10 things you shouldn’t do

A guide for tourists on how to live in and respect the city of Venice

Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world. It is a world heritage site, visited every year by tens of millions of tourists, and as such must be protected. For this reason the Venetians are asking for your help so that the city may be protected and preserved for future generations. We suggest you read this guide: below are a few sensible tips so that residents and tourists can live together in reciprocal respect.

  • First of all, an order of the mayor prohibits loitering around the city, particularly in the Area Marciana, which means in Piazza San Marco, in Piazzetta dei Leoncini and in Piazzetta San Marco. Therefore, if you have a sandwich in your backpack do not eat it on the steps of the Piazza. You should go to the Giardini Reali area or to one of the city’s parks or better yet to Sant’Elena, which is Venice’s largest green area.
  • Do not leave your garbage lying around, put it in one of the garbage bins (there are roughly 1,000) that have been placed throughout the city. If you don’t you will contribute towards the proliferation of rats and gulls, which are one of the main concerns of the residents and those who clean the city every morning.
  • It is also forbidden to feed the pigeons: we know that it is quite characteristic to have a picture taken while the pigeons eat from your hands, but unfortunately this can lead to diseases and the pigeon droppings can seriously damage the monuments.
  • In Venice, as in all cities, there are serious sanctions for anyone who damages the city’s monuments, walls, rolling shutters etc. in any way including, obviously, spray-painting. It also prohibited to throw trash into the water or chewing gum on the ground.
  • It is not advisable to put “love” padlocks on the bridges because removing them is a cost to the city council and in the long run this can damage the railing.
  • We all know that Venice is a magical and enchanting city, but it is advisable not to stop too long on the bridges or in the middle of the streets because this stops the normal transit flow. Remember that Venice is visited each year by more than 25 million people.
  • Also, remember to keep to the right when you walk in tight and crowded places, especially if you find yourself walking on the catwalks due to the high water.
  • When you climb aboard a steamboat remove the backpack from your shoulders, keep the passage free for anyone getting on or off board and give way to the elderly and pregnant women. Inside you’ll find posted stickers that will indicate what to do in multiple languages.
  • Although Venice “lives” on water, it is not a seaside resort. So, do not dress in bathing suits and do not walk around shirtless: you won’t be allowed to enter many places thus losing out on numerous attractions the city has to offer.
  • Finally, we wish to remind you that it is forbidden to swim in the city’s, Venice’s water is not always clean.

Long live Venice!