🚫 How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Venice

Venice is unforgettable — but yes, it has its share of overpriced menus and fake “authentic” experiences. Here’s how to stay one step ahead:

🍽️ Dining

• Avoid places with menus full of photos or staff outside calling you in.

• Be cautious of restaurants right on Rialto Bridge or San Marco Square (unless you know what you're going for — like a spritz with a view, not a full dinner).

• Look for short menus in Italian only — usually a sign of real local cooking.

🎭 Shopping

• Skip “Murano-style” glass sold for €5 — it's made abroad. Real Murano glass has a Vetro Artistico® Murano sticker.

• Handcrafted masks are not sold at souvenir stands. Try Ca’ del Sol or small artisan shops.

🚤 Transport

• Gondola rides are magical but fixed price. Check ACTV’s official fare guidelines before boarding — don’t haggle or pay extra for a standard route.

• Vaporetto passes are better value than buying single tickets — and safer than relying on scalpers.

🧭 My Tip: Go one street beyond the busy main path — that’s where the real Venice lives. That’s also where my curated guide and Google Map will lead you.