

GETTING AROUND

To get around Venice, use the vaporetto, the public water bus. It’s the cheapest way to navigate the main canals, and a two-day pass costs €30. Of course, no trip to Venice is complete without a ride on a gondola. However, they are expensive because of their popularity.

The city sets the official gondola rate at €80 for 30 minutes. But here’s a little-known fact: that same price covers up to six people in the same boat. So, if you’re willing to share, you can split the cost and make it much more affordable.

One of the most photographed sights in Venice is the Bridge of Sighs. It once served as the final walkway for condemned prisoners leaving the city courts. These days, the only reason you might sigh is from the long queue to visit it! But honestly, the view from the outside is the one that truly matters.

EVENING TIP: NIGHTLIFE IN VENICE

As the evening sets in and you’re in the mood for a nightcap, Richard highly recommends a visit to his favorite bar: Harry’s Bar. This legendary place is where the famous Bellini cocktail was invented nearly 70 years ago. The Bellini is made of peach juice and Prosecco—a simple, elegant, and classy drink that reflects the essence of Venice itself.

FINAL THOUGHTS

With a few clever tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be much better prepared to explore this fascinating city. And one thing is certain: if you visit Venice, you’ll never forget the experience. In fact, chances are—you’ll want to come back again and again.