Which City Has No Cars Allowed? Venice Explained

Venice, Italy, is the classic answer: cars cannot travel through the historic center, where canals, narrow pedestrian streets, and bridges replace conventional roads. You can reach the edge of the historic center by road, but from there you’ll continue on foot or by water.

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Walking is useful for exploring individual neighborhoods, while public water buses, known as vaporetti, connect many stops along the Grand Canal and serve other parts of the lagoon. For a smoother arrival, look up your accommodation’s nearest vaporetto stop before you leave and allow extra time to navigate bridges and pedestrian routes with your luggage.

Venice’s car-free description applies to its historic island center, not every part of the wider municipality: the mainland area of Mestre has roads and ordinary car traffic. If you plan to stay on the mainland, you can travel into the historic center by train or bus, then switch to walking or water transport for the rest of your journey.

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Before choosing any destination, consider how you’ll travel between the airport or station, your accommodation, and the places you want to visit, especially if you have heavy bags or mobility needs. Our featured guide, Anywhere Without a Car — Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Trip Using Only Public Transport for Stress-Free Travel, is a starting point for thinking through a trip without relying on a car.

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