2025 - November - Venice

Looking back at 2020

https://vakantio.de/reisetante/september-2020-venice

What a difference to Venice in 2020! Back then, we had a short window when everything was just starting to reopen due to Corona. Despite temperature checks and masks to be worn at times, it was pleasantly empty.

The travel tips from 2020 are still valid: arriving early at major attractions, booking tickets online in advance, using the Vaporetto, and just letting yourself wander – all of this still makes for a relaxed visit to Venice today.

This time, I wanted to experience that feeling again and hoped that by November, the returning mass tourism would be over.

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Arrival and first impressions

We arrived on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the evening. Honestly, I was initially disappointed: crowds of people, the hotel was disappointing, and the little snack bar was expensive but not even tasty. I needed a day to adjust to this reality. Fortunately, we had booked four nights.

On the second day, the weather was worse, but even short excursions to quieter neighborhoods brought joy. My first tip: enter a destination in Google Maps and let yourself wander through the alleys. This way, you’ll always discover something beautiful in Venice.

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Insider tips and lesser-known places

Scuola Grande di San Marco (Civile Hospital)

Our first destination was the Scuola Grande di San Marco. Although it serves as the entrance to a hospital, it is a building from the Venetian early Renaissance. The beautiful hall can be visited, and there were hardly any people there. Wonderful! Moreover, the building is located in a charming square right next to the San Zanipolo church.

Fondazione Querini Stampalia

Next, we headed to the Fondazione Querini Stampalia, a museum with a café and courtyard. Here, a family collection of paintings and art is showcased. The entrance fee of 15 euros was a bit high for what was offered, but on a bad weather day, it’s a good alternative. In front of the building stand three bronze lions by the Italian artist Davide Rivalta, which are popular photo spots.

Palazzo Grimani

Just around the corner is the Museo di Palazzo Grimani. To our surprise, entry was free, but that might not always be the case. This little gem could be explored in peace and was hardly crowded – a true insider tip.

Nearby the two museums is the Libreria Acqua Alta, a quirky bookstore. The concept works: books are intentionally stacked in a chaotic manner, and allegedly, cats are supposed to roam around. However, during our visit, there were only tourists, and the cashiers seemed annoyed and unfriendly. The bookstore is worth a visit, but one should prepare for crowds.

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Church visits

Venice is rich in impressive churches. This time, we visited the interior of St. Mark's Basilica, which we missed in 2020 due to construction work. It is impressive, but unfortunately also heavily influenced by mass tourism. Tickets should be purchased in advance for a time slot. For those who want to see more than just the interior, combo tickets should be booked.

For me, the visit to Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in San Polo was significantly more relaxing. It was pleasantly quiet here, and admission was only 5 euros. Highlights include:

Two masterpieces by Titian and his tomb.

The monumental monument for the Doge Tron was also very impressive. Particularly striking: beneath the central figure, four Moors – or rather, four African men – carry the portal on their shoulders. Each figure is uniquely designed, with strong body shapes and detailed facial features. It gives the impression that these men are literally bearing the weight of power. I have never seen anything like it in a church before.

The church space is large, filled with treasures of art, and ideal for studying everything in peace. Mirrors in strategic places allow for a better view of the ceiling and the windows. Additionally, the church has the second-highest tower in Venice.

Tip: Many other churches in Venice are also worth seeing and are less crowded – perfect for a quiet stroll.

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Venice in November

Acqua Alta

Especially from November to March is the high water season (Acqua Alta). For tourists, seeing the flooded St. Mark's Square is a special experience – but of course, it's a problem for Venice itself. I've written a separate post about this.

https://vakantio.de/reisetante/2025-november-venedig-acqua-alta

Architecture Biennale

The Architecture Biennale is only temporary, but also worth a visit. It’s worthwhile to check tickets and times in advance.

https://vakantio.de/reisetante/2025-november-venedig-architekturbiennale

Conclusion

Was our November visit to Venice worth it? Definitely yes! After four nights, I didn't want to leave at all. The weather turned beautiful, with temperatures reaching 17 degrees, even though it quickly gets dark and cool.

Despite mass tourism in some overcrowded spots and expensive snacks, there are enough quiet places and insider tips to truly enjoy the city. I would set off again at any time.