16 Charming Streets in Venice That Are a Safety Hazard for Tourists
Venice is a city that defies logic; it floats on water, is packed full of centuries-old architecture, and there’s a story on every corner. The streets and canals are like a postcard, and every day, millions of visitors are drawn to their appeal to lose themselves in its charm. Venice is beautiful and dazzling, walking its ancient streets can also feel like walking through a maze of hidden surprises. Sadly, some of these surprises aren’t so delightful, and can even be dangerous.
There is no denying Venice’s charm, but its streets were designed long before modern safety standards were a thing. Exploring this magical city is never easy and always features its fair share of tight passages, uneven walkways, and surprises.
Calle Varisco
Calle Varisco is one of the narrowest streets in Venice, and at just 21 inches wide, it’s also one of the narrowest streets in the world. Its tight passageway is Instagram-worthy, but it can be dangerous if you don’t know your way around the labyrinthine layout of Venice. It can feel claustrophobic on this street, and on busy days, as it’s easy to feel squeezed. On top of that, uneven pavement could trip you up if you aren’t careful.
Ponte Dei Sospiri Walkway
The narrow walkways leading to this iconic structure are more famously known as the Bridge of Sighs and can be deceptively dangerous. This area is a bottleneck of people, with tourists stopping abruptly for photos and slick surfaces after rain. Combine that with the occasional puddle of rising tides and you have one slippery tour to go on.
Calle Della Morte
The Street of Death is ominously named, but today the biggest danger is the uneven cobblestones and lack of lighting at night. This secluded spot is nestled just outside the Cannaregio district and will leave you stumbling in the dark if you’re not careful.
Calle Del Traghetto
Calle Del Traghetto is one of the riskiest spots for the unprepared, and this unassuming alley leads directly to a canal with no railings. If you’re distracted by a map or phone while walking here, you might just step right into the water. All the lack of barriers is what makes Venice an embodiment of the past world, and the lack of barriers also embodies what makes Venice the risk.
Ruga degli Orefici
Ruga degli Orefici is one of the busiest shopping streets in Venice and is home to endless lines of pedestrians at any given hour. It’s hard to spot uneven steps or cracks in the road with the crowd. Balancing while weaving through the crowd for those carrying shopping bags can become a juggling act.
Calle Lunga San Barnaba
The Dorsoduro district is a lovely area for a quiet stroll—until it rains. The smooth stones here are slippery as ice when wet, so easy to lose your footing. Sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended by locals to avoid a tumble.
Fondamenta Misericordia
Fondamenta Misericordia is a little lively street full of bars and restaurants and the perfect spot for nightlife. It’s poorly lit after dark and close to the canal, so it’s easy to misstep. A fun night out can turn into an unplanned swim, and over-enthusiastic revelers often underestimate how quickly this can happen.
Calle Nuova Sant’Agnese
The Calle Nuova Sant’Agnesestreet is tucked away in a quieter part of Venice and loved for its peaceful vibes, along with authentic Venetian charm. Regardless, the uneven ground and steep drops at the canal edge mean that it’s a tough one for newcomers. It’s especially true for stroller or wheelchair users.
Ponte di Rialto Surroundings
The Ponte di Rialto surroundings is as beautiful as it is chaotic around the iconic Rialto Bridge. Tourists throng narrow streets, distracted by the view and the markets. It has uneven surfaces and seemingly random steps that can trip you up if you’re not watching where you’re going.
Calle Delle Botteghe
This street is filled with quaint shops and small cafes — artisan shops, which draw visitors to it through its picturesque appeal. Here, however, the cobblestones are especially uneven, and the narrowness of the path can give you a hard time if you are trying to walk in a straight line.
Calle Della Pietà
Calle Della Pietà runs directly into a canal near the famous church of the same name. There are no barriers or warning signs and it’s very easy to wander too close to the water.
Fondamenta Cannaregio
The Fondamenta Cannaregio street has stunning views of Venice’s canals, but being so close to the water means it’s slippery after rain or high tide. It’s also often crowded, as there’s the hustle and bustle of the nearby train station.
Calle Scaleta
The steep steps of this quiet, lesser-known street are hard to navigate if you’re carrying luggage or traveling with children. Decades of lack of maintenance have left cracks and gaps that can cause anyone to trip, even the most prudent traveler.
Riva degli Schiavoni
The sweeping views of the lagoon make this waterfront promenade a real tourist magnet. Still, the uneven paving stones mixed with crowds make it a safety issue; especially during peak hours or high tide when parts of it are underwater.
Calle del Paradiso
Calle del Paradiso has medieval arches and beautiful shops and looks like a fairytale. This street’s charm masks its narrowness and uneven ground, which can catch the unwary visitor.
Calle delle Erbe
Calle delle Erbe is a bustling market street, but it’s chaotic. With the crowds and clutter, it is easy to miss the uneven steps and loose cobblestones underfoot. If you’re visiting early in the morning when vendors are setting up, be especially careful.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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