The questions we hear most - about floods, gondolas, tickets, tipping and time - answered straight, with links to the full chapters.
In a nutshell: floods, gondolas, tickets, tipping and time - the questions everyone asks, answered straight with links to the full chapters. For the two that matter most on the ground, start with planning your days and what a water taxi costs.
Two full days covers the essentials; three lets you add the lagoon islands (Murano, Burano, Torcello) and a relaxed pace; four or more unlocks the outer islands, the Lido and the museums at leisure. See Itineraries for day-by-day plans.
Venice is more expensive than most of Italy, but less than London or Paris: a simple meal costs €15–25, a trattoria dinner €35–60 per person, a cappuccino at a standing bar €1.20–1.50 (€8–10 seated in St. Mark's Square - you're paying for the orchestra). Hotels are the big cost, especially near San Marco. See Where to stay and The Venetian kitchen for the full picture.
April–June and September–October: mild weather, soft light, manageable crowds. July–August is hot, humid and packed; November–February is quiet and atmospheric, with fog and the chance of acqua alta. See Before you go for the month-by-month breakdown.
Acqua alta (high water) happens mainly November–February, when tides push lagoon water into the lowest points - St. Mark's Square first. It rarely lasts more than a few hours and raised walkways are set out. The MOSE flood barrier now protects the city. Check the tide forecast before you travel and pack waterproof shoes if visiting in winter. See Practical tips.
The official city fare is about €90 for 30 minutes by day and €110 at night, for up to five passengers; longer rides and singing are extra. Prices are fixed and posted - agree the route before boarding. See The gondola for everything you need to know.
On foot - the city is small and walkable - and by vaporetto (water bus) for longer stretches. A single ride is €7.50; the 24h pass at €20 pays for itself after three rides. There are no cars, no bikes and no bridges you can't walk. See You've arrived for the full transport guide.
Yes - absolutely in season. Skip-the-line tickets for the Doge's Palace sell out days ahead, and the Basilica's terrace and Pala d'Oro have timed entries. Book online before you arrive. See San Marco for links and current prices.
Venice is one of the safest cities in Europe - violent crime is rare. Watch your pockets in crowded areas (vaporetto stops, St. Mark's Square, Rialto market), avoid the tourist-trap restaurants with photo menus, and buy museum tickets only from official sites. See Practical tips.
Tipping is modest: round up the bill, leave a euro or two at a bar, and 5–10% at a restaurant if the service was good. The 'coperto' (cover charge, €1–3 per person) is already on the bill - it is not a tip. See Practical tips.
Shoulders and knees covered for the Basilica of St. Mark and all churches; no hats; keep voices low. In summer carry a light scarf or shawl. See San Marco.
If you can, stay overnight - Venice changes completely after the day-trippers leave, and the evening and early morning are the true city. If you only have one day, start early, book everything, and read Itineraries for the efficient route.
Yes - the classic lagoon day: Murano in the morning (glass), Burano at lunch (the rainbow houses), Torcello in the afternoon (the silent island where Venice began). The vaporetto line connections are covered in The islands of the lagoon.
By personality: San Marco for the classic experience, Cannaregio for authenticity and value, Dorsoduro for art and calm, Giudecca for quiet and views. Never stay on the mainland if you can avoid it - the magic is in the mornings and evenings. See Where to stay.
Yes - the public fountains (fontanelle) all over the city are safe, free and good; they are fed by the mainland aqueduct, not the lagoon. Bring a bottle and fill up. See Practical tips.
Comfortable walking shoes (bridges and stone - no heels), layers for the evenings, a light scarf for churches, an umbrella or light rain jacket, and a bottle for the fountains. In winter, waterproof boots and the tide forecast. See Before you go.
Marco Polo (VCE) is 13 km from the centre: Alilaguna water bus (€15, 1h15 to San Marco), ATVO/ACTV buses to Piazzale Roma (€10, 20 min), or a private water taxi (€100–130, 30 min). Treviso (TSF) is 30 km by bus. See You've arrived.