Unexpected Behaviors Many Tourists Visiting Venice Don't Realize Are Incredibly Rude

Venice welcomes roughly 6 million tourists a year. Traveling to The Floating City is all about gliding along romantic canals, marveling at stunning architecture, and taking in its rich cultural heritage. As a world-famous destination that's especially popular with history buffs, this stunning waterfront city — located just a few hours by train from both Rome and Milan — offers a unique experience that's both enchanting and unforgettable. Plus, throw in the benefit of enjoying a car-free experience, and you've basically got a recipe for travel perfection.

This leads us to our first important rule if you're planning to visit: Don't drive to Venice. For starters, parking at Piazzale Roma (the city's main transportation hub and only place for vehicles) is nearly impossible during peak seasons. In addition to the frustration, you'll also be wasting valuable time trying to navigate the city's one-way, crowded streets. Instead, parking at the quiet little town of Mestre on the mainland and then taking a quick 10-minute train into the city — or arriving directly by rail — is the best way to go.

That said, this "no cars allowed" policy is just the beginning of Venice's so-called "forbidden behaviors." Beyond banning loud and polluting vehicles, the fragile city also enforces a series of strict regulations to help preserve its historic charm against the impact of massive tourism. Walking on the right side of narrow streets, never sitting on monuments, avoiding public picnics, and keeping swimwear at the beach are among the many guidelines that can help you avoid fines (sometimes amounting to between $25 to $500-plus). And while these rules might seem overly strict, they're necessary protective measures to protect its structural and historical integrity.

Along with banning cars, Venice also has some pretty specific regulations when it comes to things as basic as walking. Per locals and authorities, it's important that visitors stick to the right side of the street and maintain a steady, forward pace. Basically, think of Venice's pedestrian pathways as actual roads with their own traffic rules. Stopping abruptly or veering off to the left creates congestion — and, more often than not, frustrates locals who are simply trying to walk. Similarly, dragging your wheeled luggage through the city center isn't only noisy, but it also damages the ancient pavements. With this in mind, consider using a backpack or duffle bags instead — or storing your luggage at the train station while exploring for the day.

Another restriction has to do with Venice's famous canals. While taking a quick dip in the water might sound tempting (especially on a hot summer day), the truth is that swimming in the city's canals is actually illegal and can lead to a $380 fine. Plus, the city's waterways are also incredibly unsanitary and are often riddled with debris that likely wouldn't make for a pleasant experience anyway. Similarly, eating in public spaces is considered equally problematic. Specifically, consuming any food while sitting on church steps, monuments, or bridges can ultimately result in fines between $100 and $200 (as well as annoy the locals at the same time).

Lastly, other prohibited activities include feeding pigeons (up to $500 in fines), littering (roughly $350 fine), and camping in public areas ($200 fine). Even something as innocent as bringing in a bicycle (even if you're not planning on riding it through the city) can earn you a penalty of upwards of $100.