Venice’s strict tourist tax is coming back into force in 2025 to combat overwhelming crowds – but some months will still be quieter than others.
Millions of selfie-stick-waving tourists visit this iconic European city every year, but there’s one particular month you might want to dodge. If you’re a sucker for romance, can’t say no to pizza, and are a secret history buff – Venice is the destination for you.
Located in northern Italy’s Veneto region, and consisting of around 100 small islands, Venice is a city like no other. Renowned for its network of canals, tourists in this road-free hotspot have to explore the endless attractions and sights by hopping on water taxis, Carolina boats, or of course the famous gondolas. Saint Mark’s Basilica, a stunning cathedral filled with intricate Byzantine mosaics, is said to be the final resting place of Saint Mark’s relics – and is one of the most well-known attractions in Venice. Other must-visit sights include Doge’s Palace, Ponte di Rialto (a bridge you will have undoubtedly seen all over your Instagram feed) and the Grand Canal.
But, with swathes of tourists infiltrating the city – Venice has also gained a not-so great reputation of being unpleasantly crowded. Videos often appear on social media, revealing endless queues for attractions, booked-up restaurants, and a distinct lack of personal space. A tourist tax for day-trippers could also put people off, with fees introduced for anyone stepping foot in the ancient part of the city on specific peak days, including the famous Grand Canal. These are in place from April to July and vary in cost.
Officials decided to continue the tourist tax in 2025 after a successful trial last year. Pre-bookers will pay the equivalent of £4, but for those booking a visit at the last minute, this fee will rise to £8.45 per person.
Travel experts over at Lonely Planet warn there is no ‘low season’ when it comes to a destination as Venice, meaning you’ll never exactly get the city to yourself. However, there’s one particular month you might want to avoid. “June is the start of high season and tourists pour in, especially once schools officially close down for summer break around the middle of the month,” the pros said. “If the main tourist spots get too much, you can always seek out one of Venice’s less-trafficked neighbourhoods.” These include Dorsoduro and Giudecca, Castello, Cannaregio, and Santa Croce.
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If you’re willing to put up with some crowds, but want to avoid the hectic summer, visiting during the colder months could be a smart move. “With the exceptions of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the colder months are as empty as they can be in a city like Venice – with school and work in full swing, tourist numbers are much lower than they are from March until October,” Lonely Planet added.
Staying in the winter could also be a saving grace for your bank balance, with hotel prices skyrocketing in peak times. If you’re flexible with dates, you could grab a bargain. For example, a weekend stay in a boutique hotel just half a mile away from the centre will set you back just £180. This is based on two people sharing a deluxe room from Friday 24 January – Sunday 26. Return direct flights from London during the January and February can be bought for as little as £28.
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