When my husband suggested we go to Venice, I hesitated. Venice is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world but during the last 15 year, it’s become a circus of tourists (an estimated 30 million a year to be exact). For this reason, I’ve avoided it. But, en route to the Dolomites in July, I snuck into Venice and managed to avoid the crush of visitors. I meandered through it’s narrow streets, walked along it’s romantic canals, crossed over it’s arched bridges, chatted with locals, and avoided the massive crowds. So, how did I enjoy Venice during the busiest month of the year??????

How to Avoid the Crowds in Venice

Stay in a non-tourist area. Avoid staying near the main square, Piazza San Marco. We chose a sunny one bedroom air bnb (Tintoretto 4 with amazing canal views) in the Carnareggio. An area filled with local restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.  A short walk from the Alilaguna boat stop that delivered us directly from the airport (a consideration if you have luggage to carry over bridges).

Dine Where Locals Dine

There is one blog you need for eating in Venice and that’s Naturally Epicurean by Nicoletta Fornaro. She is a Venetian gourmand whose photos, organization, and reviews are a game changer. Especially if you are vegetarian or vegan. Her insider recommendations are fantastic and we avoided all overpriced tourist traps.

         We loved:

• La Frasca – Several tables are set in a quiet “hidden” square. The owner serves fresh local food (mostly seafood), hand selected wine and fresh salad.
• La Zucca – Make a reservation in advance for this popular restaurant (they don’t accept emails either) but it’s worth it. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Casual, fun atmosphere and delicious food.
• Al Prosecco – a locals bar with a personable owner who will guide your selections. Delicious snacks too.

Explore EARLY 

Getting out early is one of the best ways to avoid the crowds in Venice. Cruise ships dock mid-morning and thousands of tourists rush to popular sites like San Marco square (piazza San Marco) or the Rialto Bridge to snap photos of themselves. The congestion is real!  So, if you want to avoid crowds (like me), explore early and you’ll have the city to yourself.

Go Off Season 

This is an obvious tip and I don’t know from personal experience but I imagine you’ll catch a glimpse of the “real” Venice. One that’s not overrun by mega cruise ships and mass tourism.

Visit Like You are Guest in Someones Home

La Serenissima meaning “most serene” is a popular nickname for Venice. With it’s car-free living, quiet canals, and peaceful history, Venice beats to the rhythm of it’s on drum. Now, mass tourism is destroying this precious city. Visit like you are guest in someone’s home. Be kind, respectful, and gracious.

Fall in Love

To my surprise, I fell in love with Venice. I embraced the culture of slowing down rather than running from one sight to another in a frenzied hunger to see it all.  I strolled it’s maze streets, savored it’s local wine, lingered over lunch, chatted with locals, stopped to watch the sunset over the Grand Canal, ate gelato on a bench, and basked in the luminous light of Venice. Bela Italia!