Venice is not a young city - few young people are able to afford the sky-high rents and cost of constant renovations, which have forced many citizens over the lagoon to Mestre. Despite its significant student population, the average age of the Venetian citizen is 46 and business accordingly is a somewhat conservative affair.

Meetings are usually held over lunch and are a relatively formal affair. Any evening meeting is even more likely to be formal and will include alcohol and local specialities. Those looking to impress are advised to take clients to one of the top hotels, such as the Cipriani or the Gritti (see Hotels), for dinner.

Business visitors are unlikely to be entertained at home or given a tour of the city's nightlife - Venetians are domestic creatures who rise early to cross town while the city is still free of tourists and close their shutters around 2100. An island people, they can appear reserved and somewhat aloof. However, Venetians are also extremely proud of their unique little city and visitors may be richly rewarded with an elegant lunch in one of the city's top restaurants or an aperitif and some of Venice's famous cichetti (snacks).

Formality should be maintained for business matters - Italian associates should always be addressed as Lei (the polite form of tu), unless informed to do otherwise. Dress is conservative (smart business attire for men and women - suit or blazer and tie) and punctuality is respected. Although many executives will speak English, it is advisable to conduct business in Italian, if possible - Italians usually appreciate a visitor who attempts to speak their language, however poorly. Normal business hours are 0900-1700, although much of the city (tourism aside) closes down in August, for the annual Italian summer holidays.