Venice Carnival Tips: Last-Minute Guide for Navigating the Spectacle
- Lucie Viktorin
- 4 Minute Read
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The Carnival in Venice is one of the most spectacular events in the world, drawing thousands of visitors to its enchanting alleys every year. And while the painted masks, stunning costumes and festive atmosphere make it unforgettable, the overwhelming crowds can be challenging to navigate. So, if you’re heading to Venice, here are some essential last-minute Venice Carnival tips to help you enjoy the festivities to the fullest!
Tip 1: Book Your Stay Outside Of Venice
While staying in the beautful city of canals directly is tempting, I would still ask you to consider booking accommodations in other nearby Italian cities. There are a couple of key reasons for this: First, Venice becomes incredibly crowded during Carnival season. And I mean INCREDIBLY! The experience of this event is unforgettable, yes, but the crowds are just as incredibly overwhelming. Staying in the middle of it all means you’ll struggle to step outside the door without being swept away by the crowds. Second, Venice is a notoriously expensive place to book a hotel. That is already the case for the rest of the year. During Carnival, prices spike even more, so staying on the mainland could save you both money and sanity.
Tip 2: Use Public Transportation
If you followed Venice Carnival Tip number 1, congratulations! You now need to get to the island. But don’t worry – it’s easy! You can take the train, the bus or even drive. However, I highly recommend the train, although a car might seem more practical at first. Let me tell you why that is NOT the case: Parking on the island is a nightmare and once again, expensive! Taking the train on the other hand actually saves you money and time in the end as well. If you stay in Treviso for example, about 30 km north of Venice, you can catch a train from Treviso station to Santa Lucia. The trains run quite frequently – about every 30 minutes – and the prices range from 3 to 6€. Keep in mind that booking tickets in advance will usually allow you to secure the cheaper fare. For more details, check Trenitalia’s official site.
Tip 3: Expect Long Walking Times
Venice’s narrow alleyways and bridges are serene and scenic but can get extremely congested, especially around St. Mark’s Square. We tried several strategies to save time and be more “efficient”, like mapping out alternative routes, but none really worked. Often, local police close off certain streets, forcing tourists, who try to get through some side alleys, back onto the main roads. So, take your time. There’s no point in rushing, as it’s nearly impossible to move quickly and will just stress you out if you try. Instead, enjoy the walk, bring a snack or grab a drink to-go. Sometimes, it’s better to just be present and enjoy the moment than to hurry through it. And if there are certain events you desperataly want to see, plan ahead!
Tip 4: Dress For Comfort, Style And Warmth!
While Venice Carnival is known for its elegant masks and extravagant costumes, comfort should be a priority nonetheless. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers – multiple layers! The weather in Venice is gloomy, mysterious and equally unpredictable. As you’ll likely be walking a lot, comfy shoes are a must! A stylish yet practical outfit will let you blend in with the festivities while keeping you comfortable throug the day. Also, consider to pack a rain jacket or have a waterproof add-on already ready to be part of your overall outfit. Generally, an umbrella would be a good idea, but with the amounts of people you are more likely to poke someone’s eye out than keep yourself from getting wet.
Tip 5: Make Restaurant Reservations
While I’m a huge fan of eating wherever the wind takes me, finding a place to sit down and eat in peace during the Carnival is actually really tricky, as restaurants fill up quickly. If you don’t want to waste hours searching for a table or end up stuck in overpriced tourist traps, book ahead. Alternatively, consider grabbing some quick bites at bacari, traditional Venetian wine bars. These establishments often offer a more authentic and budget-friendly dining experience, in case you require an italian snack in between.
Tip 6: Keep An Eye On Your Belongings
I’m sure this goes without saying, but I’ll mention it anyway: Venice Carnival is a prime spot for pickpockets. So keep your belongings secure by carrying a crossbody bag with a zipper. Also, for added security, consider hiding it under your costume or one of the other layers you are most likely wearing. Generally, you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables and be cautious in crowded areas where distractions are most common.
Tip 7: Embrace The Chaos
At the end of the day, Venice Carnival is about embracing the magic and spontaneity of the event. Take a deep breath, go with the flow and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of witnessing one of the most mesmerising festivals in the world. Don’t shy away from engaging with people in historic costumes. They’ll happily take a photo with you! But be prepared to give them some euros for the “inconvenience”. And if you are attending in a costume or somewhat similar yourself, go explore the local souvenir shops for a mask! That way you’ll have a souvenir you’ll actually use and that will bring your outfit together in a whole new way. Remember, some of the most memorable moments come from unexpected encounters and experiences.
As you can see,
these Venice Carnival tips will help you make the most of your trip without unnecessary stress. The festivities are a dazzling spectacle and with a little last-minute prep, you can enjoy the magic while keeping your cool. If you’re planning more adventures, check out check out the ultimate 3-day Dublin itinerary or another festival in Spain, The Tomatina! Here you’ll find the full guide to this tomato-throwing-spectacle: Complete Guide to La Tomatina: Good to Know.
Happy exploring!
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