It's impossible to live here anymore

I visited Venice in October. I’ve had a long ongoing project interviewing people in mass tourism hotspots. Locals, tourists, whoever I find.

I spoke with a local woman who had lived near St. Mark’s Square for over 50 years. "It's impossible to live here anymore," she said quietly, pointing to the crowded streets. "Rent has tripled, and most of my old neighbors have already moved. This was once a lively neighborhood. Now it's just a postcard for tourists."

Venice, like many popular destinations, is being reshaped by unchecked tourism. The small cafés, local bakeries, and long-standing shops are being replaced by chains and souvenir stores. The city’s charm, the very thing that draws people in, is disappearing.

Ironically tourists come to experience that authenticity, to immerse themselves in the local culture. But when locals are pushed out, that culture fades. The city becomes a hollow shell, built for visitors but losing its soul.

So, what can we do about it? We need to rethink how we travel. Support local businesses, stay in locally owned accommodations, and engage with the places we visit in a way that respects their authenticity. If we don’t, we might wake up one day and realize the places we love have become shadows of their former selves, and we, as visitors, were part of that transformation.

I love Venice. It is one the most beautiful cities in the world. In my opinion. You can b find moments of peace, away from the crowds, at least in October. But something isn’t right. The more we prioritize the tourist experience over the local one, the fewer of those moments there will be.