I love Venice in winter; however, the season may pose some challenges to first-time visitors. In this guide, I share travel tips for visiting Venice in the cold season: I look at what to expect from the weather, what to pack, the best things to do, and the challenges you may face.

A winter trip to Venice brings opportunities to see the city’s beauty from a completely different perspective, free from the summer tourist masses. You’ll find deals on hotels, fewer crowds at top sights, and a romantic atmosphere perfect for strolling hand-in-hand under twinkling holiday lights.

Venice in winter has a romantic feel with lingering fog and mist over its canals and ancient monuments. It’s when the number of tourists calms, allowing Venetians to reclaim their cobbled streets. If you’re looking for an authentic, quieter trip to Venice – winter is the perfect time.

With sparkling Christmas lights on darker nights, quieter canals and cheaper accommodation, you won’t want to miss the charm of winter in Venice. Time your trip right and you could even get to join in with one of the seasonal festivities, like Carnival in February. But where do you start with planning?