How To Avoid Crowds When Visiting Venice

Though England and Scotland have my heart, I found one particular place in Europe that was purely magical — I mean— Disney-like magical—it was Venice.

We visited during the month of March, and though there was rain and the Acqua Alta was in effect, it was an utter delight to be there. (Click here for tips on train transportation in Italy.)

Venice fills the senses like no other place: the sounds, the smells, the vivid colors. It’s definitely a maze to maneuver around, but~ Wow~ is it worth it! I recommend a minimum of 3 days/2 nights to slowly drink it all in.

According to a 2019 estimate by World Population Review, it is estimated that there are 20 million visitors to Venice annually! And that number keeps growing. But do'n’t let this number keep you from visiting this most beautiful city.

There is one particular way to really absorb pure Venetian surroundings—with both the Venetian people and with nature, in the still and the quiet, and with almost no tourists around (a rare thing with the typical throngs of crowds in Venice):

You need to get up and walk around between 5:30 and 6am!

Let me emphasize here: I am by no means a morning person—never have been and likely never will be. But this was an experience that will leave a indelible, lifelong memory that is worth every single second. Take a look:

The fog slowly lifts as the sun rises on gorgeous venice.

take in all the sights and sounds—with hardly anyone else around. you’ll love listening to bells and boats, the water lapping up against the docks, and one or two venetians chattering. these are the things you can’t hear after all of venice wakes up.

the sunrise on venice’s lagoon is a beautiful experience—-birds included!

Quiet and peaceful morning among the private docks in Venice. Experiences like these so worth it!

amazing to experience nearly no one around

Just off the Rialto Bridge (NOrmally one of the most congested spots in venice!)

Market stalls being prepped near the Rialto Bridge. we were able to get first choice and at a great price!

one of my favorite moments was discovering the bakers hard at work.

up and at ‘em to feed the many…

Observe things you won’t typically notice ——such as small cargo transfers to bring food and more in to the masses.

view the ‘filled’ baker’s displays—before they are gobbled up!

you’ll likely only see this kind of exquisite display in venice.

clever way to add some color to the pizzeria trattoria without obstructing views

splendors around every (empty) corner…

Greedily taking in all of the views with nary a soul around….

Now that you have the secret, don’t tell too many! And if you do experience it this way, let me know what discoveries you made in the Comments section.

Keep on Trekking!