Throughout the ages, Venice has seen its fair share of tourists and the residents seem to have a love/hate relation with them. Venice relies on the tourist dollars but at the same time they feel that the tourists are destroying the city they love. I believe that they have a good argument so let’s do everything in our power to not contribute to the problem.
Below is a very basic list of “what not to do” while in Venice, there are a few of them that could come with a fine or even arrest if ignored. Please don’t contribute to the ugly tourist image!
If you go to the Venezia Autentica site, https://veneziaautentica.com/to-know-before-coming-to-venice/, you will get a much better idea of the laws and rules of Venice. The NOT TO DO images below are from their site because it explains these rules so well & I just love that lion!
FIRST – This one isn’t illegal, it’s a scam warning. Be aware! Before you sit down for a drink in St. Mark’s Square, some of the businesses will charge a “cover charge” for the music, in addition to whatever you order.
DO NOT FEED THE PIGEONS, or any other bird for that matter! You could be fined over 500 euros.
Do not sit on the bridges or in the alleys. The streets of Venice are narrow, stay to the right & keep moving.
Do not wear your bathing suit or go shirtless while touring, you are not at the beach, it is considered disrespectful. Also, no matter how hot you get, DO NOT SWIM in the canals. The city’s sewage system is very old & it has to go somewhere…..yes, in the canals. The canals are the roadway of the city, you might get run over. It’s also illegal to swim in the canals.
It is prohibited to eat a picnic or “packed lunch” while walking, sitting or standing in San Marco Square. You will get fined!
It is illegal to buy from an illegal vendor.
Do not leave your trash laying around or throw it into the canal, find a trash can or take it with you!
Remember, Venice is not a theme park, people live there, please respect their city and the people who call it home.
