7 Things NOT to Do in Venice (and What to Do Instead)
Venice is a dream — fragile, magical, and one-of-a-kind. But loving her means treating her gently. Every bridge and canal here carries six centuries of history — and one careless move can leave a mark that lasts longer than your vacation photos.
After decades of guiding travelers through our hometown, we’ve seen the best (and worst) habits visitors bring. Some mistakes are innocent. Others? Not so much. Here’s your definitive guide to what not to do in Venice — and exactly what to do instead, according to locals who live it every day.
1️⃣ Don’t Feed the Pigeons 🐦
Those fluttering clouds of pigeons in St. Mark’s Square may look romantic — until one lands on your head. Feeding them is illegal and carries fines up to €500. Why? Because pigeons damage monuments, spread bacteria, and cost Venice a fortune in restoration.
Do this instead: enjoy the square without crumbs. Grab a gelato and watch life unfold around the Basilica, or step inside the Negozio Olivetti — Carlo Scarpa’s modernist gem hiding beneath the arches. Then climb the Scala Contarini del Bovolo for a bird’s-eye view that doesn’t involve feeding any birds at all.
2️⃣ Don’t Swim in the Canals 🌊
They look irresistible in summer — turquoise, sun-lit, cinematic. But Venice’s canals are not for swimming. They hide strong currents, delivery boats, and centuries-old plumbing (yes, really). Jumping in isn’t just unsanitary — it’s illegal and dangerous.
Do this instead: chase that water dream safely. Join our Sunset Bragozzo Boat Tour and feel the lagoon breeze on your skin, or hop the vaporetto to Lido Beach for a real swim where locals escape on hot afternoons.
3️⃣ Don’t Touch the Art 🎨
Venice is an open-air museum — delicate mosaics, marble façades, Renaissance canvases. Touching or leaning on art and monuments wears away centuries of history. Even the oils on your fingertips can leave damage that experts spend years undoing.
Do this instead: look closer, not closer up. Join our Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour to discover hidden masterpieces and secret chapels where you can admire beauty without barriers. Respecting art is the truest way to appreciate it.
4️⃣ Don’t Litter — Ever 🗑️
Venice already fights tides, salt, and time. Add trash, and it becomes heartbreak. Throwing garbage into canals or streets is illegal and deeply disrespectful. The city spends millions every year dredging debris from waterways.
Do this instead: carry a reusable bottle (you can refill it free at public fountains called nasoni). Dispose of waste properly and avoid single-use plastics. You’ll find bins everywhere — and Venetians will silently thank you for it.
To explore Venice’s greener side, join our Slow Lagoon Experiences — eco-friendly boat tours and artisan visits designed to protect what makes this city so rare.
5️⃣ Don’t Buy from Illegal Street Vendors 🛍️
Those cheap “Murano-glass” trinkets on bridges? They’re rarely Murano and never Venetian. Counterfeit goods hurt local artisans who’ve spent lifetimes perfecting their craft — and buying them is actually against Italian law.
Do this instead: support the hands that keep Venice alive. Visit authentic studios through our Murano Glass Workshop Tour or create your own souvenir in a Venetian Mask Workshop. Every euro you spend with real artisans sustains centuries of knowledge — and guarantees you’ll take home something truly unique.
6️⃣ Don’t Forget to Dress Respectfully 👗
Venice is stylish but modest. Remember: many landmarks double as sacred spaces. Walking into St. Mark’s Basilica in beachwear isn’t just frowned upon — you may be denied entry.
Do this instead: pack light, breathable layers. Carry a scarf or shawl for quick coverage, especially in churches or elegant restaurants. For detailed seasonal tips, check our guide What to Wear in Venice.
7️⃣ Don’t Try to “Do It All” in One Day 🕰️
Venice rewards slowness. Trying to “see it all” in 24 hours means missing what matters — the light changing on the lagoon, the sound of oars at dusk, the laughter spilling from a tiny bacaro. This city isn’t a checklist; it’s a mood.
Do this instead: wander, linger, listen. Join our Cicchetti & Wine Tour or our Venetian Rowing Experience to connect with real life on the canals. Venice reveals herself only to those who slow down.
❤️ Final Thought — Respect Venice, and She’ll Love You Back
Venice isn’t fragile because she’s weak — she’s fragile because she’s precious. Every respectful traveler helps her survive another century. Avoiding these seven mistakes means joining the community that cherishes her, not just consumes her.
So walk softly, smile often, and remember: this city has been standing for over a thousand years. Treat her like the miracle she is.
💙 Explore Venice the Right Way with Tour Leader Venice
❓ FAQs — Venice Etiquette & Responsible Travel
Is it really illegal to swim in the canals of Venice?
Yes. Swimming is prohibited for safety and hygiene reasons. Enjoy the water through our Private Boat Tour or head to Lido Beach for a proper swim.
Where can I shop for authentic Venetian souvenirs?
Skip street vendors. Visit true artisans in Murano, Burano, or Venice itself. Our Hands-On Workshops include glass, mask, and paper-making experiences that support local crafts.
How can I help Venice stay sustainable while visiting?
Stay overnight instead of day-tripping, avoid single-use plastics, and book eco-friendly tours like our Slow Lagoon Experiences. Responsible choices protect Venice for generations to come.
