Participating in the Venice Carnival is a must-do experience at least once in a lifetime! It is an annual event that takes place in the city of Venice, usually in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday. The event is known for its elaborate masks and costumes, as well as its festive atmosphere.
In this article, we will share with you 10 tips on how to make the most of your visit to the Venice Carnival.
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Venice Carnival Dates 2023 and schedule
This year, Venice Carnival will start on February 4 and ends on February 21, 2023. You can check the Venice Carnival Schedule on these pages:
Plan your trip in advance
The Venice Carnival is a popular event, so it’s important to plan your trip well in advance. Book your accommodation, transportation and tickets to events as early as possible to avoid disappointment. In addition, decide which date you want to go depending on the events you want to attend.
Venice Carnival Tickets
While some parts of the carnival, such as the street performances and live music, are FREE, there are many experiences and attractions within the carnival that require ticket purchase, such as the historic costume exhibitions, mask-making workshops, and gala balls.
Admission to costume exhibitions and mask-making workshops may cost anywhere from 10 to 20 euros or more. Gala balls can be even more expensive, with tickets ranging from 50 to several hundred euros.
Wear a costume
One of the best things about the Venice Carnival is the opportunity to dress up in costume and masks. Make sure to bring your own costume and mask or plan to purchase one in Venice.
The cost of masks ranges from as low as 5 euros to as high as 50 euros and beyond, based on factors such as style, quality, and uniqueness. It’s worth shopping around, as the same mask can be priced differently in various shops. Take a stroll through the souvenir shops in the San Polo district and near the Rialto Bridge to compare prices and discover a variety of options.
Explore the whole city
While the Venice Carnival is primarily centered around Piazza San Marco and the surrounding areas, make sure to take the time to explore other parts of the city as well. Venice is a beautiful and unique city, and the Carnival is an excellent opportunity to see it in all its glory. You will encounter people dressed in stunning costumes on every street corner!
Check out the schedule of events, such as parades, masquerade balls, and live performances, which take place in various locations throughout the city. You can also see the live music performances, or the traditional “Volo dell’Angelo” (flight of the angel) from the top of the Basilica Campanile in Piazza San Marco.
Take advantage of photo opportunities
With the colorful costumes, masks, and historic architecture, Venice Carnival is a great opportunity to take some unique and beautiful photographs. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Wear comfortable shoes
Venice is a city of walkways and bridges, and you will be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as some of the streets and alleys can be uneven and cobblestoned.
Use public transportation
Venice is famous for its canals, but it also has an efficient public transportation system that includes vaporetti (water buses) and traghetti (gondola ferries). This is a great way to get around the city and save your feet from unnecessary walking.
Be prepared for the crowds
The Venice Carnival is a popular event, and the streets can become very crowded. Be prepared to do some standing and walking and to maneuver in crowded spaces.
Be prepared for the weather
Venice can be cold and damp in the winter. Make sure to pack accordingly and always bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.
In conclusion, the Venice Carnival is an event not to be missed. With its amazing costumes, masks, and and festive atmosphere, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the culture and history of Venice.
Planning on exploring Venice? Check out The ultimate guide for visiting Venice: the best things to do & useful tips to make the most out of your trip!
Have you been to Venice Carnival before? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!
Note: We only recommend places that we enjoyed visiting with no commercial benefits.