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Sunrise Kayak Tour of Venice

See Venice at Sunrise. Morning tour on request. Starts at 6am on weekends only.

Book this Tour only on request

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Gear, guide and kayak tutorial included.

Difficulty Level

1-1.5 Hours of Effective Rowing

Sunrise Kayak Tour at Venice

Join us for a magical Sunrise Kayak Tour through Venice during the early morning hours every Sunday to enjoy the Venetian sunrise. We will be starting at 6 am or 7am depending on the season. Saturday and Sunday mornings for a 1 to 1.5 hrs. tour through the canals of Venice where we will be almost alone on the water. Experience the city in the early morning light. Kayak past St. Mark’s Square, century old churches, palaces, Banksy artwork and pass under historic bridges on our tour through 5 of the 6 districts of Venice.

We will meet at a central location in the city, not far from St. Mark’s Square, just before sunrise. We will start kayaking around sunrise. For Sunrise Kayak Tour , we will be using tandem kayaks to be the most efficient on the water. We will be back at the starting point in time so that one can have breakfast and have time to see other parts of Venice and the lagoon afterwards.

Sunrise Kayak Tour is NOT recommended for beginners and some kayaking experience is required.

The meeting time is between 5:30 and 6:30 am in the morning and we will be on the water between 6:00 and 7:00 am (depending at what time the sunrise is).

Tour Guide Included

Photo service included.

Additional Information:

• We will supply you with the kayak, paddle, spray skirt, buoyancy aid (PFD), waterproof bag for wallet and cell phone, bottled water and on colder days kayak jackets.
• Some kayaking experience required, need to be able to kayak in a straight line and paddle for 1 to 1.5 hrs.
• For Sunrise Kayak Tour we use tandem kayaks (2 person kayaks).
• If under 18 years old, then one adult needs to be with them in the tandem kayak.
• If the weather is not suitable for Sunrise Kayak Tour , then the tour might be cancelled in the last minute. Reasons can include fog, heavy rain, and strong wind etc. We thrive to make every tour possible.
• Please supply us with a phone number so that we can reach you in the morning if the need arises.

What our Customers said

We source these review from trusted & verified online platforms such as Tripadvisor, Google, Airbnb & more.

“Great way to see Venice, and burn off some of that pasta. Lovely tour guide, who took plenty of pictures whilst you go. Really good tour, and worth every penny.”

From Tripadvisor

“Amazing time on the water – Alberto was the best guide!my husband and I went on a half day trip and had an awesome time”

Emma-Katrine B

“The all-day tour of the islands was just that, a long day in the kayak visiting Burano, which was an absolute delight and other locations. If you enjoy kayaking, this is a great days activity and I can’t recommend it enough.”

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Venice Kayak Tour – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

Kayak Tours in Venice are famous as they offer a unique way to explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities built on a lagoon.

Visitors can access the city’s hidden corners on Kayaks and experience its history, architecture, and culture up close, away from the teeming crowds. 

This article covers everything you must know before booking the Kayak Tour Venice tickets.

Top Venice Kayak Tour Tickets

# Guided Kayak Tour in Venice # Private Kayak Tour # Night kayak tour

Table of contents

What to expect at venice kayak tour, where to book tickets , how do online tickets work, ticket price, guided kayak tour in venice, private kayak tour in venice, night kayak tour, venice kayak tour meeting point, venice kayak tour timings, how long does the tour take, best time to go on the venice kayak tour.

Venice’s Kayak Tours provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional transportation, minimizing environmental impact. 

Sail gracefully through the canals, rii (smaller canals), and experience the charm of one of Europe’s most iconic cities.

Explore secluded islands only reachable by kayak and see the mesmerizing wildlife of the Venetian Lagoon.

Learn gondola techniques at the Rowing Association Vogaepara, and dive into the history of Venetian settlement at Isola Torcello. 

Paddle through wild marshes to Isola di Sant’Erasmo, explore Vignole (the secret Island), and a hidden canal to Certosa. 

Back to Top

You can purchase tickets to the Guided Kayak Tour online in advance or offline.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than offline tickets.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

Because Kayak Tours have limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days. 

Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Go to the Guided Venice Kayak Tour ticket booking page.

Select the number of tickets, preferred date, and guide language (English or Italian), and book your tickets immediately.

Once you purchase the tickets, they get delivered to your email address. 

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

You can show your guide the e-ticket on your smartphone and join the tour.

The Guided Kayak Tour in Venice ticket prices vary depending on the type you choose.

A day ticket costs €72, a quick Venice Kayak Tour ticket costs €59, and a night ticket costs €94 for everyone, irrespective of age.

Private Kayak Tour in the Venetian Lagoon tickets cost €40 for visitors aged between 10 and 70 years.

Night kayak tour tickets cost €140 for visitors above six years.

Venice Kayak Tour tickets

There are three types of Kayak Tour Venice tickets that are popular with tourists.

You can either book the Guided Kayak Tour in Venice , the Private Kayak Tour , or the Night Tour .

With this ticket, you can access an officially approved kayak, ergonomic paddle, Life vest, and qualified English-speaking instructor.

Other facilities, such as food & beverages and transfers, are not included with this ticket.

This is the most popular and chosen ticket as it is quite affordable and has three different options catering to the needs of different tourists.

Ticket Prices

Day Tour: €72 Quick Tour: €58 Night Tour: €94

Experience a serene private kayak tour in the Venetian Lagoon, away from the busy city life. 

Explore secluded islands accessible only by kayak, and observe wildlife such as egrets and herons in their natural habitat. 

Learn about Venetian rowing techniques at the Rowing Association Vogaepara, and delve into the history of regattas at Isola Torcello.

A professional tour leader will lead this tour. It is available in English, Italian, and Spanish languages.

Note: Rental Kayak and vest are not included in this ticket. However, they are available for purchase on-site.

Ticket Cost: €40

This premium 2-hour Night Kayak Tour in Venice features a breathtaking sunset. 

Discover Venice’s hidden gems and witness the beauty of its waters under the stars.

Explore hidden natural spots in the Venetian Lagoon and Canals. Go past iconic landmarks like Fort Sant Andrea and Isola di Sant’Erasmo.

This exclusive tour offers a sustainable, leisurely experience, with gear, expert guidance, and kayak tutorials included. 

Ticket Cost: €280

Save time and money! ​​Buy the Venice Pass and enjoy a fast-track entry to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Discover Venice with a digital guide that includes 100+ points of interest, audio commentaries, offline maps, and walking/public transport itineraries. Plus, save 10% on your next booking!

All three Venice Kayak Tours have different meeting points.

The meeting point for the Guided Kayak Tour in Venice is Calle Brazzo. The nearest ferry terminal (Ferries: 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, A) is Madonna dell’Orto and it’s a 4-minute walk to the meeting point.

The meeting point for the Private Tour is Fondamenta dei Squeri, 512 and it’s a 1-minute walk to the nearest ferry terminal, Burano “C” (Ferries: 12, 14, NLN).

The meeting point for the Night kayak tour is Calle Tornielli, 2370 . It is a 4-minute walk from the nearest ferry terminal, S. Marcuola Casino (Ferres: 1, 2, N, P).

The Kayak Tour Venice has different starting times. 

The Guided Kayak Tour ticket for instance, offers you three options:

• Day tour starts at 10 am.
• Quick tour starts at 5 pm.
• Night tour starts at 8.30 pm.

The Private Kayak Tour starts at 9 am, and the Night kayak tour starts at 8 pm.

The Kayak Tours in Venice take somewhere between 1 to 2 hours approximately. The timing depends on the tour you choose. 

The best time to go on a Kayak Tour Venice is as soon as they start, i.e., at 9 am or 10 am, depending on the tour.

It is also best to go on these tours during the weekdays as the weekends tend to be crowded.

The best time to visit Venice is from April to June, and again from September to November.

The Kayak Tour Venice is a highly-rated tourist activity. 

Check out these two reviews we selected from Tripadvisor to give you an idea of what to expect during this activity.

Venice in a whole new way

A very different way to see Venice and a very different way to kayak! The tour takes you to places tourists don’t see in terrific kayaks that will please beginners and more experienced paddlers. (They are very comfortable, stable, and agile sit-in boats). It’s urban kayaking at its best. Our guide, Alberto, was terrific too.

JonMannJonMann_Tripadvisor

Must do while in Venice!

We loved this experience! It was so much fun, and we had a great guide! We decided to do this tour on a whim, and I am so glad we did. They provided everything we needed (we were not necessarily prepared), and it was awesome!

Eva_K_Tripadvisor

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Kayak Tour Venice.

You will be offered a full refund if you cancel your ticket 24 hours in advance.

Yes, you can book your tickets online there as the tour has a limited number of tickets and they get sold out quite often.

The most popular tour is the Venice Guided Kayak Tour . You can also check out the Private Tour and Night Tour . 

Yes, you will get all the necessary equipment for the Venice Guided Kayak Tour and Night Kayak Tour . However, you do not get this facility for the Private Kayak Tour .

Children above eight years are welcome and must paddle with a parent or guardian in a double kayak. 

Yes, you must bring your sportswear and suitable shoes for paddling. It is also better to carry sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and extra clothes (preferably wool or synthetic). 

Though it is not a prerequisite, we recommend this tour to those who do not panic in case something unplanned happens. It is therefore better if you have some basic swimming skills.

Visitors must at least have basic paddling skills to go on Kayak Tour in Venice. 

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This article was researched & written by

Sri Venkat Mamidi

Sri Venkat Mamidi finds staying in one place boring. He travels to learn about different people, cultures, beliefs, religions, and other things he doesn't know yet. For him, traveling is not about escaping the daily routine but finding out who he really is. Favorite Cities: New Orleans, Budapest, Cape Town.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Experiences, Venice

Kayaking in Venice: a unique experience

Venice , the enchanting city built on water in Italy, provides a unique perspective when explored from the labyrinth of its picturesque canals . But one might wonder, can you kayak in the Venice canals ? Although recent regulations have imposed some restrictions on kayaking , several parts of the city’s intricate canal system still offer the opportunity to relish this fascinating waterborne activity. Let’s discover them together!

Venice’s Kayak ban: what does it mean?

News of the kayak ban may  disappoint  some visitors who are hoping to kayak  in Venice . This ban covers major canals used by public water transport, such as the Venice Grand Canal and the Cannaregio Canal , and extends to canoes, paddleboards, and pedalos . Of course,  the city’s iconic gondolas are exempt from this ban..

The silver lining: kayaking in smaller canals

Despite the restrictions, kayaking in Venice, Italy, is far from being completely off-limits . While it may no longer be permitted on the busy main waterways, you can still indulge in kayaking on some of the smaller canals . However, this is permissible within certain hours – weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 3 pm – ensuring you can still relish the tranquil experience of navigating through the canals by kayak despite the time restrictions.

Kayak Rentals and Tours in Venice

Should you find yourself drawn towards the water, kayak rentals can be a great option to consider. The best way to enjoy this unique Venetian experience is to book a professional kayak tour of Venice . Several companies offer these services, including Real Venetian Kayak and Venice Kayak, giving you the opportunity to dive into the city’s charms from a new perspective while ensuring compliance with the city’s regulations.

So, can you kayak in the canals of Venice?

Yes, you can! Although some restrictions are in place to protect  the city’s historic canals and the safety of everyone (residents and visitors), kayaking in Venice’s canals remains an enticing and viable activity. With responsible use and compliance with city regulations, you can indeed relish the thrill of kayaking in this mesmerizing city.

Dive into the intriguing maze of Venice’s canals with our informative guide, and spice up your romantic Venetian journey with our specially curated itinerary. Unravel the magic of Venice in Italy and have fun!

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The 7 Best Kayak Tours Venice

Looking for the best kayak tours Venice? 

Venice=Gondola. We get it. We get it. We get it because we’ve done it.

When you think of those picturesque canals, you don’t necessarily think of kayaking in Venice, Italy. Yet kayaking is a unique way to see the city from the water. 

Which kayak tour of Venice to choose? 

Our list of the top kayaking Venetian tours is built on the things that matter to us: budget for value and family-friendly. 

But even if you are planning for solo or couple travel in Venice, our list of best kayak tours will help you sort and choose the best one. As opposed to families who need to minimum age to see if they can bring their kids, you can use the minimum age requirement to see if you want to kayak with their kids!

So whoever you are, let us help you find the best kayak tour to explore the Venice canals. 

Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission at no extra charge to you.

Don’t have time to read? Book our #1 recommended Kayak Tour Venice .  The tour is the best budget for value.  Children over 6 are allowed on the tour riding tandem with a parent or the guide so it is also the most family-friendly tour on the list! This tour is likely to sell out. Check availability!

1. Real Venetian Kayak

4.5 out of 5  ⭐

Duration: 1 hour, 40 Minutes

Included: 

• Ergonomic Paddle

Real Venetian Kayak’s tour is our #1 choice for kayaking in Venice . We took this exact tour and wrote a full review about our experience. 

We have chosen this tour as our #1 choice because of its value for budget. This is the least expensive tour that explores the canals of Venice. 

Despite its lower cost, the tour is not only the most popular but, is also highly rated. We love it so much that we made it #1 on our list of things to do in Venice with teens .

We loved the small size of the tour. The tour can have as many as 6 participants. We were fortunate that the tour was just the three of us and our guide.  

Our favorite part of the experience was learning more about Venice from a Venetian. Our guide was a young college student whose family had been living in Venice for generations.

We learned not only the history of the city but the history of his family. It was truly a wonderful experience and one of the highlights of our time in Venice.

The tour begins with some instructions and safety information. So if you have never paddled before, don’t worry, your guide will teach you.

Then you will explore the neighborhood of Canneregio and learn about Venice’s Jewish history. You will also have a chance to paddle out the lagoon and see Venice from a distance. 

A perfect way to experience the city and one of our favorite Venice tours. 

Elizabeth_P, 

Excellent service, very friendly, and wonderful crew. Helpful and kind. Our guide was amazing, very patient, and friendly. I would recommend this tour.

2. Venice: Castello Canals Guided Kayaking Tour and Bridges

Duration: 3 hours

• All gear for kayaking
• After tour snack and juice
• Free photo service

This tour will have you kayaking through the amazing hidden spots of Venice . 

The tour starts from the island of Certosa in Venice. After getting comfortable on your kayak, you’ll head out for an adventure crossing the lagoon towards the Arsenale of Venice. 

In the Arnenale, you will take pictures of the famous hand exhibition piece. Then you will paddle back to San Pietro.

The tour is a great combination of well-known spots in Venice with much quieter hidden canals that will feel as if they were waiting just for you. 

If you are traveling as a family, note that this tour has a minimum age of 10. 

The experience with Venice Kayak was great from start to finish. The entire crew was friendly and very accommodating. The venue was easy to find; it was located right on a public transit water-taxi stop.

3. Private Kayak Tour in the Venetian Lagoon

4.5 out of 5 ⭐

Duration: 2 hours

• Tour Leader

Escape the crush of the people with this kayak tour of the Venice laguna . 

When an egret flies over your kayak, you won’t believe you just left St. Mark’s Square with thousands of people crowding in front of the basilica.

The tour also includes a visit to the home of Venetian rowing to learn about gondola techniques. 

The tour meets up at the ferry arrival point in Burano. 

But be aware that the tour only covers the guide. At your first stop, you will need to rent a kayak. The cost is around $30, and you will need to bring cash for the rental.

The tour is budget and family-friendly, as long as your kids are 10+. 

Fantastic . First a very interesting introduction to the rowing culture at the rowing club at Burano. The tour itself was pure joy. Flamingos, jumping fish..and we went right through the heart of Torcello It was an unforgettable experience, and of course all because of Filippo the perfect enthusiastic guide.

4. 2-Hour Natural Lagoon Kayak Tour in Venice

5 out of 5 ⭐

• Kayak and all equipment
• Bottled water

Explore the hidden marsh areas of the Venice lagoon. This tour is all about slowing down. 

The slow pace of the kayak and the slowing down from city to nature will allow you to catch your breath in a city that often takes it away. 

The guide will also teach you about the wildlife, flora, and fauna that populates this often unseen part of Venice. 

The tour, like #2 on the list, begins on Certoso Island. From your meeting point, you will paddle to the Isola de Sant’Erasmo keeping an eye out for marine life.

Isola di Sant’Erasmo through small channels and past Fort Sant Andrea while keeping an eye out for marine life.

The difference between this tour and #2 is this one is much more focused on nature. 

Willi, 

A great tour! Great guide, max! We had awesome moments in the lagune with the kayaks. Thank you very much!

5. Kayak Discovery Tour in the Lagoon of Venice

5 out of 5  ⭐

Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes

• Paddle 

For this tour, you will meet up in Venice and then travel to the Venice lagoon.

At the lagoon, you will paddle are the historical islands of Sant’Erasmo and Vignole . You will take a break from paddling to visit a 16th-century fort that is only accessible by a small boat. 

The tour will allow you to discover Venice’s most peaceful islands far away from the hectic center of Venice. 

Once out on the water, you will have a chance to look back and photograph the picturesque city of Venice from the water.

The tour is slightly more than the other lagoon tours.  

It is also the longest, except #7, which includes all of this tour, plus Burano.

The tour also includes meeting your guide in Venice as opposed to one of the islands. 

So if you are not as comfortable traveling by Vaperotto to the islands on your own, the extra expense could be worth it. Note that the price of water transportation to the island is not included in the price. 

The tour is not recommended for families with children. If you are traveling with teenagers, this could be a good tour for you. Be sure to confirm the minimum age with the tour provider. 

Amazing tour of the north lagoon, experiencing Venice in a whole new way. Valerio was a great guide, and very professional.

6. Venice Small-Group Mystery Kayak Tour

• Kayak and equipment
• Bottled Water

This tour will engage and entertain you with all the history and mysteries of the Venice canals.  

The tour takes you based on the Castello neighborhood, Concattedrale de San Pietro de Castello, and Isola San Michele.

We listed this tour later in the list because it is the highest-priced tour of its kind. However, it is important to note that this tour is over an hour longer than our #1 choice and includes more stops within the city of Venice.

The tour also has a maximum number of 5 participants so if a small group is important to you on your Venice tour then the extra money might be worth it.

There is no minimum age listed so be sure to check with Venice Kayak, the tour provided if you are traveling with children.

Kaitlin_J, 

Great experience all around. I would do it again if I were to go back to Venice. 

7. Learn to Row in the Canals of Venice

Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes

• Boat and equipment for rowing

Okay, so technically this is not a kayak tour. Yet its high reviews, great price, and unique experience put it on our list.

Instead of just sitting in a Gondola, why not learn how to row one? 

The tour teaches you the Venetian art of Gondola rowing. As you learn how to row from your Gondolier, you will also learn the history of this art.

This tour is also budget-friendly making it a great active alternative to a traditional Gondola ride.

So while it is not a kayak tour, you will still get the experience of paddling the canals on your own steam.

The tour has a maximum number of 4, which means you will benefit from small-group instruction. 

As for age, even your youngest children are allowed on the tour. Although the little ones may not be able to try their hand at rowing. 

Shana_M, 

This was a great introduction to Venice and a very nice “off the beaten path” activity. The guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about Venice’s boats and boating traditions and also a very patient teacher.

Can you kayak in Venice?

Yes, kayaking in Venice, Italy is allowed. In 2021, more stringent laws set out where kayaks can travel and times when they are banned due to peak travel.

For tourists who want to kayak, skip the kayak rental in Venice. The best plan is to go with a licensed tour that understands the restrictions of the 2021 ban.

Is there a Venice kayak ban?

Yes. Since 2021, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are banned on the Grand Canal and the Carnareggio Canal. 

In the past, kayaks were banned on busy waterways only during peak hours. In 2021 the ban expanded to ban these watercraft at all times.

Conclusion: Best Kayak Tours Venice

Our 8 best kayak tours in Venice, Italy will give you a unique way to explore this well-traveled place. 

While there are many great tours to choose from, the one we picked and highly recommend was the kayak tour by Real Venetian Kayak tour. 

As budget family travelers, we found this tour to be of great value and was one of the highlights of our time in Venezia.

Regardless of what tour you choose, you will never regret that you chose to kayak Venice as a more unique and memorable way to explore the waterways of this beautiful city.

Faith, along with her husband and her son make up 3TicketsPlease. We have adventured to over 25 countries together. Budget travel allows us to live our philosophy of "why wait to travel," and we'd love to help you and your family see the world now.

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Venice tests a 5-euro fee for day-trippers as the city grapples with overtourism

The Associated Press

Stewards check tourists' QR code access outside the main train station in Venice, Italy, on Thursday. Luca Bruno/AP hide caption

Stewards check tourists' QR code access outside the main train station in Venice, Italy, on Thursday.

VENICE, Italy — Under the gaze of the world's media, the fragile lagoon city of Venice launched a pilot program Thursday to charge day-trippers a 5-euro (around $5.35) entry fee that authorities hope will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Visitors arriving at Venice's main train station were greeted with large signs listing the 29 dates through July of the plan's test phase that also designated separate entrances for tourists, and residents, students and workers.

Venice will limit tour groups to 25 people and ban loudspeakers to control tourism

"We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,'' said Simone Venturini, the city's top tourism official. "We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days."

Not all residents, however, are persuaded of the efficacy of the new system in dissuading mass tourism , insisting that only a resurgence in the population will restore balance to a city where narrow alleyways and water buses are often clogged with tourists.

Hundreds of Venetians protested against the program, marching festively though the city's main bus terminal behind banners reading "No to Tickets, Yes to Services and Housing." Protesters scuffled briefly with police with riot gear who blocked them from entering the city, before changing course and entering over another bridge escorted by plainclothes police. The demonstration wrapped up peacefully in a piazza.

Citizens and activists stage a protest against Venice Tax Fee in Venice on Thursday. Luca Bruno/AP hide caption

Citizens and activists stage a protest against Venice Tax Fee in Venice on Thursday.

Tourists arriving at the main station encountered almost as many journalists as stewards on hand to politely guide anyone unaware of the new requirements through the process of downloading the QR code to pay the fee.

Arianna Cecilia, a tourist from Rome visiting Venice for the first time, said she thought it was "strange" to have to pay to enter a city in her native country, and be funneled through separate entrance ways for tourists. She and her boyfriend were staying in nearby Treviso, and so downloaded the QR code as required, but she was still caught off-guard while soaking in her first view ever of Venice's canals by the sight of the entrance signs and her boyfriend telling her to get out the ticket.

On the other side of the entrance ways, workers in yellow vests carried out random checks at the train station. Transgressors faces fines of 50 to 300 euros ($53 to $320), but officials said "common sense" was being applied for the launch.

With Waters Rising And Its Population Falling, What Is Venice's Future?

The requirement applies only for people arriving between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Outside of those hours, access is free and unchecked.

Venice has long suffered under the pressure of overtourism, and officials hope that the pilot project can help provide more exact figures to better manage the phenomenon.

The city can track the number of hotel visitors, which last year numbered 4.6 million and is down 16% from pre-pandemic highs. But the number of day visitors, which make up the majority of the crowds in Venice, could only be estimated until recently.

Stewards check a tourist's QR code access outside the main train station in Venice. Luca Bruno/AP hide caption

Stewards check a tourist's QR code access outside the main train station in Venice.

A Smart Control Room set up during the pandemic has been tracking arrivals from cellphone data, roughly confirming pre-pandemic estimates of 25 million to 30 million arrivals a year, said Michele Zuin, the city's top economic official. That includes both day-trippers and overnight guests.

But Zuin said the data is incomplete.

"It's clear we will get more reliable data from the contribution" being paid by day-trippers, he said.

Venturini said the city is strained when the number of day-trippers reaches 30,000 to 40,000. On peak days, local police set up one-way traffic for pedestrians to keep the crowds moving.

Residents opposing the day-tripper tax insist that the solution to Venice's woes are to boost the resident population and the services they need, limiting short-term rentals to make available more housing and attract families back from the mainland.

Last year, Venice passed a telling milestone when the number of tourist beds exceeded for the first time the number of official residents, which is now below 50,000 in the historic center with its picturesque canals.

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"Putting a ticket to enter a city will not decrease not even by one single unit the number of visitors that are coming,'' said Tommaso Cacciari, an activist who organized a protest Thursday against the measure.

"You pay a ticket to take the metro, to go to a museum, an amusement park. You don't pay a ticket to enter a city. This is the last symbolic step of a project of an idea of this municipal administration to kick residents out of Venice," he said.

Venice officials expected paid day-tripper arrivals Thursday to reach about 10,000. More than 70,000 others had downloaded a QR code denoting an exemption, including to work in Venice or as a resident of the Veneto region. Hotels in Venice, including in mainland districts like Marghera or Mestre, should provide a QR code attesting to their stay, which includes a hotel tax.

Venturini, the tourist official, said that interest in Venice's pilot program has been keen from other places suffering from mass tourism, including other Italian art cities, and municipalities abroad such as Barcelona, Spain, and Amsterdam.

But Marina Rodino, who has lived in Venice for 30 years, doesn't see the fee as the cure-all. Neighboring apartments in her residential building near the famed Rialto Bridge once inhabited by families are now short-term apartment rentals.

The corner butcher shop closed. Yet she noted that the new entrance fee requirement will still allow young people to flood the city in the evening for the traditional aperitivo, which can grow rowdy.

She was passing out mock European Union passports for "Venice, Open City," underlining the irony of the new system, and challenging its legal standing with citations from the Italian Constitution guaranteeing its citizens the right to "move or reside freely in any part of the national territory."

"This is not a natural oasis. This is not a museum. It is not Pompeii. It is a city, where we need to fight so the houses are inhabited by families, and stores reopen. That is what would counter this wild tourism,'' Rodino said.

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