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Are you planning a trip to Venice, Italy in 2024? These are the most important things travelers should know before visiting Venice this year.
Venice is one of Europe’s most iconic cities. It’s on the bucket list of many travelers who dream of seeing the city’s 150 and 435 canals and bridges, respectively.
In addition to being one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Europe, Venice is unfortunately also one of the most overpopulated. The city has been suffering from overtourism for years, and some measures to combat it are finally due to come into force in 2024.
Here are the most important things travelers should know before visiting Venice this year.
Venice finally introduces day trip fees
Although announced several years ago, Venice’s so-called “day-tripper tax” was never actually implemented until now.
Starting in April, the City of Venice will introduce a fee of 5 euros ($5.45) on 29 selected dates from April to July. This fee is charged to visitors who stay in the city for only one day, such as cruise travelers and day trippers. Applies to most weekends and other peak travel days.
Visitors must pre-book tickets online and present a QR code at certain entry points in the city. Although still in the pilot phase, the initiative aims to limit overcrowding.
Group tours of 25 or more people are prohibited.
Another recent update that tourists should know is: Prohibition of group travel of 25 or more people In Venice. This new rule will come into effect in June.
This is aimed at easing large crowds that can cause congestion and human “traffic jams” on Venice’s pedestrian streets.
Furthermore, the use of loudspeakers will be prohibited in Venice. Many tour guides use loudspeakers while walking through the streets of Venice, which creates a huge noise disturbance.
These are just some of the latest changes aimed at protecting the city from the effects of overtourism, similar to banning large cruise ships from entering central Venice.
Off-season is the best time to travel
Considering all the drawbacks of traveling to Venice, such as huge crowds and high prices, you might decide that in 2024 it would be better not to go to Venice at all.
However, it is actually recommended to travel during the off-season.
Three of my four trips to Venice have been during the off-season, including my last visit in November 2023. And now is the best time to experience Venice. From October to March, Venice is less crowded and prices are lower.
It can be a bit chilly at this time of year, but it’s much better than visiting Venice in the summer when the sweltering heat and crowds make walking around almost unbearable.
The only thing to be aware of when visiting Venice in the off-season is: aqua alta – Storm surges that sometimes occur in winter and flood the lowest points of cities.
During Acqua Alta, the city will install temporary elevated walkways in flooded areas. You can buy plastic shoe covers up to your knees to keep you dry.
However, be careful when visiting Venice in February
The only exception to Venice’s lower crowds and lower prices during the off-season? Carnival during February! Experiencing Carnival is on many travelers’ bucket lists, but it’s not for the faint of heart.The city becomes absolute packed And hotel prices are exorbitant.
This year’s festival will run from February 3rd to February 13th, but there will also be some pre-Carnival festivities in the week before.
If you want to save money and avoid crowds, now is not the time to visit Venice. But if you want to experience a festival like no other in the world, visit Venice during Carnival.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com