Top Reasons to Visit Venice in Winter

Venice is a remarkable place – a beautiful city consisting of over a hundred islands connected by canals and bridges. From the city center to the less frequented Torcello island, there are plenty of things to visit, meaning it gets pretty busy. So, planning a trip in the off-season might be the most promising thing for you, and luckily, there are many reasons to visit Venice in Winter.

Whether it’s the holiday festivities or local celebrations and carnivals, the winter season can be the optimal time to enjoy a memorable vacation in Venice. The weather may not be at its greatest, with low winter temperatures and occasional Venice floods, but that isn’t a dealbreaker. If you don’t mind colder weather, you can reap the benefits of fewer crowds and lower prices at Venice’s best hotels.

In Venice, winter can also mean easier access to museums and churches, like the Doge’s apartments, St. Mark’s Basilica, or the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. The same goes for local restaurants. Either way, visiting Venice in winter has plenty of perks, and this guide will take you through some of the best.

Top Reasons to Visit Venice in the Winter

Venice, Italy, in wintertime, can be a prime time to enjoy the city and is very different from other seasons. From the magical decorations in Piazza San Marco during Christmas to tasty seasonal dishes and beverages, these are the seven prime reasons for visiting Venice this time of year.

Fewer Crowds

Venice sees over five million visitors yearly, so the relatively small city can get extremely packed with tourists. That said, most visitors travel to the city in the warmer months, so one of the biggest perks of a winter trip to Venice is the fewer crowds.

Lower average temperatures and the fact that it is flood season tend to keep a large portion of travelers away. Don’t worry – the rising tides, also called acqua alta, aren’t as big a problem as you’d think. The reality is that significant flooding is quite rare.

Fewer tourists mean local attractions, like the Peggy Guggenheim Museum or Doge’s Palace, are rarely booked. That means you can enjoy them without waiting in long queues or struggling for tickets. The same goes for public places, like Rialto Bridge, which will be less busy.

However, remember that this doesn’t apply during particular festivities in winter, like Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or Carnevale. The crowds increase during these times as visitors, understandably, want to join in on the incredible local celebrations.

Lower Prices

It goes without saying that a decrease in tourists comes with lower demand and, as a result, lower prices.

The best hotels can often be too pricey during summer or spring, and winter is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the price drops. Whether you want a hotel in a high-demand location in the city center, like in St. Mark’s Square or the Castello neighborhood, you’ll save on accommodation.

Lower prices also apply to travel expenses, from flights to ferries and public transport, and ticket prices to local attractions. Besides tours and experiences being cheaper, there’s a much greater chance of booking them on short notice. You might even find that restaurants are offering deals and discounts on meals.

Once again, expect prices to increase during festivities, especially Carnevale in February.

Magical Christmas Lights in Piazza San Marco

There isn’t anything quite as breathtaking as the Christmas lights in Venice in winter, with each glittering light reflecting against the waters of the canals. Christmas decorations are set up throughout the city during the festive season, from the markets in Piazza Ferretto to Campo Santo Stefano. Though, the city’s main square is the best place to see them.

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) is brimming with holiday cheer and magical scenery. Bright fairy lights hang under the arches surrounding the piazza, illuminating the Gothic Architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile di San Marco (bell tower). The decorations also extend to the interior of cafés and restaurants.

The standout is the tall and elegant Christmas tree in the middle of the square, which can be seen from the Grand Canal. The tree usually sits between the Doge’s Palace and the Marciana Library. It stands nearly 50 feet tall and is adorned with stunning lights, golden ornaments, and a brilliant star at the top. While the style of the tree may vary each year, it never gets less impressive.

The lights in Piazza San Marco go up at the beginning of December and stay up until around early January.

Local Vibe

In general, the vibe of Venice in winter is both scenic and serene. Like any popular destination, the large tourist crowds can deter locals from enjoying their favorite spots. With fewer crowds to contend with in winter, it’s easier to see the city for what it is and see how Venetians go about their day.

On a typical winter day, you can go for a short walk beside the Grand Canal or through the charming streets and piazzas. A few people may be on a gondola ride or doing something like ice skating in Campo San Polo. Of course, locals browse local markets and enjoy time in cozy cafés and pubs.

The festive season also brings beautiful decorations, warm and inviting Venetians enjoying the holidays, and fun winter-based activities.

Winter Light and Mysterious Atmosphere

Another worthwhile feature of Venice in winter is the mysterious atmosphere created by the winter weather. In the early morning, the city can get covered in a blanket of fog that creates a mystical and dreamlike vibe. The misty air settles over the Grand Canal and city streets, making for some gorgeous photos.

Venice’s low winter light is another breathtaking feature, with the sun casting a warm glow and a colorful gradient in the sky. While it’s not quite the snowy winter wonderland you’d expect, the lighting and foggy weather can make Venice one of the most beautiful Italian cities to witness.

Delicious Seasonal Dishes and Drinks

Like any destination, there are seasonal delicacies that change wherever you go. When visiting Venice in winter, food typically involves hearty vegetables, citrus fruits, fried pastries, comforting plates of pasta, and warm drinks. There are always plenty of choices.

When visiting Venice, Italy, in the winter season, be on the lookout for some of these recommended dishes and drinks:

• Casunziei – Casunziei is a type of stuffed pasta that is local to the Veneto region. The half-moon-shaped pasta is stuffed with a warm ricotta and beetroot filling and topped with melted butter, parmesan cheese, and poppy seeds.

• Frittelle – Fritelle are tasty fried pastries made from an enriched dough, usually with raisins or citrus zest. They come with different fillings, from vanilla cream to decadent chocolate, and can be topped with nuts or powdered sugar. They are only available during the Venetian Carnival period.

• Vin Brulé – Italian mulled wine is served in wintertime across the country, particularly at Christmas markets. Vin brulé is made from red wine that is brought to a boil and flavored with spices and fruit, usually cinnamon and orange peels.

• Italian Hot Chocolate – Nothing is better to stay warm on a cold winter day than a cup of delicious hot chocolate. The Italian variety is much thicker and decadent than the typical drink, made from melted chocolate, cocoa powder, milk, and cornstarch.

Carnevale di Venezia in February

One of the outstanding things about Venice in Winter is the Carnevale di Venezia. The Venice Carnival is a multi-day celebration held every February that lasts around two weeks. It is a significant part of Venetian history that was only recently revitalized in the 1970s and now brings millions of visitors to the city each year.

During the festival, people dress up in elaborate period costumes, wear intricate masks, and parade through the streets in celebration. The once-in-a-lifetime experience boasts brilliant colors, live music and entertainment, and markets where you can buy Venetian masks of your own.

Those who dress up will show off their fantastical outfits in parades and shows through the city streets. The opening parade, in particular, takes place on the weekend before the commencement of the festival. Various performers and locals showcase their colorful costumes in gondolas along the Grand Canal during this opening.

There are also shows like the Volo dell’Angelo in Piazza San Marco. Various masquerade balls and opulent parties are also held across the city, some invitation-only, others paid for, and the rest free public parties.

Things to Do in Venice, Italy, in Winter

Now that you know some reasons to travel to the city in winter, here are some activities to add to your Venice itinerary. There are many incredible things to do when you visit Venice, whether visiting popular attractions at discounted prices or going on a gondola ride on the calm canals. Here are some top-tier experiences to try, narrowed down.

Enjoy Museums and Churches Crowd-Free

As mentioned before, one of the perks of Venice in winter is the fact that tourist crowds die down. Museums and churches are among Venice’s main attractions, and they can get swamped, particularly in the summer months, so winter is the perfect time to explore them.

Museums like the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art and the Accademia Gallery are great places to visit during winter. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which has an extensive array of European and American art on display, is another good choice. Oh, and make sure to visit Doge’s Palace, as this is the most visited museum in Venice, with over a million visitors a year.

Of course, no visit to Venice is complete without admiring the grandeur of its churches and basilicas. St. Mark’s Basilica is the most popular choice, and fewer crowds means a more comfortable experience. You can also try Salute Church, also called Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, or the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore overlooking the Venetian lagoon.

No matter where you choose, you’ll have an easier time booking tickets since there is a lower demand.

Try Popular Restaurants

The key to enjoying any meal in Venice or Italy in general is making restaurant reservations, especially for the more popular locations. The most highly-rated restaurants are often fully booked well ahead of time. In wintertime, booking a table at these places is much easier, so you can find a reprieve from the cold weather and enjoy a warm, hearty meal.

Here are some popular restaurant recommendations to try out:

• Trattoria al Gatto Nero – This is a fabulous spot on Burano overlooking the colorful buildings along the Fondamenta della Giudecca canal. Trattoria al Gatto Nero specializes in Venetian seafood cuisine and serves each dish with a phenomenal wine list.

• Al Covo – Ristorante Al Cavo in Venezia is a warm and inviting restaurant with both outdoor and indoor dining to escape the chilly weather. The rustic atmosphere is perfect for a hearty meal and some drinks.

• Enoteca al Volto – This spot is another fantastic option that is typically very busy, given its location near Rialto Bridge. Enoteca al Volto is a charming wine bar that serves classic Venetian cuisine, wines, and cicchetti bar snacks.

Shop for Local Artisan Products

It’s always a good idea to buy some keepsakes when visiting another country, whether as a gift for family back home or yourself. One of the city’s hallmarks is the local artisans who work on their crafts to create unique products, and winter sees an influx of market activity.

There is something for everyone – from leather bags, porcelain bowls, vases, and detailed paintings to Murano glass miniatures and bead creations. There are also several spots to buy clothing, shoes, and jewelry for every style. If you plan on participating in Carnevale, you will be able to find many markets and shops that sell the most intricate and wonderfully designed masks.

The top places to shop for these artisan products are typically the more famous Rialto Market or shops on Rialto Bridge. When you go to Venice in winter, many Christmas markets pop up across the city, like those at Campo Santo Stefano, Campo San Luca, or Campo San Salvador. That said, there are small local stores almost everywhere you look, so keep an eye out.

Take a Cicchetti Tour

Cicchetti is a type of small snack or finger food, the Venetian equivalent of tapas or appetizers, served at local bàcari bars. It’s small, savory, and full of flavor, and it can include any range of meats, cheeses, fish, or breads. It is usually served with a glass of wine on the side.

Cicchetti can come as crispy crostini topped with tuna or fried cheese croquettes. The combinations are endless, and finding the right places to try them can be overwhelming. That’s why tours are an unbeatable way to explore the top-notch spots. Local guides will share the standout locations and help you decide on the tastiest treats to try.

To save you the worry of deciding, here are some recommended tours:

• Small Group Cicchetti and Wine Tour
• Spritz and Cichetti as a Venetian – Private Tour
• Food Tasting Tour with Cicchetti Dishes and Wine
• 10 shades of Cicchetti and Wine

Attend a Masquerade Ball (Carnevale)

Last on the list of things to do in Venice (and probably the most exciting of all) is to attend a masquerade ball. While there are public events during Carnevale, like Festa delle Marie in Piazza San Marco, most masquerade balls are private and cost a pretty penny. In the end, it will be worth every cent.

The more exclusive and opulent parties are held in historical palaces and theaters. The Tiepolo Ball is one of the more prestigious events in the magnificent La Fenice Theatre. Another is the Doge’s Ball, which, as the name suggests, is held in Doge’s Palace. The official website of the Carnevale di Venezia offers its Carnival Official Dinner Show, too.

These events are as grand and dazzling as you’d expect. Guests wear their mandatory period-themed costumes and Venetian masks and indulge in five-course meals, live opera singers, dancing, and other flamboyant performances.

If you want to attend one of these amazing balls, it’s essential to book tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly. You can do this by visiting the official websites for relevant events.

Visiting Venice in Winter – Wrapped Up

There you have it – everything special about winter in Venice, Italy.

You are able to explore indoor attractions like the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and Santa Maria della Salute without worrying about crowds. Perhaps indulge in the food scene and try seasonal dishes across the city, or party with the locals at the vibrant Carnevale.

While the weather may be colder and there are some rainy days, the atmosphere and charm of the city are unbeatable. Don’t let the cooler season deter you from embarking on your next journey to the Floating City. There is plenty to look forward to on a winter trip to Venice.

To learn more about the winter weather in Venice and get some more highlights, check out these three guides for visiting Italy in each of the winter months:

• Italy in December
• Italy in January
• Italy in February

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