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Planning a trip to Venice in 2024? It’s crucial to stay informed about the city’s new entry fees being implemented this year. Known for its enchanting canals and rich history, Venice has introduced these fees to help manage the influx of tourists and preserve its unique charm. This blog post will outline the specific dates when the charges apply, ensuring you can plan your visit accordingly. Keeping these dates in mind will help you avoid unexpected costs and make the most of your Venetian adventure without any surprises.
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My love affair with Venice:
I covered the story about the new entry fees for the Travel Show last year. More on the fees a little later. But first let me explain my love affair with Venice.
I first visited in 2000 with friends and was immediately mesmerised by its storybook charm. I remember the main square flooding while we visited St Mark’s Basilica, only to emerge in ankle deep water as city staff raced to erect platforms for tourists to walk on to save their shoes getting wet. (Of course now, they’ve erected flood barriers to stop this happening) I returned again a few years later for work, to cover the world-famous carnival, attending grand masked galas in baroque palazzos and mingling amongst festival goers in period garb swishing through the misty, watery alleyways near St Mark’s Square. It felt as if I was in a Baz Luhrman movie. Almost every corner of the main city centre is ‘instagram worthy’. So many cinematic classics have been set here. And despite the crowds, I can see the allure.
Why has Venice introduced new entry fees?
Venice has introduced new entry fees for day trippers to better manage the overwhelming number of visitors and protect its delicate infrastructure and cultural heritage. The city, renowned for its stunning canals and historic architecture, faces significant challenges from over-tourism, including environmental strain and wear on its historic sites. By implementing these fees, Venice aims to regulate tourist flow, reduce overcrowding, and fund essential maintenance and preservation efforts, ensuring that this iconic destination remains vibrant and sustainable for future generations.
Dates you need to know when visiting Venice as a day tripper:
And so after years of debate and discussion, the Venice City Council has finally introduced a new entry fee for tourists taking day trips into Italy’s famous floating city.
Day trippers over the age of 14 will need to pay 5 euros a day, during the hours of 8:30-4pm on these dates:
April 25–30
May 1–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26
June 8–9, 15–16, 22–23, 29–30
July 6–7, 13–14
Pro Tip for Venice holidays:
This is solid intel on the busiest weekends in Venice, so if you’re considering booking a holiday to Venice, avoid these weekend dates.
Hotels in Venice:
But of course, if you are staying at a hotel overnight in Venice, you won’t need to pay this new entry fee.
Euorstars Residenza Cannaregio:
When we filmed in Venice for the BBC Travel Show, we stayed a solid 4 star property a little bit out of St Marks Square. It felt quite residential and I loved imagining what it would be like to live in Venice. The hotel was a good 20-25 minute walk and a quick boat ride into the Rialto Bridge.
Hotel Danieli:
This hotel is possibly one of the most famous establishments in Venice, not one, but three James Bond films have been filmed here. Its prime location right next to St Mark’s Square makes it one of the most desirable locations to base yourself for a Venetian getaway. This iconic hotel occupied a 14th century palace and has lavish interiors with antique furnishing and exquisite Murano glass chandeliers.
Antica Locanda Sturion Residenza D’Epoca:
One of the oldest hotels in Venice, the Antica Locanda Sturion is a cosy Venetian house with just 11 rooms. There are prime views over the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge from its superior rooms. This is a good mid-priced hotel option, if you can bag one of the 11 rooms.
As you prepare for your visit to Venice in 2024, keeping the new entry fees in mind will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. To make the most of your time in this enchanting city, consider booking a hotel stay, which exempts you from the day-tripper charges and allows you to immerse yourself fully in the Venetian experience. With thoughtful planning, you can navigate the new regulations effortlessly and enjoy all the magic that Venice has to offer. Safe travels and enjoy your stay in one of my all time favourite destinations!