Visiting Venice in March proved to be an enchanting experience, offering the perfect blend of fewer tourists and pleasant weather. The city, renowned for its breathtaking canals, historical gondola rides, and iconic landmarks that date back over a millennium, has also gained notoriety for a less favorable aspect: overtourism.

As a journalist with a focus on overtourism, my awareness of the issues plaguing Venice shaped my expectations prior to visiting. The Italian city attracts an astounding estimated 20 million visitors annually, with the bulk of them arriving solely for the day to snap a selfie at the famous Bridge of Sighs before departing. In response to the overwhelming influx of tourists, Venice has implemented measures to mitigate the adverse effects of this phenomenon, including a fee of approximately $5 for day-trippers during peak seasons and restrictions on cruise ship arrivals. Nevertheless, overtourism remains a persistent challenge for this historic city.

Having heard numerous accounts of overwhelming crowds, particularly around popular sites, I was determined to sidestep the chaos. While I encountered a fair number of tourists during my visit in late March, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the reality was far less daunting than I had anticipated. Here are three strategies that significantly enhanced my experience.

1. Go in the Off-Season

Those iconic images of throngs of visitors gathered near the Rialto Bridge or St. Mark's Basilica are typically captured during the peak tourist season, which generally spans from April to October. In 2023, each month during this period welcomed over half a million visitors, with July and August seeing more than 600,000 arrivals each. In contrast, the months from November through March are considered the 'slow' season, with visitor numbers dropping to under 400,000 each month.

Experts in sustainable tourism have emphasized that the root of overtourism is not merely the total number of visitors but the tendency for many to flock to the same locations at the same time. This was evident during my travels, as I encountered only a fraction of the crowd sizes I had braced myself for.

For instance, I visited a bookstore popular on TikTok, where online reviews suggested long waits and a lack of crowd control. However, upon arrival, I was able to stroll right in, peruse the books, and observe a few tourists snapping selfies before moving on without any hassle. Similarly, I secured a last-minute lunch reservation at a beloved local eatery, which others had advised booking well in advance. Surprisingly, I was met with several available time slots, and attractions like Doge's Palace and Gallerie dell'Accademia also offered last-minute entry options.

2. Stay in a Residential Neighborhood and Embrace Wandering

While Venice is composed of over a hundred islands, the main island, which is the historical heart of the city, covers only about 2 square miles. This limited area can make it challenging to escape the tourists, unlike larger cities such as Rome or Paris where evading crowds is more feasible.

To mitigate the tourist experience, I chose to reside in Cannaregio, one of Venice's more residential districts, home to around 50,000 permanent residents. This area offered a quieter atmosphere and a more authentic vibe compared to the bustling San Marco district, which is the most frequented by tourists. In Cannaregio, I discovered a labyrinth of peaceful pathways and canals to explore, allowing me to appreciate the beauty of Venice without encountering throngs of visitors. I dined at local establishments frequented by residents, witnessed groups of local preteens enjoying the canals, and observed young children in soccer uniforms walking home with their parents.

It was genuinely heartening to witness authentic glimpses of local life so close to the heavily touristed areas.

3. Explore Other Islands

Having allocated about four days for my Venetian adventurefar longer than most day-trippers who typically spend less than two daysI took the opportunity to venture beyond the historical center. A short ferry ride, akin to Venice's public bus system, transported me to Murano, a quaint island renowned for its glassmaking. Despite its proximity to the historic centerjust a 10-minute boat ride awayMurano offered a tranquil escape, making it easy to wander without the usual concerns of overcrowding. The experience of sipping an Aperol by the canal felt infinitely more relaxing than similar experiences in the bustling heart of Venice.

Additionally, I discovered other remote islands accessible via public water buses, such as Burano, a picturesque fishing village characterized by its vibrant, colorful houses, and Torcello, the original heart of Venice with only a handful of residents remaining.

Manage Your Expectations

Ultimately, Venice managed to exceed my expectations, providing a more enjoyable experience than I had initially imagined. If you approach a trip to Venice with the hope of finding untouched, authentic Italian life, you may find yourself disappointed. However, if you keep your expectations in check and embrace the tips shared here, you will likely come to understand why this remarkable city attracts millions of visitors from around the globe each year.