Depp was speaking during a visit to Rome to promote the film, which was shot partly in Paris and partly in the famous island city in northern Italy, by "The Lives of Others" director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and also stars Angelina Jolie.

"My experience of Venice really happened between 10pm and 2am when the streets closed and I was able to walk around and experience the poetry of Venice, the ghosts of Venice, all those wonderful dark alleys," Depp said.

"For an actor being able to film within the confines of that magical city certainly helps.... The city's magic shone through completely," said the actor, who wore a grey fedora hat, a cream waistcoat and a black neckerchief.

"The Tourist" was nominated on Tuesday for the 2011 Golden Globe awards for best comedy, best actor for Depp and best actress for Jolie.

The film, which was shot over five months in Venice earlier this year, premiered in the United States earlier this month.

It revolves around Frank, played by Depp, an American tourist visiting Italy to mend a broken heart who comes across Elise (Jolie).