With over 15 million tourists each year and just 50,000 residents, Venice is one of Europe’s most visited and most overwhelmed cities.
Tourism accounts for a huge part of its economy, but when narrow bridges get blocked by selfie sticks and slow walkers, tensions can rise quickly between visitors and Venetians.
This summer, Italian travel experts have revealed one of the biggest sources of low-key friction — and it’s something tourists do without even thinking.
“One small tourist habit causes more tension than any other: stopping in the middle of a bridge to read a map or take a photo,” says Maryanne Sparkes of European Waterways, a luxury cruise company that’s operated in Venice’s lagoon for over a decade.
Why small bridges cause big problems
Many of Venice’s footbridges are barely two metres wide — just enough room for two people to pass. When even one visitor stops mid-bridge to snap a canal shot, foot traffic in both directions grinds to a halt.
“We’re not saying don’t take photos — Venice is incredibly photogenic,” says Sparkes.
“But bridges are high-traffic zones. You’re meant to cross them, not camp out. If you want the picture, step to the side or come back early in the morning. Locals rarely say anything — but you’ll feel the frustration in their body language.”
The city’s bridges function like junctions — they link neighbourhoods, shops, schools, and ferry stops. That means locals use them to commute, not just admire the view. Blocking one creates more than just a moment of inconvenience — it disrupts the rhythm of a city that’s already under pressure from mass tourism.
European Waterways’ tips for behaving like a local on Venice’s bridges:
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Keep moving — use the bridge to cross, not pose
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Take photos from the side, not the middle.
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Let others pass — especially delivery workers, older residents, or locals clearly in a rush.
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Don’t stop to check directions on a bridge — step off and stand aside
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Go early for uninterrupted shots — sunrise is your best bet
Where to get a great bridge photo — without causing a jam:
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Ponte della Paglia – iconic view of the Bridge of Sighs, with a side space to pause
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Ponte San Cristoforo – quieter, charming canal view in Dorsoduro
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Ponte Tre Archi – a rare triple-arch bridge in Cannaregio with fewer crowds
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Chioggia – a “Little Venice” just outside the city, with similar canal views and slower foot traffic
Why this matters
In Venice, even small habits have a big impact. Locals have learned to live around tourists, but they notice those who move with care.
“There’s a real charm in observing how Venetians navigate their city. They walk with purpose, they know when to step aside, and they’re incredibly aware of space. When you follow that rhythm, not only do you earn quiet local respect — you start to experience the city like they do.”
Venice isn’t just a destination — it’s a home. Respecting its pace and space might be the easiest way to be welcomed like a local.