Short answer: Not really — unless they’re a gondolier or getting married.
Long answer: Welcome to the quirkiest, funniest, and most honest FAQ about Venice — straight from the guy who’s probably heard it all (that’s me!).
As a Venice local and guide, I’ve been asked everything from “Do people swim in the canals?” to “How do I know if my Murano glass is real?” So I thought, why not put it all together? Think of this as your Venice cheat sheet, full of surprising truths, helpful tips, and a few laughs along the way.
Let’s dive in (but not into the canal, please).
1. 🤔 Do Venetians Use Gondolas?
Only if they’re working on one, proposing, or showing off at a wedding.
Gondolas are iconic, elegant, and… slow. Venetians don’t use them for errands or school runs. The real locals hop on:
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🚤 Vaporetti (water buses)
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🛶 Traghetti (shared gondola-style boats to cross the Grand Canal for €2)
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🚤 Private boats (if they’re fancy)
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👟 Their own two feet
So yes, gondolas are mostly for tourists. But do we think they’re beautiful? Absolutely. Do we laugh at tourists kissing under every bridge? Also yes. In a loving way.
2. 🧭 Can You Really Get Lost in Venice?
Oh yes. Delightfully.
Venice is basically a Renaissance labyrinth. Even Google Maps gets confused. You’ll turn a corner and find a dead-end canal. You’ll follow signs to San Marco and end up at a bakery you swear you’ve already passed twice.
But that’s the magic.
Getting lost in Venice is like time travel. And trust me — some of the best places aren’t on the map anyway.
Local tip: If you’re really lost, follow the yellow signs:
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Per San Marco = toward St. Mark’s
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Per Rialto = toward the famous bridge
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All’ingresso = “You’re going the wrong way, my friend.”
3. 🚽 Where Do People Go to the Bathroom?
Public bathrooms exist. But finding them? That’s an Olympic sport.
Here’s your guide:
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Look for WC signs near major landmarks (expect to pay €1.50).
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Ask nicely in a café or bar — but buy a coffee or snack.
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Museums and churches usually have facilities for ticket holders.
And yes, I’ve seen people ask if they can “go behind that nice statue.” Please don’t.
Pro tip: Carry tissues or wipes. Public bathrooms are… well, they try.
4. 🏠 Do People Actually Live in Venice?
Yes! Around 49,000 people still live in the historic center — and we’re stubborn about it.
You’ll find us:
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Walking kids to school (past the Doge’s Palace like it’s normal)
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Grocery shopping at the Rialto Market
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Yelling in Venetian dialect over coffee at 8 AM
Sure, some Venetians have moved to Mestre or the mainland. But many of us are still here, fighting rising tides, overpriced spritz, and the occasional tourist on a segway (illegal, by the way).
5. 🍕 What Time Do Italians Eat Dinner in Venice?
Later than you think.
Dinner usually starts around 7:30 to 8:30 PM. If you show up at 6 PM asking for dinner, the waiter might hand you a glass of wine and say, “Relax.”
Here’s a timeline:
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🥐 Breakfast: 7–10 AM (coffee + pastry)
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🍝 Lunch: 12:30–2 PM
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🍷 Aperitivo: 6–7:30 PM
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🍽️ Dinner: After 7:30 PM
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🛏️ Gelato: Optional. But always deserved.
Want to fit in? Order a spritz and cicchetti before dinner and soak up the sunset like a local.
6. 🏥 What Happens If Someone Needs an Ambulance?
Good question. The ambulance is a boat.
Yep — Venice has boat ambulances (and boat fire trucks, and boat police). They’re fast, loud, and extremely impressive when they zoom through narrow canals like an action movie.
You’ll see them painted yellow (ambulance), red (fire), or blue (police). They even have GPS and sirens that echo off the canals.
And no, gondolas are not used for emergencies — unless the emergency is being too romantic.
7. 📵 Why Doesn’t Google Maps Work Well Here?
Because Venice has trust issues.
Between the narrow alleys, dead-end calli, bridges, canals, and signal loss, GPS often gets confused. Sometimes it thinks you’re swimming.
Our advice:
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Use Google Maps for general direction.
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Use Maps.me for better offline options.
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Or just… ask someone. Venetians are surprisingly friendly (especially after coffee).
Bonus tip: If a Venetian tells you “5 minutes,” they mean 15–20. We measure time with our feet, not clocks.
8. 🎁 Is All Murano Glass Real?
Hah. If only.
The sad truth is: fake Murano glass is everywhere — especially in tourist shops around Rialto and San Marco.
Here’s how to spot the real deal:
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🏭 Ask where the piece was made. If it’s not from Murano Island, be suspicious.
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🔖 Look for the Vetro Artistico Murano® seal.
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💰 Be realistic: A handmade glass horse for €5? Sorry, that’s plastic in disguise.
Want to be sure? Join one of our authentic glass experiences on Murano. You’ll meet real artisans, not factories.
9. 💦 Do People Swim in the Canals?
Unless it’s the Redentore Festival… please don’t.
The canals are romantic, beautiful, and full of history — and also full of boat fuel, algae, and secrets best left unexplored.
Swimming in the canals is not allowed and can result in heavy fines. Occasionally locals jump in during special events, or… after too many spritzes.
But for visitors? Stick to admiring them from the bridges. Or go for a swim at Lido beach, just a 15-minute vaporetto ride away.
10. 🤷 Can You Do Venice in a Day?
Technically? Sure. You can see Venice in a day. But will you feel Venice?
Not really.
In a day, you’ll hit:
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Piazza San Marco ✔️
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Rialto Bridge ✔️
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Maybe a gondola ride ✔️
But you’ll miss:
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Wandering Cannaregio at sunset
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Discovering an old artisan workshop in Castello
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That secret bacaro where they know your name after one spritz
Venice is a slow city. A city of reflection, water, silence, and charm. To really get it? Stay two nights minimum.
Or five. Or forever. (We wouldn’t blame you.)
💬 Bonus: The Funniest Questions Tourists Have Actually Asked Me
Because you deserve a laugh — and I’ve really heard these all:
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“How do you drain the canals at night?” 😆
(Spoiler: We don’t. We’re not a bathtub.) -
“Is the water real?” 😅
(Yes. And sometimes, it’s in your shoes.) -
“How often do you repaint all the buildings?” 🧑🎨
(Not often enough, if you ask my neighbor’s wife.) -
“Can I get a taxi to my hotel near San Marco?” 🚖
(If your taxi floats, sure.) -
“How do people carry furniture up those bridges?” 🛋️
(Very, very slowly… with lots of cursing.)
🎯 Final Thoughts: Ask Away — But Ask a Local
If you’re planning a trip to Venice, don’t be shy about asking questions. It’s a strange, beautiful, floating city with its own rules — and we Venetians secretly love that you’re curious (even if we roll our eyes once in a while).
Just remember: Venice is not Disneyland. It’s a living city. Treat it with love, respect, and maybe a reusable water bottle. We’ll thank you.
👣 Want to explore Venice with someone who has all the answers (and a few jokes)?
Book a walking tour with Tour Leader Venice.
We’ll tell you the real stories, show you the best spots, and make you feel like a local — minus the wet socks.
