If the weather is nice enough, is it okay to wear shorts in Venice? Any other tips for packing/sightseeing?

Question

My father-in-law is off to Venice when the weather is warmer and wondered if shorts would be appropriate. Are shorts okay in restaurants and bars during the day? I assume ladies and gents should be more respectfully covered if visiting a cathedral.

Answer 1

Yes, it's ok to wear shorts.  But I'd recommend a more distinguished look of slacks and shirt.

When in Rome . . . dress as they do.  In a resort area, sure, shorts are very appropriate.  And then there's tons of leisure time to head back to your room to change for dinner.

However, in an urban area, especially in Venice, you'll rather continue exploring all day instead of heading back to your room (possibly on the other side of town - almost an hour's walk) to change for dinner.  So dress like you'll stay out all day, which business casual will cover more bases than shorts will.  

Save the shorts for the sojourns in the Tuscan Countryside.

Dressing in light colors should help with the heat, if he's worried about that.  And looking less like a tourist will help with avoiding petty crime, even if he'll look like a foreigner.

Have fun!

Answer 2

Shorts are ok but not to visit the most of the churches. You have to cover both legs and shoulders.

For the rest you are fine.

Answer 3

depends on what you like to visit. If you like any decent place, please do not dress in shorts. It is not appropriate for any place and good places will appreciate if you dress decently and service will be accordingly.

Answer 4

I would not recommend shorts, dress with respect to those in europe...they do not dress down in places of worship and some do not even allow you to enter!  I say bring a small umbrella as well cause it rains frequently and they are expensive there and too large to carry

Answer 5

Agree with above   Italians and Europeans in general like to dress stylishly   You can be comfortable and well dressed

Seems to be an American idea to go out looking BAD

Answer 6

In my experience, shorts are OK if looking like a tourist is your thing. Obviously, many tourists will be wearing shorts in Venice but I think it is better to have lightweight long pants so that you can enter cathedrals etc. Packing a pair of convertable pants is a handy way to get around the shorts issue and I generally take them in case I need shorts. The sightseeing in Venice is just too obvious, walk around and enjoy, it is beautiful every where. I hope he is going soon and not in the summer when the canals tend to smell and the crowd is immense. I am also on my way to Venice in May for my third visit. For your questions I recommend the guide, "Jim's Guide to Cheap Travel in Europe" it gives you packing tips and lot's of valualble and practical little tips a European traveler should know.