The Venice Luggage Nightmare
Venice is arguably the most beautiful city in the world, but it is entirely hostile to modern luggage. There are no cars, no Ubers, and no flat sidewalks. The city is a maze of cobblestone alleys connected by over 400 bridges. Almost all of these bridges have steep, stone steps. Unless you are arriving by a private (and very expensive) water taxi directly to your hotel’s dock, you will have to carry your luggage over these bridges.
1. Ditch the Massive Roller Bag
If you bring a 50-pound, hard-shell roller suitcase to Venice, you will deeply regret it within 10 minutes of stepping out of the Santa Lucia train station. The wheels will jam in the uneven cobblestones, and you will have to physically lift that 50-pound bag up and over every single bridge you cross. It is exhausting, frustrating, and a surefire way to start an argument with your travel partner.
2. The Backpack Solution
The absolute best way to travel to Venice is with a travel backpack (around 40L to 50L). A high-quality backpack distributes the weight across your shoulders and hips, allowing you to walk freely up and down the bridges without breaking a sweat. It also leaves your hands free to check your map or grab a gelato.
3. The Soft-Sided Duffel Alternative
If you absolutely cannot use a backpack, the next best option is a soft-sided duffel bag with a sturdy shoulder strap. While not as ergonomic as a backpack, it is significantly easier to carry over a bridge than a bulky, rigid roller bag.
4. Packing Extremely Light
The golden rule of packing for Venice is: Only pack what you can comfortably carry up three flights of stairs. Even if you manage to get your luggage to your hotel, remember that many historic Venetian hotels and Airbnbs do not have elevators. You will likely have to haul your bag up narrow, winding wooden staircases to reach your room. Pack light, do laundry in the sink if you have to, and leave the heavy baggage at a storage locker on the mainland (like in Mestre or Florence) if Venice is just a short stop on a longer Italian tour.
