What to Wear in Venice

Venice is an obstacle course for unsuitable shoes and oversized suitcases. Between your arrival point and your dinner table sit more than 400 arched bridges stepped in smooth, pale Istrian stone, which turns glassy when damp with morning mist or lagoon spray. Leave slick leather soles, stiletto heels and heavy hard-shell trunks at home.

Luggage and footwear

Pack a light cabin-sized case or backpack that you can comfortably carry up and down three or four stepped bridges by hand. Dragging a heavy four-wheel suitcase noisy step by step over historic stone bridges wears out the wheels and irritates residents. On your feet, wear cushioned trainers, rubber-soled loafers or waterproof ankle boots with real tread.

St Mark's Basilica rules and bag checks

At St Mark's Basilica and major churches such as the Frari and Santi Giovanni e Paolo, shoulders and knees must be covered. Even more strictly enforced at St Mark's Basilica is the no-bag rule: backpacks, large totes and luggage are not permitted inside and must be checked first, so walk over from your hotel carrying only a small pocket-sized cross-body pouch or wallet and phone.

Season by season

• Spring and Autumn: wind off the lagoon makes open vaporetto decks and waterfront promenades feel cooler than inland streets. Pack a windproof jacket, scarf and layered knitwear.
• Summer (June to August): airy linen or cotton clothes, sunglasses, a sunhat and insect repellent for warm summer evenings near quiet garden canals.
• Winter (November to February): humid lagoon cold cuts through thin coats; bring a warm down or wool coat, waterproof boots, hat and gloves. Check our seasonal guide before packing.