Venice has long been the ultimate romantic destination, drawing millions of couples each year to its winding canals and historic bridges. While the city’s beauty remains authentic, the tourist industry has unfortunately spawned countless schemes designed to separate lovebirds from their money. Romantic travelers often become easy targets because they’re distracted by the ambiance, willing to splurge for special experiences, and less likely to haggle when they’re trying to impress their partner.
The scams in Venice have evolved alongside tourism, becoming increasingly sophisticated and specifically tailored to exploit couples’ emotions and vacation mindset. Here is a list of 17 scams targeting couples in Venice that every romantic traveler should know about.
Gondola Price Manipulation
Gondoliers often quote inflated prices to couples, especially during romantic moments like sunset rides. The official rate is regulated, but many operators will claim special ‘romantic packages’ or ‘private routes’ that justify charging double or triple the standard fee.
Savvy couples should confirm the official rate beforehand and ask to see the price list that gondoliers are required to display.
Fake Murano Glass Sales
Street vendors and small shops throughout Venice sell cheap glass items claimed to be authentic Murano glass to unsuspecting couples looking for romantic keepsakes. Real Murano glass comes with certificates of authenticity and is only sold by authorized dealers on Murano Island itself.
These knockoffs are usually made in China and sold at seemingly bargain prices — yet still vastly overpriced for what they are.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Rose Vendor Harassment
Aggressive flower sellers target couples in romantic settings, particularly around bridges and canal-side restaurants during dinner time. They’ll approach with roses and refuse to leave until the man buys flowers for his partner, often becoming increasingly persistent and making the situation uncomfortable.
The roses are typically overpriced and wilted, but couples often pay just to end the awkward confrontation.
Photography Scams at Romantic Spots
Friendly locals offer to take photos of couples at scenic locations, then demand payment or attempt to pickpocket while the couple is distracted posing. Some will take the photo with their camera and demand money to send it to you, while others use the photo opportunity to assess what valuables you’re carrying.
Always be cautious when strangers offer photography services, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Counterfeit Art Sales
Street artists and small gallery owners specifically target couples browsing for romantic souvenirs, selling fake paintings and prints claimed to be original works by local artists. They’ll spin elaborate stories about the piece’s history or the artist’s background to justify inflated prices.
These works are usually mass-produced prints or amateur copies sold at prices that suggest original artwork.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Water Taxi Overcharging
Water taxi operators frequently quote excessive fares to couples arriving at the airport or train station, taking advantage of travelers who are tired and eager to reach their romantic accommodation. The official rates are regulated, but many drivers will claim surge pricing, special routes, or additional fees for luggage.
Always confirm the fare before getting in and insist on using the meter when available.
Hotel Upgrade Cons
Hotels and booking agencies target couples with last-minute “romantic upgrade” offers that sound too good to be true and usually are. They’ll claim your original room has problems and offer a supposedly superior room for an additional fee, when in reality, both rooms are of similar quality.
Some hotels also add mysterious ‘romantic package’ charges to bills that were never discussed during booking.
Pickpocketing During Romantic Moments
Professional pickpockets specifically target couples during intimate moments when their guard is down, such as while taking selfies on bridges or sharing romantic dinners. They work in teams, with one person creating a distraction while another steals wallets, phones, or purses.
Couples are particularly vulnerable because they’re focused on each other rather than their surroundings.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Counterfeit Mask Shops
Venice’s famous carnival masks are sold throughout the city, but many shops near tourist areas sell cheap plastic imitations as authentic Venetian masks to couples seeking romantic mementos. Real Venetian masks are handcrafted and significantly more expensive, but couples often don’t know the difference until they get home.
These fake masks are typically made overseas and marked up substantially from their actual value.
Fake Police ID Checks
Criminals dressed as police officers approach couples and demand to see identification and wallets under the pretense of checking for counterfeit money or illegal items. Real Venice police rarely conduct random street checks on tourists, and legitimate officers will always show proper identification when requested.
These scammers often work near major tourist attractions where couples might not question authority figures.
Charity Petition Scams
Groups of people approach couples with clipboards, claiming to collect signatures for charities while accomplices pickpocket distracted victims. They specifically target couples because one partner often distracts the other while signing, creating the perfect opportunity for theft.
Legitimate charities in Venice don’t typically use aggressive street solicitation tactics in tourist areas.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Café Seating Fees
Cafés around St. Mark’s Square and other popular areas charge excessive seating fees that aren’t disclosed to couples ordering drinks or snacks. What appears to be a reasonable price for coffee becomes outrageous when they add charges for table service, live music, or ‘romantic ambiance.’
These fees can multiply your bill by three or four times the menu price.
Pigeon Feeding Cons
Pigeon Feeding Cons
Vendors sell overpriced birdseed to couples in St. Mark’s Square, claiming it’s a romantic tradition to feed the pigeons together. Not only is this practice discouraged by the city due to health and cleanliness concerns, but the seed is usually stale corn sold at markup prices that would make jewelry stores blush.
The pigeons can also become aggressive when fed, potentially ruining romantic moments.
Street Performer Distractions
Elaborate street performances near romantic spots are sometimes setups for pickpocketing operations targeting couples in the crowd. While one performer entertains, accomplices work the audience, looking for easy targets among distracted couples taking photos or videos.
The performances are designed to draw couples close together, making it easier to access pockets and purses.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Overpriced Souvenir Shops Near Landmarks
Shops located directly adjacent to major romantic spots like the Rialto Bridge or Doge’s Palace charge dramatically inflated prices for standard souvenirs, banking on couples’ willingness to pay premium prices in the moment. The same items can be found for a fraction of the cost just a few blocks away from these prime locations.
These shops rely on impulse purchases from couples caught up in romantic moments.
Hotel Booking Bait and Switch
Online booking sites and local agencies advertise romantic hotel packages with canal views and luxury amenities, then substitute inferior accommodations upon arrival. They count on couples being unwilling to change hotels mid-trip, especially during romantic getaways when the hassle seems worse than accepting substandard conditions.
Always book directly with reputable hotels and confirm amenities in writing.
Airport Transfer Scams
Unlicensed taxi and boat operators specifically target arriving couples at Marco Polo Airport, offering discounted transfers to hotels while planning to overcharge during the journey. They’ll quote one price initially, then claim additional fees for luggage, traffic delays, or fuel surcharges once you’re committed to the ride.
Official airport transfers have regulated pricing that should be confirmed before departure.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
When Romance Meets Reality
Venice’s romantic reputation has made it a magnet for scammers who understand that couples on vacation are often more trusting and less price-conscious than other travelers. The city’s complex layout and tourist-heavy atmosphere provide perfect cover for these schemes, which have become increasingly sophisticated over the decades.
While Venice remains genuinely magical for couples, awareness of these common scams can help ensure that your romantic getaway doesn’t become an expensive lesson in travel naïveté. The best defense against these schemes is simple preparation and the willingness to walk away from deals that seem too good to be true.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.