First up, let's talk about the tourism taxes. When you stay overnight in Venice, you'll need to pay a tourist tax. This applies to all non-residents staying in hotels (in a hotel, hostel, or any other type of accommodation), for up to five consecutive days. 

The tax ranges from 1 to 5 euros per person per night, depending on the season and type of accommodation. High season runs from February 1st to December 31st, and low season is January 1st to January 31st.

Children under 10 and disabled individuals are exempt, and those aged 10 to 16 receive a 50% discount. This small fee makes a big difference in preserving the beauty of Venice for everyone.

Your contribution helps Venice maintain its cultural heritage and improve services like museums and public transport.

Currency in Venice

In Venice, like the rest of Italy, the official currency is the Euro (€). The Euro is divided into 100 cents. Prices are usually shown like this: €10.00 (ten euros) or €3.14 (three euros and 14 cents).

Euros come in bills and coins, with bills being different colors depending on their value. It's a good idea to learn the colors (€500- purple, €200- yellow, €100- green, and so on) so you can quickly tell how much you have.

Banks in Venice

Venice's banks are typically open from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and from 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Some banks offer 24-hour services through ATMs, so you can access your money anytime.

How to Exchange Currency in Venice

If you need to exchange your money for euros, you can visit one of the city's currency exchange offices. These offices will exchange your currency for a small commission. You’ll also find currency exchange services at the airport and train stations, though they often charge higher fees.

You can also exchange currency at post offices, hotels, and travel agencies. These services also charge a commission.

For convenience, you might prefer using a credit or debit card. However, be aware that your bank might charge an exchange fee for each transaction. To avoid this, consider using a prepaid travel card.

Understanding Acqua Alta

A few times a year, mainly in autumn and winter, Venice experiences "Acqua Alta" or high tide. This happens due to specific weather and astronomical conditions, causing the lagoon's water level to rise and submerge parts of the city, especially lower areas.

Areas Affected by High Tide

Not all of Venice is submerged during high tide. Flooding varies by area, with some parts more prone to submersion. The San Marco area and Dorsoduro district are the lowest and flood easily.

Rialto and Punta della Salute are also frequently affected. However, most high tides only cover about 3-4% of the city.

How to equip to deal with high water in Venice

High tide in Venice is manageable. To minimize inconvenience, you should be prepared. In most cases, rubber boots up to the knee are sufficient. You can also use "pocket boots," foldable and easy to carry.

Both types of boots are available in shops near the station or Piazzale Roma. Be aware that prices might increase during high tide.

Check the tide center's signals to know when to wear or carry your boots.

What to Do During High Tide

High tide often affects only small parts of Venice, so you can usually do everything you planned. Venice has elevated walkways that allow you to access most of the historic center during high tide. Public transport also continues to operate smoothly.

Don’t let high tide deter you from enjoying Venice. Venetians have adapted to this phenomenon for years. Take the opportunity to visit places made more interesting by high tide, like the Acqua Alta library.

Even during exceptional tides, the high water lasts about 3-4 hours. Use this time to experience something unique—walking through a city submerged by water. It’s a memorable experience that only Venice can offer.

Bringing Your Pets to Venice

Venice is a pet-friendly city where dogs and cats are welcome. Pets can be seen navigating the city’s streets and bridges comfortably. It’s recommended to microchip and tag your pets with your contact information in case they get lost in the bustling crowds.

Tips and Rules for Dogs in Venice

When bringing your dog to Venice, be prepared with poop bags and a water supply. It's essential to clean up after your pet to keep the city clean and enjoyable for everyone. Dogs of all sizes are allowed on vaporettos (water buses) and other public transport for free, provided they are leashed and muzzled. Smaller pets like cats can travel comfortably in a travel crate, although a ticket is required if the crate exceeds certain dimensions.

Getting Around Venice with Your Pet

Moving around Venice with your pet shouldn’t pose major challenges. However, be mindful that the city’s terrain—full of stairs, bridges, and stone paths—can be tiring for animals unaccustomed to such conditions. Despite this, public transport is pet-friendly, and gondoliers often allow dogs onboard, particularly on ferry gondolas crossing the Grand Canal.

Green Areas and Pet-Friendly Activities

Venice offers a few green spaces where your dog can stretch its legs. Giardino Savorgnan and Villa Graggia in Cannaregio are popular choices. Additionally, after the Accademia bridge, there’s a smaller area on the right bank.

Beyond parks, many establishments in Venice are pet-friendly, from shops to restaurants and hotels. You can enjoy exploring the city’s unique spots like the famous Acqua Alta library, where cats freely roam among floating books. It’s a haven for book lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.

When in Venice, knowing about available health services is crucial for your peace of mind. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Emergency Services

• In case of emergencies, dial 118, the national emergency number in Italy, available 24/7 for free on both landlines and mobile phones.

• There is a first aid point at Lido di Venezia for immediate medical help.

“Salute in Rete” Project

Managed by Local Health Services (Ulss 3 Serenissima), this project offers medical care through various centers and equipment across Venice:

• St. Mark's Square First Aid Point and Piazzale Roma First Aid Point provide immediate medical help.

• Cardiac Life Support includes 50 defibrillators distributed throughout the city.

• Health-in-Touch service operates daily from April 1st to October 31st, providing tourist information in Italian and English from 8 am to 6 pm.

Pharmacies and Doctor Services

Pharmacies are open weekdays with a break midday and limited hours on Saturdays; night service information is posted at each pharmacy. For emergencies outside pharmacy hours, a doctor is on call daily from 8 pm to 8 am the following day and extended hours on holidays.

Doctor Services for Tourists

For tourists, a doctor is available exclusively from June 13th to September 15th, with clinic hours and home visits from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The clinic is located at Via Lisbona 1 Ca' Vio-Cavallino, Venice.

Hospitals and Specialized Clinics

Venice offers several hospitals and specialized clinics across different districts, ensuring comprehensive medical services for residents and visitors alike.

Knowing these details ensures you can enjoy Venice with confidence, knowing you have access to necessary health services if needed.

When in Venice, you have several options for storing your luggage:

• Venezia - Santa Lucia Train Station: Located along platform 1 inside the railway station.

• Venezia - Mestre Train Station: Found along platform 1 inside the railway station.

• Marco Polo Airport - Tessera: Outside the terminal next to Entrance 1, operated by Cooperativa Trasbagagli.

• Piazzale Roma - Venice: Secure storage inside the City Parking Garage "Autorimessa Comunale" and at The Golden Luggage nearby.

• Automatic Lockers - STOW YOUR BAGS: Available at STAZIONE SANTA LUCIA and RIALTO locations.

• Automated Storage Vaise: Found at San Marco - Fenice and Piazzale Roma - Terminal bus locations.

• These places provide easy ways to store your things while you explore Venice.

In Venice, you'll find numerous Internet points frequented by students and tourists. Residents, workers, and students from the area enjoy free Wi-Fi. Visitors can purchase access through the city's official site.

Telephone Services in Venice

In each district of Venice, known as "sestiere," you'll find public telephones readily available. Telephone cards can be purchased from tobacconists, newsagents, post offices, and currency exchange offices.

When calling an Italian number within Italy, dial "0" followed by the city area code (e.g., 041 for Venice) and the recipient's number (e.g., 123456).

To call an Italian number from abroad, dial "00" for international access, then "39" for Italy, followed by the city area code and the recipient's number (e.g., 00 39 041 123456).

For international calls while in Italy, dial "00," the country code, the city area code (without the initial "0"), and then the recipient's number (e.g., 00 33 for France).

To make calls through the international operator or Telecom Italia, dial "170." These guidelines ensure you can easily make local and international calls while visiting Venice.

Events and Festivals Not to Miss in Venice

Venice hosts many events and festivals each year that showcase its culture and traditions.

January: Witness the fiery celebrations of Brusa la Vecia/Piroea Paroea on Epiphany Eve. Bonfires are lit throughout Venice, with a special "fortune teller" predicting the future based on the direction of the sparks.

February: Immerse yourself in the magic of Venice carnival, a world-famous tradition dating back almost 1,000 years. Don a Venetian mask, handcrafted in the city, and join elaborate masked balls and parties for an unforgettable experience.

April: Celebrate Venice's patron saint, St. Mark, with a joyous festival. This ancient tradition features parades, concerts, and special awards honoring those who embody Venetian values.

May: Take part in the Vogalonga, a unique rowing race open to enthusiasts from all over. Navigate the stunning canals of Venice alongside fellow competitors in this international event.

June: Experience the lively Feast of San Pietro de Castéo. This vibrant celebration offers a taste of Venetian culture, with shows, exhibitions, traditional dances, and a delicious food festival.

July: Witness the dazzling fireworks display of the Feast of the Redeemer. This popular festival blends religious traditions with a spectacular light show, attracting visitors from around the globe.

August: Catch the prestigious Venice International Film Festival. Held at the Palazzo del Cinema on Lido Island, this two-week event showcases films and documentaries that set the stage for the upcoming awards season.

Plan your trip to Venice and experience the magic of its festivals firsthand!