Venice Travel Guide

If you want to ring in the new year with spectacular fireworks displays, world-class opera, and delicious food, the city of canals and bridges is an excellent choice. On New Year’s Eve in Venice, locals and visitors alike flock to the streets to countdown to midnight, classical music fills the prestigious Teatro la Fenice opera house, and fine Italian wine makes the perfect toast. From taking a picturesque gondola tour to dancing the night away at a glitzy gala, here’s your roundup of how to spend New Year’s Eve in Venice.

Everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve in Venice

New Year’s Eve fireworks: Venice’s Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) fireworks are launched over St. Mark’s Basin.
Best free New Year’s Eve activity: Soak up the festive atmosphere at a Christmas market.
Average temperature: 32–48 F (0–9 C).
What to avoid on New Year’s Eve: Steer clear of expensive tourist trap restaurants near Rialto Bridge.

Understanding how to get around in Venice is essential for uncovering its iconic landmarks and hidden gems tucked away in its maze-like alleys and canals. With no cars or buses, the city relies on Vaporetto water buses, gondolas, water taxis, and walking paths to connect its breathtaking sights.

Whether you’re gliding along the Grand Canal, visiting famous landmarks like Piazza San Marco, or stumbling upon secret courtyards, this guide makes getting around Venice effortless.

Getting around Venice: tips and tricks

• Getting into Venice: Venice is accessible by several modes of transportation. Trains arrive at Santa Lucia station. Buses and trams terminate at Piazzale Roma, the city’s main entry point for road vehicles. You can park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto Island if you’re coming by car. You can take water buses and private water taxis from Marco Polo Airport or nearby areas.
• Use the Vaporetto Water Bus: Venice’s main public transportation system is the Vaporetto, a fleet of water buses crisscrossing the canals and connecting the islands.
• Explore on Foot: Walking is the best way to truly experience Venice. Many of its most famous landmarks, like Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal, are within walking distance of each other. Just be prepared to get lost—that’s part of the charm.
• Ride a Traghetto Across the Grand Canal: For a quick, authentic (and budget-friendly) gondola experience, hop on a traghetto. These simple gondola ferries cross the Grand Canal at key points and cost just a few euros.
• Consider a Rolling Venice Card: If you’re under 29, the Rolling Venice Card offers discounted transportation passes and other benefits, making it a great choice for younger travelers.
• Plan for Water Taxis Sparingly: While convenient, water taxis are expensive compared to other options. They’re ideal for groups or traveling with lots of luggage but not for everyday use.
• Be Mindful of Bridge Stairs: Various Venice neighborhoods feature beautiful bridges, including the famous Ponte di Rialto and Ponte dell'Accademia, often have stairs, which can be challenging for travelers with strollers or heavy bags.

From gondola rides along the Grand Canal to mouthwatering street food tours, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do alone in Venice. The city is perfect for solo adventurers, with iconic attractions like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Basilica just waiting to be discovered. There’s also a wide range of fun and interactive activities such as Italian cookery classes and Venetian mask painting workshops. With so much to explore, from the city’s rich history to the opulent Doge’s Palace, independent travelers can dive fully into Venetian culture. Here’s your guide to the best activities for solo travelers in Venice.