Solo Travel in Venice: Everything You Need To Know To Love It

How to Get to Venice from the Airport (Venice Marco Polo – VCE)

Alright, let’s talk logistics! Specifically, how to get yourself from the Venice airport into actual Venice without wasting time or money like I did.

If you’re traveling solo (or just value your sanity), the easiest and most scenic way to get into the city is the Alilaguna water bus. 👉 Buy Water Bus Tickets Online.

It costs 18€, and depending on where you’re staying in Venice, it might drop you off pretty close to your hotel. Definitely worth checking which line gets you nearest before you land.

Now here’s where I messed up.

I got to Marco Polo airport feeling all confident. I’ve traveled solo a bunch, so I skipped the whole “research how to get to my hotel” step. Rookie mistake.

I followed the signs to public transportation (as one does), saw a counter that said “Tickets to Venice,” and figured, cool, I’ll just ask there.

I asked how to get to Venice, and without skipping a beat, they sold me a 10€ ATVO express bus ticket to Piazzale Roma (Venice’s main bus terminal). What they didn’t tell me? That a boat would’ve been faster and more direct.

Don’t get me wrong, the bus was clean, safe, and quick. But my hotel was near St. Mark’s Square, which meant I still had to walk 25 minutes (with luggage), then catch a vaporetto (Venice’s public transport boat), which cost me another 25€. Total? 35€. When I could’ve just hopped on the 18€ Alilaguna and arrived with way less hassle and fewer transfers.

So yeah, do a little pre-planning. Figure out where your hotel is and which Alilaguna line goes nearby. You’ll save time, money, and the headache of dragging your suitcase over a million bridges.

Other options:

• Taxi to Piazzale Roma: Around 40€ last I checked, but prices can change.
• Private water taxi: Super bougie and beautiful, but also pricey, like 100€+ pricey. If you’ve got the budget and want to feel like a Bond character, go for it. Otherwise, stick with the Alilaguna.

How Many Days to Spend in Venice

So Venice isn’t huge, but it is layered. You can technically “see” the main sights in a day or two, but if you really want to enjoy it. Just wander the quieter neighborhoods, discover little wine bars, get lost in the maze of alleys (in a fun way), I’d say plan for 3 full days.

If it’s your first time, give yourself at least 2 nights, minimum. That way you get one full day to hit the must-sees like Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Grand Canal, and another to just vibe. Maybe take a slow morning in Cannaregio or hop over to Murano or Burano.

Solo travel tip: Venice is way more enjoyable when you’re not rushing around like you’re in a race. It’s a city best experienced at a slower pace. Think espresso in the morning sun, spontaneous wine stops, and meandering without Google Maps on.

If you’re combining Venice with other Italian cities (like Florence or Rome), use it as your “slow down” stop. Three days is the perfect sweet spot! It was long enough to soak it in, short enough to keep the magic intact.

Is It Lonely for Women Traveling Alone in Italy?

If you’re new to solo travel, it can feel a little isolating at first…especially in a country where meals are slow and social, and everyone seems to be traveling in pairs or groups. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes so freeing.

One tip: line up a couple of organized activities early in your trip. It’s a great way to meet people, ease into solo travel, and feel a little more connected. Whether it’s a walking tour, a cooking class, or a food and wine crawl (my personal favorite).

And if you’re not quite ready to dive into solo travel alone, I’ve got you. I’m actually hosting an all-female group trip to Northern Italy, designed for women who want to explore confidently without doing it completely solo.

I also run a supportive, super-engaged Facebook group for women travelers! Perfect if you’re looking for tips, encouragement, or just a few friendly faces to cheer you on.

You’re never really alone when you have a travel community behind you.

Where to Stay in Venice (Especially for Solo Travelers)

Venice is stunning, but it’s also a logistical puzzle. No Ubers, no cars, just boats, bridges, and cobblestones.

So choosing the right area to stay in is super important…especially if you’re flying solo and not trying to drag a suitcase through a maze of alleys and stairs.

Areas to consider:

St. Mark’s Square

If it’s your first time, stay close to, but maybe not in St. Mark’s Square.

It’s tempting to stay right in the heart of the action, but trust me, that area gets wildly crowded and overpriced. Instead, look for spots in Castello or Dorsoduro. I found that they’re still central, but way more chill.

I stayed at Hotel Sernissima, which is right in the action. It is the perfect hotel that has all those venetian vibes, yet, updated. So if you are going to stay in this area, then I recommend this hotel.

Cannaregio

If you want peace, check out Cannaregio.

This was my favorite discovery. It’s more local, quieter at night, and still walkable to everything. Plus, there are amazing little bars and restaurants that aren’t packed with tourists.

Consider staying at:

• Ca’ Gottardi
• Ca’ Vendramin Zago

Piazzale Roma

For convenience (especially with luggage), consider staying near Santa Lucia train station or Piazzale Roma.

If you’re only in Venice for a short time or heading out early, staying near the main transit hubs saves you from dragging bags across bridges. Just note…it’s less “dreamy Venice” and more “practical Venice.”

Solo traveler tip: Look for a place with 24-hour check-in, good lighting at night, and preferably a front desk or host who can help you get oriented when you arrive.

Things to Do in Venice (That Aren’t Just the Typical Tourist Traps)

Alright, let’s skip the checklist vibes and talk about what actually made me love Venice the second time around.

Yes, the big sights are worth a quick look. Those include St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and a stroll down the Grand Canal, but Venice really shines in the in-between moments.

Here’s what I recommend if you want to experience Venice your way…especially as a solo traveler:

Wander Cannaregio at Sunset

No set plan, just go. This neighborhood has that local, lived-in feel that central Venice lacks.

Find a spot by the canal, order an Aperol Spritz (or a glass of vino), and soak it in. It’s peaceful, not packed with tourists, and perfect for solo wandering. I had a lovely time sitting at Birreria Zanon.

Do a Food + Wine Tour

This was honestly one of the best things I did in Venice. I joined a cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine tour, and not only was the food incredible, but I actually made friends with a few other solo travelers.

It’s low-pressure, fun, and gives you a taste of the real food scene! We checked out tiny local bars, standing with the locals, a glass of wine in hand, and a snack in the other. Highly recommend.

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

If you’re into art (or just want a quiet solo-friendly activity), this modern art museum is a vibe. Small, beautiful, right on the canal, and not overrun with crowds. You’ll leave inspired and relaxed.

Skip the gondola, ride a traghetto

Want the gondola photo opp without the 90€ price tag? Hop on a traghetto, a stripped-down gondola that locals use to cross the Grand Canal.

It costs about 2€, lasts under a minute, and you stand the whole time, but it’s charming in its own scrappy way.

Now, I am also one of those travelers who embrace the experience, so if you have the money, I would splurge and do the official gondola ride!

Take a Day Trip to Burano

Yes, it’s colorful. Yes, it’s touristy. Still SO worth it. Go early in the morning before the crowds, and you’ll get that magical, pastel dreamscape all to yourself. Great spot for solo exploring and snapping photos that don’t need filters.

👉 I recommend going on this tour which combines a spot in Murano.

Visit a Mask-Making Workshop

Skip the souvenir shops and find a real Venetian mask maker. Some studios offer quick demos or even mini workshops where you can paint your own.

It’s creative, surprisingly meditative, and a cool way to take home something meaningful.

Check Out:

• Sogno Veneziano
• La Bauta

Where (and What) to Eat & Drink in Venice

Venice is not known for being a foodie paradise, mostly because so many restaurants near tourist hotspots are overpriced and underwhelming.

But if you know where to go? You can eat really well here, and on a solo trip, food becomes a whole experience.

Here’s how I ate my way through Venice without falling into the “overpriced pasta and €8 Vino” trap:

Embrace Cicchetti Culture

Venice doesn’t do the long, sit-down dinner thing the way other Italian cities do. Instead, they have cicchetti bars, think Venetian tapas.

You walk in, grab a glass of wine or spritz, and snack on small bites like baccalà mantecato (creamy cod), crostini, or little fried seafood things.

It’s super social, super affordable, and perfect for solo travelers. You can hit a few spots in one night like a mini food crawl.

👉 The Tapas Tour I Went On!

Some great ones to check out:

• Cantina Do Mori – oldest bar in Venice, super atmospheric.
• Al Merca – tiny but legendary, right by the Rialto Market.
• Osteria All’Arco – classic local spot with amazing cicchetti.
• Bacaro Al Momoleto De Le Voie– My personal favorite! Try the octopus!

Sit-down Meals? Pick Wisely

If you do want to have a full meal, I found places in San Marco, San Polo, and Cannaregio all with fewer tourists, and friendly staff. 

Look for spots where Italians are actually eating, not just snapping photos. Ask your hotel or B&B host for recommendations, they know the gems.

Check Out:

• Ai Mercanti (San Marco)
• Osteria al Cantinon (Cannaregio)
• Bistro 1473 (San Polo)
• Ristorante San Silvestro (San Polo)
• Hostaria Castello (Castello)
• Cantina Vecia Carbonera (Cannaregio)

Solo Dining Tip: Sit Outside

If you’re solo and a little weird about eating alone (been there), sitting outside or at a bar makes it feel way more relaxed. 

People-watching in Venice is a sport, so just own it. Order a spritz and enjoy being in one of the most beautiful cities on earth.

Yes, the Gelato is Worth It

Not all gelato is created equal. Look for places that don’t have neon colors or mile-high displays. A few winners:

• Gelateria Ca’ D’Oro
• Gelatoteca Suso

Best Time to Visit Venice (It Makes a Difference)

Timing your trip to Venice is everything. Go during peak season, and you might end up swearing off the city like I did the first time. Go during the right window, though? Total game changer.

I went on my second solo trip in April, just before Easter and it was perfect. The weather was mild, the canals were still dreamy, and the crowds hadn’t completely descended yet. I actually had space to breathe, wander, and enjoy the city without feeling like I was in line for a theme park ride the whole time.

If you’re planning your trip, here’s what I’d suggest:

Best Months: Late March to mid-May or September to early October
These are your sweet spots. The weather should be nice, I was lucky enough to enjoy weather in the high 60s.

Avoid: Easter Week, Summer (June–August), and Carnival (February)

• Easter brings in huge crowds and inflated prices.
• Summer is hot, humid, and swarming with tourists. Also, mosquitoes.
• Carnival is beautiful and chaotic, but unless you’re going specifically for the experience, it’s probably more hassle than it’s worth.

On a budget? Avoid festival weeks
Venice hosts a ton of events, biennales, film festivals, regattas, and while they’re cool, they also send hotel prices through the roof.

If you’re flexible, aim for weeks where nothing major is happening. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll get a more relaxed vibe.

Safety in Venice: Should You Be Wary?

Honestly, I felt completely safe walking around Venice alone, even at night. Compared to other tourist-heavy cities like Milan or Naples, Venice felt way more relaxed and less chaotic.

It’s definitely one of the safer spots I’ve visited in Italy as a solo traveler. I loved not worrying about getting in the way of a scooter or car since there is only foot traffic in Venice. 

That said, you should still stay alert in busy areas like around St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge. Pickpockets love a distracted tourist, especially in crowded places.

Keep your bag zipped, don’t flash valuables, and trust your instincts. If you are looking for a stylish yet smart, anti-theft bag, I love this one. 

Unlike cities like Rome or Catania, I didn’t come across any neighborhoods in Venice that felt particularly sketchy. There’s no “bad part of town” vibe, just pockets that get super crowded and touristy.

One thing to watch out for: people trying to sell you random stuff or put on odd little “street shows” to distract you. If something feels off or someone’s being too pushy, just walk away. No need to engage.

Where to Go After Venice

One of the best things about Venice (aside from, you know, being Venice) is how well-connected it is to the rest of Northern Italy. If you’ve got more time, there are some amazing cities just a short train ride away.

Verona is my personal favorite! It’s super walkable, romantic without trying too hard, and way less touristy than Venice. From there, if you’re traveling during nice weather months like April, you have to check out Sirmione on Lake Garda. It’s picture-perfect and makes for an easy, relaxing day trip.

Other great options from Venice:

• Bologna – foodie heaven with a cool, student-town energy
• Milan – sleek, stylish, and great for fashion lovers
• Florence – classic Tuscany vibes and Renaissance everything

If you’re traveling in the off-season, like deep winter, I’d say skip the lake towns. A lot of the charm disappears when it’s cold and everything’s closed up.

Train travel is the way to go. It’s fast, safe, and scenic. I recommend downloading the Trenitalia app or using platforms like Omio to easily compare routes and buy tickets in English. Super solo-traveler friendly.