We’re considering visiting Venice for an extended stay, arriving during the last couple of days of Carnival, next year or the year after. We would not be staying close to San Marco

Some people say that it’s a great colourful event, really worth being there to see.

Others say that Carnival is mostly about people in costumes and masks standing around looking at other people in costumes and masks, and that Venice is unbearably crowded during Carnival.

Has anyone visited during Carnival? Did Carnival add, or detract, from your stay in Venice?

Advice would be most welcomed, as we’re not locked into arrival dates.

I did this once on accident. Booked the airfare first and then looked at the calendar. I was worried but it really didn't detract from our visit. San Marco was a bit more crowded than usual and getting into restaurants was kind of tough. Otherwise we enjoyed it. It was not my first visit to Venice but I found the experience quite interesting.

I say go and see. Why not?

The fun thing was walking around at night and seeing parties in the windows, people dressed up. We also came across some more youthful, rave-y type affairs.

Now that I think about it, I really enjoyed seeing all that. People were having a good time and the festive mood was contagious.

I will also be interested to hear replies to this. One view I've heard in the past is that it's like standing outside a party you're not invited to.

IMO this is a GREAT time to be there and, quite frankly, I would stay as CLOSE to the action as I could get because it is, or could be, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Yes, it will be crowded (and YOU are going to be a couple more of the people adding TO that crowd but so what?)

The costumes, the masks, the get-ups are fun to see; prices are jacked up so if you can GET a decently-priced place to stay do it.

And the non-carnival Venice, the museums, the canals, etc., etc., will still be there.

Peter,

Since you know Venice so well, I think you would be one who could make the most of Carnivale. It would be easy for you to enjoy and explore the activities. It would also be easy for you to turn your back on the activities if you found yourself weary of them. As long as you can find the accommodations you would prefer, why not see another side of one of your favorite places? And then enjoy the quiet after everyone leaves. I've visited Venice just after Carnivale and the city has an air of relaxation about it, as if it's breathing a sigh of relief. Some businesses take their vacation right after Carnivale, so you may find some of your favorites closed.

Hi,

We went to Venice 2 years ago specifically for Carnivale. It was not my first visit to Venice. My feeling is pretty much as you described in your original post, but I am very glad we went. We didn't pay to get into any of the fancy parties but it was fun to be in St Marcs square to photograph all the beautiful costumes. Once you got out of St Marcs square (not always easy!), I didnt think it was anymore crowded than it usually is. It was my partners first time to visit Venice (except for a couple quick overnighters staying in Mestre on the way to other places) and we were able to many of the usual touristy things without being any more hampered than usual by the crowds. I think you should definitely go.