Venice's entry fee for day-trippers now costs double
Starting on Friday, the fee applies on all days until the first weekend in May and then on all weekends from Friday to Sunday until the end of July.
The doubled fee comes as Italy grapples with unprecedented levels of mass tourism, leading to an affordable housing shortage, crowded cities and overwhelmed attractions in once-peaceful villages.
In total, Venice's fee will be required on 54 days this year, nearly double the number from last year. Visitors must obtain a QR code online before arrival and download it to a mobile phone.
In 2024, Venice became the first city in the world to charge entry fees to short-term visitors, similar to a museum. Those without a ticket risk a fine of up to €300.
The system remains largely unchanged from last year, but payment is now required more frequently and at a higher rate. Early bookers can enter the city for €5, while last-minute visitors will pay €10.
More fees and visitor limits across Italy
It's not just Venice's long-time residents feeling the strain; tourists are affected as well. To preserve the authenticity of city centres and attractions, several Italian destinations are implementing access restrictions, fees and bans.
Every summer, some 4 million people visit the sunken city of Pompeii, overwhelming the archaeological park. To manage the crowds, a daily visitor limit of 20,000 is being enforced, along with personalized tickets.
The goal is to ease the strain on the site, preserving both visitor safety and the centuries-old heritage of the World Heritage-listed city, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Meanwhile the "Via dell'Amore" (Love Path) in Cinque Terre, once a hotspot for quick selfies, saw 3.5 million visitors annually before a 2012 landslide.
After over a decade of restoration, the trail reopened in 2024 with new restrictions. Now, only 400 people per hour can access the path, with 100 visitors allowed every 15 minutes.
€2 for Rome's Trevi Fountain?
In Rome, the landmark Trevi Fountain is a popular spot for selfies and coin tosses. However, its constant overcrowding has led the city council, along with residents and business owners, to reconsider the visitor experience.
They are exploring options such as limiting access or introducing a €2 entry fee to reduce chaos. In the meantime, visitors can already get a glimpse of changes under way.
The fountain is being restored in 2025, and access has been restricted with a walkway around the basin, allowing only a limited number of visitors at a time to better manage the crowds.
However many in Venice have been sceptical as to how much fees alone can actually achieve in terms of limiting crowds. In a city with sometimes crazy prices, why should anyone be put off by €10?
In Caffè Florian on St Mark's Square, a cappuccino costs €12. The evening rate for a half-hour gondola ride is €110.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Newsweek
UNESCO Announces Changes to World Heritage List
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle, which famously served as Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's palace, is one of several new additions to UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List. The list, which was established to protect and preserve sites of unique beauty, cultural and historical importance for humanity, now includes 1,248 landmarks and areas across over 170 countries. Sites of cultural importance account for the majority of these landmarks, at 972. The rest is split between places of astounding natural beauty (235), and so-called mixed properties (41), which have both natural and cultural value. Mist surrounds the Neuschwanstein Castle on October 31, 2024, in Hohenschwangau, Germany. Mist surrounds the Neuschwanstein Castle on October 31, 2024, in Hohenschwangau, Germany.A Fairy-tale Castle, French Megaliths, And The Vestiges Of Long-Lost Mediterranean Civilizations A total of 26 new sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list this year, 21 of which are of cultural importance to humanity, 4 of which are of natural value, and one of which is of both cultural and natural value. These are all the new additions, which span across several continents: Australia: Murujuga Cultural Landscape Brazil: Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park Cambodia: Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centers of repression to places of peace and reflection Cameroon: Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains China: Xixia Imperial Tombs Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Mount Kumgang—Diamond Mountain from the Sea Denmark: Møns Klint France: Megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan Germany: The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee Greece: Minoan Palatial Centres Guinea-Bissau: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago—Omatí Minhô India: Maratha Military Landscapes of India Iran (Islamic Republic of): The Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley Italy: Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia — The domus de janas Jamaica: The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal Malawi: Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape Malaysia: Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor Mexico: Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé) Panama: The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá Republic of Korea: Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream Russian Federation: Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave Sierra Leone: Gola-Tiwai Complex Tajikistan: Cultural Heritage Sites of Ancient Khuttal Turkey: Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe United Arab Emirates: Faya Palaeolandscape Viet Nam: Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes Wall paintings inside Knossos palatial centre, in Greece. Greece's Minoan Palatial Centers—six archaeological sites built in Crete between 1900 and 1100 BCE—were added to the World Heritage Sites list because they "represent the Minoan... Wall paintings inside Knossos palatial centre, in Greece. Greece's Minoan Palatial Centers—six archaeological sites built in Crete between 1900 and 1100 BCE—were added to the World Heritage Sites list because they "represent the Minoan civilization, a major prehistoric Mediterranean culture," UNESCO said. More Greece's Ministry of Culture France's megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan, built during the Neolithic period (c. 5000—2300 BCE), were recognized for their role in illustrating "the cultural complexity of the societies that inhabited this part... France's megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan, built during the Neolithic period (c. 5000—2300 BCE), were recognized for their role in illustrating "the cultural complexity of the societies that inhabited this part of the European Atlantic coast," UNESCO said. More Fanch Galivel Among these, King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, is likely the site most people around the world are already most familiar with. Built in the 19th century as a tribute to the operas of German composer Richard Wagner, the castle's romantic architecture makes it the perfect scenario for a fairy tale. That is certainly what Disney thought when he decided to recreate it inside the very first Disneyland park, which opened in California in 1955. An animated version of the castle also appeared in Disney's 1959 Sleeping Beauty. Neuschwanstein Castle as seen from the Tegelberg. The castle, together with the other Bavaria's grand palace complexes designed for King Ludwig II, "reflect the romantic and eclectic spirit of the era" they were built, UNESCO... Neuschwanstein Castle as seen from the Tegelberg. The castle, together with the other Bavaria's grand palace complexes designed for King Ludwig II, "reflect the romantic and eclectic spirit of the era" they were built, UNESCO said. More J. Beck, © BSV, Beck The castle joined the UNESCO list together with three other magnificent royal residencies in the same southern Germany region, which altogether reached an overall 1.7 million visitors last year. "The inclusion of the palaces on the World Heritage List is an outstanding honour for these impressive places," said the President of the German UNESCO Commission, Maria Böhmer following the World Heritage Committee's meeting in Paris. "They are all architectural masterpieces and bear witness to the artistic imagination, but also the eccentricity of the fairy tale king." More Than Just A Title Being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site is more than a mere symbolic act—it turns a natural or cultural landmark into an immediate must-visit for both residents and foreign visitors. Entering the prestigious list immediately elevates a site's profile on the global stage, boosting tourism and thus generating more revenues which can then be reinvested in better protecting or restoring the landmark. But being added to the list also allows sites to become eligible for global funding programs in case any repairs or restoration work is needed, as once included in the list, the site's protection becomes a matter of interest for the entire world.
Tom's Guide
18 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Planning to go to Europe this summer? Travel expert shares how to sleep with no air conditioning
Every summer, Americans flock to southern Europe to absorb its vibrant culture, and choosing a short-term rental over a hotel is often considered a better way to experience that. But what tourists may not be drawn to are the heatwaves hitting Europe right now, which aren't much fun when you're sleeping in an Airbnb without air conditioning. Yes, in many of these locations, especially in older buildings, air conditioning isn't common, meaning you could be in for an uncomfortable night's sleep. "You can have the perfect location and still lose sleep if you don't check," Andrea Moradei, founder of the Italian wine travel agency Vinarium. "The key is knowing what to look for because some places stay naturally cool, even in a heatwave.' Below, Moradei breaks down the five steps to find homestays and guesthouses that will naturally keep you sleeping cool with no A/C, in five easy steps. Already booked your Airbnb? Try these tips on how to sleep cool in a building without air conditioning. Sealy Posturepedic Seafield 13" Firm Tight Top Mattress: queen was $1,999 now $849 at Macy'sIf you're after an incredibly supportive firm mattress in a queen size, that's just what we have for you here. In this limited-time deal from Macy's you can get 58% off a 13" Sealy Posturepedic mattress that maximizes support as well as delivering pressure point relief and plenty of comfort. This hybrid mattress would normally cost you $1,999 in a queen size, but if you get your skates on you can instead grab it for just $849. So, you're planning a trip to southern Europe but want something cheaper, more spacious, or more culturally immersed than a hotel. You may be looking to stay at an Airbnb, guest house or another short-term rental, but before you book anything, there are some things to look out for... Many rustic and historic buildings in southern Europe are built with materials that naturally stay cooler through the night, such as terracotta and stone. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "These materials have thermal mass, meaning they absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night," Moradei explains. "Many of these homes were built before WWII — well before air conditioning —and were designed to be livable during hot summers." So, when looking for a vacation rentals on sites like Airbnb, use certain keywords to different areas: You can look for generic terms such as "stone house", "historic home", "restored farmhouse", and "traditional villa". Alternatively search for terms and reviews that specifically mention temperature regulation, such as "no need for A/C", "naturally cool", or 'comfortable inside even during heat'. When looking for a place to stay, the higher the better if you want a good night's sleep. "Towns located at 300–500 meters above sea level often benefit from cooler nights, breezes, and lower humidity," says Moradei. "These historic locations were often chosen for strategic reasons, and now offer real climate comfort." To find hilltop accommodation, use keywords such as "hilltop village", "elevated position" or "panoramic views" and look for images that feature terraces with wide views or rooftops visible below the property. While shutters may look charmingly rustic and quaint, it's easy to forget that they actually serve as a cooling method, so look for properties that mention shutters in their description or show exterior shutters in their photos. Moradei also advises to check how much shade the building offers by searching for keywords such as "shaded garden" or "natural shade" and looking for shaded patios or trees and vines in pictures. "Listings with wooden or metal shutters, trees around windows, vines, pergolas, or deep-set windows will be significantly cooler during the day," he tells us. So, when you go sight-seeing during the day, you can close the shutters before you leave and make use of the natural shade to keep the home cool for when you return to settle in for the night. It's no secret that the way to sleep cooler in a building with no A/C is to keep your windows shut during the day and to open them a night when the outdoor temperature drops. However, not all hosts allow windows to be open at night, especially if their home is located in an area near water rife with mosquitos. A sk the host if it's safe to leave windows open at night and if there are any mosquito screens on the window. "In areas near water, mosquito screens are also essential if you plan to leave windows open at night," Moradei warns. Once you know you can sleep with the windows open, you can also check the cross-ventilation of the bedrooms. Windows or doors on opposite side of the room mean a natural breeze at night, so look for photos with windows on opposites walls or open floor plans. Before you book a place to stay, you may want to ask the host what bedroom the floor is on, if it's in the shade, and what direction it faces. "Rooms on lower floors, partially underground, or facing north tend to stay cooler naturally, especially in traditional homes, says Moradei. "These were often used as summer bedrooms before air conditioning existed." To find a lower-level bedroom, search for terms such as "ground floor" "cave house" or "garden flat" and check the pictures to see if the views are at garden level.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Bavarian fairy tale castles and French Carnac Megaliths among new UNESCO World Heritage sites
UNESCO has added several new sites to the World Heritage list after reviewing applications that required extensive research and presentation processes. Among them were several European sites, including the famous fairytale castles of Bavaria's King Ludwig II, the megalithic Carnac stones in northwestern France and the Minoan Palatial centres on the Greek island of Crete. At its meeting in Paris, the World Heritage Commission decided to elevate the German Neuschwanstein Castle, Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof and the royal house at Schachen to World Heritage status. The magnificent castles in Upper Bavaria have been attracting numerous tourists for over 140 years. The buildings of King Ludwig II (1845-1886) attracted over 1.7 million visitors last year alone - including many international guests, particularly from the USA and Asian countries. "The inclusion of the palaces on the World Heritage List is an outstanding honour for these impressive places," said the President of the German UNESCO Commission, Maria Böhmer. "They are all architectural masterpieces and bear witness to the artistic imagination, but also the eccentricity of the fairytale king." Germany previously had 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - including the old towns of Stralsund and Wismar, Cologne Cathedral, the Wadden Sea and the Roman border fortifications of the Limes. The French Carnac megaliths and the Greek Minoan Palatial centres are both structures from antiquity. The Carnac Stones are a dense collection of megalithic sites near the South coast of Bretagne, dating from from 4500–3300 BC. The Minoan Palatial centres, including Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Zominthos and Kydonia, were key hubs of the Bronze Age Minoan civilisation, which flourished between 2800 and 1100 BCE. The World Heritage inscription recognises the sites' historical significance, architectural integrity and the existence of a comprehensive protection and management framework. Although the World Heritage title does not bring any financial support, it does ensure further international attention and cultural prestige. World Heritage status is also accompanied by UNESCO requirements that are intended to benefit the local population in particular, who are burdened by the influx of tourists. Among other things, the organisation requires a concept for effective visitor management in order to better control mass tourism. The consequences of disregarding UNESCO guidelines were demonstrated in 2009 in Dresden's Elbe Valley, where a new bridge led to the withdrawal of World Heritage status. The construction of the so-called Waldschlösschenbrücke bridge was considered to be detrimental to the "outstanding universal value" of the cultural landscape. It was the first time that UNESCO had removed a European World Heritage site from the list. Italy has 60 listed sites, the most of any country. Some notable examples include the historic centres of Rome, Florence, and Naples, the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast. Other sites that were added to the World Heritage list this week include three locations used by Cambodia's brutal Khmer Rouge regime as torture and execution sites 50 years ago. The inscription coincided with the 50th anniversary of the rise to power by the communist Khmer Rouge government, which caused the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians through starvation, torture and mass executions during a four-year reign from 1975 to 1979. UNESCO's World Heritage List lists sites considered important to humanity and includes the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Taj Mahal in India and Cambodia's Angkor archaeological complex.
