Wondering when is the best time to visit Venice to avoid the hordes of tourists? Here’s an inside guide to help you plan.
When to Visit Venice
Venice is a dream destination for many, but if you’ve ever seen images of the city during peak season (especially during Carnevale) you might feel a little hesitant. Narrow streets packed with tourists, long queues at famous landmarks, and crowded vaporettos can make it seem like there’s no way to truly enjoy the city’s beauty without the constant buzz of visitors.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to miss out.
While the city is undeniably popular, there are moments when it slows down. Early mornings and late evenings reveal a different side of the city, one where the canals are still, the streets are nearly empty, and Venice feels like it belongs to you. Yes, really.
If you want to experience Venice in a more exclusive and intimate way, planning the right itinerary is essential. Whether exploring on your own or with the help of a tour operator like Top Venice, discovering the city outside peak hours can make all the difference.
Let’s see how to make the most of these magical hours.
Venice in the Early Morning: the City at its Most Peaceful
If you’re an early bird, you’re in for a treat: morning is the quietest time in Venice. As the sun slowly rises over the canals, the city is at its most serene, offering experiences that are nearly impossible later in the day. The streets are almost empty, the water is still, and the only sounds you’ll hear are the occasional footsteps of locals heading to work and the distant hum of a vaporetto gliding along the Grand Canal.
This is the perfect moment to explore Venice at your own pace. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it…
- Take a Morning Walk Through the Empty Streets: start your day wandering through the silent alleys and bridges, soaking in the unique atmosphere of a city that feels like it’s yours alone. Dorsoduro is perfect for an early stroll, especially along Fondamenta Zattere, where the views over the Giudecca Canal are stunning. It’s also the ideal spot to stop for breakfast at one of the cafés lining the promenade.
- Visit the Rialto Market: one of the best places to experience Venice’s daily rhythm is the Rialto Market, which typically opens around 7:30 AM. While most tourists visit later in the morning, early risers can see the market coming to life. The seafood stalls, bursting with fresh catches, and the colorful fruit and vegetable stands offer a glimpse into daily Venetian life.
- Discover the Hidden Gem of San Giorgio Maggiore: just across the water from St. Mark’s Square lies San Giorgio Maggiore, a small, often-overlooked island that deserves a visit. Far less crowded than Venice’s main sights such as Basilica di San Marco or Doge’s Palace, this island is home to a stunning church designed by Palladio and an impressive bell tower that opens at 9 AM. Here you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Venice, with a perspective that stretches across the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Square, and the red rooftops of the city. The early morning light makes it even more spectacular, offering an unforgettable start to your day.
Why limit yourself to Venice? The first Venice waterbuses start running as early as 5 AM, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take an early boat to Murano, Burano, or Torcello. And if you have more time to explore northern Italy, don’t miss our guides to hidden gems in Tuscany and the best things to do in Trieste.
Venice in the Late Evening: the Charming Side of the City
When night falls, Venice transforms. As the crowds fade and the lanterns cast their golden glow on the canals, the atmosphere becomes almost surreal, like stepping into a timeless, cinematic scene. Exploring Venice after dark is like uncovering a hidden layer of the city, one that feels more intimate and mysterious.
Take St. Mark’s Square, for example. During the day, it pulses with life, filled with visitors. But at night, everything changes. The soft illumination of the streetlights creates long, dramatic shadows, the Basilica’s mosaics shimmer under the gentle glow, and the square becomes a vast, elegant space where silence and beauty take centre stage.
Evenings offer the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten path in Venice. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Night Photography: Venice after sunset is a photographer’s paradise. The softly illuminated bridges, the empty alleys, and the shimmering reflections on the water. Pro tip: head to Ponte dell’Accademia for a stunning view of the Grand Canal or find a secluded pier for a unique perspective.
- Take a Private Boat Tour at Sunset: You can choose a sunset cruise on a luxury limo boat to glide through the Grand Canal in style, or take a classic gondola ride under the moonlight for a more romantic experience. Another option? Book a dinner cruise, where you can enjoy fine Venetian cuisine while sailing through the lagoon.
- Join a Night Walking Tour: Venice has its fair share of legends, and the best way to uncover them is on a nighttime walking tour. As you wander through dimly lit alleyways and cross silent bridges, you’ll hear chilling stories of Venetian ghosts, ancient secrets, and hidden symbols carved into the city’s walls.
Simply wandering at night through the city’s labyrinth of streets and canals reveals a world of hidden surprises. You might stumble upon a small campo where musicians perform under the stars, an impromptu street show near Rialto, or a quiet bridge with a perfect view of the moonlit reflections on the water. Every turn offers something unexpected, making a nighttime walk through Venice an experience in itself.
More About Travel in Northern Italy
- Why Rimini Old Town deserves your time
- Why Trieste food is different to the rest of Italy
- The best things to do in Trieste
- Amazing things to do in Umbria, Tuscany’s overlooked neighbour
- The best things to do in Chiavenna near Milan
- 31 hidden gems in Tuscany
- How to get off the beaten path in Venice
- What you need to know about the Ravenna Mosaics in Italy
- The surprise you’ll find in Comacchio