When people think of Venice, the first three things that usually come to mind are water, gondolas and crowds! Venice is a year-round city, with tourists filling the streets 365 days a year (and especially during the summer).
An obvious way to avoid the crowds is to visit Venice in winter, when rain and fog deter most tourists. If you can’t plan your trip in the off-season, try visiting during the week.
A third, particularly useful tip for avoiding crowds in Venice is to visit the main tourist sites during off-peak hours. Generally, it’s best to visit attractions as soon as they open in the morning, around lunchtime, or just before closing. Read on for more specific information.
More tips for Venice:
• 5 best budget hotels in Venice
• 10 things to do in Venice for cheap
• 5 cheap hotels in Venice with canal views
Here are some of the city’s top attractions, along with the best times to visit them:
Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) and the Bridge of Sighs
St. Mark’s Square
Open: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (9 a.m. – 6 p.m. from November to March)
website
The Ducal Palace was the center of power during the time of the Venetian Republic. Each room is full of amazing frescoes. After feasting your eyes on the beautiful paintings and architecture, consider checking out the Secret Routes Tour. The tour takes you through the palace’s dungeon and torture room, connected to the palace by the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).
Best times to visit: Stop by the Palazzo when it opens at 9 a.m., between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. (when the tour groups eat lunch), or about an hour before closing time.
Choice of hotels: Accommodations near Palais Ducal
Correr Museum (Archaeological Museum)
San Marco 52, 30124 Venice
Open: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. from November to March)
website
The Museo Correr is the civic museum of Venice. Here you’ll find exhibitions that offer a fascinating insight into the city’s art and history.
Best times to visit: When the museum opens at 10 a.m., between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and approximately one hour before closing time.
St. Mark’s Basilica (St. Mark’s Basilica)
St. Mark’s Square
Open: 9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. (2 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays)
St. Mark’s Basilica, perhaps the city’s most famous landmark, is a stunning monument made unique both by the richness of its history and the magnificence of its facade and interior. The basilica is famous for housing the relics of Saint Mark.
Best times to visit: Avoid Sunday mornings and public holidays since the basilica will be used for mass service. There is always a big queue at the entrance, whatever the time, but you can now book your ticket in advance to avoid the queue.
Choice of hotels: Search for accommodation near Saint-Marc
Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark’s Tower)
St. Mark’s Square (opposite the basilica)
Open: 9:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. (closed in bad weather)
website
A visit to this astonishing church tower offers a superb bird’s eye view of Venice.
Best times to visit: Avoid lunchtime and get there very early in the morning or just before closing.

The Rialto Bridge in Venice. Photo: Photo: Ekaterina
Rialto Bridge and its markets
The Rialto Bridge is located in the oldest (and most central) district of Venice and has been a bustling center for centuries. The region is always full of tourists, both in summer and winter.
Best times to visit: Go there early in the morning before 9am. Not only will you see the local fish and vegetable market, but you can also enjoy a relatively peaceful scene at the bridge. You should also visit late at night after 10 p.m., as the majority of tourists will be going to bed or having dinner.
Choice of hotels: Accommodation near Rialto Bridge
Academy Galleries
Accademia vaporetto stop, right next to the Academy Bridge
Open: Monday, 8:15 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Tuesday – Sunday: 8:15 a.m. – 7:15 p.m.
website
The Gallerie dell’ Accademia has a rich collection of Venetian paintings from the Byzantine and Gothic periods as well as works by Renaissance artists such as Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiziano and Gianbattista Tiepolo.
Best times to visit: I don’t want to repeat myself, but as before, arrive early (before 9 a.m.) or go an hour before closing (although this will obviously mean less time in the museum). Groups usually depart during the day.
Choice of hotels: Affordable accommodation near the Academy Galleries
Bonus Tip: Book Online and Explore Other Areas
My final tip for avoiding crowds is to book your tickets online. For the majority of Venice museums, you can do so at www.veneziaunica.com. Also explore other areas of the city, away from the main sites. Overcoming the tourist past, you will see My Venice.