10 Things to Do in Venice in September

Venice is a city whose charm deserves to be discovered little by little, lingering in every street, every canal and every corner. The good weather and pleasant temperatures are a great help in doing so. That's why the high season in Venice coincides with the summer. From September onwards, however, the low season begins and, with it, the number of visitors drops.

However, September offers the chance to get to know Venice from a different perspective. It is less crowded and less hectic. What's more, the city also offers charms that can only be enjoyed in this month of the year. I'll tell you all about them.

If you are a film buff, I don't need to remind you that the Venice International Film Festival is one of the most renowned in the world. Every filmmaker wants to be enshrined by receiving the famous Golden Lion, a testament to the prestige this film festival has achieved over the decades since it was founded in 1932.

The event usually takes place in the first half of September, although I advise you to check the Venice Film Festival website for any changes. It is located on the Lido, which you can reach by vaporetto in the following ways:

• From Venice Central Station and the Bus Station.
• From St. Mark's Square.
• From Rialto.
• From Punta Sabbioni.

The journey time is between 15 and 30 minutes. In any case, the best thing to do is to find out more about how to get around Venice. It will be very useful not only for getting to the Festival but also for enjoying everything there is to see and do in Venice. Tickets are available from €5, although the cost also depends on the venue and type of competition.

The best thing about the Venetian low season is that you won't find the queues and crowds that are so annoying when visiting monuments and museums. However, it will be clearer in the second half of September, since the first half of September is when Venice is at the height of its International Film Festival. I especially recommend a visit to the Doge's Palace, one of the city's Gothic wonders.

It is also a good opportunity to visit its best museums, the first two of which focus on Baroque and Renaissance art and the second on contemporary art:

• Accademia Gallery.
• Museum of 17th century Venice.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

This regatta takes place after the famous Regata Storica. It takes place on the third Sunday in September, although I advise you to confirm the dates on the City of Venice website.

The approach is very similar to the Regata Storica, but with a more local touch. You can see men's competitions aboard gondolas and women's competitions in other types of boats, called mascarone.

This is definitely a great opportunity to visit Burano and nearby Murano. For more details, check here how to get to Burano and Murano or my favourite option is to book an excursion to Murano, Burano and Torcello from Venice, an ideal way to get to know these three places in depth. And if you want to spend more time in these two places, then there's nothing better than knowing what to see and do in Burano and what to see and do in Murano.

The Biennale is the popular name for the Venice International Art Exhibition. Its nickname also tells us an important fact: it is held every two years. So all you have to do is check the Venice Biennale website to find out if it will coincide with your visit to the city. Artists from all over the world participate in this event and compete for an award in the following disciplines:

• Architecture.
• Dance.
• Music.
• Theatre.

The Arsenal of Venice and the Giardini della Bienale

There are two places to get a close look at the works of art: the Arsenal and the Giardini. To get to the Arsenal you'll have to take a vaporetto. Here you can find out how to get around Venice by vaporetto. To get to the Giardini della Biennale you can also get there by vaporetto. It is located at the southern end of the same island as the more historic Venice and St Mark's Square.

The Biennale normally takes place between April and November every two years. However, September is the ideal month, as specific festivals such as contemporary music or theatre often take place. In fact, September is an ideal time to attend a concert by I Musici Veneziani, where you can listen to acclaimed works such as Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons, performed by musicians and vocalists carefully dressed for the occasion in traditional Venetian costume.

Whether you are religious or not, attending the Triumph of the Cross Festival on 14 September is a great opportunity to learn about Venetian traditions. It consists of a processional celebration around the Scuola Grande, located on the northern side of the main island of Venice. You can get there by taking the vaporetto and getting off at the Santo Tomà stop.

If you attend, I recommend you book a ticket for the Scuola Grande dei Carmini in Venice and visit the interior. It houses priceless works of art, including Pietro Lombardo's interventions, Mauro Codussi's Grand Staircase and the Oratory of the Cross. You can visit between 9.30am and 5pm. Tickets are available from €5. If you're interested in the historical side of Venice, here are some of the other must-see sights in Venice.

The best thing about the off-season in Venice is that the city becomes more visitable. Fewer crowds, fewer queues and a more relaxed atmosphere define the city during this time of year. It is therefore a good incentive to visit in September. Here are some of the factors that will allow you to enjoy Venice at a different pace.

Enhancing your gondola experience

If you dream of cruising the canals in a gondola, but don't want to be burdened by long waits, September is a good option. Again, bear in mind that the first half of the month will be more crowded because of the Venice International Festival.

I suggest that to avoid waiting as much as possible you hire a gondola ride. There are many of them and they are cheaper than they seem. Besides, you will avoid "pirate" gondoliers.

Much more comfortable transport

It may seem a bit strange, but yes: in high season the crowds are so high that very often we can only travel by vaporetto on foot. A fact that, if you are fit and of age, need not be a nuisance. But it can make it difficult for older people to have a good experience. Not to mention the hassle it can be if you are travelling with children. In fact, if you're going with the little ones, read this article on what to see in Venice with kids.

Also, in low season, the vaporettos are still in operation, so if you're travelling in September, you'll be able to travel by vaporetto seated. Note that the Venice Transport Card includes this means of transport. Again, though, pay close attention to the time of the month. If you travel in the first fortnight, your stay will coincide with the Venice International Film Festival. This will be reflected in a noticeable influx of visitors.

However, everything has a solution. If you book a gondola ride, you'll be able to sail more comfortably.

Italy is a very seafaring country, especially Venice, which achieved its prosperity thanks to maritime trade with the Eastern Mediterranean. And, as the saying goes, he who has had, has kept. It is for this reason that the famous Regata Storica takes place on the first Sunday in September. An event in which boatmen from Venice, Pisa, Amalfi and Genoa take part. It takes place in the vicinity of the Grand Canal and consists of the following events:

• Parade in period costume.
• Youth Regatta.
• Women's Regatta.
• Men's Regatta.

It is a spectacle to see the waters of the Grand Canal fill with picturesque multicoloured boats. If you want to see it in all its splendour, I advise you to go to the Rialto Bridge.

On the third Sunday of September, in parallel to the Burano Regatta, the Sagra del Pesce takes place in the same place. A gastronomic event that will give you the opportunity to taste fried fish with other specialities such as white wine. Without a doubt, a way of approaching Venetian gastronomy from a different and more colourful point of view than usual.

If you want to continue exploring Venice through its gastronomy, I recommend that you also visit some of the best restaurants in Venice for a good value meal.

It might be a good idea to take advantage of Venice's proximity to other major cities for a city break. Florence, the Renaissance capital, is a 3-hour drive away. In addition, on 7 September, the eve of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, Florence hosts one of its most significant annual events: the Feast of the Rificolona. On this day, children take to the streets with colourful lanterns.

In short, a good way to get to know Florence from a very cultural and colourful perspective. If you want more ideas on how to make the most of your visit, I recommend you check out the best excursions to Florence from Venice.

If you fancy another original getaway, you're in luck, because in the first week of September the Bologna Urban Dance Festival takes place in Bologna. An event that brings together international artists who showcase their talent in the streets and squares of this beautiful city. The shows you can enjoy are:

• Shows.
• Audiovisual productions.
• Masterclasses in the streets and squares.

As you can see, a very lively and festive event. Moreover, Bologna is only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Venice, so it won't be much of a hassle to make this interesting plan a reality.

The weather in Venice in September is generally good. Temperatures average between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius. Generally very pleasant weather. However, there is always an extra element that has a strong influence: the humidity of the canals. This can cause the wind chill to be a little lower, but nothing that can't be avoided by packing some extra warm clothes in your luggage.

September is considered a low season month in Venice. As a result, you won't encounter huge crowds. However, be aware of two factors:

• The Venice International Film Festival: usually held in the first half of the month.
• The Venice Biennale: takes place throughout the month until November every two years.

These two events of international relevance can lead to more people. Especially if you visit Venice in a year when the Biennale takes place. However, it doesn't reach saturation levels comparable to those found in Venice in summer.

Venice prices in September, despite the city being in the low season, do not fall noticeably. This is especially due to the International Film Festival, which somewhat extends the inertia of the high season. Therefore, at least in the first half of the month, you can expect accommodation and hospitality prices to be very similar to what you'll find in high season.