TrekUnity
When
February
Attendance
hundreds of thousands
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
The Carnival of Venice is one of the world's most elegant celebrations — the two-plus weeks before Lent when the floating city fills with ornate hand-crafted masks, sumptuous 18th-century costumes, masked balls, and processions that transform St. Mark's Square and the canals into a living Baroque painting.
Revived from centuries of tradition, it's a uniquely atmospheric and photogenic festival, wrapped in Venice's incomparable palaces, gondolas, and light.
Want to go? Turn Carnival of Venice into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
The two-plus weeks before Lent (Feb, sometimes early March)
Admission
Free in the streets · masked balls ticketed (pricey)
Parking
Venice is car-free — arrive by train to Santa Lucia and travel by vaporetto (water bus) and on foot.
Nearest airport
Venice Marco Polo (VCE) — ~30 min by water or bus
Typical weather
Cold, sometimes foggy Venetian winter — 40s °F, chance of acqua alta; layers and waterproof shoes.
Official website
Location
Venice, Italy
Where to stay
The Gritti Palace
Legendary luxury palazzo on the Grand Canal.
Hotel Danieli
Historic hotel steps from St. Mark's.
Cannaregio guesthouses
Quieter local neighborhood stays.
Where to eat & drink
Cicchetti & ombre
Venetian bar snacks with a small glass of wine.
Frittelle & galani
The fried Carnival pastries sold everywhere.
Rialto Market seafood
Fresh lagoon seafood near the historic market.
Nearby attractions
St. Mark's Square & Basilica
The heart of the Carnival and the city.
Doge's Palace
The Gothic seat of the Venetian Republic.
Grand Canal by gondola
The classic ride past the palazzi.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + St. Mark's
- •Train/water to the center
- •Afternoon: St. Mark's Square costumes
- •Evening: cicchetti crawl
2Carnival day
- •Morning: mask shopping + Doge's Palace
- •Afternoon: costume processions
- •Evening: a masked ball (optional)
3Islands + depart
- •Morning: Murano/Burano by vaporetto
- •Head to VCE
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Buy an authentic hand-made mask from a local artisan shop.
- Wander early morning for photos before the crowds.
- Pack waterproof shoes in case of acqua alta.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Carnival of Venice?
The two-plus weeks leading up to Lent — usually February, sometimes early March.
Do you need a costume?
Not at all to enjoy the streets, but renting or buying a mask/costume adds to the fun; the grand masked balls are ticketed and expensive.
How do you get around?
Venice is car-free — walk and take the vaporetto water buses.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Carnival of Venice or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.