The One Month Venice Digital Nomad Stay – My Tips

Ah, Venice. A city so legendary, it doesn’t even need an introduction. The canals, the gondolas, the romance – all wrapped up in one floating masterpiece. But what about Venice as a digital nomad destination?

Is it all watery charm, or are there hidden quirks to life as a modern nomad in this ancient lagoon? Spoiler alert: it’s both. Here are my top tips from my one-month digital nomad adventure in Venice – the city of dreams, detours, and dodgy Wi-Fi.

A Pandemic Twist – How I Ended Up in Venice

Like many, the pandemic threw my travel plans into chaos. I had originally booked a week-long jaunt to Venice in May 2020, but the world had other ideas. Flights were canceled, borders slammed shut, and Venice, usually bustling with life, suddenly became a ghost town. Fast forward to June 2020, and as the travel gates cautiously creaked open, I found myself with a bold decision:

Why not extend my stay? Instead of a measly week, I opted for a full month in Venice. And thus began my one-month Venice digital nomad adventure, with fewer tourists and a quieter, somewhat eerie city. I was hooked.

The first thing I noticed? Venice without the crowds is like having an entire art gallery all to yourself. I wandered down silent streets, walked into museums without lines, and sipped on spritzers with only locals for company.

It was magical, but I was fully aware that this Venice – this quieter, serene version – wouldn’t last forever. But while it did, I took full advantage, and I’ve got plenty of lessons to share.

Accommodation in Venice

Location, Location, Location

As a self-proclaimed ‘slow traveller,’ I don’t do light packing. I’m the kind of person who hauls a coffee machine with me (because, let’s face it, decent coffee is non-negotiable). But Venice – oh, Venice – isn’t built for the over-packer.

The streets are narrow, there are endless bridges, and charming canals? Yeah, they don’t accommodate cars. So, after dragging my bags from Piazzale Roma to my Airbnb in Santa Croce, I realized I had made a colossal error. Bridges are delightful until you’re lugging 20 kilos of “essentials” across them.

For my first stay, I chose an apartment in Santa Croce, a quieter area with a canal view. Picturesque, yes. Convenient? Not so much. While it’s only a ten-minute walk from the car park, everything else in Venice – the museums, the piazzas, the gondolas – felt like a cross-city hike. And let’s not forget the four flights of stairs to my apartment. Talk about a workout.

By the time I returned to Venice in May 2021 for seven weeks (yes, I was a glutton for punishment), I wised up. I rented a more central apartment near the Ghetto in Cannaregio and learned the true luxury of being close to everything.

Trust me – if you’re staying for a month, invest in a location that doesn’t make you walk 15 kilometres a day. Unless you’re secretly training for a marathon, in which case, Santa Croce is perfect for you.

Air Conditioning is a Non-Negotiable

If you’re working from Venice anytime from June to September, let me save you some sweat: air conditioning is not optional. I spent long days typing away in my apartment, and without air conditioning, it would have been a steamy, miserable mess.

Plus, Venice has its fair share of alleyway neighbours who like to make their phone calls a public affair. Close those windows, blast the A/C, and thank me later.

Top Floor – Where Peace and Sleep Await

Sure, those extra flights of stairs may seem like a hassle, but trust me, they’re your ticket to blissful sleep. In Venice, soundproofing isn’t exactly a priority. I spent seven long weeks listening to my nocturnal neighbors’ antics, which gave me enough motivation to adopt the resilience of a true Venetian.

Opt for a top-floor apartment, and you’ll thank yourself every night. And while you’re at it, make sure you’ve got air conditioning. With the windows closed, you won’t hear the lady across the alley broadcasting her family drama to the whole city. Peace at last!

Make Sure Your Apartment is Long-Stay Ready

Venetian apartments are usually set up for the quick in-and-out tourist crowd, not the month-long nomad life. That means many places skimp on essentials like a washing machine, dishwasher, or even basic kitchen gear.

If you’re planning on settling in for a while, you’ll want to make sure your place is equipped for actual living, not just a whirlwind vacation.

Ours was decent, but let’s not forget – I come prepared, bringing my trusty coffee machine along for the ride. After all, one can’t survive on subpar espresso for a whole month!

Ponte Della Costuzione – one of the 4 bridges over the Grand Canal. I had to cart my luggage over this bridge.

Internet

As a digital nomad, I love finding the perfect nook to set up shop for the day. But let me tell you – Venice isn’t the Wi-Fi utopia you might expect. Yes, it has charm, beauty, and more spritzers than you can shake a laptop at, but decent internet? That’s another story.

On more than one occasion, I stared at painfully slow speeds, waiting for my emails to load while questioning all my life decisions and uploading a YouTube video. Ha! Try 6 to 7 hours. Before you book your dreamy canal-side apartment, ask your host about the Wi-Fi speed. Better yet, bring a mesh router.

I travel with my trusty TP-Link Deco M4, and trust me, it saved my sanity more than once. Otherwise, be prepared to do some serious offline writing and enjoy the scenery.

Parking – For the Few Brave Enough to Drive

Now, this may not apply to most of you, but if you’re one of the brave souls arriving by car for a long-term stay, you’ll need a plan for parking. In Venice, leaving your car costs a jaw-dropping €25 a day in the main commune car park – a steep price for simply sitting still!

Lucky for you, I found a cheaper alternative in Mestre, over on the mainland, at Hotel Delfino. For €130 a month, it’s a steal compared to Venice prices. Plus, it’s conveniently located across from the express bus that whisks you straight into the heart of the city. Pre-book through parclick.com and save yourself a fortune!

The Vaporetto and Other Adventures in Transportation

You’re in Venice, so naturally, your main mode of transport will be your feet. But every now and then, you’ll want to give your legs a break. Enter the Vaporetto, Venice’s public water bus. It’s €7.50 for a one-way ticket, and while there’s no monthly pass, it’s a handy way to visit the nearby islands like Murano, Burano, and Giudecca. And let’s face it, there’s something undeniably fun about floating from point A to B.

If you’re feeling fancy, try the water taxis. They’ll set you back around €65 a pop, but there’s a certain glamour to it that’s hard to resist. And as for gondolas? The ultimate tourist experience, of course. During my stay, I snagged a gondola ride for €50 (thank you, pandemic pricing), and it was every bit as romantic as you’d imagine. Just don’t make it a daily habit unless you’re rolling in dough.

The Art of Packing Light – Or Not

When they say Venice is not car-friendly, they mean it. Cars stop at the door, and from there, it’s all footwork. Unless you’re blessed with a porter service (which, by the way, costs €30), be prepared to lug your bags yourself. Venice is like one big obstacle course – scenic, sure, but when you’ve got three suitcases and a coffee machine in tow, it feels more like an endurance test.

Oh, and don’t even get me started on the suitcases with flimsy wheels. If you value your sanity, invest in a sturdy bag with robust wheels. Bridges, cobblestones, and suitcases with broken wheels? A recipe for disaster.

Tourist Tax and Other Fun Surprises

Venice has a tourist tax that you’ll need to pay for the first five days of your stay. And while it might seem like a minor inconvenience, the longer you stay, the more you save. A win-win for digital nomads. Just remember to factor it into your budget when you book that dreamy canal-side apartment.

Getting Lost in Venice’s Labyrinthine Charm

Venice is a city made for wandering. And as a digital nomad with a month to spare, I had the luxury of doing just that. The city is a maze, but once you embrace the fact that you will get lost, it becomes part of the adventure. I’d start my day with a vague idea of where I was headed, only to find myself meandering through quiet alleyways and stumbling upon hidden piazzas.

The tourist hotspots like Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge were blissfully empty during my stay, a rare treat for someone who loathes long lines. But beyond these iconic spots, there’s so much more to explore. I spent my evenings in Cannaregio, sipping on wine with locals and discovering Venice’s more laid-back side.

For a truly Venetian experience, venture into the areas where tourists rarely tread. Places like Campo Santa Margherita and Fondamenta dei Ormesini are where the locals hang out, and you’ll find a whole new side to Venice that’s far removed from the gondola-clogged Grand Canal.

There are hundreds of bridges and it’s very taxing on the body. Cobblestones equal an aching back if you wear the wrong shoes.

Beware the Fines – No Sunbathing, Picnicking, or Swimming

Here’s a fun fact about Venice: sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming in the canals are all illegal. I watched two tourists get slapped with a €250 fine for sunbaking on a wooden pontoon, and I can’t say they didn’t deserve it.

Venice has been overrun with tourism for years, and the local authorities are cracking down. So, save yourself the embarrassment (and the fine), and stick to more appropriate spots for your relaxation.

Relaxing with your clothes on is still allowed, don’t try to sunbake though.

Venice’s Food Scene – Gelato and Spritzers Galore

Eating out in Venice can be a mixed bag. Sure, you’ll find plenty of tourist traps serving mediocre pizza and pasta, but with a bit of digging, you can uncover some culinary gems. I cooked most of my meals at home, but I couldn’t resist indulging in Venice’s famous Aperol Spritz and gelato. The spritzers are refreshing, and the gelato? Heavenly, and surprisingly affordable.

For a more local drink, try the Bellini – a delicious blend of peach puree and prosecco. And if you’re a wine lover like me, don’t miss out on Amarone di Valpolicella, a powerful red wine that’ll knock your socks off (in the best way).

When it comes to grocery shopping, skip the expensive supermarkets and head to CRAI, the local discount chain. And if you’re after a truly Venetian shopping experience, check out De Spar Teatro, a supermarket housed in a former theatre. You’ll feel like you’re grocery shopping in the Renaissance – just don’t forget your backpack.

Venice Never Gets Old

By the end of my one-month stay, I felt like I’d barely scratched the surface of what Venice has to offer. It’s a city that constantly surprises you, with something new and magical around every corner.

I found myself captivated by its labyrinthine streets, where each alley seemed to tell a different story, a tale of history, art, and life that stretches back centuries. You can spend months here and still find yourself enchanted by places you’ve never seen before.

One of the best parts of staying longer in Venice is that you stop feeling like a tourist and start feeling a bit more Venetian. With a month at my disposal, I wasn’t rushing from one sight to the next, camera in hand, desperately trying to tick off a checklist of must-sees.

Instead, I allowed myself the luxury of slow travel – of soaking in the atmosphere, getting to know the locals, and letting the city reveal itself to me on its terms.

Events and Festivals – Embrace the Venetian Spirit

If you’re lucky, your stay in Venice might coincide with one of the city’s many festivals. I was fortunate enough to be there during three iconic events, each offering its own unique slice of Venetian culture.

First up was La Biennale, a massive art and architecture exhibition held every two years that transforms the city into a living gallery. This year’s theme was “How Do We Live Together?”, and the exhibits sprawled across Venice, with the main event taking place at the Arsenale in Castello. If you love art, it’s a must-see.

Next, I stumbled into the Venice Boat Show, a delightful event showcasing the latest in luxury yachts. Set against the backdrop of the Arsenale, it was a heady mix of high-end nautical design and Venetian charm. Even if you’re not in the market for a yacht (I certainly wasn’t), it’s worth checking out just for the spectacle.

Finally, I had the rare opportunity to witness Il Redentore, a 16th-century festival celebrating the end of a plague that once devastated the city. The highlight? A temporary bridge built across the Giudecca Canal, connecting Dorsoduro to the island of Giudecca.

For three days, I had the pleasure of walking this bridge, soaking in the festival’s lively atmosphere, and watching the gondola races. It’s a tradition that truly captures the spirit of Venice, blending history with celebration in a way that only this city can.

Venywhere

If you’re considering a longer stay in Venice (and trust me, you should), the city has launched an initiative called Venywhere. Aimed at attracting remote workers like myself, this program offers resources and support for digital nomads looking to stay for three to six months.

While it’s a paid service, it comes with perks like reduced accommodation costs, making it a great option for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in Venetian life. And really, who wouldn’t want to spend half a year in Venice?

My Final Thoughts on Venice as a Digital Nomad Haven

Living in Venice for a month was nothing short of life-changing. This city, with all its quirks and charms, has a way of getting under your skin. Sure, it’s not always the most practical place for a digital nomad – the Wi-Fi can be dodgy, the transportation can be pricey, and hauling luggage over bridges is a workout in itself. But none of that compares to the sheer magic of being here.

Every day in Venice felt like stepping into a painting. From the ethereal morning mist rising over the canals to the golden sunsets that set the city aglow, Venice is a place that inspires creativity and fuels the soul. It’s a city where time seems to slow down, where you can lose yourself in its beauty and forget the outside world for a while.

So, if you’re a digital nomad looking for a place to call home for a month – or longer – Venice is more than worth considering. Just remember to pack light, bring a good pair of walking shoes, and be prepared for a few Wi-Fi challenges. And who knows? Like me, you might just fall so deeply in love with Venice that one month turns into two, or even three.

Venice has a way of making you feel like you belong, even if only for a short while. And for a digital nomad, that sense of connection, of being part of something timeless and beautiful, is worth more than the strongest Wi-Fi signal or the most convenient commute.

Resources:

• Venice Vaporetto Tickets: www.veneziaunica.it
• Venywhere Digital Nomad Program: www.venywhere.com
• Venice Tourist Information: www.turismovenezia.it

In the end, Venice wasn’t just a place I visited – it became a part of me. And I do not doubt that if you give this city a chance, it will captivate you just as it did me. Whether you come for a week or a month, Venice has a way of leaving an indelible mark on your heart. And honestly, I can’t wait to return.

Italy Digital Nomad Visa

Do you dream of staying longer in Italy beyond the 90 days per 180 days of a Schengen Visa? At the start of April 2024, Italy launched its long-awaited Italy Digital Nomad Visa. You can read more about it here:

Italy Digital Nomad Visa – Requirements and Application Process