Solo Travel in Venice: Your Complete Guide to Exploring the City of Canals

After completing the Alta Via 1 trek, I decided to spend a long weekend in Venice to unwind and soak in the city’s charm. My last visit to Venice was during a backpacking trip through Europe with my childhood friend, so returning as an adult offered a completely new perspective.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about exploring the City of Canals as a solo traveler—whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

How to Get to Venice from the airport: A Complete Travel Guide

Venice is an iconic city, celebrated for its stunning canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. While it’s often seen as a romantic getaway, Venice is also an ideal destination for solo travelers. Plus, getting to the city from Venice Airport is a breeze!

Arriving at Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

The main international airport is Marco Polo (VCE), which is about 8 miles from the city center. Most people will get to the city center via water taxi or public bus transportation.

💲💲💲Water taxi is fastest but is usually most expensive, especially if you have direct ride to your hotel

💲💲Water bus is the next best option, it takes around 45 minutes

💲Airport shuttle is the most budget friendly, you can catch a bus from the main bus station

Shan’s Tip: If you decide to take the bus/shuttle, give yourself plenty of time as these are usually full and booked in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to get on the bus especially in the summer months!

6 Must Sees and Dos in Venice

As a seasoned solo traveler, I’m always searching for the must-see spots and experiences in every city. Here are my top recommendations for Venice!

Take a Walking Tour

I’m always up for a walking tour in a new city. It’s the perfect way to get acquainted with the area, pick up insider tips from locals, and even meet fellow travelers along the way. Here are some of my favorite walking tours.

👉 Free Venice Walking Tour (tips recommended) – Organized by locals, still need to book in advance

👉 Essence of Venice Walking Tour – Great option if you want to be in a smaller group

👉 Food & Wine Tasting Tour – Perfect if you want to combine food with a bit of history, and they take you to local favorites not as well known for tourists!

Visit Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most photographed spots in the city. As the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal, it offers stunning views. Nearby, you’ll find the bustling Rialto Market, where you can pick up local souvenirs and fresh Venetian produce.

 People Watch at St. Mark’s Square

Some of the best people watching can be found in St.Mark’s Square as it’s home to Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco. A classic way to see the city is to climb the bell tower.

Avoid Crowds and explore Cannaregio District

The Cannaregio District is the best area to avoid large crowds and really feel like a local. Honestly, just enjoy the district, walk around and get lost!

Take a Tour of the Nearby Islands

While you can spend hours if not days (like me) wandering Venice and it’s canals, there are a few nearby Islands such as Murano and Burano that are worth a day trip to visit. If you haven’t been, I recommend taking a guided tour to get the full experience and history of the islands.

✔️ Private Boat Tour to Burano and Murano with Glass Blowing! – My favorite part of this tour was the glass blowing!!

✔️ Half-Day Murano Tour – Perfect if you don’t want to spend a whole day away from Venice

Explore Venice at Night

Venice is a very safe city, even after dark! With its rich history and mysterious charm, it’s the perfect place for a nighttime tour—especially if you’re into ghosts and legends. I went on a ghost tour and absolutely loved it!

⭐️ Venice Ghost Tour – Another great way to learn about the city’s history, I loved Claudia!

⭐️ Catamaran Sunset Tour – My friends did this and loved it, they said the live music was amazing.

⭐️ Sunset Food & Wine Tour – A perfect option if you’re looking to explore Venice, eat yummy food and go to bed right after. 🙂

Shan’s Tip: A gondola ride is undoubtedly iconic in Venice, but in my opinion, it can be a bit overpriced. During the summer months, it’s also less enjoyable as the canals can get crowded with tourists. If you decide to go for it, I recommend booking in advance and aiming for an early morning or late evening ride to avoid the crowds.

Where to Stay in Venice: Best Hotels and Hostels

Having traveled to Venice in my early 20s and now 30s, I’ve experienced the hostel and hotel side of the city. Here are my top recommendations for each hotel type:

Top Three Venice Hotels for Solo Travelers

• Santa Chiara Hotel → Perfect location near the train station!
• Palazzo del Giglio → Amazing spot in San Marco District!
• St. Regis Venice → For my extravagant travel friends, this is THE place to stay!

Top Three Venice Hostels for Solo Travelers

• Generator Venice Hostel → It’s a bit of a trek to get here from the station BUT it’s fantastic and their private rooms are lovely. 
• Dimora Venice Hostel → In a quiet part of Venice, a historic building that is in a great location.
• Hu Venezia Camping → I loved this spot when I was backpacking, it’s not on the island but the vibes are 10/10

Venice FAQs

While Venice and its history truly speak for themselves, there are a few important things to know before visiting. After several trips to this incredible city, I’ve gathered some helpful insights to make your experience even better.

Do I Need a Reservation to Visit Venice?

During peak season, visitors are required to confirm their plans upon arrival. If you have a hotel reservation, you’re exempt from paying the daily visitor fee. However, day-trippers must pay a small access fee. Attendants are available at the train station to assist with the process, which only takes about five minutes.

When is The Best Time to Visit Venice?

If you’re hoping to avoid the heat and heavy crowds, plan your trip for spring (April to early June) or early fall (September to late October). I visited in the summer after my hike in the Dolomites, which meant larger crowds, but Venice was still absolutely lovely!

Why was Venice Built on Water?

Venice was originally built on water as a way to protect its people from invading enemies. The surrounding lagoons and canals created a natural defense system, making it difficult for attackers to reach the city.

Final Thoughts

Venice is one of those cities that feels almost otherworldly, no matter how many times you visit. Traveling solo here gives you the freedom to truly slow down and savor the experience—whether that means getting lost in Cannaregio, taking a sunset tour, or simply people-watching by the Grand Canal.

If Venice has been on your travel list, don’t wait. Go. You’ll leave with memories that stay long after the tides roll out. Now it’s time to plan your own adventure, Cheers!