I have booked to go to Venice mid January and noticed that all the pictures of Venice in winter were empty of people. Is it really like that in winter? It really looked like a deserted city and i even got goose bumps. How is it for those who have been there that time of year?<BR>

I've never been but a friend who lived in Italy says it is the most wonderful time to go..no crowds, only locals going about their daily business, wonderful light and a surprising quiet but "living" feel to the city. It's my fantasy to go then !

<BR><BR>Perhaps the photos you've seen were taken by photographers who wanted to avoid people in their shots. I highly doubt that Venice is devoid of tourists any time of year, but mid-January is sure to have fewer tourists than times of year when the weather is more pleasant.

As previously suggested, search "venice and january."<BR><BR>Or just don't go. God forbid you not be surrounded by throngs of tourists.

Stayorgo- I have only been to Venice in summer so I dont really know how it is like in winter but perhaps the pictures you saw were in the early morning when people were still asleep?

My husband and I were in Venice in March, and it was pretty deserted.. oh but it WAS HEAVEN.. I have seen photos of the place in summer and St. Mark's Square looks SOOO crowded, I doubt you could bend down to tie your shoe.. I've heard horror stories of mosquitos, and canal smell.. give me Venice in Winter any day of the week... a little chill in the air didn't keep me from getting gelato all over my gloves, I can tell you.

According to World Climate.com, the average ambiant tempature in January is 36F. I'm guessing you won't be fighting the crowds.<BR><BR>