Venice in the Winter: A Complete Guide to Visiting Off Season to have the Best Time

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities, at the top of nearly every Italian bucket list. And deservedly so, it is beautiful, historical, endlessly fascinating, and incredibly unique. But, is it worth visiting Venice in the Winter?

Italy is often a country people associate with visiting in the summer. But I am here to share why you should visit Venice in the winter, and why, I’d argue, it is even better to do so.

Why you should visit Venice in the Winter

Don’t get me wrong, Venice in the summer is also wonderful (I am not sure you can go wrong with visiting this city), but visiting Venice in the winter offers something extra special. Firstly, it is significantly less crowded. Tourists flock to this city in the summer, meaning it is beyond packed. In winter, you get the chance to explore without the crowds. It is peaceful, quiet and sometimes feels like you have the city to yourself.

The attractions are much quieter, and places that might have long queues in the summer will be queue-free. Hotel costs are also lower at this time of year.

Plus, no matter what the weather, Venice is the most stunning city.

What is the Weather like in Venice in the winter?

Venice does get cold in the winter; you can expect temperatures of between 0°C and 10°C. The skies are often grey and overcast, and it can be chilly, damp, and often foggy. Rain isn’t actually that common, particularly during January and February, although I was just unlucky during my visit! It rarely snows, and when it does, it doesn’t settle.

The other phenomenon that could occur in Venice in the winter is what is known as Acqua Alta. It means ‘high water’ and is actually linked more to the tides than the weather. It is the name the Venetians give to the days when the tide is so high it spills over the edges of the water and floods the streets and the squares. The lowest parts flood first, including San Marco, but the city often lays out walkways to link the main areas. There is also an alarm to warn you when the high tide is coming!

Things to do in Venice in the Winter

If you are heading to Venice in the winter, here are some of the best things to do, no matter what the weather.

Explore the Doge’s Palace

You can’t visit Venice and not take some time to visit the Doge’s Palace. It is one of Venice’s main attractions and is synonymous with the city, being part of its story since the 14th century. The stunning Gothic palace sits in the heart of San Marco and has been both the seat of government and the residence of the “Doge”, who is the city’s elected ruler.

The visit also includes crossing the iconic Bridge of Sighs from the inside. Spoiler, it is not as romantic as it sounds!

Top Tip: It is one of the most popular attractions in Venice, so book skip-the-line tickets such as these to ensure you avoid any queues. This ticket includes all San Marco museums!

Visit One of Venice’s Stunning Museums

Venice is home to plenty of amazing museums, which are perfect to explore on a cold winter’s day. Some of the best include:

• Correr Museo: The ticket for Doge’s Palace also includes the beautiful Correr Museo, which includes stunning art pieces from the Venetian masters and fascinating exhibitions that trace the city’s history from the Serenissima Republic to modern times. As well as the Royal Rooms, which were first prepared for Napoleon Bonaparte and later used by the Austrian Habsburgs and the House of Savoy.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: For something completely different, head to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of Italy’s most important modern art museums. Set inside the former home of Peggy Guggenheim on the Grand Canal, it showcases works by Picasso, Dalí and Pollock. In winter, you’ll often have space to properly enjoy them without the summer crowds.
• Gallerie dell’Accademia: Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to masterpieces by Venetian greats including Titian and Paolo Veronese. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in centuries of colour, drama and craftsmanship.

Walk Through San Marco

In the summer, San Marco will be absolutely packed full of people, but in the winter, it gives you a chance to see this iconic square without all the crowds. There is plenty to see and do in this area, from shops and restaurants to the Doge’s Palace and Correr Museo. As well as the opportunity to head up St Mark’s Campanile for stunning views of the city.

If it has rained a lot or the tides are high, there is a chance the square will be flooded in the winter. It gives you another chance to experience a unique Venice experience – the Acqua Alta. If this is the case, head to a nearby shop and buy the distinctive yellow boots. They are waterproof and surprisingly effective. Pop them on and go for a splash in the square!

Grab a Coffee at Cafe Florian

Café Florian is the most famous café in Venice, and as such, you can often expect to queue to enter. However, one of the perks of visiting in winter is that this queue is likely to be shorter, and if you go earlier in the morning, there might not even be one!

It isn’t the cheapest place to grab a coffee, but it is something of a Venice institution. It was established in 1720 and is the oldest coffee house in continuous operation in Italy, as well as being one of the oldest in the world! An incredibly elegant cafe, and you can even learn about the history of coffee.

Browse the Books at Libreria Acqua Alta

Often touted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, Libreria Acqua Alta is even named after the Venice floods! The books are all raised off the ground, so they are prepared for the water rising. Some of the books are even in a gondola. And they have displays at the back where they have embraced the books that got damaged as a result of the water, which makes for a stunning and interesting photo backdrop.

Take a Gondola Ride – Venice in the Winter

It doesn’t matter what time of year, a gondola ride is still one of the most amazing things you can do in Venice. And yes, it is possible in nearly all weather! Taking one in winter adds another layer of romance, as the gondoliers make sure you stay cosy by offering blankets (just take an umbrella if it is raining…). The canals are often quieter in winter as well, making it even more peaceful.

It is definitely one of those experiences that is hyped for a reason.

Take a Food Tour – Venice in the Winter

Taking a food tour of Venice is the perfect way to sample the best the city has to offer. It is famous for its cicchetti (think Venice’s version of tapas), but did you know the best places don’t actually even have a sign above? A lit lantern marks them. A tour gives you the chance to uncover these hidden gems!

Find the best spots to eat in Venice:
Where to Eat in Venice: What to Eat, Where to Find It, and Why You’ll Love It

Top Tip: If you are looking for a food tour in Venice, consider this tour, which adds a layer of local Venetian food history!

Wander the quiet Streets

The biggest perk of travelling to Venice in the winter is the lack of crowds. And, as one of the most walkable cities in the world, wandering the streets and admiring all the stunning buildings and canals is a must. With significantly fewer crowds, you can almost feel like you have the place to yourself.

Take a Vaporetto Ride

As a city without cars, one of the best ways to get around is by water, using the Vaporetto. The most cost-effective way to do this is to purchase a multi-day pass, which starts from the first validation.

Costs are:

• 24-hour pass: €25.00
• 48-hour pass: €35.00
• 72-hour pass: €45.00
• 7-day pass: €65.00

But these passes are also not just good for transport. Use them to take a water tour of the Grand Canal, and even head further out to Burano or Murano. A perfect way to have a budget tour of Venice from the water.

Explore the Churches

Venice’s churches are far more than places of worship; they are treasure troves of art, history and beautiful architecture. Plus, they offer a welcome escape from the winter chill. If you are visiting Venice in the winter, this is the perfect time to take some time out and step inside some of the many churches in the city. Don’t miss:

• St Mark’s Basilica – The city’s showstopper. Step inside to see thousands of square metres of glittering mosaics and intricate marble floors. In winter, queues are far shorter, making it much easier to appreciate the details.
• Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari – A vast Gothic church packed with masterpieces, including Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin and his tomb. It’s peaceful, impressive and wonderfully atmospheric.
• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute – Sitting proudly at the entrance to the Grand Canal, this domed Baroque beauty feels especially serene in winter light.
• Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore – Take the vaporetto across for fewer crowds and climb the bell tower for crisp lagoon views.
• Scuola Grande di San Rocco – Not technically a church, but definitely worth including for its extraordinary paintings by Tintoretto, often described as Venice’s own Sistine Chapel.

Many churches are part of the Chorus Pass scheme, making it easy to dip in and out as you explore.

Visit Rialto Market

If you want to visit the Rialto Market, make sure to head there first thing. This impressive market gives you a chance to glimpse some local life in Venice. It is semi-covered and has rows of colourful fruit and vegetable stalls alongside the famous Pescheria, where freshly caught lagoon fish and seafood are laid out on marble slabs. Set just beside the iconic Rialto Bridge, the market has been the commercial heart of the city for centuries.

With fewer and fewer people actually living on the island, this market is growing ever smaller. Show your support by purchasing some items from the stallholders.

Enjoy a Classical Concert

One of the most magical things to do in Venice in winter is to experience Interpreti Veneziani performing Vivaldi in the beautiful San Vidal Church. This acclaimed ensemble, specialising in Baroque music, has been performing together around the world since 1987. Today, they perform regularly in the stunning 17th-century church, where the natural acoustics and intimate setting make the music feel even more powerful. The church, while large, still feels cosy and welcoming, and you don’t need to worry about the weather. It does get booked up, even in winter, so make sure to book in advance.

Top Tip: If you are interested in the history of music, why not book this ticket, which gives you entry to the Museum of Music as well!

Go ice skating in Campo San Polo

San Polo is the largest of the piazzas in Venice, and has been used for centuries as a place for sport, such as bullfights, festivals and even football matches. Today, during the winter months, it transforms into a charming open-air ice rink, offering a wonderfully festive atmosphere in the heart of the city.

The ice rink is open from December through to February. It costs €12 for a 90-minute slot.

Seasonal Events In Venice in the Winter

There are a couple of other reasons to visit Venice in the winter, which could help you choose which month you want to visit.

Visit the Christmas markets at Campo Santo Stefano

In December, for three weeks, the lovely Campo Santo Stefano is transformed into a Christmas Market, which runs until Christmas Eve. It features 30 wooden huts, each selling local food and crafts. Perfect if you want to get into the festive spirit.

Experience Carnevale di Venezia in February

Carnevale di Venezia, the Venice Carnival, is one of the biggest and most famous celebrations in the Roman Catholic calendar. Dating back to the 12th century, it was traditionally a final period of indulgence before Lent. Today, it remains a spectacular sight of masks, costumes and theatrical flair.

Throughout the city, especially around Piazza San Marco, you’ll see elaborately dressed revellers in ornate masks and period gowns posing against a backdrop of palaces and misty canals. There are parades, live performances, masquerade balls and special events held across Venice, creating a magical, slightly surreal atmosphere. Do be aware that nearly all events occur on weekends, with the largest celebrations on the first and last weekend of February. So, if you visit during the week, you might not see any of the festivities.

What to pack when visiting Venice in the Winter

With it being winter, the best thing to pack is layers, particularly if you plan to be outside exploring the city. Make sure to have the following:

• A waterproof jacket
• Hat, scarf and gloves
• A warm coat
• Sunglasses (just in case!)

Where to Stay in Venice in the Winter

Personally, I would recommend staying in the city itself. It is more expensive than staying further out and getting the train in each day. But it gives you the chance to see the city in the evening when the daytrippers have left. Plus, it helps support the city, which is suffering from overtourism from daytrippers. Venice is expensive for accommodation, but here are some recommendations for each budget:

BUDGET: Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo: A lovely, well-reviewed hotel in the Santa Croce district with cosy rooms and excellent value for money. It’s a short stroll from the Grand Canal and within easy walking distance of major sights, making it a great base if you want to stay central without paying luxury prices.

MID-RANGE: Palazzo Veneziano – Stylish and contemporary with comfortable rooms and great service, right along the Zattere waterfront.

LUXURY: The Gritti Palace – One of Venice’s most iconic luxury hotels, overlooking the Grand Canal and offering timeless elegance, superb service and an unforgettable experience.

How to get to Venice

• By plane: Venice has two airports, Venice Marco Polo Airport, the main international airport located just across the lagoon, and Treviso Airport, which is smaller and mainly used by low-cost airlines. From Marco Polo, you can reach the city by water bus (Alilaguna), private water taxi, or bus to Piazzale Roma. From Treviso, regular buses connect to Venice in around an hour.
• By train: Alternatively, if you are combining your trip to Venice with other parts of Italy, you can get the train to Venezia Santa Lucia. When you arrive, you immediately step out into the heart of Venice. From Milan it takes around 2.5 hours from Milan Central Station. From Verona it is around 1 hour.
• By car: You can drive to Venice, but as you cannot drive in the city, you need to park the car and leave it at the edge of the city. The best place to park is Tronchetto. A large parking island just before Piazzale Roma is usually slightly cheaper. You can then take the People Mover or vaporetto into Venice. You can park in Piazzle Roma, but this is the most expensive option.

Check out my other Venice posts:

• Best Things to Do in Venice: The Ultimate Budget-to-Luxury Travel Guide
• Best views in Venice to photograph
• 3 days in Venice itinerary for the most amazing break
  

If you liked this post on Venice in the winter, please consider supporting me and saving it for later!