Venice, Italy’s floating masterpiece, remains one of the most iconic and visited cities in the world.
Known for its canals, gondolas, Renaissance architecture, and romantic charm, it attracts millions of travelers each year.
In 2024, the city welcomed around 12.2 million visitors, recovering fully from the pandemic slowdown.
With the introduction of a new tourist entry fee in 2024, Venice continues to balance its popularity with sustainability efforts to protect its fragile lagoon ecosystem.
Key stats: Venice Tourism
- About 5.66 million overnight visitors in 2023 — Venice is nearly back to its pre-COVID record.
- The historic centre alone welcomed ~3.82 million overnight stays in 2023, meaning more than 10,000 people each day stayed in the core island district.
- International visitors dominate — roughly 4.88 million in 2023, compared to ~788,000 Italians.
- The average short-stay length on Airbnb is just 3.4 days, pointing to rapid turnover.
- In 2024 Venice set a record with ~5.9 million visitors and 13.3 million overnight stays, surpassing the 2019 benchmark.
- On peak days, the city welcomed up to 75,000 day-visitors, despite new access fees.
- The entry fee for non-overnight visitors was set at €5, with a higher €10 tier for last-minute bookings.
- Venice’s historic core has only ~48,000 residents, yet the number of tourist beds already exceeds that — illustrating its dependence on tourism.
- Annual visitor numbers (including day-trippers) are estimated at 25-30 million, putting huge pressure on this small city.
- In 2023 foreign visitors grew ~29% year-on-year, while domestic Italian visits dropped ~9%.
How Many Tourists Visit Venice Each Year?
Venice received around 12.2 million visitors in 2024, up from 11.6 million in 2023.
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): ~12.9M
- 2020: ~2.7M (pandemic impact)
- 2021: ~4.9M
- 2022: ~9.8M
- 2023: ~11.6M
- 2024: ~12.2M
- 2025 (forecast): ~12.8M
These figures include both domestic and international tourists staying in official accommodations in the historic center and Mestre.
How Many Tourists Visit Venice Each Day?
Venice welcomes an average of ~33,000 visitors per day.
However, during the summer months and major holidays, this number can exceed 80,000 — often double the city’s resident population.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Venice?
Tourists spend approximately €3.8 billion annually in Venice.
- Average daily spend: €310 (overnight visitors)
- Day-trippers: €70–€100 per visit
- Top spending categories: Accommodation (38%), food & drink (28%), attractions & transport (20%), shopping (14%)
Which Countries Visit Venice the Most?
The majority of Venice’s international visitors come from Europe and North America.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~1.9M | ~16% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~1.5M | ~12% |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~1.2M | ~10% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~1.0M | ~8% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy (domestic) | ~2.8M | ~23% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~700K | ~6% |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | ~500K | ~4% |
| 🇨🇳 China | ~350K | ~3% |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ~320K | ~3% |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | ~280K | ~2% |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Venice?
Venice’s main attractions combine historical landmarks, artistic treasures, and scenic views.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| St. Mark’s Basilica | ~5.6M | Iconic landmark |
| Doge’s Palace | ~1.5M | Gothic masterpiece |
| Rialto Bridge | ~11M (passers) | Most photographed spot |
| Grand Canal | ~12M+ | Central waterway |
| Gallerie dell’Accademia | ~750K | Renaissance art |
| Peggy Guggenheim Collection | ~430K | Modern art |
| Murano Island | ~1.1M | Glass-making hub |
| Burano Island | ~800K | Colorful fishing village |
| Teatro La Fenice | ~400K | Historic opera house |
| Bridge of Sighs | ~6M (walk-by) | Iconic photo site |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Venice?
Venice’s tourism peaks in spring and summer, with quieter months in late autumn and winter.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | High | Mild weather, festivals |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Very High | Overcrowded, hot |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Moderate | Pleasant, fewer crowds |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Low | Carnival season, fewer tourists |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Venice?
Venice hosts globally famous festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
| Event | Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venice Carnival (Feb) | ~1M | Masks, parades, galas |
| Venice Biennale (Apr–Nov, odd years) | ~500K | Contemporary art |
| Venice Film Festival (Aug–Sep) | ~250K | Lido island |
| Festa del Redentore (Jul) | ~100K | Fireworks & regattas |
| Regata Storica (Sep) | ~70K | Historic boat race |
| Festa della Sensa (May) | ~50K | Maritime procession |
How Much Money Does Venice Make From Tourism?
Tourism generates over €3.8 billion annually for Venice’s economy, representing the majority of the city’s income.
This includes spending from overnight visitors, day-trippers, and cruise passengers. The city’s new tourist entry fee (€5/day for day visitors) is expected to generate over €30 million annually, used for preservation and crowd management.
How Busy Are Venice Hotels?
Venice hotels report some of the highest occupancy rates in Italy.
- Occupancy (2024 avg): ~83%
- Peak (Jul–Aug): 92%
- Average room rate: €210/night
- Available rooms: ~24,000 (historic center + Mestre)
Which Neighborhoods in Venice Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Most visitors stay around central and scenic districts.
- San Marco: Historic core, Basilica, and Doge’s Palace
- Dorsoduro: Art galleries, student vibe, Guggenheim
- Cannaregio: Local feel, quieter stays
- Castello: Near Giardini & Biennale
- Santa Croce / Mestre: Budget hotels & train links
How Is Venice Managing Overtourism?
Venice became the first city in the world to introduce a tourist entry fee for day-trippers (effective 2024). The €5 charge applies during peak days, aimed at reducing overcrowding and funding maintenance of the city’s infrastructure.
Authorities also limit large cruise ships from entering the Venetian Lagoon to protect the environment and reduce damage to historic foundations.
FAQ – Venice Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Venice each year?
Around 12.2M visitors in 2024, with projections of 12.8M for 2025.
Which country sends the most tourists to Venice?
Germany, followed by the USA and France.
What is Venice’s average hotel occupancy rate?
Around 83% (peaking at 92% in summer).
When is the best time to visit Venice?
Spring or autumn for good weather and fewer crowds.
How much money does tourism generate for Venice?
Over €3.8B annually.
Why did Venice introduce an entry fee?
To reduce overtourism and fund the city’s preservation.
What are Venice’s top attractions?
St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Grand Canal, and Murano/Burano islands.
Sources
- Comune di Venezia — Turismo a Venezia – Statistiche ufficiali 2024
- Statista — Tourism in Venice – Key Statistics 2025
- ANSA / Reuters — Venice Introduces Tourist Entry Fee (2024)
- Italia National Tourism Board (ENIT) — ENIT – Visitor Data and Trends 2024
- OECD Tourism Outlook — OECD Tourism Trends 2024 – Italy Country Report
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