Is Venice Italy Safe? How To Stay Safe Traveling in 2024

Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by Audrey

Is Venice, Italy Safe to visit? I’ll cover everything you need to look out for, and whether the city is safe for travelers this year.

Thinking about traveling to Venice?

This beautiful city is famous for its enchanting water canals, sunset gondola rides, and historic architecture. When I visited I absolutely fell in love with the romantic waterways and the delicious food (seafood and pasta, all day every day!) It is renowned for landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the bustling Piazza San Marco, but my personal favorite was Doge’s Palace!

An island city, Venice’s unique layout on a network of islands connected by bridges can’t be found anywhere else. It’s also celebrated for its rich history, art, and the annual Carnival, which brings the city to life with elaborate masks and costumes.

But with all its charm and beauty, the question remains: is Venice safe to travel? I’ll go over whether the city is safe for travelers, and any crimes you might encounter during your stay. (Spoiler: The city is very safe!)

Check out my Venice 2-day Itinerary for all the info on what to do, where to go, and how to have the best vacation in Venice!

Is Venice Italy safe to travel to?

Quick Answer: Yes! Venice is considered very safe, with very low levels of crime.

Compared to other cities that are also tourist hotspots, Venice is considered very safe, for several reasons. There are low levels of crime, and the most you’ll probably encounter are petty scams or pickpocketing. Gondola rides, possibly the most popular attraction in the city, are regulated with standardized prices, deterring scammers from hiking up the price.

The intricate waterways reduce the number of cars on the road, reducing the amount of traffic accidents. It’s a walking city that is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.

More importantly, when you walk the streets of Venice you just feel comfortable. I would walk around at night often, and the city always felt very calm and peaceful. Even when there were only a few people around, I didn’t feel unsafe at any moment.

Crime in Venice

Let’s talk a little bit about statistics!

In a survey completed between 2018-2022, it was found that the crime rate in Venice is 7,500 per 100,000 people or 0.075%. If I compare that to where I live, San Francisco, California has about 40,000 incidences of property crime alone per 100,000 people. That’s a 0.4% chance of property crime alone happening in San Francisco versus 0.07% of any crime happening in Venice!

However, that’s not to say that Venice is 100% free from crime. The two crimes you’d be most likely to encounter here are pickpocketing, followed by scams.

pickpocketing

There were 5,000 reported cases of pickpocketing in Venice in 2022, which in the grand scheme of things, isn’t even that much. However, it’s important to still be aware that it can happen and know how to prevent it. In addition to traditional pickpocketing, purse snatching, and phone grabbing can also happen.

Tourists are the number one target for thieves because we hold on to all of our stuff: cash, phones, passports, etc. Not to mention, we’re often fighting jet lag and fatigue while wandering in an unfamiliar place.

💡 Pro Tip: Be aware of distraction techniques. Thieves work in pairs or groups often! One person will distract you while others will attempt to take your belongings.

I was almost pickpocketed before while I was traveling on the Paris Metro.

A teenager distracted me and my partner, while two young kids opened our bags. I never even felt anything or saw what these kids looked like. They were that good! Luckily, a kind civilian noticed what was happening and shooed them away. I was majorly spooked after that, but we flew home shortly after.

Trust me, it can happen to anyone.

Tips to Avoid Pickpocketing

👛 Keep your passport, wallet, phone, and essentials in a secure location, and always in front of you.

👀 Stay vigilant in a crowd, especially if there’s a commotion. Lots of noises and distractions give thieves opportunities to bump into you, grab your stuff, and slip away.

💳 Don’t carry a large amount of cash at once. Make sure to separate your cash and leave whatever you don’t need back in your hotel in a lockbox or hidden area. Most places will accept a credit card.

👝 Don’t leave your bag over your chair when eating in an outdoor restaurant, and never leave it unattended. Most restaurants in Italy have beautiful outdoor dining areas with incredible views. You’ll most likely be sitting outside most of the time, so make sure to always keep your things with you.

🚫 Don’t sign fake petitions or donate to charities, scammers use this as a distraction to steal from you.

🎒 Never set down valuable items on a train seat or restaurant table (cameras, phones, wallets). People will snatch them up before you know it. Or even worse, you may just forget about it and lose it!

🚂 Be on guard in train stations, especially if anyone tries to talk to you or bumps into you.

👖 Don’t put anything in your back pockets, it’s very easy for people to grab things from there.

📱 Consider using a tracker like an Airtag on your wallet or bag, to help you track the thief.

💎 Don’t put anything on you worth stealing: leave the expensive jewelry and bags at home!

Book travel insurance just in case something happens on your trip. VisitorsCoverage will insure you for any trip-related issues, as well as medical problems.

Scams

Scams are the second most common crime that you may encounter on your trip, and they can come in many shapes and sizes. Hope you’re ready for some story time!

Hotel Listing Scam

I fell for two scams on my Europe trip, one before my trip, and one during. The first one was a falsified listing on Booking.com. It was a beautiful apartment with a great price (a.k.a, too good to be true), and they said they were having trouble with the site and to message them on WhatsApp. Then they told me to pay via TripAdvisor. The site looked extremely legitimate, and I fell for it.

I lost $1000 by wiring money to them and felt like a complete idiot. I still feel stupid every time I think about that incident, it was a big stain on my perfect record of never-getting-scammed.

Well, I guess I was lucky enough that it was $1000 and not $10,000… right?

Street Game Scam

The second scam I encountered was on the streets in Venice, where a few people played a game hiding a rock under cups and moving the cups around. I bet $1000 you’ve seen this around before!

The first woman won easily, and in retrospect was most likely an accomplice. It was all part of their plot!! Anyway, I really thought I knew where it was located, and lost a quick 50 euros in two seconds by betting.

Street Entertainment Scam (or as I like to refer to it, Pigeon Scam)

My partner fell prey to a scam when he wanted to take a picture with the huge crowd of pigeons in San Marco Square (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you see them).

A man was feeding the pigeons, which is illegal, and gave my boyfriend money to feed them. Also illegal. Then he got really really angry and threw the food at us when we gave him a few dollars as a tip. The whole incident was just unsavory.

Don’t feed those pigeons. It’ll do you no good.

Some other common scams:

👉 Getting overcharged for goods or services, knowing that you are a tourist. (Extra items on your restaurant bill, or a hefty price for a taxi ride.)

✋ Street performers offering things to you, or free pictures with an entertainer. Even if you don’t want it, they may force it on you and then charge you money.

👉 Unofficial taxis that hike up the price.

✋ ATM scams where they steal your debit card information.

👉 Flagging you down on the highway to help with a flat tire, or claiming that you caused injury to their vehicle and making you pay for the damage.

The list goes on. Trust me, there are countless other schemes that scammers are inventing every day. I may have scared you with some of our horror stories, but as long as you keep calm and stay observant, you’ll be fine in Venice.

Tips to Avoid Scams

💳 Use your credit card to pay for goods and services. If it turns out to be a scam, you can cancel it.

🧾 Check your receipt after meals to make sure that no extra charges were added.

🚕 If you ride in a taxi, make sure the meter is running before you start the ride, and ask for a fare estimate before getting in. You can also check the general mileage and duration of the route before heading out.

🙅‍♀️ Don’t participate in street games, and decline when someone tries to offer you something like jewelry for free on the street.

💶 If you need to withdraw cash, check the ATM for any signs of tampering. Or better yet, go directly inside the bank to withdraw.

Major Crime in Venice

There’s not really much major crime in Venice!

I couldn’t really find many statistics about serious crimes in Venice. All I was able to find was the number of sexual violence cases reported in 2022, which was 530. For reference, the population in Venice is a little more than 250,000. That’s about a 0.002 chance!

I personally felt like Venice was tremendously safe, even during nighttime. I think you’ll be just fine.

Are there places to avoid in Venice?

Honestly? Not really…

I will say that San Marco is one of the most crowded areas, so the chances of getting scammed or pickpocketed there are higher. However, it makes sense as many significant landmarks, shops, and restaurants are located around the area. As long as you’re vigilant, San Marco is perfectly safe and I actually recommend staying there.

10 Safety tips for traveling in Venice

1. Keep your valuables close to you

Keep your passport, wallet, and phone in a secure location that isn’t easily opened. I never put my essentials in my pockets because I’m so paranoid about pickpocketers. I like to carry a crossbody bag that can’t be pulled off of me easily.

Some people wear money belts or something with a strap you can wrap around your wrist or neck. You could also consider buying an anti-theft bag, which will have RFID blocking, lockable zippers, and/or hidden pockets. I like this fanny pack because it’s RFID blocking, they have multiple cute colors, and it’s affordable.

2. Take caution when wearing expensive items

I used to travel with luxury bags, and while many people do carry luxury items in Europe (it’s where most are made, after all), it does make you look pretty alluring to thieves.

After wearing my Chanel bag around in Paris, I quickly found out I was a prime target. I thought it would be okay because a lot of other people were wearing luxury items, but then I almost got pickpocketed. Be extra vigilant if you decide to bring the Dior out for the day.

Now, I carry bags that I don’t care for and don’t stand out and can be carried crossbody so they can’t be grabbed.

3. Always Check Your Hotel Thoroughly

Sometimes, things get stolen. But sometimes, things simply get lost! Don’t forget to check everywhere before you move hotels. Under the pillow, under the bed… you’d be surprised how things end up in random places.

Once I lost my $600 necklace in Vegas and had no idea how. Luckily my friend had a later flight and found it before she left. Where was it? Under the bed!

The worst situation would be to lose your passport in a random place and get stuck in an overseas country. Keeping your essential belongings with you is key to staying safe while traveling.

4. Try Not to Look Lost

It’s best to look at your route before you start heading out, as standing in one spot and looking confused or distracted will definitely scream ‘I’m a tourist’.

Try to keep on the move if you can, and stay vigilant of your surroundings.

5. Use official taxi cabs

Licensed taxi drivers have to undergo background checks and professional training in order to be certified. Always look for a taxi in official taxi stands, which are located in almost all major tourist areas and highly populated areas. Never flag down a random cab on the street, as the chance of encountering a scammer will be higher.

When you’re traveling in Italy, I recommend checking out the FreeNow App (Previously MyTaxi). It lets you order a taxi from your phone and tells you the fare estimate before booking, reducing the chances of running into potential scammers or language barrier issues!

If you don’t want to wait in line for the water bus, booking a water taxi from the airport is faster and more convenient.

6. Learn a few basic phrases

It’s a good idea to know some basic Italian phrases to have an easier time navigating the city and to get yourself out of a sticky situation if need be.

• Ciao! (Chow): Hello!
• Parla Inglese? (Pah-la een-glay-zeh): Do you speak English?
• No, Grazie! (No, graht-see-eh): No thank you! (There’s also Vattene, which means Go Away! If someone is being too aggressive).
• Permesso (Pehr-mehs-soh): Excuse me (Passing by someone)
• Dov’è ____ (doh-whey): Where is ____?
• Il bagno (eel ban-nyo): The bathroom
• Per favore (Pehr fah-voh-reh): Please
• Grazie (graht-see-eh): Thank you!

7. Understand cultural norms

There are certain areas in Italy where visitors need to dress conservatively, with knees and shoulders covered. Not understanding the cultural expectations could make you stick out like a sore thumb and make you a prime target.

Understand what is allowed and what is frowned upon in order for your trip to flow smoothly.

8. Know emergency numbers

• Police: 112
• Fire Brigade: 115
• Medical Emergency: 118
• Carabinieri of the Piazzale Roma (bus station): +39 041 523 53 33
• Police station of San Marco: +39 041 270 55 11

9. Before you pay for something, think about it

Does it sound too good to be true? Is it super cheap, and significantly cheaper than the competition? You need to do more investigation because it’s probably not real.

Remember the time I got scammed by the fake Booking.com account? It’s because the apartment looked absolutely amazing, and the price was too good to be true.

I’m not saying to be on guard with everything, but if something is way too good to be true, then it probably is a scam.

10. Trust your instincts

If something seems fishy, or someone is asking for money… question their legitimacy. A real police officer or government official wouldn’t demand money from you! Take a second, and don’t be caught up in the situation. Be cautious before coughing up any cash.

Is Venice Italy Safe: Is Venice expensive?

In general, it is a bit more expensive to visit Venice than other cities. The hotels are a bit pricier, the food is a little more expensive, and it takes a bit more effort, time, and money to travel to and from the city because of the canals.

It’s a small city, so cheaper places will be booked up months in advance. You can expect a mid-range hotel to cost around $200-250/night, and a hostel to cost $80-100.

If you’re looking to save money, I recommend a short-term rental, and booking early. We paid around $900 for two nights in a short-term rental with three bedrooms. Split among 5 people, I paid $90 per night.

Is Venice Italy Safe: Where to stay

If this is your first time visiting Venice or you only have a few days to explore the city, then I highly recommend that you pick lodging in San Marco. The main reason is that you will be in the heart of the city and the main iconic attractions like St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs will be within walking distance.

Location is everything, and staying in San Marco will cut down your commuting time. Additionally, you’ll find that most shops, restaurants, cafes, and transportation are located in this neighborhood. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience Venetian cuisine and culture, and will most likely get the most value out of staying in this area.

If you’ve already visited Venice before, then I recommend looking around Dorsoduro for a different view of the city, as you’ll be living on the other side of the Grand Canal with lots of museums and galleries to explore, while still being close to San Marco.

Where I stayed in Venice

I stayed in a mid-priced apartment called San Marco Schiavoni Apartments, located in a prime location.

I lost my luggage flying into Italy. When the baggage carrier dropped it off at the apartment (after taking a water taxi into the city), I was able to quickly stop by the apartment right after my tour of Doge Palace to bring my luggage inside!

Located right above a restaurant and pastry store, this apartment had big rooms and lots of amenities. It’s perfect for a group of 4-5 people! The only downside is that you do have to walk up a set of stairs to enter the apartment. If that doesn’t bother you, I recommend it.

BEST Recommendations of Where to Stay in Venice

Here are my personal recommendations on where to stay in Venice. They are all situated in San Marco, near the city center for ease of transportation and convenience.

Is Venice Italy Safe: FAQs

IS Venice SAFE TO WALK AROUND IN?

Yes! Venice is a very walkable city, and you can walk along the canals all day. In fact, walking is probably the easiest way to get around the city.

IS ENGLISH SPOKEN IN Venice?

I found that even with limited Italian, I was able to get by as many people can speak a bit of English. I don’t think you’ll have trouble. Many restaurants have English versions of their menus. Tour guides speak very good English.

IS Venice Italy WORTH VISITING?

Yes, it is totally worth visiting. Venice is my favorite city in Italy so far. The canals make exploring the city feel magical, and I loved getting lost in the alleyways and finding local small shops. It’s a small city, so it feels a bit private and safe. The people are nice, and though they may not love tourists, they are polite and keep to themselves.

IS Venice Italy SAFE AT NIGHT?

Yes, I found Venice to be safe when walking around at night. While I generally don’t recommend walking alone at night in any city, Venice is probably one of the safest places you can be. However, I did notice that the streets become quite empty and quiet after 11 p.m., as there isn’t much activity in the late hours.

Is Venice Italy Safe for Solo Tourists?

Yes, I would say Venice is safe for solo tourists! The city is quite small but has a homey atmosphere. Solo tourists will love it, although 1-2 weeks of visiting will probably be more than enough.

With any travel, just make sure to be aware of your surroundings and keep your items close to you to prevent pickpocketing.

When is the best time to visit Venice Italy?

In terms of weather, the best months to visit Venice are during May, June, September, and early October.

I went in May and thought the weather was perfect! It was sunny with a light breeze, such a chef’s kiss. The weather will generally be in the 70s during those months, and in the 60s at night. However, keep in mind these will also be peak months for tourism.

It’s generally not too hot in Venice, since it’s close to the water. July and August wouldn’t be too bad either; the hottest Venice gets is in the mid-80s. However, you’ll have to share the city with lots of visitors, especially families on summer vacation.

During the winter, from October to March, there is a phenomenon called Acqua Alta when water levels rise and the city can experience flooding. You can still go, but the weather will be variable and may dampen some plans.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Venice Italy?

Yes, the tap water in Venice is safe to drink!

According to Veritas, which manages the water cycle in 44 municipalities in Venice, most of the drinking water is drawn from shallow wells around the area, eliminating the need for repackaging. It is carefully controlled and tested every year, and is of excellent quality! So no worries about drinking straight from the tap.

Which is better, Rome or Venice?

If you’re debating whether to see Rome or Venice, it can be a tough decision to make. It ultimately decides on your interests and what you want to see.

I went to both cities and felt like they offered different things. On one hand, Rome is a bigger city with a ton of things to do and see every day. Venice is smaller but feels more intimate, comfortable, and less touristy. You can check out my 3-day itinerary in Rome or my 2-day itinerary in Venice to see the major attractions of each city.

Which is more expensive, Rome or Venice?

Honestly, Venice is going to be more expensive than Rome in general. Hotels and food are a bit pricier in Venice. Also, since Venice is smaller, they naturally have fewer options. Rome has a more diverse range of cheap accommodation options that are offered.

Is Venice or Rome easier to travel to?

Rome is easier to travel to, as the airport (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino FCO Airport) is a 30-minute drive away from the city center.

On the other hand, Venice’s airport (Marco Polo VCE Airport) requires you to cross the water to get to the city, via water taxi or water bus. There’s also usually a small line for the water buses, but it moves fast and shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you could also take a regular bus that lasts over an hour.

But when you think about it, the water canals in Venice are what makes the city so magical, so is this really a hindrance?

Which is better in the Winter/Summer, Rome or Venice?

Venice is better in the Summer, as Rome can get unbearably hot. I visited the Colosseum and the Vatican in May between 10 AM and 4 PM and was sweating the whole time! Venice doesn’t get as hot because it’s near the water.

On the other hand, Rome may be better in the winter, as Venice can experience flooding (Acqua Alta) between October to March.

Conclusion: Is Venice Italy Safe?

If you got to the end of this article, I hope I passed on the message that Venice is very safe, and is a wonderful city to visit! There will always be incidences of petty crime in major tourist destinations; it’s unavoidable. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings, and follow the tips provided, you shouldn’t have any trouble.

If you need any help planning your next vacation to Venice, let me know! I love helping people out with their travel planning. Feel free to contact me via email at hello@mappingthesoul.com if you have any questions!