One of Europe's most popular tourist destinations has been likened to “Disney World” because of the number of tourists it attracts, but some residents complain that it is becoming “unlivable for them”.
After a user on the question and answer site Quora asked whether locals like living in Venice, Venetians and tourists visiting the city gave their opinions.
“Many people have done so, but for a variety of reasons, the city's permanent population is a fraction of what it was in its heyday,” wrote one commenter, who wrote in his profile that he's visited 30 European countries and many others.
“It's like living in Disney World. Just like Parisians, locals want to be somewhere else in August, and although the throngs of tourists can be irritating… Venice is unique, beautiful and fascinating.”
But like other major tourist destinations, rising rents in the northern Italian city have become a source of tension between residents and tourists, with one local resident saying local shops are disappearing.
“The population is not that large anymore, just over 50,000. Every year more and more residents leave the city for other places, and the city is becoming a less livable place for us,” they said.
“Stores selling products to local residents have closed, leaving only those selling products to tourists. I'm a model maker and there was only one plastic model shop left in the city, but it closed last year because prices had gone up and it was no longer viable.”
They said that the Venetians themselves had become “another attraction for tourists”, arguing that “guides simply take them to places where most of the inhabitants live and show them the 'real Venice'. Well…”
Another person who lived in Venice for nearly six years said that after a few months, he had found the best local hangout spots, but the pace of life was completely different from other big cities.
“The only major difference is that people mainly walk everywhere, although sometimes you have to take a boat,” they say, “but it has to be said that the perception of time is different.”
“In a 'normal' city you'd feel pressured if you got on a train or bus, but in Venice you just go with the flow, so it doesn't really matter if you're five minutes late because the boat (or gondolino, the half-euro gondola that crosses the canals) is a little late.
“I think it's a great town for children because they can play without worrying about being hit by a car. However, I wouldn't recommend it for the elderly because not many buildings have elevators and it's a long journey to get to the supermarket.”
They said they love living there but know people who don't like it, adding, “So it really depends on your personality and attitude.”
In recent years, the effects of overtourism have become a major problem for residents, with some lamenting that Venice has turned into an “amusement park” on the verge of collapse.
Venice residents are venting their anger over “nasty” roads and “exorbitant prices” as an estimated 30 million people flock to the 160-square-mile city each year.
In 2021, authorities banned cruise ships from entering the historic center via the Giudecca Canal due to concerns about damage and pollution to Venice's canals.
Since the ban, sulfur dioxide emissions in Italy's lagoon have fallen by 80 percent, according to a study by the Ministry of Transport and the Environment.
Authorities introduced a 5 euro (4.20 pounds) tax this summer for day-trippers entering Venice between 8.30am and 4pm and this month limited group sizes on guided tours to 25 people.
Guides are also banned from using loudspeakers to combat noise pollution, with fines ranging from £21 to £422 for anyone breaking the rules.
