With over 30 million people flocking to Venice each year, dwarfing the 50,000 residents who call it home, Venice is aptly considered Europe’s most popular tourist destination. In a recent study of tourist-to-local ratios, it ranked third.
The city’s recent summer tourism-tax demonstrates the fine balance between welcoming tourists, and keeping the disruption of tourists to local life to a minimum.
Aside from paying your €5 tourist tax, there is one simple act that locals say makes tourists stand out in their city – and it’s one that the 300,000 British Venice visitors will be making without even thinking.
“Nothing screams ‘tourist’ to a local than walking on the left side of a narrow street”, explains Maryanne Sparkes, Italian river cruise company European Waterways.
“Despite its famous canals, most of the city is explored on foot. Venice doesn’t have pavements or car lanes – so we all have to navigate the same space.
Walking on the right keeps everything flowing, especially in the tight alleyways where you’re shoulder to shoulder.
In a city like Venice, the tourist-local relationship is key, and responsible tourists should want to understand local etiquette. After all, the landmarks you are visiting are their home.
While it’s easy to get distracted by the views, the architecture, or the nearest gelato stand, walking without spatial awareness is one of the quickest ways to annoy a local, especially if you’re blocking their path to work, school, or the fish market.”
The biggest street faux-pas in Venice
- Walking slowly in the middle of the street
- Taking up the full width of the path when walking in a group
- Stopping suddenly to take photos or check directions
- Drifting across both sides of the walkways
- Ignoring locals trying to pass
European Waterways tip: How to walk like a Venetian
- Keep to the right, especially in narrow calli (alleyways) or crowded thoroughfares.
- Step into a doorway or side street to pause or check your map.
- Walk with intention — know where you’re going and move at a steady pace.
- Let faster pedestrians pass, especially delivery staff or older locals.
- Go single file in tight spaces.
According to European Waterways, “Venice’s magic lies in its small scale, but that same scale means even minor walking habits have a major impact. During busy seasons, walking the wrong way through a narrow alley can cause real friction for those living and working in the city.
“Venetians love that people come to see their home. But part of visiting responsibly is understanding it’s not just a film set – it’s a real place, and small courtesies go a long way.”
For travellers who want to blend in — or just move through the city more easily — walking on the right isn’t just good manners. It’s the quiet code that keeps Venice moving.