The Venice Survival Guide for Tourists: How to Blend In Like a Local

Every year, millions of visitors pour into Venice, testing the patience of the 50,000 residents who live there. Ranked third in Europe for the highest tourist-to-local ratio, Venice is a city struggling to balance its world-famous appeal with everyday life. Experts from European Waterways claim they have the secrets to blending in and avoiding the wrath of locals.

During the busiest times, Venice can see around 75,000 visitors a day, even with the tourism levy in place, making the city’s streets some of the busiest in the world. With locals outnumbered, it doesn’t take much for tourists to stand out on the narrow streets and alleyways.

Even small missteps on Venice’s streets can quickly make tourists stand out for the wrong reasons. Crowds can grind to a halt when visitors walk slowly in the middle of pathways, block the route in groups, or suddenly stop to snap a photo or check directions. Drifting across both sides of a street or ignoring locals trying to pass only adds to the frustration. Paying attention to these habits and being considerate of those around you can make exploring the city far more enjoyable for everyone.

Maryanne Sparkes, Italian river cruise specialist at European Waterways, has put together a list of expert tips to help visitors blend in with locals:

• Keep to the right, especially in narrow calli (alleyways) or crowded areas

• Step into a doorway or side street to pause or check your map

• Walk with intention – know where you’re going and move at a steady pace

• Let faster pedestrians pass, especially delivery staff or older locals

• Go single file in tight spaces

Maryanne goes on to say: “Nothing screams ‘tourist’ faster than blocking a street. Venice is famous for its canals, but most of the city is explored on foot. With no pavements and narrow alleyways, everyone shares the same space, so walking on the right helps keep things moving. It is easy to get distracted by the views, the architecture, or a gelato, but being aware of your surroundings makes a big difference. These streets are people’s homes, and a little consideration goes a long way. It keeps the city enjoyable for everyone, locals and visitors alike.”

Explore travel, food and wellness features at Ravish Magazine, your go-to Ravish lifestyle magazine.