Venice, Italy, is over-tourized, with tourists flocking to see its canals and historic architecture. Locals are frustrated by congested roads, environmental damage, and the rising cost of living. I visited Venice in 2022 and saw first-hand how mass tourism is negatively affecting its residents, so I have no intention of ever returning.
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It’s clear why tourists flock to Venice, Italy: Known for its canals and historic architecture, the city feels like something out of a fairytale.
And yet, every year, tourists flock to the area, causing congested roads, environmental degradation and a soaring cost of living. After my own visit in 2022, I learned why locals are fed up. And two years later, those problems still haven’t been resolved.
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I loved Venice – boats instead of cars, the architecture is vibrant and it may be the most unique place I’ve visited.
But seeing European destinations first-hand helped me see how overtourism was affecting residents, and how I was part of the problem.
