A City Introduction

So how is it that a tourist can visit Venice while being both respectful and enjoying the city?

The first thing to do is realize that this is a city where people live. This is not Vegas Venice. This is not Disneyworld. That laundry hanging over there really does belong to someone. The stoop you're sitting is the front door to a home. The fish monger is a real person. not an actor. You are a guest in this city.

First thing first: the streets in venice (calli) work like streets in any other city. Don't think that just because there aren't any cars that the streets become a free-for-all. Keep right. If you start driving on the left, accidents happen. Don't stop suddenly. You block traffic. Dont gather in front of some window. You'll be blocking the lane. Just try to stay aware of the fact that people use these streets to go places, not just to wonder around looking at glass and masks.

Now say you see a cute shop that you'd like to go into, you walk in and you say "Buon giorno". And before you leave you say "Arrivederci". It's just the way it is. People say hello and goodbye to the store clerks.

WARNING: store clerks (especially at clothing stores) in Italy are infamously snobby and rude. It is very common, especially in less touristy places that they follow you around and give you the evil eye. They make you feel like you're wasting their time. Often they do not want you touching anything. That folded stack of sweaters? Ask to see--don't you dare unforld it by yourself. God forbid a shop clerk would have to refold something in a store. Just be sweet, smile, thank her, and avoid the guilt trip if you choose not to buy....