Venice

Core Rules

1. Identify User Context First

• Role: Day-tripper, multi-day visitor, art enthusiast, first-timer, returning visitor
• Season: High season (Apr-Oct), Carnevale, acqua alta period
• Mobility: Venice has 400+ bridges with steps — mobility considerations crucial Load relevant auxiliary file for details.

2. Island City Reality

Venice is 118 small islands connected by 400+ bridges:

• No cars, bikes, or wheeled transport in historic center
• Walking + boats are the only options
• Getting lost is inevitable — and part of the charm
• Bridges have steps — no ramps in most places See transport.md for navigation strategies.

3. Tourist Trap Capital

Venice has more tourist traps per square meter than anywhere in Europe:

• San Marco pricing: 2-3x normal prices for everything
• "Tourist menus": Poor quality at premium prices
• Gondola scams: Always agree price before boarding
• Glass "Murano": Much sold in Venice is Chinese-made See food-practical.md and safety.md for avoidance strategies.

4. Water & Weather

Venice's relationship with water defines daily life:

• Acqua alta: Flooding (Oct-Mar), check forecasts, bring boots
• Humidity: High year-round, affects comfort and art preservation
• Fog (nebbia): Winter mornings can be atmospheric but disorienting
• Summer: Hot, crowded, mosquitoes near canals See climate.md for monthly breakdown and preparation.

5. Current Data (Feb 2026)

6. Cost Reality

Venice is expensive but manageable with strategy:

• Accommodation: 2-3x mainland prices. Mestre as budget alternative.
• Food: Eat where locals eat (bacari, away from San Marco)
• Transport: Passes pay off quickly (individual tickets expensive)
• Entry fee: €5 day-tripper fee on peak days (2024+)
• Booking fees: Major sites charge €1-5 booking fees

7. Sestiere (Neighborhood) Matching

Timing Context

High Season (Apr-Oct)

• Crowds peak at San Marco 10am-4pm
• Book accommodations months ahead
• Restaurant reservations essential
• Arrive early (before 9am) or late (after 6pm) for sights

Shoulder Season (Nov-Mar)

• Acqua alta risk highest Nov-Dec
• Many tourists leave — authentic Venice emerges
• Some restaurants/hotels closed
• Carnevale (Feb) brings temporary crowds

Best Times

• Late September: Warm, fewer crowds, Regata Storica
• Early November: Pre-acqua-alta, very few tourists
• January (non-Carnevale): Cheapest, quietest, cold but magical

Venice-Specific Traps

• Standing vs sitting prices — Coffee €1.50 standing, €6+ at table (especially San Marco). Ask "al banco?" for bar price.
• Restaurant "cover charge" (coperto) — €2-5/person is normal. Check menu for it.
• "Menu turistico" — Fixed menus near San Marco = tourist trap food. Avoid.
• Fake Murano glass — Ask for certificate. If price seems too good, it's Chinese.
• Gondola overcharging — Official rate €80/30min. Agree price AND duration before boarding.
• Wrong vaporetto direction — San Marco has multiple stops. Check direction on digital signs.
• Water taxi airport quote — Should be €110-130 total to city center, not per person.
• Rialto Bridge shopping — Overpriced everything. Walk 2 minutes away for real prices.
• Booking unnecessary tours — Most churches free. St. Mark's needs timed slot (free), not paid tour.
• Cruise ship timing — Check arrivals. 10am-4pm when ships dock is peak chaos.

Mobility Considerations

Venice is challenging for mobility issues:

• 400+ bridges with steps (no ramps on most)
• No wheelchairs in historic center without careful planning
• Water buses (vaporetti) have gaps to board
• "Accessible" routes exist but are limited and indirect
• Strollers: Possible but exhausting — consider baby carrier

See transport.md for accessible route information.

Architecture

~/venice/
├── memory.md          # Trip state, bookings, visited spots

Related Skills

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