What was a test in 2024 is now continued: from now on day tourists in Venice will have to pay entry again – up to ten euros. It is controversial whether this helps to get problems with mass tourism under control.
Entry has to be paid again for a short visit to Venice: Since this Good Friday, day tourists, up to ten euros have been due for day tourists if they want to visit the Italian lagoon city on the Adriatic for a few hours. At the premiere of the world's unique model last year, it was only half.
The new regulation initially applies continuously on all days until the first weekend in May, then until the end of July on all weekends from Friday to Sunday. Entry is free again during the week, as in the great rest of the year.
In total, 54 days must be paid this year. This is almost twice as much as last year. As a rule, you are paid by getting a QR code before arriving via the Internet and loading it onto your cell phone.
Early bookers less
In 2024 Venice had started to request admission from short visitors. The background is that the city lives from tourism, but the rush on many days is so great that it becomes increasingly a problem. In addition, day visitors who do not spend the night in Venice leave comparatively little money in the city.
In principle, everything runs like in the previous year – only that now has to be paid more frequently and more. If you book early, you can continue to go to the city for five euros. However, if you take your time up to three days before the visit, you will have to pay twice in the future. Overnight guests still don't have to pay admission, but tourist tax.
According to the authorities, 485,000 paying visitors were registered last year, which flushed the city more than 2.4 million euros in the coffers. However, this also means that many day tourists pressed themselves before paying. If you don't have a ticket, you run the risk of having to pay up to 300 euros if you get caught.
Tourists over Behavior enlighten
Venice has also been sending guards on the world -famous Markusplatz and the area around the Rialto Bridge since Good Friday. The team of eleven should inform tourists about behaviors to protect the historical center and report any misconduct. For example, it is forbidden to explore the region by bike. Venice wants to receive his guests with open arms, but also require respect, according to the city administration.
More than 15 million visitors come to Venice a year. There is hardly any one in the narrow streets around Markusplatz and Rialto Bridge on many days. However, there are many doubts as to whether the fee brings something. Also ten euros are likely to hold very few from a visit. Critics of the measure criticize a lack of maximum limit to day tourists. The introduction of the fee is only a means for the city to make money.
