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Pervez Bhagat

St Mark's Square, Venice

Though Venice is overrun by tourists, it is also home to thousands not dependent on tourism revenue. You'll find at tourist spots `pleas' from the local Council on appropriate behaviour.

Walk on the right

This is the norm in Italy, and in several other European countries with narrow streets. In Italy always walk on the right, giving room to others to pass by. If you stop to consult a map or answer a phone call, pull along to the side, just as you would while driving.

Don't block bridges and don't picnic

If you have to stop on a picturesque but narrow bridge to take a picture - and you'll feel tempted to do so all the time - do it quickly or you'll cause a "traffic jam".

Do not sit on bridges to eat your lunch; public picnicking is banned in many areas and is sometimes fineable.

Boat etiquette

Venice ferries get very crowded, so move in front after boarding. Boatmen often urge passengers to move forwards (avanti!). Lingering near the gangplanks will get you only frowns, no friends.

Dress decently

As Italy is full of churches and religious monuments, appropriate dress is advised. Forget bare-chested men, even tourists with sleeveless tops have sometimes been turned away from St Mark's! If dressed for the beach, stay there and don't attempt to enter a basilica in those clothes.

Learn a few words:

Per favour - Please

Grazie - Thank you

Scusi - Excuse me

Parla inglese? - Do you speak English?

Non parlo italiano - I don't speak Italian

Arrivederci - Goodbye

Compiled from http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/veneto/venice/behave.html)

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