Be Safe In Venice

Venice is a safe city to holiday in and visitors won’t feel especially threatened in any of its districts. However, being a popular tourist destination, pickpockets and bag snatchers are inevitably attracted to the pickings among the crowds.

Safety

Visitors should be mindful of where they keep their cash and valuables while out and about. Keeping the former in a purse or wallet in your front pocket is advisable or in a concealed money belt is even better still. Don’t go out wearing expensive jewellery or watches while you’re sightseeing; it just presents miscreants with unnecessary temptations. With regards to bag snatchers, reduce their opportunities by putting the strap of handbags over your head, while for backpacks, wearing both straps is advised.

Other warnings to consider for a visit to Venice include the possibility of flooding during times of heavy rain. If you are visiting in the winter then bringing or purchasing a pair of Wellington boots is sensible behaviour if you want to keep your good footwear, socks and trousers from getting wet or ruined. Pigeons also appear to be a common cause of complaint among tourists and it would seem that Saint Mark's Square is especially bad for this. The message here is to avoid these areas if you have any kind of phobia of birds or aren’t prepared for the chance that a huge flock may swoop or suddenly take off around you with very little regard for your presence.

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Health

Disease levels in Venice are no higher than anywhere else in Europe hence your chances of catching anything serious through normal day to day comings and goings and interaction with locals or other visitors are pretty slim. Tap water is safe to drink and reasonably palatable, though bottled water is available for those who prefer it. In the summer, the weather can get pretty hot, so make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and apply an appropriately factored sun cream to avoid sunburn.