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Home » Europe » Italy » Is Venice Expensive? (Insider’s Guide for 2024)

Is Venice Expensive? (Insider’s Guide for 2024)

Venice is an iconic destination. With its canals, masked carnival, gondolas and grand buildings, this former center of a 1,000-year-old empire is endlessly classic. Exploring this collection of islands and its Baroque architecture and  piazzi  is sheer joy!

As you’d expect, it’s very popular. And with many tourists, comes the tourist prices! Let’s just say the reputation of this city isn’t one of affordability.

But it may surprise you to learn that a trip to Venice doesn’t have to be expensive. How? That’s where we come in.

Our guide to budget travel in Venice has you covered. It’s packed to the brim with all the money-saving info you’ll need, from cheap accommodation to public transport hacks, and bargain bites. This here is how to travel Venice on a budget.

is venice italy expensive to visit

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So, How Much Does a Trip to Venice Cost on Average?

Cost of flights to venice, price of accommodation in venice, cost of transport in venice, cost of food in venice, price of alcohol in venice, cost of attractions in venice, additional costs of travel in venice, some final tips for saving money in venice, so is venice expensive.

There are many different factors involved in estimating the cost of a trip to Venice. First of all, there’s the main stuff, flights and accommodation, then there’s daily budgeting in terms of sightseeing, food and drink, and even souvenirs. This can all add up, hella fast! But we’ll be delving into all the details on each of these expenses to help keep your spending in check.

how much does a trip to Venice cost

Travel costs listed throughout our guide are estimates and are subject to change. Prices will be listed in US Dollars (USD).

Being part of Italy, Venice uses the Euro (EUR). As of May 2021, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 0.82.

Check out our handy table below to see the general expenses for a 3-day trip to Venice summed up more simply:

3 Days in Venice Travel Costs

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $140 – $1400 USD for a roundtrip ticket.

Flights can represent a large chunk of your budget to a lot of destinations, and Venice is no different. However know when to travel can help you keep costs low. The cheapest time of year to fly to Venice is in February, while prices soar in the high season (June and July).

The main airport in Venice is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). It’s around 8.5 miles from the city itself, which means you will need to factor the cost of transfer. You can choose from taking the bus, the water taxi, or an actual taxi (the most expensive option).

Here’s a breakdown of how much it costs to fly to Venice from a few different transport hubs:

  • New York to Venice Airport: 581 – 1,110 USD
  • London to Venice Airport: 140 – 390 GBP
  • Sydney to Venice Airport: 756 – 1,410 AUD
  • Vancouver to Venice Airport: 890 – 1205 CAD

These averages might seem pricey but there are ways you can save money on the usual cost of a flight to Venice. Skyscanner is one of them; this site allows you to trawl through various deals for flights.

Another way to keep costs low is by opting to fly to Venice via another airport. Connecting flights to somewhere with more international options, like Rome or even London, are a good idea. These may take longer, but could save you some serious money on your plane tickets. And this equals more money in your pocket when you hit the ground travelling!

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $40 – $180 USD per night

Venice is pretty expensive when it comes to accommodation, especially in the high season. This is when the Italian city is at its most popular with international tourists. But there are plenty of deals to be found regardless, and even more, if you travel outside of high season!

However, it’s safe to say that the type of accommodation you opt for will affect how much a trip to Venice costs, no matter what time of year you come adventuring. Hotels are the most expensive option, Airbnbs offer mid-range stays, and hostels are easily the cheapest.

There are perks to each of these options though, some of which make paying a little extra worth it.

Hostels in Venice

You may not associate hostels with Venice, and to be fair there isn’t actually a huge selection of them either. There are still a handful of decent choices though, including some well known hostel chains, that help independent travellers stay in Venice on a budget.

But with prices starting at around $40 dollars per night, these are definitely not the cheapest hostels in Europe. There are some good perks of staying in a hostel in Venice that make it worth it though.

They provide a way for travellers from around the world to meet and mingle, so if you’re travelling alone this can be a great way to find people to go adventuring in Venice with! Sometimes the hostels provide money-saving perks, like complimentary breakfasts, free walking tours and other events that make them both cheap and fun!

cheap places to stay in Venice

(If you’re sold on the idea of a hostel, you should probably check out our guide to the best hostels in Venice ).

Here are some of the top hostels in Venice:

  • Ostello S. Fosca : Located next to a canal, this beautiful hostel in the city centre provides budget accommodation with clean rooms and even its very own courtyard. Complete with on-site cafe serving food and drink, it’s a sociable place, too.
  • Combo Venezia : Set in a historic building, this Venice hostel is a large, welcoming place with super stylish communal spaces. Dorms are equally modern and minimal, making for a comfortable stay in the city. Its own cafe features a terrace overhanging a canal.
  • Anda Venice : This modern, bright hostel is spacious with cool industrial chic interiors. It’s specifically designed for guests to socialise, including an urban garden, large kitchen, cafe, games room, and even a laidback bar.

Airbnbs in Venice

Venice has a much better selection of Airbnbs than it does hostels. There are plenty of compact studios and apartments tucked away throughout the city, often situated in historic buildings and complete with period features. The average cost of an Airbnb in Venice is around $80 per night. So this is an ideal place to stay if you’re in a group as you can split the nightly cost!

Not only that, but the ammenities like itchens also provide an option to cook for yourself, if you’re really watching the pennies. Plus, you’re going to be staying in local neighbourhoods that you woulnd’t necessarily experience if you were just sticking to hotels.

Venice accommodation prices

Sound good? Of oucrse it does! Now, check out some of our favourite Airbnbs in Venice:

  • Central Studio Apartment : This small Venice apartment is the ideal compact studio for a couple or group of friends; there’s enough room to sleep up to four people here. It’s situated on a typical Venetian square and boasts views of the city.
  • Romantic Venice Apartment : Bright, clean and spacious, this centrally located apartment comes complete with a modern kitchen and lounge area. It also features period features as well as antique furnishings throughout.
  • Stylish Apartment with Balconies : This is a stylish, modern apartment with colourful interiors and large windows, letting in plenty of natural light. There’s not one but two large balconies to enjoy here. And the location is amazing: just a 10-min walk to St Mark’s Square.

Hotels in Venice

Is Venice expensive for hotels? Generally, yes. But even though opting for a hotel is the most costly way to stay in Venice, don’t let that put you off. Since a wide range of tourists visit this popular city break destination, there’s actually a wide range of hotels to match; the cost of a hotel room in Venice starts at around $90.

Hotels come with obvious perks, too. Daily housekeeping means no chores, guests have access to on-site amenities, like restaurants, and sometimes even mini supermarkets, and they’re often well placed in central locations.

cheap hotels in Venice

So if you’ve got in your budget to treat yourself a little, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up the best hotels in Venice.:

  • Hotel San Salvador : This budget-friendly hotel may not the most glamorous option, but numerous glowing review scores show it’s a well-loved place. Staying in this old-school hotel means an awesome location at an affordable price.
  • Hotel Tiziano : Situated inside a 15th-century building in the Dorsoduro district, rooms in this charming hotel are polished and well-appointed with historic features, too. The on-site restaurant and bar adds extra convenience to your stay.
  • Locanda Fiorita: This typical Venetian hotel is located in a tranquil piazza, just a short walk from St Mark’s Square. Rooms here are clean and well-appointed; some even come with their own private terraces. What a dreamy place to spend the weekend in Venice !

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ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0 – $7.60 USD per day

You may not think Venice has any public transport network to speak of. Because how can you get a metro working under a city spread across islands that are officially sinking?

So instead, as you may expect, the main mode of public transport in Venice is boats. These ply the waterways on routes across the city much like a metro system would in New York City or London. There’s even a circle line!

But it’s also easy to get around on foot, and much of the time you’ll find yourself walking between destinations. It’s the best way to travel around Venice cheaply.

There are also other ways to get around the city, including a monorail and bus service; don’t forget – much of Venice is actually located on the mainland.

So let’s get into the details of the best public transport to use to keep costs low on your Venice vacay.

Ferry Travel in Venice

Venice uses its famous canals and waterways to get people around the city. In fact, there are 159 different types of water-craft (known as vaporettos ) that make up Venice’s Navigation network. Started up in 1881 by a company called ACTV, it’s used by 95 million people yearly, delivering them to 120 jetties (like stations) spread over 30 different lines. It’s like any other commuter network, except based on the water.

Much like a metro system, there’s the City Centre line, which uses the Grand Canal, there’s also the City Circle line, which circumnavigates the lagoon perimeter (the “external city”), and the Lagoon line which runs to other islands in the archipelago. There’s even a service that goes to Marco Polo Airport.

There are extra benefits travelling by boat. Many lines actually run 24 hours a day, and there’s even an exclusive night service or Line N, running midnight to 5 a.m.

Ferry Travel in Venice

Vaporettos are usually on time and fairly frequent, however they can be crowded, especially on the main lines (and in peak season). It also turns out Venice is expensive for its boat-based public transport; a one-way ticket costs a flat rate of $9.

You can buy tickets online and at the jetties. The most cost effective way to use the vaporettos is to purchase an ACTV Tourist Travel Card. This gives you unlimited travel within a certain time period:

  • 24 hours – $24
  • 48 hours – $36
  • 72 hours – $48
  • One week – $73

Wondering about Venice’s iconic gondolas? They’re not cheap at all. The daytime rate for a 40-minute gondola ride is $97 USD. Between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. a gondola ride is approximately $120. You’ll be charged in increments of $40 per 20 minutes during the day, $60 / 20 mins at night. 

A cheaper way to get around the Grand Canal and still have a gondola experience is the humble traghetto . The traghetti is a local gondola service that crosses the Grand Canal; it costs just $2.40.

Bus and Monorail Travel in Venice

Since the waterways are the main way to get around the lagoon and Venetian archipelago, buses don’t run there. With the exception of Lido and Pellestrina (two of Venice’s islands), buses are confined to the mainland.

You can get a bus between Mestre on the mainland and Piazzale Roma in Venice proper via the causeway bridge. Bus services also connect to Marco Polo airport, which is probably the primary use of buses in Venice for tourists.

how to get around Venice cheap

Run by ACTV, you’ll also be able to use your ACTV Tourist Travel Card on the buses in Venice. Without the card, a bus fare costs $1.80 and is good for 100 minutes of bus travel. 

There’s also a monorail service in Venice called People Mover. This automated service connects the artificial island of Tronchetto, with the cruise ship terminal and the Piazzale Roma. Also costing $1.80 for a one-way trip, the People Mover is good if you’ve arrived via ship, or if you’ve parked your car on Tronchetto (which is basically a car park island).

Happily, for those aged between 6 and 29 years of age, there’s the option to buy a Rolling Venice card. This special ticket (costing around $26.50) is a three-day tourist ticket that not only gives you reduced rates for attractions but also gives you discount rides on public transport, too. You can buy a Rolling Venice card at ACTV ticket points and at tourist offices.

Renting a Scooter or Bicycle in Venice

Forget those dreams of pedalling around on two wheels in Venice, cycling is strictly forbidden in the centre of Venice. 

But some of the larger islands, such as Lido and Pellestrina, do allow cycling. Mainland Venice also provides a nice backdrop to cycling adventures; it’s pretty flat and there’s a good selection of charming villages and historic sights to hit up as you pedal around.

renting a bike in Venice

On Lido it’s easy to rent bikes. There are a number of different rental services located close to the vaporetto stop, all you need to hire one is your ID. It costs around $12 per day to rent a bicycle.

Lido also boasts a bike sharing scheme called Bike Sharing Venezia. You can register online to use the service. It costs $24 to sign up, which includes $6 credit for using the bikes; for the first half-hour it’s free, with an additional $2.40 per hour afterwards.

Venice proper bans motorised transport, but Lido and Pellestrina allows scooters and cars. Scooters are time-effective and a good way to travel in Venice cheaply to reach its more far-flung sights.

You can rent scooters on Lido. Depending on the company, a scooter costs between $55 and $100 per day but motorcycles are more expensive ($150-$400 depending on the model). Not budget-friendly, but reasonable if you like scooting around.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $20 – $60 USD per day

Venice doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to food. Notoriously, the expensive city is home to bad cuisine. Gastronomic experiences in Venice are not things many visitors remember fondly!

This is down to the fact that the centre of the city is geared towards tourists. The restaurants here, therefore, aren’t interested in repeat, local business; instead, they’re more about tourist dollars. It’s not uncommon for visitors to leave feeling ripped off for sub-par food.

how much does food cost in Venice

Happily, this is not the case all across Venice. There are actually plenty of delicious and affordable places to eat. It is possible to have a good meal in Venice without paying over the odds, it just takes a little more time doing some research and understanding how and what Venetians eat: 

  • Pizza : You can pick up a takeaway slice of pizza from a local joint for about $4. Simple, often big, always delicious.
  • Polenta : This regional speciality of ground cornmeal (sometimes called “Italian grits”) is inexpensive and filling. You can get it as a main meal with fish or meat, or order as a side dish for around $4.
  • Cicheti : A bit like tapas, these snacks range from meatballs to bruschetta. Prices start from as low as $1.20 per dish all the way up to $7 for fancier options.

Want to keep the costs of your trip to Venice even lower? Try these foodie tips:

  • Avoid places with “tourist menus” : These are the kinds of restaurants with touts outside to try and lure you in. They’re usually tourist traps that will charge extortionate amounts for anything on the menu. A good rule of thumb is to check out the wine prices; wine is usually reasonably priced, so if a bottle of wine is $18 or more, move on.
  • Swear by the free breakfast : With cheap eats relatively hard to find, traipsing around Venice looking for breakfast is not a fun activity when you’re hungry. Opt for accommodation with complimentary breakfast included to save you money.
  • Go local : It’s notoriously hard to find “authentic” places to eat in tourist-heavy Venice sometimes. If in doubt, opt for a restaurant busy with Italians; just listen out for people speaking Italian!

Where to Eat Cheaply in Venice

Venice can be very expensive to eat out in, especially if you’re wanting a full meal. But don’t worry, it’s definitely possible to enjoy delicious food in Venice while still sticking to that all-important budget. 

cheap places to eat in Venice

In Venice it’s all about standing around counters with a drink and some snacks, not having huge meals as with other places in Italy. The best ways to join in with this casual style of eating, or simply keep things budget-friendly, include:

  • Pack a picnic : Grab ingredients from supermarkets, pick up bread from bakeries, and head to the beaches of Lido or the Biennale Gardens for a cheap lunch. Note that picnicking in the city’s piazzi is not the done thing.
  • Go to an osterie : These casual eateries are usually busy with locals. They serve up simple, hearty fare like sandwiches or a plate of pasta for around $6.
  • Make a beeline for bacari : These hole-in-the-wall bars are buzzing with locals in the daytime and early evenings. Here’s where you can buy an array of delicious sandwiches, meat, and cheese plates, for as low as $2.60; often paired with an affordable glass of prosecco or red/white wine.

But if you’re keeping things really cheap in Venice, you should cook for yourself. You’ll need to know where the best bargain supermarkets are, naturally… 

  • Rialto : This bustling market, situated along a canal, is well known for its seafood, but also carries plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices. A great place to visit to soak up local culture, let alone shop for low-priced produce.
  • Coop : This chain of grocery stores can be found throughout Venice. They sell basic food items, drink, and other everyday staples. You can sometimes find prepared salads and other meals stocked, too. Very cheap.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0 – $20 USD per day

Alcohol doesn’t have to be expensive in Venice. In fact, it’s fairly cheap to sip your way around the city’s local bars! As long as you stay away from tourist-oriented joints, you won’t make too much of a dent in your budget.

But, the name of the game in Venice is wine drinking. Wine is almost free-flowing here, with bottles, glasses and carafes of wine downed from lunchtime onwards. It’s a fairly casual drinking culture, rather than the heavy late-night drinking in some European cities.

As a guideline, 0.5 litres of wine in a local restaurant should cost you around $6; 0.25 litres costs about $3.50.

how much does alcohol cost in Venice

Some small wine bars offer aperitifs served with free snacks. In these sorts of places, a glass of wine costs about $3. Not bad, considering the food is free.

The cheapest tipples are: 

  • House wine : Easily the cheapest, even if it’s not the best quality wine out there. Just ask for red or white house wine ( vino rosso/bianco della casa ). A good place for this is the aforementioned bacari. You can get cheap drinks (wine, beer and more) for as low as $2.
  • Grappa : Much stronger than wine, grappa is a grape-based spirit ranging from 35 to 60 ABV. It’s very popular in Venice and is best sought out in a bacari, again.

One top tip to keep the costs low when you’re drinking in Venice is to drink standing up at the bar in a bacari; it costs more to sit down at a table. Vinae or bottle shops stock cheap bottles of alcohol, from wine to spirits. If you’re drinking in your Airbnb or hostel, this is a great option.

Another unique way to drink in Venice on a budget is to opt for vino sfuso . Literally “loose wine”, this wine isn’t bottled but comes in barrels. Because it’s got no preservatives, it needs to be sold quickly, and for that reason it’s cheap. A glass can cost as low as $1.20. Any good non-tourist bar will have vino sfuso.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0 – $25 USD per day

Venice has no shortage of attractions to keep tourists entertained. There’s the granddaddy of them all, St Mark’s Square, home to the Campanile bell tower; the famous Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace, to name just a few of the big-hitters.

There are art galleries and museums galore. The Gallerie dell’Accademia and Palazzo Mocenigo are home to numerous masterpieces and historic architecture besides.

Basically there’s so much to do that it can be difficult to pack it all into your Venice trip .

Venice Airbnb

And what’s more, a lot of the top sights are expensive, requiring you to constantly dip into your pocket. Even most of the churches will charge you entry!

But although many of Venice’s attractions can be expensive for sightseeing, there are still ways to keep it relatively cheap. Read on to find out the best ways to tour your way around the city for a snip of the cost:

  • Carry your ID with you : Often, tourist attractions in Venice have discounted prices for under 18s and over 65s; some state museums are even free to enter. There may also be reduced rates for under 25s, too. So it’ll pay to have your passport on you when sightseeing in Venice.
  • Get yourself a Venezia Unica : This recently inaugurated city pass covers the whole of the city of Venice. Good for unlimited use of public transport, as well as free and discounted entry to tourist attractions and sights across the city. You can actually tailor the card depending on what sights you want to see, making it an even better value for money. It can be bought online.

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By now you have a good idea of just how expensive your trip to Venice will be, and how you should divide your budget up. But one thing that is often left out of the equation are unforeseen expenses besides the usual.

is Venice expensive to visit

You might need to buy new shoes, you might want to buy souvenirs, or you may find yourself unexpectedly paying for luggage storage! Either way, it can add up. To avoid unpleasant surprises (i.e. running out of money) we’d suggest setting aside around 10% of your budget for this sort of thing. It’ll be worth it in the long run!

Tipping in Venice

It can seem daunting to figure out the tipping system in Venice, especially at local restaurants. But don’t worry; in some ways, it’s already figured out for you.

At most if not all restaurants, you can expect to pay a $2.50 cover charge per person. This is called a coperto and is usually listed on the menu. Depending on the kind of restaurant you’re in, it may feature on the bill as a pane e coperto (“bread and cover charge”). This is common in down-to-earth osterie and can range from $1.80 to $7.

In a more high-end bistro, a service charge will be added to the bill. This is usually around 12%, and is all you need to pay. But if you do want to tip as well, just leave a few Euros on the table instead of figuring out a percentage of your bill. At more local family-run joints, tipping is not the done thing.

When it comes to hotels, depending on the type of place you stay, a concierge tip can be anywhere between $12 and $25. This depends on the level of service that’s being provided; more service = higher tip. For housekeeping staff, leaving a few Euros a day is appreciated (but not necessary).

It’s not customary to tip taxi drivers or gondoliers. You can if you want, but it won’t be expected.

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Want more info about budget travel ? Here you go, then – yet more tips for travelling in Venice cheaply: 

  • Try out free sights : The “top” churches in Venice will charge an entrance fee, but there are many beautiful churches in Venice that don’t charge an admission fee at all. They request a donation, but the amount is up to you. These offer an amazing way to see the historic architecture, monuments and artworks secreted inside.
  • Go island-hopping : Visiting the many islands in the Venetian archipelago is free, although you will have to pay for public transport. It’s a budget-friendly way to do some more off-the-beaten track sightseeing though.
  • Search out alternative sights : Venice is more than just St Mark’s Square, after all. Just one example is at Piazzale Roma; take the lift to the top of the carpark here and enjoy the free view out over Venice. It’s pretty breathtaking.
  • Look out for events : Venice often puts on free events and other entertaining celebrations that make timing your visit carefully worthwhile. Heritage Week in May, for example, and Carnival, too. Both of these have live music, costumes and other celebrations to join in with.
  • Try out couchsurfing : If you’re a sociable traveller, then you’ll probably enjoy the chance to stay with a local free of charge via Couchsurfing. Not only does this eliminate the cost of accommodation in Venice, but it also gives you access to a fountain of local information!
  • Have a water bottle:  Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
  • Earn money while you travel:   Teaching English while traveling  is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Switzerland.
  • Become a volunteer with Worldpackers:  Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Switzerland.
  • Consider doing a day trip from Milan to Venice if money is really tight, that way you can save on accommodation.

is venice italy expensive to visit

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Venice definitely seems expensive at first glance, but we hope that throughout this post you’ve learned that it doesn’t have to break the bank at all. You just have to do a little digging.

cost of a trip to Venice

So as we come to the end of our guide to budget travel in Venice, let’s round up some of the major ways to save money in this iconic destination: 

  • Stay in hostels or Airbnbs : Avoid hotels if you want to do Venice on the cheap. Hostels are good because they often have free perks, but for privacy, Airbnbs win. Plus if you’re in Venice as a group you can split the cost of your Airbnb , making them a budget-friendly option for friends and families!
  • Get a Travel Card: Vaporettos, at $9 a pop, are expensive. A travel card means you can travel around to your heart’s content without racking up an exorbitant amount of money. For example, just four rides using a 24-hour ACTV Tourist Travel Card saves you money. Think of the possibilities!
  • Explore on foot: With public transport potentially eating into your budget, it’s best to just walk around. It’s free, many of Venice’s top sights are clustered around each other, and you can discover some lesser-visited parts of the city by using your feet.
  • Eat where the Italians eat: Venetians are definitely not eating at tourist joint (trust us). They’ll be eating at local eateries and cafes, obviously. Search these out and join in with the best of Venice’s food scene.
  • Visit during the off-season : Carnival and summer, as well as other vacation periods (i.e. Christmas/New Year’s), mark an increase in accommodation and flight tickets. To really snag a bargain, go when no one else is going.

What we think the average daily budget for Venice should be:

With our awesome money-saving tips you can comfortably travel Venice on a budget of $60 to $100 USD per day.

And to make sure you don’t miss packing those essentials, only to have to buy them again once you’re in Venice, check out our essential packing list .

Yes – even planning what you pack can save you money!

is venice italy expensive to visit

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Lu Frey

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How to Visit Venice on a Budget

 Lara D'Agostino / TripSavvy

Venice is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Italy . If Venice is on your itinerary, you will need to do some research ahead of time in order to visit this magnificent city and still keep to your budget. One downside of visiting this tourist mecca is that it makes it all too easy to pay top euro for food, accommodations, and tours. Find out what is worth it and how to avoid the splurges that won't really enhance your experience.

When to Visit

Opt for the off-season if at all possible. By visiting in early March , you may be able to spend 40% less for a budget room that might not have been available at any price if you were visiting in July. The March air in Venice will be brisk, but probably no more uncomfortable than the heat of high summer. Do beware that, in autumn, annual flooding sometimes closes key attractions.

Find Your Home Base

Look for rooms closest to the places you want to visit—even if those lodgings are a bit more expensive. You'll save money and precious time on commuting. Reasonable rooms in Venice  tend to be very small and sometimes at the end of several steep stairways. Sacrifice the room with the view and lace bedspreads, but don't sacrifice safety or cleanliness.

Highly touristy areas like Rialto and the Piazza San Marco are packed with expensive and somewhat impersonal eateries. These are the kind of places where ill-prepared tourists drop big bucks for a light meal and then complain about it for years. Instead, gravitate to where the locals eat. Venice's Dorsoduro section (main vaporetto line to Ponte dell'Accademia) is filled with neighborhood trattorias that are festive and cheap. Here or in San Polo, you dine with the natives for a fraction of the cost the tourists are paying in slightly more convenient locations.

Getting Around

Gondola rides are romantic but very expensive—a one-time experience, at best and it can be argued effectively that gondolas should be skipped altogether. Instead, plan on using Venice's system of vaporettos , which is a sort of floating bus service. you can look up  standard vaporetto fares  in advance to help with your budget planning, but you will likely find the best fares come with one of the passes. There is a 24-hour ticket, a 48-hour ticket, and a seven-day pass available. If you pay in advance, discounts are possible through VeneziaUnica . 

Try the Islands

Nearby  Murano Island is known for its glassblowing artisans. It tends to be a bit touristy, but well worth a look. The demonstrations are free, but some end in the showroom, where there is often a not-so-subtle pressure to buy.

Burano Island is known for its fine lace and for pastel-colored houses that fishermen at sea can spot as landmarks. A 40-minute ferry ride is required to reach Burano, but the trip is a nice change of pace after hours of navigating narrow Venetian streets.

Wander and Explore

Time is money on vacation, so don't waste either commodity. Many first-time visitors spend time trying to follow guidebook recommendations for restaurants and shopping. The problem is that Venetian addresses are confusing, even to the locals and once you add a language barrier to the equation, it can become nearly impossible to find that little restaurant that serves perfect pasta. Make your own discoveries by following one simple rule: Leave the tourist zones and explore on your own. 

Make the Most of Venice

There are other ways to make your experience in Venice memorable that have nothing to do with seeing all of the sights in the guidebook. Craft your own special vacation by thinking outside the box. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

  • Plan to picnic:  Little groceries are filled with fresh meats and cheeses, and the vistas for enjoying such delicacies are numerous. Best of all, it comes at a fraction of the cost for a sit-down restaurant meal.
  • Allow time to walk aimlessly:  Walking tours cost nothing and often turn up the most memorable places in a city like Venice.
  • About the touts at the docks or train station:  Sometimes the budget hotels that are perfectly fine send aggressive salespeople out to find patrons. It rubs some of us the wrong way, but listen to their pitch if you don't have a room. Much of the time, their offers are legitimate. Insist on seeing a map that shows the location. Some places that are sold as centrally located are miles from where you want to be situated.
  • Learn a few words of Italian:  A few simple phrases like please, thank you, how much, excuse me and "do you speak my language?" do wonders for public relations. Strangers are more apt to show some kindness when visitors make the attempt to speak in the local language.
  • Use the tourist office to book tours and other activities:  Hotels offer this service, but the prices and arrangements are sometimes less pleasing. Contact the APT and get impartial answers.
  • Visit nearby Padua: It's a short train ride from Venice , an interesting town in itself, and often much more reasonable for overnight stays.

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Cost of a Trip to Venice, IT & the Cheapest Time to Visit Venice

The average price of a 7-day trip to Venice is $1,837 for a solo traveler, $3,299 for a couple, and $6,185 for a family of 4 . Venice hotels range from $96 to $496 per night with an average of $144, while most vacation rentals will cost $230 to $490 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Marco Polo International Airport ( VCE ) are between $719 and $1,189 per person for economy flights and $2,256 to $3,731 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $51 to $141 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Venice, IT

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to VCE and stay in a Venice hotel:

  • January 1st to April 1st
  • October 1st to December 16th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Venice is usually late January .

Average Venice Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Venice for a week is $1,355-$2,927 ($194-$418 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $51 to $141 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $410 to $1,034 for economy

Lodging : $98 to $126 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $124 to $151 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Venice for a week is $2,740-$5,258 ($391-$751 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $102 to $282 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $820 to $2,068 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Venice for a week is $4,244-$9,596 ($606-$1,371 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $204 to $564 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,640 to $4,136 for economy

Lodging : $196 to $252 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $198 to $211 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Venice

How cheap can you make a vacation to Venice? The cheapest trip to Venice is about $107 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $21 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $82.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Venice for a week is $746-$2,037 ($107-$291 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $30 to $61 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $82 to $96 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $21 to $41 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Venice for a week is $1,366-$3,498 ($195-$500 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $60 to $122 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Venice for a week is $2,654-$6,996 ($379-$999 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $120 to $244 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $164 to $192 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $29 to $66 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to Venice cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Venice Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Venice.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Venice for a week is $2,681-$10,387 ($383-$1,484 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $102 to $310 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $869 to $2,337 for first class

Lodging : $183 to $496 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $490 to $980 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Venice for a week is $4,264-$14,894 ($609-$2,128 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $204 to $620 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,738 to $4,674 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Venice for a week is $8,528-$26,260 ($1,218-$3,751 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $408 to $1,240 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,476 to $9,348 for first class

Lodging : $366 to $992 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $686 to $1,372 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Venice Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Venice is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Venice due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Venice Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Venice hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Venice.

Flight Costs to Venice

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,189 average in mid December to a low of $719 in late January. Median flight price is $927. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Venice our data includes 328 originating airports, and 145 airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Venice from an airport like Stewart International ( SWF ) in Newburgh/Poughkeepsie, NY (the United States) for an average $14,869 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Zurich ( ZRH ) in Zurich (Switzerland) at an average of just $101.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Venice, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $470, so you can easily save about 65% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Venice can easily cost $450 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $30 per person. Private tours can cost $908 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Venice Guides

Travel costs nearby.

  • Venice City Center, Italy
  • San Marco, Italy
  • Castello West District, Italy
  • San Polo, Italy
  • Cannaregio, Italy
  • Dorsoduro, Italy
  • Castello, Italy
  • Small Islands of Venice, Italy
  • Mazzorbo, Italy
  • Burano, Italy

Travel Costs in Popular Places

  • Miami, FL, US
  • Gyeongju, South Korea
  • Marbella, Spain

Venice Travel Tips

Is Venice expensive?

Venice Travel Guides Last Updated · Feb 28th, 2024 · Maddy [post_comments before=""] -->

is venice expensive to visit

Is Venice expensive for the average traveler?

Let’s be honest, Venice is not exactly the most affordable city in Europe to visit.

You have probably already heard about or have some vague idea of how much a hotel for the night could cost, not to mention eating out and moving around.

Believe it or not, Venice is considered not only the most expensive city to visit in Italy but also one of the 10 most expensive cities in the world!

So let’s ask the question again, is Venice expensive? It certainly is, but I can assure you that you can visit Venice without having to break the bank.

I like to travel on a budget and I visit Venice frequently, so I can guarantee that you can have a great time here without overspending. How? Keep reading to find out.

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What's in this guide?

Is Venice expensive for tourists?

Quick Answer: Yes, Venice can be quite expensive. Most of the money that tourists spend here is on accommodation, eating out and shopping in this order.

venice from marco polo airport

As thousands of visitors are just fine with paying an arm and a leg to stay in Venice for a few days, there are just as many that hope to visit on a modest budget .

See these simple tips to help you save money before even arriving in Venice.

Things to know before travelling to Venice

  • Book accommodation months in advance . Tourists spend nearly half of their budget on hotels in Venice. By looking at a place to stay in Venice well in advance, you’ll have a wider range of accommodation options to look at and higher availability than leaving it until closer to your departure date.
  • If you want to save money on accommodation, stay in Mestre instead. The town is only 10 minutes away by train (20 minutes by bus) from Venice and is situated on the mainland. Even though it’s not the same experience as sleeping in Venice city centre, accommodation is a lot cheaper.
  • Don’t eat in restaurants for both lunch and dinner , but for one meal only (breakfast is quite cheap in Venice). Instead, opt for a lunch on the go and try some of the local street food for one of your meals.
  • Travel in the low season (from late autumn to early spring, excluding events like Christmas and Carnival) to find cheaper prices on flights and lodgings.
  • Purchase transportation and attractions passes at least 30 days in advance from the Venezia Unica website to save some money.
  • Younger and senior travellers pay reduced ticket prices for attractions and can get discounts on city and transport passes . So make sure to buy the right pass based on your age!

Got travel insurance for Venice?

travel insurance for venice italy

How much does a trip to Venice cost?

Quick Answer: You can expect to spend around 130-150 euros per person per day in Venice. This includes mid-range accommodation, transport (no water taxi but public transport), lunch with cicchetti (or street food) and dinner at the restaurant.

Cost of Accommodation in Venice

Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world and thanks to an impressive number of hotels, B&Bs, apartments and guest houses scattered throughout the historic centre, it can host millions of tourists every year.

hotels in venice

The city is divided into 6 neighbourhoods and each one of them has something unique to see or do and the range of prices considerably change too.

The San Marco district is where you can find the most popular attractions such as:

  • St. Mark’s Square
  • St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Doge’s Palace

San Marco is the most expensive area to stay in the historic centre and usually the closer you get to St. Mark’s Square, the higher the prices are.

If you want to spend your stay in San Marco on a budget, check out the newly refurbished Venetian palace Ca’ dei Fuseri . If you still want to be close to the main attractions , but far from the crowds , stay in the San Polo or Dorsoduro districts.

rialto bridge venice

Unless you’re booking accommodation near the Rialto Bridge or one of the popular canal view hotels , the prices are a bit cheaper than in San Marco.

Budget-friendly hotels, guest houses and hostels are located in the Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello neighbourhoods.

Take a look at my where to stay in Venice guide to learn more about every neighbourhood in the city, what it offers and the best places to stay.

This table below shows the average cost per night per person for a hostel, mid-range hotel and luxury hotel in each Venetian district in low season.

I have recently created a guide that looks at the best hostels in Venice so if you are travelling on shoestring budget then you’ll want to check the prices there too.

Cost of Food in Venice

Almost every tourist will spend a large amount of their budget on eating out in Venice. The restaurants and bars that are only frequented by tourists are generally also the most expensive ones, but that doesn’t mean the food quality is high.

tourist menu venice

Most of these tourist targeted restaurants are located on the main tourist streets like Strada Nova and near the main attractions and you can recognize them from the classic ‘tourist menu’ which is usually displayed outside on a chalkboard.

Some might look attractive at first as they have competitive set prices for lunch or dinner but the food quality is not good at all! The best places to eat out for good Venetian food (without spending too much) are the bacari and osterie .

By eating at the bacari and osterie you can spend between 1,50 to 3 euros for one cicchetto , and once you have eaten 4 of those you should be fine for lunch.

Alternatively you can try other Venetian street food like the ‘ scartosso de pesse frito ’ (mixed fried fish) for around 9 euros or have a slice of pizza for 2,20 euros . I like eating one or two tramezzini for lunch on the go and they cost 2,20 euros each.

lunch in venice italy

A draft beer at the bar costs 4 euros, while the most popular aperitivo, the Venetian Spritz , costs 2,50 to 4 euros . You can get a bottle of water for less than 1 euro, a local beer from the supermarket for 1,30 euros and 2 euros for an imported one.

With less than 10 euros you can have a light lunch in Venice! For breakfast you can easily spend less than 5 euros by getting an espresso coffee or cappuccino and a croissant filled with a yummy pistachio cream or other freshly baked pastry.

When eating out, you can pay around 20 euros per person in a cheap restaurant , 35 euros per person in a mid-range restaurant that will usually include ordering a starter and first course, or a main course with a glass of house wine.

Get ready to pay at least 100 euros per person for a tasting menu in a Michelin starred restaurant or other fancy restaurants (there are many in Venice).

To recap here are the main food costs you may incur during your time in Venice:

Of course, this is just an example of what to eat in Venice in a day, you may have specific dietary requirements or prefer to eat another types of food while here.

These tables are designed to give you an idea of what you could get for your money if you were to eat like a local in Venice for the day.

Here is an idea of the how much the average drinks costs in Venice:

A fantastic way to explore the food scene in Venice is by joining food tours . I recommend booking a food tour, if you love food and are eager to taste Venetian food, but don’t have a clue about where to go or what’s fresh and local .

Where are the best places to eat Venetian food? Find out with this eat like a local food tour where a local guide will take you around the best foodie areas of the city.

This specific tour is ideal to be able to save time , meet other fellow foodie travellers and learn more about the Venetian cuisine while exploring Venice.

Cost of Transportation in Venice

Venice is a car-free city , so you can explore by foot, by vaporetto (water bus), by water taxi or by gondola. Cars, buses and trams stop in Piazzale Roma and trains arrive at Venice Santa Lucia terminal station.

venice canal taxi

Bear in mind that the gondola is only for sightseeing and it follows set routes, so it can’t take you to and from specific places of your choice. The best way to move around the city is on foot and it doesn’t cost you anything .

If you want to take a break from walking, or get to other islands in the lagoon, you can hop on a vaporetto , the cheapest mode of transport. A single ticket costs 9,50 euros and it’s valid for vaporetto/bus/tram and People Mover for 75 minutes.

If you buy the ticket online , 30 days before your arrival, you can save 2 euros!

I recommend getting the transport pass instead of the single ticket, if you’re spending more than one day in Venice . You can choose to buy the 1 day/2 days/3 days and 7 days transport pass valid for vaporetto/bus/tram and People Mover.

venice by boat

You can use it as many times as you want and in the end, it’s going to save you a decent amount of money. Public transport tickets and passes are valid to move around Venice, islands and the mainland, but not to or from the airport to Venice.

Again, from the Venezia Unica portal, you can save extra money by purchasing the ticket pass 30 days in advance. This is a saving worth looking in to if you can.

The most affordable way to get to Venice from Marco Polo airport is by bus and it costs 8 euros one way . Another option quite popular among tourists is the Alilaguna water bus. For this transfer a one way ticket costs 15 euros .

As any local will gladly tell you, the water taxi is the most expensive way to travel around Venice’s canals and the rest of the lagoon.

To give you a rough idea, you can expect to pay 110 euros to get from Marco Polo airport to Venice Santa Lucia station (or the other way around), 60 euros to Murano and 115 euros to go to Burano and Torcello from the train station.

water taxi from venice airport

Prices are valid for up to 4 people with luggage. You can find more details about costs and how to get a water taxi in Venice in my dedicated transport guide.

As a first time visitor of Venice, you can’t leave the city without riding a gondola first (that would be a shame). Getting around Venice by gondola is not the same as in the past, when it used to stop in different places, now it’s mainly for sightseeing.

A gondola ride during the day costs 90 euros and 110 euros night time for up to 5 people. If you think that a gondola ride is too expensive, there’s the option to ride a gondola traghetto (called traghetto da parada) for only 2 euros!

These gondolas only cross the Grand Canal and usually don’t have all the ornaments of the normal gondolas but are still offer ‘the gondola experience’.

Here’s a table to recap the main transportation costs:

When it comes to transport in Venice , pay attention the times especially if you’re on a budget, since there is a day/night price for the gondola and water taxi.

Depending on which service you decide to take, you can save you money if you travel during the day (before 7pm). See the times, locations and prices below.

Cost of Tours & Attractions in Venice

Whilst in Venice, there are going to be different attractions to visit and tours you might want to join to make the most of your time and experience in the Lagoon city.

The top tourist attractions in Venice and their entrance ticket cost are:

  • St. Mark’s Square – Free
  • St. Mark’s Basilica – 3 euros
  • Doge’s Palace – *25 euros
  • St. Mark’s Campanile – 12 euros
  • Rialto Bridge – Free
  • Gallerie dell’Accademia – 12 euros
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection – 17 euros
  • La Fenice Theatre – 12 euros

*When purchased 30 days in advance, or otherwise the price will cost 30 euros. This ticket also gives you access to the Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, Monumental Rooms of the Marciana National Library.

An alternative to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square museums only, you can purchase the Venice City Pass that also includes access to Cà Rezzonico, Palazzo Mocenigo, Carlo Goldoni’s House, Ca’ Pesaro, Glass Museum in Murano, Lace Museum in Burano, Natural History Museum, Fortuny Museum and Clock Tower.

st marks square tourists

Many travellers to Venice decide to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace by booking a private tour with a local guide. This 3 hour Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour costs 84 euros per person and is one of the most highly rated and includes skip-the-line entrance .

There are so many activities you can do in Venice and for each one of them you can easily find a guide that can show you the beauty and richness of the city.

You can go on food tours, walking tours or islands tours, just to name a few. If you like the idea of tasting local food , then try the cicchetti during this street food tour with a guide and the tour costs 48 euros per person for a 2 and half hour tour.

Are you interested in discovering some of the lesser-known gems and uncover the hidden side of Venice? Then a walking tour like this Hidden Venice: Unusual Walking Tour is what you’re looking for, and for just 27 euros you can’t miss it.

burano from venice

A large portion of visitors that have more than 1 day in Venice will visit Murano for its glass artwork and go to see the colourful fishing village of Burano.

You can save some money by arranging your own transportation to the islands, or join an island boat tour like this Murano, Burano, Torcello Island & Glass Factory Tour that costs 30 euros per person and have everything included for you.

Venice on a Budget FAQs

How much spending money for 4 days in venice is needed.

For 4 days in Venice, you can expect to spend 700 euros per person . This includes the cost of a mid-range accommodation, transportation pass, Alilaguna water bus to/from the airport, lunch with street food and dinner at the restaurant.

What is the price of a gondola ride in Venice?

A gondola ride costs 90 euros during day time (from 9am to 7pm) and 100 euros night time (from 7pm to 3am) for up to 5 people.

Do you tip in Venice?

Yes, people tip in Venice, but it’s never expected . If you’ve enjoyed the service or experience, then a tip is much appreciated and can be 5-10% of what you’ve paid.

Is Venice more expensive than Florence?

Thanks to the information in this guide you should now have a crystal clear idea of what you can expect to spend on a daily basis during a trip to Venice.

So, again: is Venice expensive? Yes, it can be, is my final answer!

It all depends on how far in advance you decide to book your flights and hotels. The sooner the better, of course. Also, you have to bear in mind that the more activities and attractions you want to visit, the higher the cost of the overall trip will be.

I strongly believe that you can still travel to Venice on a medium budget (and have fun) by following the advice shared in this guide. Be sure to check out this detailed 3 days in Venice itinerary for ideas on how to spend a long weekend in Venice.

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About Maddy

I love to share tips, advice and resources to help visitors explore Venice and the Veneto region like a local. Learn more about me here.

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Venice Travel Costs and Prices

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Venice Travel Costs and Prices

How much do things cost in Venice? How much is a slice of pizza? How much is a night in a hotel? How much should a coffee, beer or dinner cost? Planning your trip to venice can save you plenty of money.

Prices in Venice are relatively expensive, but if you book the hotel in advance and check out our tips on how to save money in Venice, you’ll be able to make the most of your stay in the city without spending too much.

As for the restaurants in the Serenissima, there are options for all budgets , from fine dining to Pizza al Taglio for those that don’t want to spend too much money eating out.

The entry tickets to the city’s main attractions are not very expensive compared to other European towns like London , Paris , Rome , Berlin or Vienna.

Examples of daily costs

The following list shows the current prices of a few products and services, so that you can get an idea of the average prices in Venice and plan your budget accordingly.

Food and drink

  • Slice of pizza : from € 5 ( US$ 5.40)
  • Coffee : Between € 2 ( US$ 2.20) and € 5 ( US$ 5.40)
  • A small beer : € 4 ( US$ 4.30)
  • Eating out in a restaurant : from € 30 ( US$ 32.50) per person.
  • One-way Vaporetto ticket (valid for 75 minutes) : € 7.50 ( US$ 8.10)
  • 48-hour Travel Card : € 30 ( US$ 32.50).
  • The Chorus Pass (gives free access to 18 churches in Venice) : € 12 ( US$ 13)
  • Water bus from Marco Polo Airport to the city centre : € 15 ( US$ 16.30)
  • Bus from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma : € 1.50 ( US$ 1.60)

Accommodation

  • Mid-range centrally located hotel (double room): from € 60 ( US$ 65.10)

You may also be interested in

When is the best time of year to visit Venice? Is it cold during carnival? Will I need to bring a coat in spring?

What language is spoken in Venice? Will they understand me in the restaurants if I only speak English?

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Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

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The Ultimate Guide to Venice on a Budget

Sean Finelli Last Updated: November 16, 2022

Venice is an iconic destination in Italy that sees millions of visitors every year. Visiting the Floating City can get expensive quickly, from transport to museum admission costs and dining in popular areas. But you don’t need to have a big budget to enjoy the city. In this guide, we share practical pointers for getting the most out of Venice on a budget.

Pro Tip:  Planning a trip to Venice? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can come back to it when you’re traveling. See our  guide to Venice  for more resources to help you plan your trip. Also, check out our article on  how to see Venice in a day .

How To Visit Venice on a Budget

When you arrive in Venice, you’ll quickly realize that it’s very easy to spend money in this city. From visiting museums to getting around and eating out, Venice can get pretty expensive. Here, all goods have to be brought in by boat every day and the number of visitors has exploded in recent years, all contributing to local costs.

However, enjoying Venice on a tight budget is still possible—it just requires a bit of planning ahead. Here’s what we’ll cover to help you get the most out of your trip to Venice:

How To Get To Venice

  • Where To Stay

Getting Around Venice

  • Things To Do
  • What To Avoid
  • Where To Eat

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If you’re coming to Venice from other Italian cities, the cheapest solution is to travel by bus or train. The train is faster and may even be cheaper if book tickets early.

If you choose to arrive by plane, be sure to check both of the city’s airports when booking your tickets. You may find cheaper flights for the smaller and more distant Treviso airport (Canova Airport in Treviso – TSF).  

How to get from Canova Airport in Treviso (TSF) to Mestre and Venice

Mestre is the mainland area that connects to Venice by rail and road. As you will read below, we recommend staying in Mestre because it’s much more affordable than staying in the lagoon area. There are two ways you can get to Mestre and/or Venice:

Bus and Train: 

The cheapest way is to take the Urban Bus Line from the Airport to the train station of Treviso for €1.30. Then, continue by train to Mestre or Venice for a price of €3.55.

Bus Shuttle Service: 

The fastest solution is to take the non-stop bus shuttle service. It also has amenities including onboard Wi-Fi and baggage storage in the trunk of the bus. The price is €12 one-way to the train station of Mestre (mainland) or  Venice (Piazzale Roma). There is no round-trip ticket available.

Where To Stay in Venice

Mestre Venice

Finding the right hotel or apartment rental without spending too much can be tricky, especially if you want to stay in the lagoon . Try to avoid the lagoon if you want to save your budget for activities, Venice tours, or eating out.

Instead, choose comfortable and economical accommodation in Mestre , situated in the terraferma or mainland area just across the lagoon from Venice. Many accommodation options have been recently established near Mestre’s train station to offer travelers an alternative to the expensive lagoon.

venice sunset

In the morning, take the inexpensive train or bus from Mestre across to Venice and continue on foot — the best way to explore this city. Venice is a fairly small city and very walkable.

Try to avoid the Vaporetto public water taxi, which can be relatively expensive . You can take advantage of it for long distances only or for visiting the islands in the lagoon.

In addition, avoid the busy water taxi lines on Canal Grande too. Unless, of course, it’s really important to you to ride a boat on this famous canal without spending the € 80 for a gondola ride. We have a guide on how to use public transport in Venice if you need it.

Popular Venice Tours

is venice italy expensive to visit

Best-Selling Tour

Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano

The ultimate tour of Venice. You’ll get skip-the-line access to the most important buildings in Venice, plus a gondola ride, and private transportation to the islands of Murano and Burano. It’s a full day of touring that will make for the best memories in Venice ever.

is venice italy expensive to visit

Authentic Experience

Venice Local Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio

People who say Venice is too touristy have not done enough research. Cannaregio is an amazing break from the crowds and our food tour is the most authentic way to experience it. Taste Cicchetti and other Venetian specialties with tons of wine! You’ll leave with a full stomach! Plenty of Food and wine included!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Venice Guide for more info.

Things To Do in Venice

art museum venice

While accommodation and restaurants can be expensive, there are a number of sights and monuments in Venice that are completely free to visit as well as some other cool activities.

Free Museums and Activities

Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and the many other magnificent churches free of charge. There are many admission-free art and photo galleries spread all over the city. To save money on the major museums like Palazzo Rezzonico, Ca D’oro, and Ca’ Pesaro Gallery, buy a combined ticket.

To get even closer to the heavens, climb the rooftop terrace of Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a department store near the famous Rialto Bridge, and enjoy the sweeping views of the Canal Grande and Rialto Bridge, the oldest one of all Grand Canal bridges, without having to pay or queue for the bell tower of Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Explore the inexpensive neighborhood of Cannaregio , situated in the very north of the city. Chill out and reflect on the shores of the Rio della Misericordia and La Sensa. In the many restaurants and cafes nearby, dine well for very little money compared to other areas. While you’re there, admire the oldest Jewish ghetto in the world. In fact, the English word “ghetto” is derived from it.

Free Evening Activities in Venice

In the evening, when most tourists leave the city and the pace begins to slow down, head to the sea. Relax on one of the many shores and enjoy the magic of this city in the golden hour. See how this city has literally been shaped by the sea. Then, walk the endless waterside promenades of Zattere and Riva degli Schiavoni.

When treated gently, Venice may reward you with some of the finest moments you’ve had in a long time , all for free. For more ways to spend your time, check out the hidden gems of Venice —many are free of charge.

What To Avoid in Venice

rialto bridge

Tourists often spend too much because they get drinks and food in the Rialto and San Marco districts. Prices skyrocket in these areas and will burn a hole in your pocket.

Avoid staying in a hotel on the lagoon, if you can. Rather, choose a place on the mainland. Public transport is available until late at night, so this should not stop you.

SGT Doge's Palace

Best Selling Tour

Doge’s Palace “Prisons & Tyranny” Tour in Venice

Hear how the Dukes of Venice ruled the “republic” using fear tactics, imprisonment, and torture. Now, the palace stands as a reminder of how the law was carried out in Venice. Skip the line with a passionate English speaking guide and go behind the scenes to see the best parts of this incredible Gothic palace. Admissions included.

is venice italy expensive to visit

Most Popular Tour

Venice Highlights Tour with Gondola Ride

People who say Venice is too touristy have not done enough research. Cannaregio is an amazing break from the crowds and our food tour is the most authentic way to experience it. Taste Cicchetti and other Venetian specialties with tons of wine! You’ll leave with a full stomach!

Where To Eat in Venice

is venice italy expensive to visit

At the southern end of the city is the neighborhood of Dorsoduro , which means “hard ridge”. It derives from its less marshy land, compared to the other areas of Venice. Today, Dorsoduro represents a great balance between touristy Venice and its authentic side.

Enjoy significantly lower prices in bars, cafes and restaurants in this area. Have the iconic Spritz drink alongside locals in one of the many bars of Campo Santa Margherita , the very heart of the Dorsoduro neighborhood.

This area is one of the best places to relax after a long walk through the city. Have tasty cicchetti (small sandwiches), which you can buy in the many Bacaro shops spread all around the area. For less than €1 , enjoy those tasty delicacies and refill your energy. Check out where to eat the best cicchetti at every price point.

You can find plenty of museums in this neighborhood too. To visit the famous sights in the city center, cross the Accademia Bridge and explore the picture-perfect San Marco square, Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace. If you’ve been saving for a great meal on your trip, check out the best restaurants in Venice in different price ranges.

Here’s Where To Stay in Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

Rome , Florence , Venice , Amalfi Coast , and Capri

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Venice Insider Guide home

Is Venice expensive? What you have to know to enjoy the city (and save money)

Is Venice expensive? What you have to know to enjoy the city (and save money)

Indeed Venice is expensive. However, over the last few years, an increasing number of people is labeling it as “too expensive”.

Of course, charmed by her beauty and elegance, we do not focus so much on the actual costs of living or traveling here.

However, since the rise of prices is now affecting all sides of our lives all over the world, we'll try to find out if Venice is really so expensive as it has been so frequently described.

We will certainly focus on the tourist point of view, which is what matters most to you. This is precisely what your Venice Insider Guide is for!

Is Venice Expensive to travel? Your updated price table for your budget travel

is venice expensive - https://unsplash.com/photos/tRAi7NuU4b0

You probably know that not so many Venetians still live in their hometown. Many of them, in fact, have decided to move to the mainland , where the living costs are much lesser.

However, in this article, we are speaking from a touristy point of view. This means that our analysis we'll be much different. Even though Venice is not a cheap city to visit , there are many tips and tricks that will indeed help you save your money and, more importantly, make your whole experience way better!

So, let's find out if Venice is really expensive and, if so, how can you spare some money !

Hotel prices: is it expensive to stay overnight here?

is venice expensive: venice hotels and budget friendly option - https://unsplash.com/photos/bp3usZYy4VY

When you consider visiting Venice, of course, one of the first things that appear on your checklist is the hotels.

However, in our beautiful city, you really have plenty of choices.

You can of course decide to sleep in one of the dreamy and luxury hotels placed in the area close to Piazza San Marco, like the famous Hotel Danieli (prices usually starts from 400 euros per night), or on the Giudecca island at the world wide known Belmond Hotel Cipriani (where prices usually starts from 500 euros per night).

You can of course decide to experience one or more royal nights in these amazing places.

However, Venice can offer you many affordable places for you to overnight.

There are of course splendid Venetian style hotels everywhere in the city, many of them facing the Grand Canal. So, if you dedicate some time to explore all the offers, you will certainly find cheaper hotels (we are talking about 50/60 euros per night).

If you would like to pay even less, you will have two choices: select a Venice hostel (there are many good ones here), or decide to select an accommodation in Mestre , the closest city in the mainland. Here the hotels are very good and you can find 4 star hotels at very convenient prices!

Just remember that, in any case, hotel prices skyrocket during peak season. The summer, Carnival period and Christmas are the most expensive periods to travel to Venice!

Check out: Where is best to stay in Venice?

Is the city expensive to travel around?

venice expensive, Is the city expensive to travel around - https://unsplash.com/photos/1naE8177_bI

Is Venice expensive to travel around?

First of all, let us tell you that most of the monuments and attractions of the city are reachable within walking distance (crossing many bridges along the way, of course!).

However, we cannot help but tell you that traveling by public transport is not so cheap in the floating city.

In recent years, the prices of vaporetti (water buses) have in fact substantially increased. One ordinary ticket that gives you access to the Venetian public transport, up to 75 minutes from the moment of validation, costs in fact 9.50 euros per person.

We acknowledge that this price could be very high, especially if you are traveling with your family.

Anyhow, you can also consider buying the transport city card . If you are planning to travel a lot by water buses or you are planning to visit the other islands of the lagoon area, you might consider buying the daily card (25 euros), the 2, 3 or 7 day passes.

If you like to know more, we have summarized all this info on our practical guide on how to get around the city .

Is Venice expensive to visit?

Is Venice expensive to visit, venice cheaply: discounted prices of venice's attractions, free sights - https://unsplash.com/photos/n0mdOC7I-70

Like many other European cities, Venice too offers a lot of discounts and special prices for museums, theaters and cinemas.

Compared to other countries in Europe, museum tickets are relatively inexpensive and are without a doubt worth the price. As ancient as the city is, the price of the tickets (which is usually around 15 to 30 euros) is wisely spent on restorations of monuments and of art pieces, as it should be.

Some museums, however, could be much more expensive than others.

For example, to access the Doge's Palace you will have to have a 30 euros budget per adult. However, if you buy the tickets online and in advance, you will save 5 euros. You will also have discounts for kids and if you are traveling as families. Not mentioning that the ticket to the Palace includes the entrance to many other museums, like Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the Sale Monumentali della Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.

Check out: our guide to the city's art scene !

Catholic places

Another interesting thing to know, when you visit Venice on a budget , is that Catholic churches and Catholic basilicas, most of the time have a free entrance or ask for a symbolic ticket . Some examples? The Basilica della Salute is free of charge (you might need a ticket to visit some of its works of art), the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo asks for 2.50 euros.

If you buy the Chorus Pass (12 euros per person) you can have access to the 16 churches that are listed here .

Is Venice expensive to eat out?

Is Venice expensive to eat out: cheap drinks - https://unsplash.com/photos/hEC6zxdFF0M

Restaurants are probably the single reason why most people think Venice is super expensive.

Photographs of the expensive bills go viral all around the world every single year. And yet, there are some touristy restaurants that can of course be authentic tourist traps.

However, we really do not think that eating out in Venice is expensive .

There are so many good local restaurants that offer traditional menus at affordable prices . You can taste the house wine but also appreciate the local and fresh fish that has been bought at the Rialto market.

In other words, you just have to select carefully where and what you want to dine.

About this topic, we have prepared a guide on what you should try in the Venetian restaurants : you will be surprised by the typical Venetian food!

Notwithstanding the fact that Venice is particularly popular for its street food. You truly won't believe the great variety of cheap eating options you will find here!

Anyhow, the scenery really plays a major role in determining the final prices. If you want to eat cheaply you really shouldn't choose to reserve your table in Piazza San Marco, for instance. Just grab a coffee-to-go instead!

To save money, spend as Venetians do

VENICE CITY - https://unsplash.com/photos/wHhiMRA_DoM

Like in many other countries, the best way to save up some money while visiting the city, is to grasp th e local way of living , which is why a restaurant or a bar full of gondoliers is a very good sign you are in a good spot.

That is not to say Venetians don’t enjoy fancy events or restaurants – quite the opposite - but that, in order to make it affordable, Venetians consider the best places taking into account price and quality.

Luckily, nowadays restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and gondolas prices are easily accessible and known to the public.

This means you will be immediately able to see the price and choose based on your budget.

Venetians prefer to go to the old osteria , the traditional bars where Cicchetti (meaning local fish dishes placed on small slices of bread, like Venetian tapas) are served along with ombra , a glass of wine.

There are so many osteria in St Mark's Square and the famous Rialto bridge areas, but there are hundreds around the city serving affordable local and traditional food.

Watch out though, sometimes even the typical osteria can be pretty expensive. So, a good tip is to always have under your eye the menu and plan in advance.

Our final tips to enjoy the city

‌Venice is certainly more expensive than the mainland, and it can be more expensive than the majority of other Italian cities.

Anyhow, as you have learnt through the article, it is not as expensive as you might expect .

As for many other things, the less you know about Venice, the more expensive it gets. The more you know, the more you will be able to adjust your needs and goals and enjoy the vacation according to your plans and your budget.

If you dedicate some time to organize your travel you can of course find many cheaper options that will help you organize the trip of your dreams , sparing some euros for many more experiences and adventures!

Just remember to plan ahead and try to spot the places where locals go, they know best and there is a wonderful atmosphere of authentic experience.

And never forget: Venice is priceless.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Venice Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Panoramic views showing the charming, historic canals winding through Venice, Italy.

With its iconic canals, picturesque gondolas, and winding streets, it’s no surprise that Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. But while the city is popular with honeymooners, it’s also a huge destination for cruisers and backpackers too.

It should be obvious as to why.

Venice is beautiful, fun, and full of narrow streets and alleys to get lost in. It’s a magical place unlike any other. There are museums, palaces, historic town squares to explore, and endless gelato to eat.

Unfortunately, the city is also expensive and overtourism has become a real problem. No matter what time of the year, you’re going to encounter crowds. In fact, if you come in the summer, it’s going to be unbearable (and if you come when a cruise ship is docked, it’s even more unbearable!)

But that doesn’t mean you should skip a visit!

You can avoid the crowds if you skirt around the center of the city and head to some of the outer islands like Burano and Morano. Tourists tend to cluster in a few places and are easy to escape.

This travel guide to Venice can help you beat the crowds, save money, and make the most of your time in this famous Italian city!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Venice

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Venice

View of the historic Rialto bridge with a man steering a gondola in front, in Venice, Italy.

1. Visit the Basilica San Marco

St. Mark’s Basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city and is located in the Piazza San Marco. While there has been a place of worship on this site since 820 CE, the current basilica was built in 1063. It’s filled with amazing 11th-century mosaics, marble-covered walls, statues, and five, gold-covered Byzantine domes. The High Altar also supposedly contains some of St. Mark’s remains. It’s 3 EUR to visit the basilica (or 6 EUR for a skip-the-line ticket). There are also a variety of combined entrance tickets depending on which attractions in the complex you want to visit. The Complete Basilica Ticket, which includes the Basilica, Pala d’Oro (golden altar), Museum, and Loggia Cavalli (terrace with views and other exhibits), costs 20 EUR, which includes skip-the-line entry. You can also do a guided tour after hours when the crowds have left with Walks of Italy for around 100 EUR.

2. Walk across Rialto Bridge

While it’s now one of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, for centuries, the Rialto Bridge was the only way to get from one side to the other. Originally built as a floating bridge in the 12th century, it was first constructed for easier access to the Rialto Market (hence the bridge’s name). The current iteration of the bridge, completed in 1591, was created by Antonio da Ponte, who beat out Michelangelo for the job. The entire bridge is made of Istrian stone and crosses the Grand Canal at its narrowest point, connecting the San Polo and San Marco districts. To beat the crowds, come at sunrise.

3. Tour the Doge’s Palace

Located in St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s main landmarks and was the home of the duke who ruled Venice. The massive building was originally built in the 14th century in the Venetian Gothic style, though it has been renovated, extended, and modified over the centuries. The interior is filled with artwork, gilded ceilings, and an armory. You can also descend into the prisons and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. Admission is 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of San Marco ticket, which includes entrance to the Correr Civic Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library.

4. Attend Carnival

Carnival is ten days of masquerade madness every February leading up to Mardi Gras, the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The tradition goes back centuries, starting in the 12th century and reaching the height of popularity in the 18th century. The festival was on pause for nearly two centuries, starting in 1798 when the city was under Austrian rule (when masks were banned). It wasn’t until 1979 when Carnival was revived. Today, it is one of the biggest festivals in Italy , with millions of people attending every year. The iconic and diverse masks are a central part of the festivities and every year there is a contest for the most beautiful mask. If you have the funds, you can even pay to attend a traditional masquerade ball! (Book your accommodation early as the city fills up months in advance).

5. Day trip to Burano

Other things to see and do in venice, 1. take a walking tour.

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to see the main sights on a budget while connecting with a local guide who can share their insider tips and advice. Venice Free Walking Tour runs regular free tours that cover all the highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

If you want to invest in your experience and take a more detailed walking tour, my favorite company is Take Walks . They have amazing walking tours and boat tours all around the city. They use expert local guides so you’ll not only have fun but you’ll learn a lot too!

2. Wander the Piazza San Marco

This is the most famous and largest piazza (city square) in Venice. The grand square has long been a popular meeting spot for Venetians and is home to many important city highlights, including the basilica, its bell tower, the Doges Palace, and the National Archaeological Museum. (You can visit all of these sights on a combined Piazza San Marco ticket, which costs 26 EUR). The Piazza is most impressive when approached from the water as you get a full sense of the scale and history of these antiquated buildings.

3. Head to the island of Lido

If you want to escape the city, Lido is a nearby island where people go to relax on the beach. There are lots of picturesque canals here, as well as restaurants, cafes, and bars. Every August, the world of cinema descends on Lido for the Venice Film Festival, the oldest and one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Lido is only a 20-minute vaporetto ride (water bus) from Venice. A round-trip ticket costs 10 EUR, or for 13 EUR you can get a round-trip ticket that can be used for the buses on Lido too.

4. Visit Murano Island

Close to Venice, this island is the home of the famous Murano glassblowers, who have been creating intricate glassworks here since 1291. Although Murano is filled with expensive souvenirs (avoid buying anything on the island if you’re on a budget!), you can still have an educational and fun afternoon learning and watching how the glass is blown. The Murano Glass Factory only costs 5 EUR, which includes the glass blowing demonstration and guided tour of the factory. To get to Murano, you can take the ferry for 8 EUR.

5. Wander the Rialto Market

The Rialto Market is Venice’s main market and it has been around for the past 700 years. It’s a huge food market with all kinds of meat, produce, and fish. Come in the morning before the market is flooded with tourists to watch all the hustle and bustle. You’ll find the market northwest of the Rialto Bridge in the district of San Polo.

6. Tour the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This is the personal art collection of art collector Peggy Guggenheim, located in her former mansion along the banks of the Grand Canal. It is a massive, avant-garde collection of art with works from more than 200 artists. While modern art is not my favorite kind of art, there are countless pieces by surrealists, abstract expressionists, and Italian futurists that make this worth a visit. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden. Admission is 16 EUR.

7. Climb the Campanile di San Marco

Built in 1912, this tower in Piazza San Marco is a replica of the original Bell Tower of St. Mark (which was built in the 16th century and collapsed in 1902). It said that every last detail of the structure is a match. Standing at almost 100 meters (328 feet) tall, it’s the tallest structure in Venice. The tower was originally constructed for defensive purposes so that watchmen could see ships coming in and out of the city. For 10 EUR, you can climb up through the inner workings and get a panoramic view of the city.

8. Watch the Vogalonga

The Vogalonga is a non-competitive 20-mile marathon rowing event held annually in May. This tradition originated in 1974 as a protest against the increasing amount of powerboats taking over Venice’s waters. Thousands of people from all over the world take part every year, in all different kinds of boats, including gondolas, kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, stand-up paddleboards, and more (some people even swim!). It’s incredible to watch and one of the biggest events of the year.

9. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

This museum was created in 1523 by Italian nobleman and cardinal, Domenico Grimani. Although it’s a small museum, the National Archaeological Museum’s collection of Greek sculptures, Roman busts, funerary stelae, and other relics date back as far as the 1st century BCE. Tickets are 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of Piazza San Marco (which includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library).

10. Check out the Correr Civic Museum

The Correr Civic Museum includes an expansive collection of art and artifacts showcasing the city’s history, as well as works from the homes of former royals (including Napoleon Bonaparte). You can spend hours here viewing the frescoes, ancient maps, statues, religious paintings, and more. Tickets are 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of Piazza San Marco (which includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library).

11. Peruse the art at the Galleria dell’Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia was established by Napoleon Bonaparte and is home to numerous artistic works from the 14th-18th centuries, including masterpieces from Bellini and Tintoretto. Its most famous piece, however, is Leonardo da Vinci’s small ink drawing titled Vitruvian Man (however, it’s rarely on display due to the fragile and light-sensitive nature of the work). Tickets are 12 EUR.

12. Explore the Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto is a neighborhood located in the north-western part of Venice. It’s considered to be the world’s first ghetto, established in 1516 when everyone in the city’s Jewish community was forced to relocate here. They were only allowed out during the day and then were locked up and heavily guarded in the evening. Despite its troubling history, the Jewish Ghetto is now full of restaurants, shops, museums, and synagogues. It’s a lively place to explore but is often overlooked by tourists.

13. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Venice’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Venice has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, these tours are for you! Tours start at 89 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Italy, check out these guides:

  • Cinque Terre Travel Guide
  • Florence Travel Guide
  • Milan Travel Guide
  • Naples Travel Guide
  • Pisa Travel Guide
  • Rome Travel Guide
  • Sorrento Travel Guide

Venice Travel Costs

Closeup on colorful, historic homes lining a canal in Venice, Italy.

Hostel prices – A dorm bed in a hostel usually costs 27-45 EUR per night for a 4-6-bed dorm in peak season and 22-30 EUR per night off-peak. Private rooms cost between 75-150 EUR per night in peak season and 60-85 EUR in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and several hostels have kitchens or a bar/cafe on the premises. None of the hostels in Venice currently offer free breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, camping outside the city costs 15-30 EUR per night for a basic pitch without electricity. There are also small lodges and cabins for 30-50 EUR.

Budget hotel prices – A room in a two-star budget hotel in Venice costs 75-125 EUR per night in peak season and 50-65 in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is included and some also include free breakfast.

On the main island, Airbnb has private rooms starting from 60-80 EUR per night. Entire apartments go for closer to 125-150 EUR per night. Expect to pay double that price if you don’t book early.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu.

In Venice, seafood is an important staple, with popular traditional dishes being bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), and fried sardines.

Overall, eating in Venice is really expensive. It’s hard to get a cheap meal in the city. If you do want to eat out, it’s better to go out for lunch rather than dinner since lunch menus are often around 15-20 EUR.

If you want to splash out, a mid-range meal with drinks and an appetizer costs 35-50 EUR. A set, 4-course meal is 65-70+ EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8.50 EUR for a combo meal. Sandwiches are usually just 3-7 EUR, while pizza is 5-8 EUR for a small and 12-15 EUR for a large.

Beer is 4-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 3-4 EUR, and cocktails start at 7-9 EUR. A latte/cappuccino is closer to 2 EUR while bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 50-60 EUR. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Venice Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 60 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like taking free tours and wandering the markets. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 145 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional water taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like day-tripping to the nearby islands and touring the museums and galleries.

On a “luxury” budget of 265 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need per day. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, who knows!). We just want to give you a general idea of how to budget your money. Prices are in EUR.

Venice Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Venice is going to be expensive. That said, here some ways to you can lower your expenses when you visit Venice:

  • Don’t eat at Piazza San Marco – This is the area with the most tourists, making it much more expensive. Avoid eating here at all costs, no matter how tempting the cafe patios might be.
  • Cook your food – Food is one of the biggest costs in the city so if you’re on a budget it’s a good idea to cook your own meals. It’s not fancy but you’ll save a ton!
  • Walk around and get lost – Venice is so beautiful that it’s a thrill just strolling through the city seeing the old building, churches, artists, and, best of all, get a bit of people-watching in.
  • Use discount vaporetto tickets – Get a day pass (or multi-day pass) for the water bus if you plan on traveling around the city a lot. It can save you money after just a few trips.
  • Get a combined museum pass – There are a couple of main options for combined museum passes: St. Mark’s Square Museum Pass (which costs 26 EUR for admission to all the attractions in St. Marks Square) or the Venice Museum Pass (which costs 36 EUR for admission to the St. Marks’ Square museums as well as 9 other museums, including the Murano Glass Museum).
  • Get the Venezia Unica Pass – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this pass gives you discounts to the top museums, tours, and attractions. It is priced to save you money when compared to buying separate tickets. You go online and pick out what you want to see ahead of time. The price varies depending on what you want to see but you’ll save a lot.
  • Buy your own booze – You can buy a great bottle of wine for under 10 EUR at the store. Getting your own bottle is a much more economical way to drink. Sit in one of the squares, have a glass of wine, and watch the world go by.
  • Stay with a local – Accommodation is very expensive in Venice. Try using Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free and make a new friend to show you around this amazing city.
  • Go on a free walking tour – This is the best way to learn about the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Venice

Finding an affordable place to stay in Venice is challenging, but not impossible. My recommended places to stay in Venice are:

  • Generator Venice
  • Anda Venice (10% off, a free welcome drink, and free city map if you’re a member of HostelPass )
  • Ostello S. Fosca – CPU Venice Hostels
  • Camping Serenissima

How to Get Around Venice

Man steering a gondola through a canal in Venice, Italy

Venice is a pedestrian city. Unless you’re taking water taxis or floating buses, you’ll be walking everywhere.

Vaporetto – A vaporetto is a floating “bus” that can get you just about everywhere you need to go. They’re not cheap, with one-way tickets costing 7.50 EUR. Tickets are valid for 75 minutes. You can get a 24-hour pass for 20 EUR, a 48-hour pass for 30 EUR, a 72-hour pass for 40 EUR, or a 7-day pass for 60 EUR.

If you’re traveling to Murano, Torcello, or Lido, you’ll be on the same vaporetto system but on a larger boat known as motonave . The prices are the same.

When to Go to Venice

Venice is at its peak busyness in the summer. Prices skyrocket and the crowds are intense. Temperatures hover around 18-28°C (66-83°F) from June through August. If possible, I’d avoid visiting during this time as the city is bursting with cruisers and the crowds are massive.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit since temperatures are more manageable, usually between 17-22°C (63-72°F), and the city is not overly crowded.

Tourism also eases off in the fall and winter, and temperatures are cooler, ranging from 4-12°C (44-55°F). However, this is also known as the acqua alta (“high water”) period, where flooding in the streets can occur.

In February, Carnevale takes over the city. It’s a great time, but expect chaos and inflated prices.

Overall, you’re going to face crowds whenever you go, but if you can avoid peak summer you’ll find the city pleasant to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Venice

Venice is a very safe place to backpack and travel. As with most of Italy’s cities, Venice’s biggest safety risk is petty theft and pickpocketing. This is especially true in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation, so keep a close eye on your belongings and never flash your valuables when out and about.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you come during autumn or the winter, you may be at risk for acqua alta (“high water”). Flooding is a common occurrence due to rising ocean levels. Choose accommodations closer to the upper part of town, near Piazzale Roma or the rail station.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Venice Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Venice Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

The Best Walking Tours in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Venice

The Best Walking Tours in Venice

The 4 Best Hostels in Florence Worth Staying At

The 4 Best Hostels in Florence Worth Staying At

Food Tour  Review: My Experience Eating in Bologna

Food Tour Review: My Experience Eating in Bologna

The 24 Best Things to Do in Rome

The 24 Best Things to Do in Rome

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Venice travel guide — how to visit venice on a budget.

Everything you need to do and see in Venice.

is venice italy expensive to visit

Venice is unlike any other city in the world and it may just be the most romantic city in the world. It’s also one of the world’s great engineering feats as the whole city is built on more than 100 islands in a marshy lagoon. Visitors flock here to get lost in Venice’s maze of streets and wander along its canals.

But do be warned, Venice is expensive, there are practically no hostels, the food is generally poor and the place is completely overrun with tourists. However, it’s still one of those places that everyone needs to see at least once — and you better hurry up because the city is slowly sinking into the ocean.

[Check out our travel guides for Amsterdam , Barcelona ,  Berlin , London , Paris , Rome and multiple other cities .]

What You’ll Find In This Venice Travel Guide

Milan travel guide

How Much To Budget To Visit Venice

  • How Long To Visit Venice
  • The Good And Not-So-Good Things About Venice
  • Madrid’s Must-See Sights and Attractions
  • Cheap Eats and Drinks in Venice
  • Best Venice Hostels
  • Venice Nightlife
  • More Resources To Help You Plan Your Visit On A Budget
  • Public Transportation

things to do in Venice

It’s no secret that Venice is a giant tourist hotspot so that makes it more expensive than the average town — which is tough for the budget traveler. You just have to accept that you’re going to pay a premium on accommodation and food ‚ but hey, Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world so it’s worth the extra costs.

We recommend budgeting  €5 0-€80/day for travelers on a backpacker’s budget — you can easily spend more and you might be able to spend less, but this is a good range for planning purposes. You can read our Venice Daily Price Guide for more in-depth cost details.

How Long To Visit Venice: 2-4+ Days

A lot of people only spend a day in Venice but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t at least say overnight. That’s because most people flood into the city in the morning and leave as night falls — this is a great opportunity for you because it lets you explore the city in peace at night.

If you can, spend two or three full days in Venice. Venice is fairly expensive so you may want to limit your time in the city if you’re on a tight budget.

When To Visit Venice + Weather

venice-crowds

Summers in Venice can be fairly hot and humid with highs in the low 80s. It’s also peak tourist season so it’s very crowded. There are also lots of mosquitoes and flies.

Winters  are fairly cold with temperatures in the low 40s but the city does empty out a bit so that’s nice.

We’d recommend visiting late April-Mid June and September-October as temperatures are a comfortable 60°F-70°F.

The Good And Not-So-Good Things About Venice: A Quick Overview

Venice guide

Venice is a favorite destination for a reason, but even this city has positives and negatives that we wanted to share before you visit.

venice-budget-travel-guide

Canals and Bridges. Venice is, after all, famous for its canals and bridges.

Romance.  It only takes a few minutes to see why Venice is considered the most romantic city in the world. It’s also the birthplace of Casanova if that tells you anything.

The Not-So-Good

Tourists. Tourists. Tourists. Venice is pretty much all tourists so there isn’t really any local culture that doesn’t revolve around tourism. In fact, the main part of the city only has a population of around 60,000 people. During the busy season, you can’t turn around without running into someone. It also means you’re paying tourist prices for everything.

Expensive. It’s hard to find good deals in Venice so budget travelers find it difficult to stay here more than a day or two. Expect to pay a lot for everything from food to lodging — you’ll have to visit the mainland to find better deals.

Bad food.  The food in Venice just isn’t good. Ok, there might be a few quality restaurants but a large majority are mediocre.

Tough to navigate with suitcases. Venice has tiny streets and hundreds of bridges so it’s not very conducive to traveling with a suitcase. A backpack is obviously easier.

Best Things To Do in Venice

Saint mark’s basilica (basilica di san marco).

venice-saint-marks

You simply can’t come to Venice without seeing St. Mark’s. A fascinating mix of Eastern and Western architectural styles and history (the relics of St. Mark himself were smuggled from Egypt to Venice in the 9th Century, with the basilica subsequently built in their honor) make it truly special. It looks and feels unlike any other church in Italy on the outside and the glittering mosaics on the inside are equally spectacular. The only downside? The lines, but you can get your tickets online for €2 to avoid them or just wait your turn and get in for free. Website: basilicasanmarco.it

Grand Canal

venice-grand-canal

The largest of all Venice’s canals, the Grand Canal snakes its way through town under four romantic bridges and right past some of the most magnificent palazzos in all of the town. A glide on a gondola or budget-friendly Vaporetto is the best way to see the splendor of the Grand Canal and it also allows you to see a peak of day-to-day Venetian life as the canal is still a watery thoroughfare for goods and commuters.

Teatro La Fenice

Teatro_La_Fenice-venice

Venice’s famous opera house has been recently restored, and Teatro La Fenice is now more than ever a fantastic place to take in soak up some culture while in town. Opulent is an understatement, as the gilded boxes and ornate decorations that line the walls make for a truly special setting for a show. If you just want to get the overall feel of the place, you can take tours of the theater for €10. Website: teatrolafenice.it

Campanile di San Marco

San-Marco-Venice

Located directly next door to Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile di San Marco is quite possibly the most famous landmark of Venice. Yes, this bell tower has been replicated around the world (most famously in Las Vegas), and for many, seeing it is the moment they have truly arrived in Venice. You can climb to the top, and while the ticket will cost you €8, the views over Venice are priceless.

Bridge of Sighs

Bridge-of-Sighs

This fully enclosed white limestone bridge is said to have gotten its name from the fact that prisoners would pause to sigh while crossing it – as it was their final glimpse of Venice on their way to their cell and/or execution. While we can’t confirm the veracity of that legend, we can confirm that it is worth seeing, as the ornate Renaissance architecture is as gorgeous as it is intricate. It can be crossed in person only on the Secret Itineraries Tour of the Doge Palace (€20, tickets available online ), but it also looks great from the seat of a gondola.

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

Rialto-bridge-venice

The most historic bridge over the Grand Canal, the Renaissance-era Rialto Bridge is a majestic arched beauty that arches gracefully over the waters below. It was the first bridge built over the Grand Canal in Venice, and its romantic faded steps are still flanked by covered arcades that used to home merchants. Like many attractions, the best views of the bridge are not from the bridge itself, so stake out a quiet place on the canal for those selfies.

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)

what to do in Venice, Italy

Located directly in front of the Saint Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square is the central square of the city. Lined by cafes, a clock tower, plenty of pigeons, and tour groups touting umbrellas, you definitely need to see it, but we don’t recommend eating or drinking here. It can be very romantic late at night though when the crowds are thin and the light is dim.

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Venice-with-Doges-palace-in-Italy

This grand mansion was once the home to the Doge (the ruler of Venice), back when it was its own independent empire. The Doge’s Palace impresses from the outside with its arcades and archways and is full of historical relics and lavish rooms that take you back in time on the inside. Regular admission is €19 and you can buy tickets online (tickets also include admission to the Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana). Website: palazzoducale.visitmuve.it

Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell’Accademia)

Tracing the arc of Venetian art throughout the centuries, a trip to the Academy Gallery is located in a former convent and is guaranteed to impress. Works from some of the greats (Bellini and Tintoretto just to name two) are on full display, brilliantly showing off Venice’s signature vibrant style. Regular admission is €12 plus €1.50 booking fee and you can buy tickets online . Website: gallerieaccademia.org

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

A hidden gem among Venice churches, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is home to a simple yet beautiful brick facade. Inside, the artwork on display is museum worthy, starring Titian’s Assumption, which adorns the altar. Regular admission is €3. Website: basilicadeifrari.it

Correr Civic Museum (Museo Civico Correr)

museo-civico-correr

Fusing together art and history, this museum is located on St. Mark’s Square and offers a nice glimpse of both. The neoclassical Napoleonic Wing is a star, as this former palace is home to sensational sculptures by Canova. Regular admission is €19 and you can buy tickets online (tickets also include admission to the Doge’s Palace, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana). Website: correr.visitmuve.it

Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Venezia)

jewish-ghetto-venice

The world’s first ghetto, this small district of Venice is where the Jewish residents of the city were moved in the 16th Century. Today, you can learn about the history of this district through tours and try traditional Jewish foods in an area that still retains a different feel to the rest of Venice.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Peggy-Guggenheim-Collection

Located in a palatial complex on the Grand Canal, Peggy Guggenheim Collection shows off some of the finest American and European modern artists of the 20th Century. Expect to see plenty of cubism and abstract pieces, and in an ancient city like Venice, it can be truly refreshing. Regular admission is €15 and you can buy tickets online. Website: guggenheim-venice.it

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Basilica-di-Santa-Maria-della-Salute

Standing like a sentry at the entrance to the Grand Canal, this beautiful basilica was built by Venetians to thank the Virgin Mary for saving them from the plague. Another example of the truly unique architecture used on houses of worship in Venice, this majestic stone structure stuns from the outside with its soaring dome and unique octagonal shape; with intricate marble tiling and a fine collection of Titian art impressing inside. Admission: free.

Ca’ Rezzonico

Rezzonico

Offering a glimpse of the glamorous and decadent days of 18th Century Venice, Ca’ Rezzonico is a pristine palazzo located directly on the Grand Canal. The former residence-turned-museum is covered in frescoes, marble, and gold, in addition to many fine pieces of art from the 18th Century – all offering a true time capsule of this era. Basically, it’s the perfect place to learn or just pretend to be a Venetian socialite. Regular Admission is €10, and you can buy tickets online. Website: carezzonico.visitmuve.it

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The place in Venice to see works by Tintoretto, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco used to be a pious members club dedicated to Saint Rocco. Saint Rocco was revered for his power in combating the plague, and this club thrived, becoming the only one of its kind to survive the fall of the Venetian Empire. This stately building and its collection of grand halls and Tintoretto’s vivid biblical paintings are as gorgeous as they were in the club’s heyday. Regular admission: €10. Website:  scuolagrandesanrocco.org

Punta della Dogana

Punta-della-Dogana

Despite being located in a centuries-old customs house, this unique triangular shaped edifice at the tip of the Grand Canal is a hotspot for modern art appreciation in Venice. Renovated in 2009, its interior strikingly blends ‘centuries old’ with ‘contemporary’, showing off works by exhilarating modern artists with a backdrop of rough bricks and monumental columns. Regular admission is €15, and you can buy tickets online. Website: palazzograssi.it

Burano Island

Burano-Island

One of the best day trips from Venice, Burano Island is famous for two things: producing lace and being home to row-after-row of brightly painted houses. Like Venice, Burano is a collection of islands connected by bridges, and while it may be only 40 minutes away by Vaporetto, it feels much further away. The pace is slower here, and if you wander off the main street won’t be surrounded by tourists, just buildings begging to have their picture taken.

San Giorgio Maggiore Island

San-Giorgio-Maggiore-Island

Directly across the water from Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore Island is home to a brilliant pearl white church (The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore) and a soaring bell tower. Many people swear that the view from its bell tower is better than the one in St. Mark’s Square as in includes all of Venice. Even if you don’t make it over the island, the magic of the ghostly white church contrasting against the sea can be admired from Venice.

Gondola Rides

A normal day-time gondola ride costs €80 and after 7 pm it jumps to €100. It should last around 40 minutes but don’t be surprised if it’s closer to 30 minutes.

Yeah, gondola rides a kind of a rip-off… but you just gotta do it. Once.

You can basically pick up a gondola anywhere on the island so take note as you walk around. We chose to pick up our gondola in a quiet canal. We suggest avoiding the busy Grand Canal since it’s much rougher of a ride. The back canals are very peaceful.

Take a (Free) Walking Tour

Walking tours great ways to explore and learn more about the city you’re visiting. I like to take one on my first day in a new city as I find it’s an excellent way to get my bearings and it gives me an idea of where I want to revisit.

The free walking tours are great for overviews. However, you’ll have to pay if you want a better quality guide or more specialized information (food tours, etc.).

Below is a list of the free walking tours:

  • Venice Free Walking Tour
  • Free Walk in Venice
  • Free Tour Venice

If you’re looking for a paid tour we recommend checking out  Trip Advisor to find reviews .

Cheap Eats And Drinks in Venice

cheap food Venice

Ok, here’s the deal… Venice is known for having some of the worst food in all of Italy — especially the pizza. Avoid any restaurant with a waiter outside trying to drum up business. Do your research if you want a quality meal or you’re likely going to end up with a subpar experience.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite online resources and food bloggers:

  • Spotted By Locals: Venice
  • The Guardian: Best Budget Restaurants in Venice
  • Elizabeth Minchilli: Venice Restaurants

Venice Nightlife

Venice doesn’t have wild nightlife like you’ll find in other cities in Italy — it’s a much sleepier town. In fact, the only people that really live in Venice are people that work with tourists, so things get pretty quiet around 9pm.

You’ll mainly find quiet bars and restaurants in the center of the city. The best nightlife is located in the area around the Campo Santa Margherita in the Dorsoduro neighborhood — which is near the University in Venice and Ca’ Foscari University. Here you’ll find the best bars, clubs, and all that fun stuff.

Venice Hostels and Accommodation

hostel-venice

Venice is a killer when it comes to accommodation — especially in the summer. There are very few hostels, so prices are constantly high and the quality isn’t great. Also, in the summer it can be difficult to find a room/bed since because of the large number of visitors. Hotels and rental apartments aren’t much better. You’ll have to venture off the main island to find a better deal.

Expect to spend anywhere from €30-€48/night if you want to stay near the center. If you stay on the mainland Venice or Lido you’ll save quite a bit.

I’ve always used Hostel World to book our hostels so you’ll want to poke around there to find the perfect hostel. Here are a few of the best-rated hostels:

  • Generator Venice
  • Dimora Il Veliero Romantico

Traveling Around Venice

Venice transportation

Venice’s transit system consists of buses and waterbuses. Vaporetti are waterbuses and ferries used for public transportation around the city’s Grand Canal. Private water taxis can also be hired, at a much higher cost, for moving about the city. But you’re honestly going to walk 95% of the time.

75 minutes of water services : €7.50 Ferry crossing : €5.00

ACTV offers travel cards for visitors for unlimited Venice travel:

Additionally, for €6 (one-way) or €12 (round-trip), visitors can add transit to and from the Marco Polo Airport.

Airport transit from city center (bus, taxi):

  • One-way, via bus or Aerobus: €8
  • One-way, via Aerobus and water service: €14
  • A land taxi from the airport to Venice city: €45
  • AirportLink, a shared water taxi: €27/person, minimum of two people
  • Private water taxi to Venice: €80-120

Venice Day Trips

verona-italy

Not only is Verona famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet , it’s also a famous for its grand Area — a 1st-century Roman amphitheater that still has concerts. Other highlights are the San Zeno Maggiore Church and Ponte Scaligero. Verona is a little over an hour train ride from Venice.

Vicenza

Located a little over 30 miles from Venice, Vicenza is a beautiful city surrounded by equally beautiful hills and countryside. The city is also famous for its architecture by Andrea Palladio — which is a major reason it’s a UNESCO world heritage site.

Padua

Built in the 12 century BC, Padua is the oldest city in northern Italy. It’s famous for the Scrovegni Chapel and its 14th-century frescos masterpiece painted by Giotto. Padua is located around a 30-minute train ride from Venice.

Dolomites

Located in northeastern Italy, the Dolomites is a mountain range that is extremely popular with hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter. It will take about 2.5-3 hours so it’s a bit of a long day trip so it might make sense to do an overnight trip there.

Other Random Practical Travel Tips

venice-guide

Visit the islands. There are many islands around the more core of Venice. The best are Murano, Burano, and Torcella. There is boat service between all the islands but lines can be long.

Beware of Floods. The canals do flood if they there is a lot of rain — mainly in the early spring and fall.

Don’t touch the water in the canals. While some buildings have septic tanks in buildings, a majority don’t so much of the raw sewage is dumped directly into the canals.

Don’t fall into the canals. Some streets and alleyways are quite small and poorly lit — which makes it easy to fall into the canals if you’re not careful.

Book early. Hostels and hotels fill up fast.

More Resources To Help You Plan Your Budget Venice Visit

I’m still a fan of ol’ fashion guidebooks as they give you a quick, easy and curated way to research your destination. If nothing else, head to the library or bookstore and spend an hour or so thumbing through a guidebook — it’s worth it. We’ve also listed a few websites/blogs that will help with your planning.

  • Rick Steves Venice
  • Lonely Planet Venice
  • WikiVoyage: Venice

Packing Help + What To Wear

Venice Packing

Packing your bag and knowing what clothes to bring shouldn’t be a huge hassle. That’s why we created our packing guides:

  • Backpacking Europe Packing List For Women  – Our famous packing list that’s specifically for the ladies.
  • Backpacking Europe Packing List For Men  – Our famous packing list that’s specifically for the dudes.
  • Best Travel Backpacks For Europe  – We review our favorite travel backpacks, luggage, and other packing aides.

is venice italy expensive to visit

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Venice Revealed

Venice Revealed

is venice italy expensive to visit

Venice on a Budget: A Complete Guide for Thrifty Travelers

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you book a tour or hotel through my link I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. By supporting me through these links, you’re helping me keep this site awesome and deliver top-notch content to you. Your support means the world to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for it!

Imagine the allure of Venice, Italy – the city of canals, where gondolas glide through narrow waterways, and the air is filled with the melody of Italian serenades. Now, picture experiencing all this without breaking the bank.

Yes, you read it right.

Visiting Venice on a budget is not only possible but can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Since I live near Venice, I have been there dozens of times and know all the money-saving tips there are.

With careful planning and my insider tips, an authentic Venetian experience can be yours without the hefty price tag usually associated with a trip to Venice.

So, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Venice that won’t drain your savings? Let’s dive into this handy guide and start planning your dream trip to Venice on a budget.

Read my full guide on taking a tour of Prosecco from Venice!

How much money do you need to visit Venice?

The average daily costs are virtually impossible to pin down as there are a lot of variables. However, I will give you a baseline to go off of by calculating the minimum costs if you are an extremely frugal traveler . Below are some of the expected costs if you stay in a hostel, rarely pay to enter any sites, and eat mainly picnics or cook yourself.

  • Arrival transportation from airport : €18 (Round trip bus ticket)
  • Accommodation: €56
  • Water: €1 (Buy one bottle and continue to fill it up at fountains)
  • Local Transportation: €9.5 (Vaporetto single ticket)
  • Attractions: €14
  • Alcohol: €9

Getting Around

Navigating Venice is an experience in itself, with its labyrinth of canals and narrow streets. There are several ways to get around the city, each offering a unique perspective of Venice.

Gondola Rides

share a gondola to stick to a budget

Gondola rides are one of the most iconic experiences in Venice. These traditional, flat-bottomed boats offer a unique and romantic way to explore the city’s canals . While a private gondola ride can be quite expensive, you can save money by sharing a gondola with other tourists. Alternatively, for a quick and budget-friendly cross-canal trip, you can take a traghetto.

These are gondolas that ferry passengers across the Grand Canal for just 2 euros. While not as romantic as a private gondola ride , they offer a practical and affordable way to cross the canal.

Vaporetto (Water Bus)

The Vaporetto is Venice’s primary form of public transportation. These water buses operate regular routes along the Grand Canal and to the city’s islands. They offer a cost-effective way to get around, especially if you’re planning to buy a one day or multi day pass so you aren’t buying a single ticket everytime you want to use the bus.

water taxis are expensive but can be shared to save on the costs

A water taxi is the most expensive way to get around by far. However, since the price is fixed for the whole taxi, you can split the costs with other travelers. If you are traveling in a group and need to get to the city center, then you may end up spending less money than if you each bought an Alilaguna ticket to get to the San Marco districts, for instance. 

If you’re not shy, you could approach other arriving tourists at Marco Polo Airport and offer to share a taxi with them. 

Venice is a remarkably walkable city. Many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other, and strolling through its narrow streets and over its small bridges is a pleasure in itself. Walking not only allows you to save money on transportation but also gives you the chance to discover hidden gems and enjoy the city at your own pace.

Remember, getting around Venice doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of planning ahead and some insider tips, you can explore the city without blowing your Venice budget.

Read my packing guide for what to wear in Venice!

Attractions and Exploring Venice on a Budget

Venice is a city teeming with historical famous sites, architectural wonders, and vibrant markets. Among the must-visit famous sights are the Rialto Market, Doge’s Palace, and Saint Mark’s Basilica. However, exploring these sites can be costly if not planned well. Here’s how you can enjoy these attractions while sticking to your budget.

Free Attractions

Basilica di san marco .

Basilica san marco is almost free

The iconic Basilica of St Mark in the heart of the Piazza San Marco, once free to visit, now charges an admission fee of 3 € as of April 2023. However, those attending prayers , mass, and services can still enter free of charge through the side door (Porta dei Fiori).

Rialto Bridge  

As one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, a visit to the Rialto Bridge and the adjacent Rialto Market is a must-do, and it’s completely free.

Accademia Bridge  

crowded accademia bridge during the vogalonga

This is a charming wooden structure, offers one of the most picturesque views over the Canale Grande in Venice, connecting the San Marco district with the Accademia galleries in Dorsoduro.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop  

For the best views of the Grand Canal and a free alternative to the Bell Tower in St Mark’s Square, book a visit to the rooftop at Fondaco dei Tedeschi. Although you need to book in advance and arrive on time, the breathtaking views from the top of the Rialto Bridge during a 15-minute visit are well worth it. Walk-ins are usually not accommodated due to high demand, so be sure to book your spot using this link.

Bridge of Sighs  

The best view of the Bridge of Sighs is from the Ponte della Paglia, and it’s completely free. To cross the Bridge of Sighs, you’ll need to pay for a full visit to the Doge Palace and the dungeons.

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute  

Situated near the old customs buildings in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, this impressive church is free to visit, though admission to the sacristy costs 4 €.

Check out my list of the most beautiful churches in Venice!

free attraction - libreria acqua alta bookstore

Libreria Acqua Alta 

Nestled in the Castello neighborhood, this unique bookstore is one of the most Instragrammable spots in all of Venice and is a must-visit for those seeking something a little different.

museums like the galleria accademia are free the first sunday of the month

On the first Sunday of each month, many of the civic museums in Venice offer free entry. Here is a list of museums in Venice, Italy that have free entry on the first Sunday of the month:

  • Giorgio Franchetti Gallery at the Ca’ d’Oro: This museum is located in the Ca’ d’Oro, one of the most famous palaces in Venice. It houses the art collection of Baron Giorgio Franchetti, including works from various periods and regions.
  • Accademia Galleries: This museum is one of the most important in Italy for Venetian painting, offering a comprehensive overview of the great pictorial tradition of Venice from the 14th to the 18th centuries, with works by artists like Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Titian, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Guardi, Bellotto, and Longhi.
  • Archaeological Museum of Venice: Located in St. Mark’s Square, this museum holds a large collection of antiquities, including Greek and Roman sculptures, ceramics, coins, and gems.
  • Oriental Art Museum at Ca’ Pesaro: This museum showcases an impressive collection of works of Oriental art, mainly from Japan and China, with a total of about 30,000 pieces.
  • Grimani Palace Museum in Santa Maria Formosa: This museum is located in the historical Grimani Palace, which is notable for its unique rooms with 1500 frescoes.
  • Monumental Rooms at the Marciana National Library: These rooms give visitors the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the ancient Library of St. Mark’s Square, which is rich in valuable manuscripts and books.

Alternatively, you could buy a Musem Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums and that will save you money if you don’t visit Venice on a Sunday.

Read the full article on Venice Passes to save you time and money!

The Jewish Museum in the Jewish ghetto sheds light on the history of the Jews in Venice , Italy. In fact, the Jewish Ghetto in Venice is the first one in history dating back hundreds of years. 

The entrance fee to the museum is 14 euros which may be a lot for those on a tight budget, however, you also get access to the antique communal oven and entrance to the synagogues. 

San giacomo di rialto church

Visiting churches is a Venice budget friendly way to see some amazing architecture and artistic masterpieces. In fact, seeing the art in the churches of Venice is better than any museum since you are seeing the pieces as they were intended when they were commissioned and created. You could even attend a mass in English .

Many churches are free to enter which is great if you are on a tight budget, but, some churches have a modest entrance fee to get in. If you are planning to visit many of them, again I recommend a pass. It’s called the Chorus Pass and you can read my full article about it here so you can understand if it is worth it for you or not. 

Free walking tours

One of the best ways to explore Venice and learn about its rich history is by joining a free walking tour. This is a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local guide who can provide insights into the city’s culture, architecture, and traditions. They cover various areas of the city, including the enchanting Dorsoduro district, the vibrant northern part of Venice, and the majestic Castello district.

Free walking tours are an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers as they operate on a tip-based system. This means that while there’s no upfront cost, it’s customary to give your guide a tip at the end of the tour as a show of appreciation for their service. So, while not completely free, these tours can be a more affordable option compared to standard guided tours.

Remember, while the tours are free, it’s important to book in advance as they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. So, if you’re planning a trip to Venice on a budget, consider adding a free walking tour to your itinerary. It’s a cost-effective way to see the city and learn about its history from a local perspective.

Food and Drink in Venice

Venice is not just a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. The city’s culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its history, with a variety of dishes that reflect its unique geography and cultural influences. It can be expensive to eat here if you aren’t careful and don’t plan things well. Check out some tips on how to eat cheaply.

sign for the prices of cicchetti panini at bacareto da lele

Cicchetti are small snacks or side dishes that are a staple of Venetian cuisine. They are similar to Spanish tapas and can range from bite-sized sandwiches, known as ‘panini’, to seafood delicacies and various types of cheese and olives. Cicchetti are typically enjoyed with a small glass of local wine, called an ‘ombra’, and are served in traditional Venetian bars known as ‘bacari’. These delightful treats offer a taste of authentic Venice and are a must-try for any food lover visiting the city.

They are a good way to sample a lot of different foods and still stay on budget. A typical cicchetto costs between 1.2 euros and 2.5 euros each. You can easily fill up on 4 of these and spend less than 10 euro for your meal, including wine.

One of the must-try wines in Venice is the Prosecco , a popular sparkling Italian wine often enjoyed in the city. But if you’re visiting Venice on a budget, you might want to consider trying an “ombra”, a small glass of local wine that is more affordable.

A Spritz is the national drink in Northern Italy and likely originated in Venice. They can be found for around 2.5 euros in some of the off the beaten path bars such as in Cannaregio . However, if you are particularly thrifty, you can buy a premixed one at any supermarket and take it to your favorite panoramic spot in the city for less than 1 euro. 

Check out my guide on the best bars in Venice!

For a truly Venetian experience, consider having a picnic. While you can’t have picnics in public squares or on the steps of bridges, there are many parks in the city where you can enjoy a meal amidst greenery. Some of these include the Giardini of the Biennale, Parco Savorgnan, and Giardini Papadopoli. 

picnics are economical but watch out where you eat

There are small grocery stores and supermarkets scattered all over Venice city where you can buy local cheeses, charcuterie, and a cheap bottle of local wine to wash it all down. 

Avoid buying bottled water and instead bring a bottle of your own to fill up at the many fountains all over the city. The water is clean and nicely chilled. 

water fountain in venice italy

Pasta to go

There are also many pasta to go joints all over the city. The pasta is usually freshly made and served with a homemade sauce. Often you can get a pasta within minutes and for less than 9 euros which makes for an economical and hearty lunch on the go. 

aldo pasta to go in venice italy

Rialto Market

One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and save money while visiting Venice is to cook your own meals. The Rialto Market , a bustling hub of activity in the heart of the city, is the perfect place to source fresh, local ingredients. 

Here, you’ll find a wide array of fresh seafood, from clams to shrimp, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables. Shopping at the Rialto Market not only allows you to experience the city like a local, but it also gives you the opportunity to prepare a delicious, home-cooked meal back at your suite or hostel with a kitchen. It’s a unique and budget-friendly way to enjoy the culinary delights of Venice.

Where to stay in Venice on a budget

When it comes to accommodation in Venice, there’s something for every budget and preference. From luxurious hotels with canal views to budget-friendly hostels, the city offers a wide range of options. However, one key tip to remember is to book your hotel accommodation early, especially during peak tourist seasons . This not only ensures you secure a place to stay but also gives you a wider range of options to choose from.

the best hostel in venice is the generator

If you’re visiting Venice on a budget, consider staying in a hostel . Hostels in Venice offer affordable accommodation options without compromising on comfort. These hostels are located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to major attractions. What’s more, they often come with communal kitchens, allowing you to prepare your own meals and save on dining out.

For instance, you could visit the Rialto Market, a popular spot in Venice, where you can buy fresh fish and vegetables. With these ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal back at your hostel, immersing yourself in the local culture while saving money.

Although it is a challenge in Venice to find cheap accommodations, there are some hotels that do fit well into your budget and still offer a comfortable experience. In fact, my pick for the best cheap accommodation in Venice even has a view of a canal and is close to the famous sights. It’s called Hotel dalla Mora and you can find it here . 

entrance to hotel dalla mora with canal view is a cheap hotel

Alternatively, you can stay in Mestre on the mainland and get a much cheaper hotel than what you can find in Venice city center. Taking the tram into the historic center is an experience and costs only 3 euros for a round trip ticket.

Practical Tips to Maintain Your Travel Budget

Choosing the right time to visit.

Venice is a city that can be enjoyed all year round, but choosing the right time to visit can significantly enhance your experience. The shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are ideal times to visit. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, and the city is less crowded. Try to avoid the summer season when prices skyrocket and there are lots of crowds.

Winter can also be a magical time to visit Venice, with fewer tourists and a unique atmosphere. Just keep in mind that December in Venice can get expensive if you are there around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. However, coming in January allows you to still take in many of the Christmas events since the season extends all the way to the Epiphany but without the crowds.

Be careful when visiting Venice in February as during Carnevale it can be quite crowded and expensive.

Check out my full article on the best time to visit Venice so you can get an idea of when things will work for you. 

Alternatively, you can also read to the worst times to visit Venice to see what you should avoid. 

Making the Most of Passes

Venice offers various passes that can help you save money on transportation and sightseeing. The Venice Card offers unlimited use of public transportation and access to various museums and churches. Similarly, the Museum Pass allows access to a number of civic museums in Venice, including the Doge’s Palace and Museo Correr. Buying these passes can not only save you money but also provide skip-the-line access to popular sights.

Avoiding Tourist Traps

Venice is a popular tourist destination, and as such, it has its share of tourist traps . Here are a few tips to avoid them:

Be wary of restaurants with multilingual menus and pictures of the food. These are often geared towards tourists and may charge higher prices. Instead, seek out places where locals eat.

pictures on menus is a sign of a tourist trap

Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors. These items are often overpriced and not of the best quality. Instead, look for local shops or markets for authentic and reasonably priced souvenirs .

overpriced cheap knick knacks are not budget friendly

Be cautious of being approached to do a “free” tour. While some are legitimate, others may expect a hefty tip at the end or take you to places where you feel pressured to make a purchase. Make sure to book in advance to be sure that you are getting an actual tour. 

Wrapping It Up

While it may seem like a luxury destination, visiting Venice on a budget is entirely possible with a bit of planning and savvy decision-making. From choosing budget-friendly accommodations and making the most of free walking tours to savoring local delicacies at the Rialto Market, there are numerous ways to experience the magic of Venice without breaking the bank. 

So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the City of Canals, all within your budget.

Check out some of the articles below to help you plan your ideal trip to Venice. 

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Visiting Venice? Make a Reservation and Be Ready to Pay.

City officials are introducing a new fee to visit Venice and its islands, a move, they hope, will limit tourists.

is venice italy expensive to visit

By Elisabetta Povoledo

ROME — Traveling to Venice? Get ready to pay for the privilege of visiting the city, one of the most beautiful on earth. Oh, and be sure to reserve your spot.

Beginning in January 2023, visitors must make a reservation through a new digital system and many will have to pay a daily fee — from 3 to 10 euros depending on how crowded Venice is at the time — as part of a plan to better control the masses of tourists that can overwhelm the fragile city.

The system will allow city officials to know ahead of time how many visitors they can expect on any particular day, and can then deploy staff and services accordingly. Those making early reservations will be charged at lower rates.

The reservation system and entry fee is part of a “revolution” when it comes to visiting Venice and its islands, Simone Venturini, the city councilor in charge of tourism and economic development, told reporters on Friday. He said it aims to balance “the needs of residents, the needs of tourists who sleep in the city and those of the day-trippers, whose rhythms are different.”

Before the pandemic curbed tourism, hordes of day visitors and cruise ship passengers had transformed Venice into a prime example of “ over-tourism ,” its narrow streets so crowded that on some days the police instituted one-way flows. Annual estimates for the numbers of tourists fluctuate wildly, with some as high as 30 million and others at a more modest 12 million.

In a city with a population of just over 50,000, those numbers were overwhelming at times.

Just about everyone visiting the city will have to register their presence, but not everyone will have to pay a fee, including children under 6, guests of Venetian residents and visiting relatives of people held in city jails. The city’s residents, people who work in Venice, students enrolled in city schools and property owners (as long as they’ve paid their taxes) are among those who won’t have to register or pay at all.

But even those who are exempt will have to show proof that they have a right to be in the city. Officials said the verification could come by way of a QR code that reveals whether someone deserves an exemption.

Tourists sleeping in the city won’t pay the daily fee directly because a fee is already tacked onto their hotel stay.

People will be stopped on the streets to make sure that they’ve paid up or have a right to an exemption. Ten to 15 “controllers” will be deployed daily to enforce the rules, said Michele Zuin, the city councilor responsible for the budget and taxes

“Naturally, their attitude won’t be that of a police state — they will be cordial, polite,” Mr. Zuin said. “But there will be controls, just as there will be sanctions for those caught without having made the payment.”

Violators will face hefty fines, ranging from €50 to €300, plus the €10 entry fee. And if someone is found to have lied — claiming, say, that they were visiting a resident in order to avoid a fee — they could face criminal penalties, Mr. Venturini said.

City officials are still fine-tuning some details, like daily pricing and the daily cap on the number of people. They hope that higher costs during high season will encourage people to come at slower times. “But the city of Venice will remain open,” Mr. Zuin said.

The city’s costs for implementing and managing the system are expected to be considerable, so the city doesn’t foresee that the fees will do much more than recover its investment. Should anything be left over, it would be used to offset taxes and service fees for residents.

Mr. Venturini said the new reservation system complements a monitoring system that the Venice City Council introduced last year to track people via phone location data, a system some critics have likened to Big Brother .

Mr. Venturini claimed Venice would be the first city in the world to use such a complex monitoring system. Bumps in the road could be expected, he said.

“It would be foolish, ambitious, arrogant to think that everything will work perfectly, with a snap of our fingers,” he said. “It won’t” he added. “It will be a course that can certainly be improved and we will work constantly.”

A picture caption with an earlier version of this article misidentified the canal and bridge in the photograph. It is a view onto a side canal, not a view from the Rialto Bridge onto the Grand Canal.

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Elisabetta Povoledo has been writing about Italy for nearly three decades, and has been working for The Times and its affiliates since 1992. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

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Is Venice worth visiting: 10 Reasons you should visit Venice

Will you be seduced by La Serenissima, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, or put off by the high costs? Is Venice worth visiting? We’ll show you why we think you should…

is venice worth visiting image of gondolas and san giorgio maggiore churtch venice italy

Is Venice worth visiting – with soaring costs and so much overcrowding? Find out in our guide here.

Is Venice worth visiting? Emphatically, absolutely, it’s a resounding yes from us. But for some of you, it’s not that simple.

You may be planning long-haul trip to Italy or Europe, and trying to decide whether to include Venice in a long itinerary. Or perhaps you’re contemplating a city break in Venice from elsewhere in Europe.

We’re all aware of the uniqueness of the city, built on a series of muddy islands. Likewise we know about the staggering beauty of the city. I’ve been lucky to have visited Venice around 15 times, an immense privilege. I’d urge any of you to do the same if possible.

Venice is worth seeing, but it comes at a cost. It is swamped with visitors for much of the year, with the main thoroughfares and sights clogged with crowds. It’s believed that over 20 million visit each year, and the city is too small to cope.

You also pay a premium – a massive one – to stay in Venice, or even just eat there. These are a pretty strong deterrent to visiting Venice for many.

In this article I’ll look at the pros and cons of visiting Venice.  When looking at the reasons some choose not to visit Venice, I’ll also suggest ways to work around these concerns and problems.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Venice Italy

A unique experience – a city on the water.

Image of a vaporetto or waterbus on the Grand Canal in Venice

I remember every moment of the first time I set foot in Venice. I stepped out of Santa Lucia station, to see traffic buzzing by along the Grand Canal in both directions.

Bulky vaporetti – waterbuses – took most of the burden of passengers. Sleek wooden watertaxis slipped in between gaps in the traffic. And a few gondoliers guided their elegant long black boats towards the side canals.

image of a canal in the dorsoduro district of venice italy

Across the Grand Canal, the large green dome of San Simeone Piccolo faced towards the elaborate Baroque façade of the Scalzi Church.

This was one of the biggest thrills of my travelling life, comparable to seeing Big Ben in London or the Arc de Triomphe in Paris for the first time. I was in my late twenties when I saw this, but felt the same excitement as I did as a child.

And this is just the back end of Venice, the part the vast majority skips. Just wait until you see the rest of it.

Trip on the Grand Canal

Image of waterbuses or vaporetti on the Grand Canal at Rialto Venice Italy

The Grand Canal Venice is the most beautiful street in the world. It’s lined with amazing medieval palaces like the ornate Ca’ d’Oro, some of the most famous landmarks in Italy like the Rialto Bridge, and some of the finest churches in Venice like Santa Maria della Salute.

Gondola Ride Optional

imaghe of gondolas reflected in water Venioce Italy

It took me until something like my twelfth visit to finally indulge in a gondola ride in Venice. It’s not for everyone, especially with a €80 euro (for 40 minutes) price tag.  It took until my in-laws came over from Australia for me to finally go for a gondola ride.

image of gondolier in venice italy

It turned out that I loved every moment of it. It’s a magical way to see Venice. We opted for a glide around the back canals of the Castello district, away from the main sights. There is beauty in every canal and street corner there, and the gondola is a wonderful way to appreciate and experience it.

Venice Is Great For Families

image of a canal in castello venice italy

A huge part of travelling is experiencing something new, and that’s just what Venice is for kids. It’s a whole new adventure, seeing a city on the water and wondering how on earth it all came about. Take them in the low season or away from the crowds and you may well have set them on a life-long love affair with the place.  

Venice Architecture

image of sculpture on doges palace and st mark campanile venice italy

Venetian architecture is often astounding. Stand in the Piazzetta – next to St Mark’s Square – and marvel at the Byzantine-influenced domes of St Mark’s Basilica, the Venetian Gothic of the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and the Renaissance palace housing the Libreria Sansoviniana.

And just across the water, the Palladian church of San Giorgio Maggiore, with its Neoclassical influences, is one of the most captivating reasons to visit Venice.

Venice Churches

Image of Santa Maria della Salute and Grand Canal in summer Venice Italy

Another of the best reasons to visit La Serenissima is to visit some of the sublime churches in Venice . The extraordinary St Mark’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in Europe – not to mention overcrowded and poorly managed.

Image of Madonna dell'Orto church, Cannaregio, Venice

Yet there are so many stunning Venetian churches to seek out, it’s just a question of knowing where to look. San Giorgio Maggiore and Santa Maria della Salute are breathtaking, and both within sight of the San Marco waterfront.

Further afield, the likes of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Madonna dell’Orto – at opposite ends of the large sestiere of Cannaregio – are exquisite for different reasons. 

Art in Venice

image of paolo Veronese's ceiling of the sala del collegio in the doges palace venice

Venice is also swamped with art treasures, much of them produced by artists from the city and around.

Titian and Tintoretto are two of the giants of Venetian art, and you can see their work at many venues across the city, including churches and museums. We particularly recommend the Galleria dell’Accademia and Scuola Grande di San Rocco – the later containing an amazing series of works by Tintoretto.

The Doge’s Palace is also worth braving the crowds for Paolo Veronese’s series of paintings in the Sala del Collegio.

Getting Lost In Venice

Image of a sestiere sign in Venice

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Venice is getting lost there.  I’ve always loved wandering the city, sometimes not quite knowing where I am or where I’m going to end up.

It’s a wonderful way to discover the city, and you find so many places you don’t expect. I found Campo San Rocco, one of the finest Venice squares , this way. And I also stumbled across the canal-side pizzeria on Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio around 25 years ago. I still haven’t managed to get a table, but one of these days….

Burano and Venice Lagoon

Best things to do Venice Image of restaurant and canal on island of Burano

The Venetian lagoon is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe . The low-lying flat muddy islands weren’t ideal places to live, but they were defensible, hence their settlement.

The vast lagoon has plenty more islands to visit than those comprising the city of Venice. Murano is famous for its glass-blowing factories, and the fishing village of Burano is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe .

You can see Burano from a distance as you approach from Venice. Its wonky church tower leans a few degrees out of the perpendicular, a guiding landmark as you pass through the channels marked by wooden piles of logs tied together.

There are enough things to do in Burano to spend a full day there, especially if you add an hour or so in nearby Torcello. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Venice , and the main reason most people visit is to see the extraordinary painted houses of the village. No shades of grey here – it’s bright, vivid and uplifting to see, even on a cloudy winter’s day.

Is Venice Worth Visiting – Reasons Not To Go

High costs – venice can be very expensive.

image of venice from st mark's campanile with domes of basiliaca in foreground

For much of the year, Venice is a budget-buster.  You feel the euros draining out of your pocket from the moment you step out of the station.

A single journey on a vaporetto, or waterbus, down the Grand Canal will set you back an eye-watering €9.50 (£8 or $10.50) – but a day ticket would be better value.

But accommodation in Venice is usually the budget-breaker. In high season some of it is ridiculously  overpriced. A tiny room not much bigger than a large cupboard can set you back well over €200 a night.

Avoiding High Prices In Venice – When To Visit Venice

Snow in Venice Image of gondolas and Santa Maria della Salute covered in snow in Venice in winter

The best way to avoid soaring costs in the floating city is to visit Venice in winter . January is the best time price-wise for visiting Venice, with many Venice hotels slashing their rates. They frequently go as low as 20-25% of their peak rates.  This means that the luxury Venice hotels around San Marco – often charging €500 or more per night – charge as little as €100-150.

If you can only visit Venice during the peak season, there are other options. One is staying on the mainland in Mestre, where most Venetians now live.

Another option is staying a 30-40 minute train journey from Venice in Padua . I did this a couple of times, and was so glad I did. I had plenty of time to see Venice, but also got to discover and fall in love with Padua. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy, and one of the most underrated cities in Europe .

It’s also worth checking out our Best Area To Stay In Venice feature for more ideas on places to stay in Venice and nearby.

Overcrowding In Venice

Image of Santa MAria della Salute church and Grand Canal Venice Italy

Venice is horrendously overcrowded in the peak summer season, and very busy in the shoulder seasons. The area around Piazza San Marco and the nearby Molo waterfront is often crammed with visitors, so much so that you can barely move.

But around 15 visits to Venice have taught me that the crowds tend to converge in the same few places every single day. Rialto is another, as are the narrow streets around it and those leading to San Marco. The area around the station is similarly busy.

How To Avoid The Crowds In Venice

Image of the leaning tower of San Giorgio dei Greci church in Venice Italy

You can escape the vast Venice crowds by seeking out Venice off the beaten path . Most of the people visiting Venice aren’t going to spend long there, they want to tick off the same few Venice landmarks like St Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs.

It doesn’t take long to find a very different Venice. Head for somewhere like the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a hidden palazzo with a stunning external staircase, and you’ll hardly see another soul. Or take a walk to the Castello sestiere, exploring beautiful Venice squares like Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the nearby Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo.

From there, head down the back streets towards San Francesco della Vigna, and the crowds will seem a million miles away.

Poor Restaurants

image of venice from campan ile of san giorgio maggiore church

Yes, many restaurants in Venice are overpriced and the food mediocre. This is especially true around San Marco and Rialto – the same areas the worst of the crowds build up. The ones serving pizza and a broad range of Italian cuisine tend to be the worst.

Good Food and Restaurants In Venice

Image of Locanda Montin hotel sign, Venice

As we mention in our Italy Food Tour article, you’re better off seeking out restaurants serving Venetian cuisine. This consists of seafood such as sarde in saor , a marinated sardine dish, and cicchetti, a range of bar snacks not dissimilar to Spanish tapas.

Other local produce includes vegetables from the lagoon islands and rice. Another of my personal favourites is risotto al nero di seppia , with rice served in black cuttlefish ink.  

I recommend several restaurants and bars serving food around Venice.  Osteria al Squero (in Dorsoduro) is one of the best places for an introduction to the world of cicchetti.  Otherwise take a boat trip along the Zattere to San Basilio, and the excellent Osteria Ca del Vento .   

Alternatively, the best place to eat near San Marco is Le Bistrot de Venise , which serves traditional Venetian classics on Calle dei Fabbri.

Is Venice Worth Visiting FAQs

image of san giorgio maggiore church venice italy

Is Venice A Good Place To Visit?

Venice is a wonderful place to visit – especially when you explore away from the main sights and avoid the huge crowds.  

Is Venice Expensive?

Yes. It’s the most expensive city in Italy, and in high season it can be exorbitantly expensive. However, if you visit at certain times of year, Venice is a lot more affordable.

Is Venice Overrated?

No, I don’t think it is. Overpriced at certain times of year, yes. But this is one of the most beautiful cities in the world

Is Venice Over-touristed?

Yes, sadly, very much so.  It’s often flooded with tourists but it’s worth bearing in mind that the vast majority of them converge on the same few places.

Are there other cities like Venice?

Not really, no.  There are great cities with an abundance of canals like Amsterdam, but it’s nothing like Venice, very different in feel.

Is Venice Worth Visiting – Final Thoughts

image of rialto bridge venice at night

As I said at the beginning of the article, I think Venice is absolutely worth visiting.

The overcrowding and high prices are good reasons to avoid certain parts of Venice at some times of the day. They are also reasons to consider avoiding Venice at certain times of year. But I don’t think they are reasons to avoid Venice altogether. 

Visiting Venice may require a change of plans and a tweak to your itinerary, but I wouldn’t miss it. The wealth of things to see and do in Venice is overwhelming. And I suggest doing whatever you can to see it at least once in your lifetime.

Check out more of our articles on Venice here:

  • Sunrise In Venice – best places to watch the sunrise in Venice
  • Sunset In Venice – best sunset spots in Venice
  • Cannaregio Venice – one of the most overlooked districts in Venice
  • Day Trip To Venice Itinerary – how to spend one day in Venice – and avoid the crowds
  • Weekend In Venice – how to spend the perfect two days in Venice
  • 3 day Venice Itinerary – how to spend a magical 3 days in Venice

Image of David Angel found of Delve into Europe Travel Blog / Website

David Angel

David Angel is a Welsh historian, photographer and writer. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe.

He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times. 

David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

He creates detailed travel guides about the places he visits, combining personal experience, historical context, and his images to help you plan a fantastic trip.

  • Travel Planning Guide

Is Venice Expensive?

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  • Is Venice expensive?

How expensive is Venice?

  • How expensive is a weekend trip to Venice?
  • How expensive is a one week trip to Venice?

Is it expensive to backpack in Venice?

Are hotels expensive in venice.

  • How expensive are activities in Venice?

Is food expensive in Venice?

Is transportation expensive in venice, is venice expensive to visit.

Venice is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $247. If we compare it to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in Europe for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Basel and Reykjavik.

is venice italy expensive to visit

For a trip to Venice, travelers spend on average $247 per day (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations from previous visitors. As this is an average cost, your individual spending may vary, especially since there's a wide range of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options here. If you stick to moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as take advantage of some of free things to do in the area, you can stick close to the average budget. See more travel costs for Venice here to see how all of the average spending costs pan out.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Venice?

On average, a weekend trip to Venice costs about $741 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,482.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Venice?

A one week trip to Venice costs about $1,729 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $3,458.

is venice italy expensive to visit

With more than 10 hostels in the area, Venice is a popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Here, hostels cost an average of $31 per night for a dorm bed, with private rooms being more expensive. (See hostel prices in Venice here .) It's also common to see a wide range in prices, as the cheapest hostels here cost $15, but the most expensive can be more than $72 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Venice.

  • $20 for a dorm bed at Anda Venice more details
  • $16 for a dorm bed at Generator Venice more details
  • $15 for a dorm bed at a&o Hostel Venezia Mestre more details

When we look at our analysis of hotel prices in Venice , we find them to be fairly typical and standard in comparison to the rest of the world. The average nightly cost for a hotel room here is approximately $135. The area boasts about 72 five-star hotels with an average rate of $239 per night. For those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability, three-star hotels offer an average rate of $130 per night, while two-star hotels provide an even more budget-friendly option at $124 per night.

Al Ponte Antico Venice

Hotel palazzo barbarigo sul canal grande, how expensive are sightseeing activities in venice.

In Venice, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $108 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is more than the country's average of $28.

  • Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice Viator $ 69
  • Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice: $69
  • Exclusive Private Tour of Saint Mark's Basilica After Hours: $269
  • Tour Enchanting Venice Majestic City Walk and Gondola Ride: $115
  • Private Family Tour of Saint Mark’s & Doge’s Palace with Scavenger Hunt: $275
  • Venice Market and Cicchetti Semi-Private 6 People Food Experience: $153
  • Kayak discovery tour in the lagoon of Venice: $173
  • Venice Countryside Bike Tour: $94
  • Bacaro tour unblended: a pure Venice experience for foodies: $105

In Venice, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $70 per day on food, which is more than the country's average of $49.

  • The ultimate private food tour - Bacaro Hopping a Venetian Viator $ 291
  • The ultimate private food tour - Bacaro Hopping a Venetian: $291
  • Join A Local Venetian Cooking Class: $166
  • Tasty Rialto Farmers Market Food Tour in Venice with Wine Tasting & Sightseeing: $98
  • Rialto food tour with view: $215
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Venice: $175
  • Tasty Venice Dinner Food Tour around Jewish Ghetto & Cannaregio Quarter: $131

Exploring local transportation in Venice shows that the price can vary greatly by the type of transportation used. On average, previous travelers have spent $29 per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $28. If you want to save money, use public transit as it's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers.

More for Venice

If you're planning a trip to Venice, Italy, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Venice, Italy

venice italy

Venice Italy: An Insiders Guide to Travel, Things to Do and Budget

By Sylvia Kholti

Canals, gondolas, dream-like palaces, romantic little piazzas—and not a car in sight. Venice is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Italy . And despite the city’s expensive reputation, there are several ways to keep your budget under control while you’re visiting. To me, it’s not merely about saving money. It’s about being more authentic and trying to live as the locals do.

Here’s some handy tips to help you save some money and experience more of the local lifestyle in the process.

Best Seasons to Visit Venice

The best time to visit Venice is definitely early autumn or spring. Summer time is lovely, but it can also be extremely exhausting: partly because of the large crowds of tourists and partly because it’s much more tiring to climb all those stairs and bridges when it’s hot. Winters in Venice are regularly mild, but apart from the Venice festival season in February, I wouldn’t recommend visiting at that time of year.

Traveling to Venice

is venice italy expensive to visit

Venice is served by two international airports: Marco Polo Airport and International Airport Treviso A. Canova (TSF). Both airports have a good transfer system. From Marco Polo, the bus takes about 15-20 minutes (depending on traffic) and from Treviso, it's about 30 minutes longer. The city is also served by a large international railway station and a bus station. Cheap flights are also available from larger European cities, like London, Paris, or Brussels.

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Stay in Mestre Instead of Venice

It’s a lot cheaper and more convenient for those traveling on a tight budget to stay in Venice's mainland suburb of Mestre. Close to the airport, and a short bus, train, or tram journey away from the island, Mestre is a lovely town in its own right. I personally love its fish market, which is an absolute must-see, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays when it’s market time and the city center turns into one giant marketplace.

Check Out the Campsites

I always choose to stay at a campsite when I visit Venice. One week in a campsite generally costs around the same as one night in an elite Venice hotel. My favorite campsite is called Camping Village Jolly. It has a beautiful swimming pool, a lovely restaurant, a supermarket, laundry, and air-conditioned bungalows with bathrooms. In addition, the nearby bus station offers a convenient bus transfer straight to Venice for a mere €1.50 ($1.80). If you want to have a low budget holiday and still have a great time, this is the way to go.

Use Public Transportation

The Venice Tramway is by far the easiest and cheapest way for you to travel around the area. The trams are air-conditioned and also stop by the Mestre railway station. You can buy tickets for €1.50 ($1.80) one-way, which is the same price as the bus. The final stop is Piazzale Roma, the central bus station and principal arrival point in Venice. It also caters to international and long-distance buses from all across Italy.

Where to Eat in Venice

It’s no surprise that most of the Venetian restaurants focus on tourists and therefore they are very expensive. This means that a standard meal with wine would cost around $100 to $150 for two people. However, there are a lot of restaurants that offer a daily menu for a decent price, especially in the lesser visited areas. If you choose one, be mindful of the service fee or coperto.

I’d also suggest trying one of the growing number of bakery shops in Venice. You can sit down, have a cup of coffee or some good quality food (pizza, sandwiches, and any bakery products) for a fraction of the price of some of the other eateries. Or you could visit one of Venice’s supermarkets and save plenty of money. But it’s worth noting that there are no supermarkets around the railway/bus station area and it’s about a 10-minute walk along the main tourist route leading to San Marco Square before you run into a large Co-op (a supermarket chain found all over Italy). If you stay in Mestre, you will notice that supermarkets are much cheaper there than in Venice.

Take Advantage of the Free Attractions

is venice italy expensive to visit

There are several churches and even museums that don’t have an admission fee but still give you that authentic feeling and experience of seeing something historical, unique, or otherwise interesting. Churches, for instance, generally don’t ask for an admission fee and often house various sorts of arts exhibitions which you can check out. The beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute, one of the largest churches in Venice, is the one that stands out for me. Just a short distance from the church, you can catch some of the most spectacular views of Venice from the sea (as it’s located right at the southern cape of the island where the Grand Canal runs into the sea).Tips to Navigate Venice Like a Local

By Rebecca Hughes

©iStock.com/JaCZhou

Venice is a sight everyone should see at least once in their life. Gondolas weave through a maze of canals, while the dappled reflection of sunlight highlights ornate Renaissance footbridges.Polished teak water taxis tie up in front of 15th-century palaces, dropping wide-eyed visitors into the elegance and bustle of St. Mark’s Square. Beauty, history, and a confident Italian swagger are everywhere, from the casual style of locals enjoying a ristretto (a short, concentrated espresso) at a sidewalk café to the vibrant Titian frescoes on chapel walls.

Tarnished by horror stories of $18 coffees and $600 restaurant bills, the city’s reputation for being expensive has a kernel of truth. It can be costly. Nevertheless, with a little local knowledge and some insider tips, you can enjoy the city for less than you ever imagined.

Indulge In Some Free Sightseeing

Venice surprises visitors by offering many of its most famous sights for free, including Piazza San Marco, the Basilica of San Marco, and the Bridge of Sighs. And on the first Sunday of every month, state museums cost nothing to enter.

Alternatively, you can find world-class art by peeking into almost any church that takes your fancy. One of my favorites, Santa Maria dei Carmini, is free and contains paintings by a young Tintoretto. One of the richest churches for art, despite its plain exterior, is Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. It houses Titian’s majestic Assumption of the Virgin, as well as a wooden sculpture of St. John the Baptist by Donatello. Entrance is $4.

For a panoramic view, I love to visit the free roof terrace of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a luxury department store. You can easily book your 15-minute slot online. Visitor Judith Standen says, “We timed our visit for sunset and spent 15 minutes gazing at this impossibly beautiful city and the Grand Canal, tinged red and orange.”See: Dfs.com/en/venice/t-fondaco-rooftop-terrace.

Getting Around on a Budget

Venice’s canals are not just pretty, they’re the thoroughfares of the city. Most locals use the vaporetto water buses for everyday transport. They’re affordable transport, with the added benefit of getting you to parts of the city most tourists never get to. If you plan to visit islands like Burano, Murano, or Chioggia, a vaporetto three-day ($50) or seven-day ($75) pass is a good investment (a single ticket costs $9.30).

You can use the vaporetto n.1 or n.2, which chug down the Grand Canal, as a cheap tour bus. Or pop over to Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore (vaporetto n.2, stop San Giorgio), where entrance to the Palladio church is free; it contains two late paintings by Tintoretto. The adjacent bell tower provides a cheaper alternative ($7.50) to climbing St. Mark’s campanile. You see Venice as it really is—an aquatic city floating like a mirage on the water—as opposed to the urban view from St. Mark’s.

Gondola rides are expensive and commercialized, but you can experience an authentic locals’ version for just $2.50. The Grand Canal traghetto—a large gondola rowed by two standing oarsmen—ferries passengers across the canal at Campo Santa Sofia. Locals stand up on the crossing, but personally, I’m happier perching on the gunwales to avoid embarrassing rescue operations.

Affordable Food That Actually Fills You

“Venice on a budget” advice often recommends skipping restaurants and visiting traditional bars for cicchetti (Venetian tapas). However, as any Italian will tell you, this aperitivo food is not intended to fill you up. In fact, with cicchetti costing $1 or $2 a mouthful, a satisfying meal can get costly. For proper (filling) lagoon fare at reasonable prices, head to the fishing town of Chioggia, just south of Venice.

The scenic, if slightly tortuous, route requires taking the vaporetto n.1 to the Lido, then the mixed bus/vaporetto line 11 to Chioggia. The trip takes about 90 minutes. Visit Da Nicola, a traditional canal-side osteria with a simple modern interior and a chef who comes to your table to tell you what’s fresh that day, at $12 to $18 a main. If it’s in season, try the moleche, deep-fried little crabs, which are a specialty of the Venetian lagoon.

Good-Value Accommodation Options

Good-value accommodation is not impossible to find in Venice. For 18th-century Venetian elegance, try the Ca’ Dogaressa in the Cannaregio district. Its brocaded rooms with Murano glass chandeliers start as low as $85 in off season and $165 in high season. In summer you can enjoy breakfast by the canal and relax on the roof terrace. Hotel Rosa Salva is located very close to St. Mark’s and boasts the rare quality of spaciousness. Rates start from $125 in low season and $185 in summer. For travelers on a tighter budget, try the We Crociferi hostel in the Cannaregio area, located inside a restored convent. Double rooms range from $70 to $135. Although basic, there is a beautiful arcaded cloister and a stylish, spacious bar area.

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Europe , Destinations , Italy · December 31, 2022

Is Venice Worth Visiting? Trip It or Skip It?

Canal in Venice Italy

For some, visiting Venice may seem like a no-brainer. After all, it’s a unique floating city where the streets are waterways and beautiful bridges span the many canals. Famous for its gondolas, Venice seems like a dream to many. But what’s it like in reality? Is Venice a must-see?

Some people say Venice is overrated. But will you be disappointed if you don’t include this popular destination into your Italian itinerary?

boats in water in Grand Canal Venice Italy

We break it down into 5 C’s: Convenience, Car-free, Cost, Crowds, and Charm.

Read on for important insight into what you can expect during a visit to Venice and whether Scenic and Savvy recommends you… Trip It or Skip It.

What’s it like visiting Venice

Convenience.

Venice is located in northeastern Italy along the Adriatic Sea. From Rome , it’s a 4-hour train ride on a high-speed train or 6 hours from a regular train. From Milan or Florence, it’s 2-2.5 hours, and from Naples near the Amalfi Coast, or the Cinque Terre , it’s roughly a 5.5-hour train ride with multiple connections. Being in the far northeast part of the country, Venice is more of an out-and-back destination and not very convenient for including in a loop around Italy. Also, it takes a bit of travel time coming from the coast of the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast.

Venice bridge

Venice’s beautiful and unique maze of canals makes this destination one of the most visited cities in the world, but this popularity is actually becoming a problem for the city. Overtourism is a real challenge. Estimates say approximately 20 million tourists visit Venice each year!

Crowds of people visiting Venice Italy

Once a robust coastal city, the number of residents has dwindled to about 50,000, down from more than 175,000 in the early 1950’s. Locals are leaving in large part to the city’s focus on mass tourism with insane numbers of tourists crowding the streets, bridges, and squares. More and more people have left the city and instead rent their places out to tourists.

Red roofs of Venice Italy

To be fair, popular destinations are crowded and popular for a reason. Everyone wants to see and experience a place they’ve heard such great things about and it’s naturally going to be busy. But the crowds in Venice during peak summer season means shuffling shoulder to shoulder with the masses through narrow streets and up and over bridges. People flocking into restaurants and onto water taxis, with tourists vying for gondola rides all takes away from the enchanting Italian experience one dreams about.

By catering so much to tourists, some say Venice has lost its charm. Cheesy souvenir shops have squeezed out local businesses, and the low quality, yet expensive, souvenir stands lining the streets give the city a tacky feel.

Souvenir stand in Venice Photo by Cycling Man

Venice is also a hotbed of scams. While you need to be wary of pickpockets and scams in many major cities, Venice is the one city where we have had the most run-ins with undesirable people and scammers. The city as a whole is very safe, but you’ll see things like illegal vendors pressuring tourists into buying little gadgets and toys that break or don’t work as promised once they’ve handed over the money. Random strangers approach tourists hoping to distract them to steal from them, especially in the heavily populated squares and outside the train station.

Gondola in Venice Italy

So, is Venice worth visiting?

This “Trip It or Skip It” is a little more difficult to answer. Venice is definitely a unique destination full of history and beauty. In different circumstances it would probably be a must-see. But because of the factors we mention in this article, we advise you not to go out of your way to visit Venice. Venice does not provide the same vibe or experience you get in other parts of Italy. You’re not left with the same feeling as say, Rome or the Cinque Terre , where you dream about returning someday. Instead, each time we’ve visited Venice, we’ve been ready to leave after only a short time.

SCENIC AND SAVVY SAYS:

  • if you’re short on time
  • if excessive crowds, a touristy feel, and high costs annoy you
  • if you’d be going out of your way to fit this into your itinerary
  • if, after reading this article, you still consider Venice a dream destination and want to check it off your bucket list
  • if it’s a convenient stop-over on your itinerary and you have an extra day.

What are your thoughts? Is Venice worth visiting? Leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

Traveling to Italy with teens? Read our 10 tips for a family trip to Italy with teenagers !

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colorful row of houses across bay

June 8, 2023 at 4:17 pm

I recently visited Venice (May 2023), and definitely wish we would have skipped it. Heavy crowds, few interesting sites to see, other than just seeing the canals. Also, it seems they have designed the main areas with little to no public seating. No sitting allowed on the steps in St. Mark’s Square…it’s enforced…perhaps to encourage people to patronize the restaurants with outdoor seating? Definitely a skip.

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June 8, 2023 at 10:08 pm

I agree, Nancy. It’s too bad Venice has become so touristy and crowded. It ruins the experience of an otherwise unique and beautiful destination. Thanks for commenting.

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October 16, 2023 at 10:01 am

We love going to Italy, and particularly Venice. Yes, it is touristy (everybody wants to go where it is crowded) but the people, the canals, St. Marks Piazza (the living room of Europe), the Doge’s palace, the restaurants, the cafes, the Rialto bridge, the gondolas, the vaporetti, the museums, the Hotel Columbina, the Hotel Danieli. It is a truly unique place, but like other big cities, you need to appreciate what is meaningful to you, and bypass the rest. Venice is our happy place. ML

October 17, 2023 at 2:48 pm

Thanks for the comment, Michael. Yes, Venice is definitely a unique destination. But I do wish it was easier to seek out the authentic Venice and enjoy it more peacefully. I’m glad you’ve found it to be your happy place.

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is venice italy expensive to visit

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We're Deanne and Ryan. Avid travelers exploring dream destinations in between our hectic work schedules and raising three teenagers. If you're like us - big on adventure but short on time - follow along for helpful travel tips and tricks. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Venice has been depicted and described so often that on arriving in the city you might have the slightly anticlimactic feeling that everything looks exactly as expected. The Canal Grande’s water-lapped palaces are indeed as picturesque as the coffee-table books made them out to be, Piazza San Marco is as perfect as a film set, and the panorama from the Palazzo Ducale is more or less as Canaletto painted it. Any sense of familiarity quickly fades, however, as you start to look around: seeing a stack of furniture being hoisted from a barge up to a top-floor window, or someone fishing knee- deep in the lagoon a hundred metres from dry land, you understand that life here is not like life anywhere else. And the more closely you look, the more fascinating Venice becomes.

Venice: a city shaped by history and water

10x the best things to do in venice, food and drink in venice, best areas to stay in venice, best time to visit venice, how to get around, how many days do you need in venice, how to get here.

Founded on a cluster of mudflats in the heart of the lagoon 1,500 years ago, Venice emerged as Europe's principal exchange between the West and the East. At its zenith, it commanded an empire stretching north to the Dolomites and across the sea to Cyprus. The city's wealth and population swelled, densifying its urban fabric amidst a unique blend of nature and man-made marvels. 

Today, the historical center, comprising roughly a hundred islets, leaves no space undeveloped, no street or square without a trace of Venice's illustrious past. It's common to stumble upon medieval remnants in even the most hidden alleyways, embedding the city's rich lineage into its very walls.

Yet, Venice's melancholic charm partly stems from the contrast between its historic grandeur and its current state. Once home to 200,000 residents during the Venetian Republic's golden age, the city's population has significantly dwindled. It was a bustling metropolis, attracting merchants from across the globe, its economy setting continental benchmarks from the Rialto's banks and bazaars. 

The Arsenale's vast workforce could construct a warship in a day, and Piazza San Marco was a perpetual hub of commerce and governance. Now, Venice stands as a testament to its spectacular heritage, its survival heavily reliant on those drawn to its enduring legacy.

 San Marco square from the water © Shutterstock

 San Marco square from the water © Shutterstock

Venice, a city spread across 118 islands, is interlinked by 435 bridges into six districts known as sestieri. San Marco, the heart of Venice, is flanked by Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, and the vibrant San Polo. Central to its allure are the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale, embodying Venice's Byzantine and Gothic architectural heritage. The city's cultural richness extends to over fifty churches and revered institutions like the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, showcasing masterpieces by Tintoretto and Carpaccio.

#1 Admire the Basilica di San Marco

San Marco is the most exotic of Europe’s cathedrals, and it has always provoked strong reactions. To Herman Melville, it was beautiful and insubstantial – as though “the Grand Turk had pitched his pavilion here for a summer’s day”. Mark Twain adored it for its “entrancing, tranquillizing, soul-satisfying ugliness”.

Herbert Spencer found it “a fine sample of barbaric architecture”; and to John Ruskin, it was the most gorgeous of holy places, a “treasure-heap…a confusion of delight”.

The Basilica di San Marco is certainly confusing, increasingly so as you come nearer and the details emerge, but some knowledge of the building’s background helps bring a little order out of the chaos.

St. Mark's Basilica and St.Mark's Campanile above the San Marco square in Venice © Shutterstock

St. Mark's Basilica and St.Mark's Campanile above the San Marco Square in Venice © Shutterstock

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © Apple Kullathida/Shutterstock

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © Apple Kullathida/Shutterstock

#2 Embrace the art in Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni

Venice has two brilliant cycles of pictures by Vittore Carpaccio – one is in the Accademia, and the other is in the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, which sits beside a canal to the south of San Francesco.

By the mid-fifteenth century, though, Venice’s Slavic inhabitants were sufficiently established for a scuola to be set up to protect their interests. After several years of meeting in the church of San Giovanni di Malta, the scuola built itself a new headquarters on the church’s doorstep at the start of the sixteenth century and summoned Carpaccio to brighten up the first-storey hall.

Painted from 1502 to 1508, after the Accademia’s St Ursula cycle, Carpaccio’s pictures were moved downstairs when the building was rearranged in 1551, and the interior has scarcely changed since.

#3 Stroll through the lively Rialto market

It was through the markets of the Rialto that Venice earned its reputation as the bazaar of Europe. Virtually anything could be bought or sold here: fabrics, precious stones, silver plate and gold jewellery, spices and dyes from the Orient. Trading had been going on here for over four hundred years when, in the winter of 1514, a fire destroyed everything in the area except the church.

The possibility of relocating the business centre was discussed but found little favour, so reconstruction began almost straight away: the Fabbriche Vecchie was finished eight years after the fire, and Sansovino’s Fabbriche Nuove followed about thirty years later.

Today’s Rialto market is much more modest than that of Venice at its peak, but it’s still one of the liveliest spots in the city and one of the few places where it’s possible to stand in a crowd and hear nothing but Italian-spoken.

#4 Take a tour of San Giorgio Maggiore

Palladio’s church of San Giorgio Maggiore, facing the Palazzo Ducale across the Bacino di San Marco is one of the most prominent and familiar of all Venetian landmarks. It is a startling building, with an impact that’s enhanced by its isolation on an island of its own.

Ruskin didn’t much care for it: “It is impossible to conceive a design grosser, more barbarous, more childish in conception, more servile in plagiarism, more insipid in result, more contemptible under every point of rational regard.”

Goethe, on the other hand, was sick of the Gothic art that was to Ruskin the touchstone of spiritual health and gave thanks to Palladio for purging his mind of medieval clutter.

#5 Enjoy the spectacle of the Regata Storica

Held on the first Sunday in September, the Regata Storica is the annual trial of strength and skill for the city’s gondoliers and other expert rowers. It starts with a procession of historic craft along the Canal Grande course, their crews all decked out in a period dress, followed by a series of races right up the canal.

Re-enacting the return of Caterina Cornaro to her native city in 1489, the opening parade is a spectacular affair and is followed by a race for young rowers in two-oared pupparini. The women come next (in boats called mascarete), followed by a race for canoe-like caorline; and then it’s the men’s race, in specialized two-man racing gondolas called gondolini.

Gondolas in Venice © Shutterstock

Gondolas in Venice © Shutterstock

#6 Go on a day trip to Torcello

“Mother and daughter, you behold them both in their widowhood – Torcello and Venice.” So wrote John Ruskin, and it’s almost impossible to visit Torcello without similarly sensing an atmosphere of bereavement. This outlying island has now come almost full circle.

Settled by the very first refugees from the mainland in the fifth century, it became the seat of the bishop of Altinum in 638 and in the following year its cathedral – the oldest building in the lagoon – was founded.

By the fourteenth century, its population had peaked at around twenty thousand, but Torcello’s canals were now silting up and malaria was rife. By the end of the fifteenth century, Torcello was largely deserted – even the bishop lived in Murano – and today fewer than a dozen people remain in residence.

Read more about the best day trips from Venice .

#7 Explore Burano and Murano islands

Take a fascinating day trip to the Venetian islands of Burano and Murano, each with a special charm that complements the glamour of Venice.

A short vaporetto ride from the main island takes you to the vibrant realm of Burano, known for its rainbow-coloured houses and intricate lacework. Wander through narrow streets decorated with colourful linens and observe the artistry of local lacemakers, whose tradition dates back several centuries. The island's serene canals and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect place for a leisurely lunch by the water's edge.

Then head to the island of Murano, considered the birthplace of Venetian glassmaking. Explore its rich history and modern innovations by visiting the glass factories, where master craftsmen skilfully mould molten glass into intricate shapes. Discover a fascinating variety of glassware, from exquisite jewellery to ornate chandeliers. See ancient techniques passed down through generations and learn about this age-old craft.

Venice landmark, Burano island canal, colorful houses and boats, Italy © StevanZZ/Shutterstock

Venice landmark, Burano island, Italy © StevanZZ/Shutterstock

#8 Attend Venice Biennale

If you have a keen interest in contemporary art and international culture, timing your visit to coincide with the Venice Biennale can be a fantastic idea. The Venice Biennale, Europe’s most glamorous international forum for contemporary art, was first held in 1895 as the city’s contribution to the celebrations for the silver wedding anniversary of King Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy.

The main site is by the Giardini Pubblici, with permanent pavilions for about forty countries plus space for a thematic international exhibition. This core part of the Biennale is supplemented by exhibitions in parts of the Arsenale that are otherwise closed to the public, such as the colossal Corderie or Tana and the Artiglierie.

In addition, various palaces and other sites throughout the city are used as national pavilions and as venues for fringe exhibitions, installations and performances.

Biennale, Venice ©  avphotosales/Shutterstock

Biennale, Venice © avphotosales/Shutterstock

#9 Make a pilgrimage to Santa Maria della Salute

In 1630–31 Venice was devastated by a plague that exterminated nearly 95,000 of the lagoon’s population – one person in three. In October 1630 the Senate decreed that a new church would be dedicated to the Virgin Mary if the city were saved. The result was the Salute – salute meaning “health” and “salvation” – or Santa Maria della Salute, to use its full title.

Resting on a platform of more than 100,000 wooden piles, the Salute took half a century to build; its architect, Baldassare Longhena, was only 26 years old when his proposal was accepted. He lived just long enough to see it finished – he died in 1682, one year after completion.

Each year on November 21 (the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin) the Signoria is processed from San Marco to the Salute for a service of thanksgiving. The Festa della Madonna della Salute is still a major event in the Venetian calendar, with thousands of people making their way here to pray for or give thanks for good health.

#10 Discover the hidden gem of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Located in a charming labyrinth of Venetian alleyways, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is an amazing hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This architectural gem, often unnoticed by the crowd, charms those who dare to discover it. The main feature of the palace is the "Scala Contarini del Bovolo", a spiral staircase that rises gracefully upwards and is decorated with elegant arches that create a complex play of light and shadow.

As you ascend this spiral staircase, you are transported to another era where the artistic vision of the Contarini family is brought to life with breathtaking detail. As you climb up, the panorama of red-tiled roofs and Venetian vistas opens up, giving you a glimpse of a timeless city.

There’s more than an element of truth to Venice’s reputation as a place where mass tourism has produced monotonous menus, cynical service and slapdash standards in the kitchen. Venice has fewer good, moderately priced restaurants than any other major Italian city, it has more really bad restaurants than any other, and in some of the expensive establishments you’re paying not for a fine culinary creation but for the experience of dining in an expensive Venetian restaurant. 

However, things have been getting better in recent years, and in the less overrun parts of Venice there are now several good places where you can get a decent two-course meal, plus house wine, for €35–40 per person – which, in this city, is reasonable.

Eating out in San Marco

  • Ai Mercanti : Revamped in 2013, Ai Mercanti in San Marco offers imaginative dishes like pumpkin and coffee bean risotto, starting at €13. Its dark wood and golden décor create a unique atmosphere. Open Mon 7–10:30pm, Tues–Sat 12:30–3pm & 7–10:30pm.
  • Al Bacareto : A local favorite for over forty years, Al Bacareto offers genuine Venetian cuisine with main courses ranging from €15–20. Opt for cicheti at the bar for a taste of Venice on a budget.

Eating out in San Polo and Santa Croce

  • Al Nono Risorto : Nestled off Campo San Cassiano, Al Nono Risorto attracts a young crowd with its pizzeria-restaurant vibe, live jazz and blues, and a charming small garden. Note: No credit cards accepted. Open Mon & Tues–Sun noon–2:30pm & 7–11pm.
  • Alla Madonna : For over sixty years, Alla Madonna has served seafood in a lively, old-style setting, now managed by the founder's son. The ambiance is bustling, and the service quick. Despite recent price hikes, it offers relatively good value at about €45/person. Open Mon, Tues & Thurs–Sun noon–3pm & 7–10pm.

venice-shutterstock_387930481

Venice ©Shutterstock

Insatiable demand makes Venice’s hotels the most expensive in Western Europe. What’s more, the high season here is longer than anywhere else in the country, but many places don’t recognize the existence of a low season any more.

There are, though, a few good-value hotels to be found in the city, and an ever-increasing number of bed and breakfast places, as well as a plethora of apartments for rent.

If you want to spend time surrounded by luxury, San Marco is the most suitable neighbourhood to do so. San Marco is the heart of Venice, home to the famous St Mark's Square, the magnificent St Mark's Basilica and the majestic Doge's Palace.

This neighbourhood offers exclusive shopping opportunities, high-end restaurants and breathtaking views of the canals. Treat yourself to luxurious accommodation options , including five-star hotels that offer stunning views of the city's landmarks. However, be prepared for higher prices as San Marco is a premium neighbourhood.

Dorsoduro is a neighbourhood worth staying in Venice for its artistic heritage and lively cultural life. Home to the prestigious Accademia Gallery and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, this neighbourhood attracts art lovers from all over the world.

Dorsoduro is also home to the University of Ca' Foscari, giving the neighbourhood a lively and youthful energy.

San Polo and Santa Croce

If you are looking for a place to stay in Venice to experience local Venetian life, the ideal neighbourhoods are San Polo and Santa Croce. These neighbourhoods exude genuine charm with their narrow streets, small squares and bustling markets.

Also, a must-see in these neighbourhoods are the Rialto Bridge, the lively Rialto Market and the historic church of San Giacomo di Rialto. Accommodation options , from cosy guesthouses to charming boutique hotels, provide an authentic Venetian experience.

The Cannaregio neighbourhood may not have any major attractions, but it is a place to stay to experience the atmosphere of Venice. Cannaregio is a less crowded residential neighbourhood that offers a more local and authentic experience. It is known for its picturesque canals, historic synagogues and lively Jewish ghetto.

Central Castello

Castello, located east of San Marco, is Venice's largest and most traditional neighbourhood. With winding streets, small squares and local shops, this neighbourhood has a more relaxed atmosphere.

Castello is home to the impressive Arsenale and the Biennale Gardens, where the prestigious Venice Biennale art exhibition takes place. Castello offers a wide range of accommodation options , from budget guesthouses to elegant boutique hotels.

Browse the best hotels in Venice.

The Canals of Venice, in Italy © Shutterstock

The Canals of Venice, in Italy © Shutterstock

Choosing the right time to visit Venice can greatly influence the experience one gains from this enchanting city. Spring ( April , May and June ) and early autumn ( September to October ) are often considered the best seasons to explore Venice.

During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, and the city is less crowded than in the peak summer months ( July and August ). Strolling through the labyrinthine streets, gliding along the serene canals, and marvelling at the architecture under the warm sunlight becomes an immersive experience.

The winter months ( November and January ) can be cold. Venice's renowned events like the Carnival in February and the Venice Biennale in odd-numbered years draw a diverse array of international visitors, adding a unique cultural dimension to the visit. December is usually busy with locals but a fun time to visit.

Find out more about the best time to visit Italy.

The topography of Venice is uniquely complicated, and at first glance its public transport looks as convoluted as a wiring diagram. But the situation isn’t as daunting as it first appears: there are clear main routes through the warren of Venice’s alleyways, and you’ll need to get to grips with only a few of the water-bus routes.

Venice Water-Bus fares and tickets explained

Single journey & special ticket:

  • Standard Ticket: €7, valid for 60 minutes with unlimited changes, not usable for return trips.
  • One-Stop Ticket: €4, ideal for short crossings like San Zaccaria to San Giorgio Maggiore.
  • Luggage Fee: €7 for each piece of large luggage beyond the first.
  • Concessions: Children under 4 travel free. Wheelchair users pay €1.30; their companion travels free.

Save with Travel Cards

To avoid high single-ticket costs, consider ACTV Tourist Travel Cards

  • 24 hours: €20
  • 48 hours: €30
  • 72 hours: €40
  • 7 days: €60
  • Rolling Venice Cardholders: Special 72-hour card for €20
  • Airport Bus Supplement: €4 per journey with any ACTV pass.

Where to buy

  • Tickets: Landing stages, shops with the ACTV sign, tourist offices.
  • ravel Cards: Tourist offices, Piazzale Roma, train station, airport, and selected vaporetto stops like Ca’ d’Oro and San Marco Vallaresso.

Gondola rides in Venice

Gondola Navigation

Thanks to their design, gondolas can navigate Venice's narrow and shallow canals effortlessly, a testament to the gondoliers' skill. Previously a hereditary job, now anyone can become a gondolier after completing 400 hours of rigorous training, which covers manual skills, canal navigation, and the history of the profession. In 2010, Venice celebrated its first female gondolier, Giorgia Boscolo.

Costs & Hours

  • Standard Fare: €80 for a 40-minute ride for up to six passengers. After 7pm until 8am, the rate increases to €100.
  • Extended rides:Additional 20 minutes cost €40, or €50 after 7pm.
  • Extras: Expect surcharges for an accordionist or tenor. Note that there's a debate on banning "O Sole Mio" to avoid stereotypical Italian experiences.

Avoiding overcharges 

Although fares are regulated, some gondoliers might charge more. Always confirm the price before departure. For a reliable service, use official gondola stands located at key points throughout the city, including Calle Vallaresso, Campo San Moisè, Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, Bacino Orseolo, in front of the Palazzo Ducale, Riva degli Schiavoni near the Danieli hotel, the train station, Piazzale Roma, Campo Santa Sofia near Ca’ d’Oro, San Tomà, and Rialto Bridge on Riva Carbon.

Venice Water Taxis

Venice's water taxis are stylish, fast, and can navigate most canals, accommodating up to 10 passengers. However, they're known for being one of the priciest taxi services in Western Europe.

  • Base Rate: Starts at €15, with €2 added every minute.
  • Surcharges: €10 per extra passenger beyond five. €5 for each luggage piece over five. €10 for rides between 10pm and 7am.

Booking tips

  • Direct booking from stands or catching an available taxi can save surcharges.
  • Phone bookings and concierge-arranged rides include additional fees.

Epiphany Regatta in Venice © Shutterstock

Epiphany Regatta in Venice © Shutterstock

The ideal number of days to spend in Venice depends on your interests, the pace of your trip and what you want to see. Here are general guidelines to help you plan your visit:

If your schedule is tight, you can manage to experience the main attractions of Venice in one or two days. Focus on the main sights such as St Mark's Square, St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, take a gondola ride and perhaps stroll the streets. However, this will not allow you to explore more than the iconic sites.

3-4 days will give you a better chance of experiencing the essence of Venice. You'll be able to see the main sights, take a day trip to nearby islands such as Burano and Murano, and in your free time wander off the beaten track, discover local restaurants and soak up the unique atmosphere.

If you have more time, you can truly immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of Venice. In addition to the above, you can visit less crowded areas, art galleries and museums, attend cultural events or festivals, and take day trips to neighbouring cities such as Padua or Verona.

Venice, Canal, Italy

Venice, Canal, Italy @ Shutterstock

Before you can lose yourself in its winding waterways and historic charm, you'll need to figure out the best way to get there. Whether you're flying in from across the globe or making your way from a nearby European city, various options are available to suit every budget and travel style.

  • Flights from the UK and Ireland : Direct flights take around two hours from London . EasyJet flies between two and four times daily, while its chief rival, Ryanair, has one or two flights each day from London and less frequent services to Treviso from Bristol, East Midlands, Manchester and Edinburgh. Aer Lingus (Dublin) flies to Marco Polo up to five times per week, while Ryanair flies three or four times a week to Treviso in high season.
  • Flights from the US and Canada: The only direct service to Venice from the US is with Delta, who fly from New York to Marco Polo up to six times a week in summer. Air Canada has direct flights from Montréal to Venice, and various indirect flights from Toronto and Montréal, usually via Frankfurt or New York.

The choice of rail routes and fares is hugely complex, but the cheapest route is to take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then change to the high-speed TGV from Paris to Milan, and change there for the “Frecciarossa” to Florence. The total journey time is 14–18 hours, and with some online research, you can put together a one-way ticket for a little over the cost of a return flight, though peak prices are considerably higher.

If you take a couchette, using the “Thello” sleeper for the stage from Paris to Milan doesn’t add much to the cost. Booking for these continental routes usually opens three months before the day of travel. Discounts for under-26s are sometimes available and advance booking is essential. If you’re planning to include Italy as part of a longer European trip you could choose to invest in an InterRail pass.

Find out the best ways to get to Italy .

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Ties Lagraauw

written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 21.02.2024

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Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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is venice italy expensive to visit

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Venice: How much will the entrance fee cost? Prices & Infos

is venice italy expensive to visit

Admission to Venice | The concrete plan is as follows –  from 2024 ; tourists will have to pay admission to the world-famous lagoon city on the Italian Adriatic on fixed dates. However, this only applies to day visitors staying on time in the city. The entrance fee is comparable to a visitor’s tax. Experienced travelers pay visitor’s tax at the North and Baltic Sea resorts or a tourist tax on Mallorca. So, none of this comes as a surprise.

Venice entrance ticket

✅ Information about this new regulation is now here in my blog.

Status: 18 of January 2024

  • Admission for day visitors only on the following dates in 2024
  • Applies to stays in the period from 8:30 to 16:00
  • Fee €5.00 – Children and young people older than 14 years free, but must still book a ticket!

Further dates will be announced later

At the moment the booking page is only in Italian and English, but it is uncomplicated. Payment only possible by credit card and Paypal. The QR code generated there must be shown during checks. Fines between 50 and 300 euros (plus increased access fee).

Further exceptions and other matters will be communicated

A general admission fee will only apply from 2025!

More details in the course of the text

✅ THIS PAGE IS CONSTANTLY BEING UPDATED. MORE DETAILS ARE EXPECTED IN THE NEXT WEEKS

Table of Contents

From when does admission have to be paid?

As announced by the city government, the entrance fee will come on January 1, 2025 , after some test actions in 2024. The dream city near the beaches of the Adriatic Sea is a popular destination in Italy, especially for short-term city trips, day trippers (80% of all tourists) from all parts of Italy, or transients to various destinations on the boot in the Mediterranean Sea.

Above all, the number of participants in cruise tourism has increased by leaps and bounds. Venice is now flooded with cruise tourists.

Why do you have to pay the entrance fee in Venice?

Venice has always been a center of attraction for tourists from all over the world. Thanks in part to low-cost airlines and cruisers, this fantastic city has been subject to a steadily growing onslaught of tourists for years. On the one hand, one would like to keep the legions of visitors at bay; on the other hand, tourism remains the primary source of income for the city on the Adriatic.

Of course, all of this leaves its mark, which they are trying to mitigate with the income from the entrance fee.

How much is the entrance fee to Venice?

The entrance fee for Venice will initially be €5.00, with free admission for children under 15 . The pricing is subject to change until further notice. A final decision will only likely be made once the test phases have been analyzed in 2024.

The new entrance fee affects day tourists and cruisers on their usual shore leave. A day trip to Venice, a romantic gondola ride on the Grand Canal, a quick photo with the pigeons on St Mark’s Square, or a walk across the Rialto Bridge – these experiences will become more expensive.

Who has to pay for admission?

Who has to pay for admission?

The new entrance fee applies to day tourists and crusaders on their usual shore leave. Going to Venice for a day, a romantic gondola ride on the Grand Canal, quick photos with the pigeons on St. Mark’s Square, or a walk across the Rialto Bridge – these experiences will then become more expensive.

This also applies to a visit to the lagoon islands of Murano , Burano , or Torcello , which are worth seeing.

Who does not have to pay for admission?

Who does not have to pay for admission?

You only get a view of the gondolas if you pay an entrance fee! But this is only valid for day guests. Those who have booked a hotel in Venice and spend the night there already pay a bed tax (photo Hotel Gardena , near the station – red building). The tax is between one and five euros per night.

The rate depends mainly on the season and classification of the accommodation. Children up to 10 years and some groups of persons are excluded, for example, bus drivers. For overnight guests, therefore, no additional entrance fee to Venice will be charged.

Exempt from the entrance fee are, of course, the residents, but also commuters, students, family members, or severely disabled persons.

How is the entrance fee charged?

As mentioned above, admission will be charged at kiosks in the city and online via https://cda.ve.it (online from 16 January 2024). Visitors will then receive a QR code that they must show on request.

However, it is not yet entirely clear how admission will ultimately be collected.

This part of my article will also be constantly updated, as some things are still unclear.

Status: 18.01.2024

More information will follow here too!

Penalties for evasion of the entrance fee

Penalties for evasion of the entrance fee

Few compromises are to be expected here. Entrance fees of this kind only make sense if they are paid by all those involved, if there are controls and if circumvention of the fee is penalised accordingly. According to the city, the fine is up to €300 .

So if you are planning a day trip to Venice from January 2025, you should definitely include the entrance fee to the historic centre of the lagoon city in your holiday budget. But you certainly don’t have to go to the Doge’s Palace prison (photo above)!

How do you get to Venice?

For individual travelers, it will not be possible to avoid the entrance fee. Venice is completely car-free, and public transport is only available on the waterways of the lagoon city. Whether by train, bus, or car, from the Santa Lucia train station or the Piazzale Roma bus station, it is only possible to continue on foot or by canal boat.

All other connections to Venice and the small lagoon islands are only possible by water.

This applies to transfers from the airport terminal by water , from Punta Sabbioni or Chioggia .

Should one now renounce visiting Venice?

Should one now renounce visiting Venice?

All year round, the Italian city on the Adriatic Sea with its numerous canals is worth a short holiday for millions of visitors. Many of them are day tourists who only have to pay the fee once. Venice remains the city of romantics, culture lovers, and connoisseurs. Strolling through the alleyways of the old town and a delicious ‘gelato’ is definitely worth the entrance fee.

✅ Tip : Those who at the end of the text take to heart 2 or 3 of my saving tips during a day excursion to Venice will quickly recover the costs for the entrance fee.

What is the entrance fee in Venice used for?

In the official language of Venice, the entrance fee is also called ‘ Contributo di sbarco ’, which means as much as – the fee for going from the board -. Especially the booming cruise tourism is a big problem for the city and its inhabitants.

Every year, hundreds of cruise liners make a stop in the harbor of Venice. Cruise ships dock early in the morning so that millions of passengers can explore the fabulous Venice. The sightseeing is quickly removed and after a few hours, the cruise ships return to the all-inclusive onboard. There is hardly any money left in the city to keep Venice clean.

What is the entrance fee in Venice used for?

It is also officially not the plan with the entrance fee to fill the state treasury but to do the expensive work for the maintenance and the permanent cleaning of the historic old town. Also, the expensive waste disposal has to be financed in order to continue to guarantee a ‘ Dolce Vita ’ for tourists and locals.

Especially in summer, many sun-seekers spend their holidays on the popular beaches of the Adriatic, for example in and around the seaside resort Lido di Jesolo. A day trip to Venice should not be missing. Also with numerous water buses, it goes then from the nearby ferry port Punta Sabbioni in about 30 minutes directly to a pier near St. Mark’s Square with its famous Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Cathedral .

Equipped with drinks and sufficient food, little money remains in the city and therefore the city treasury often does not see a single cent. Nevertheless, the city administration is responsible for the preservation, the expensive renovation of historic buildings, and also for the removal of garbage.

Evaluation of the entrance fee

Travel is often cheap and many tourist strongholds and their inhabitants pay high prices. More than 30 million people are attracted to Venice every year. Any attempt to regulate the gigantic stream of visitors is understandable.

No one is prevented from experiencing Venice and its myth, whether in the cooler or warmer seasons. Venice must keep control of mass tourism and its consequences. Sometimes this has its price!

Practical saving tips for the day trip to Venice

Those who want to see the gondolas have to pay the entrance fee now…

The additional costs of 3,00 to 10,00 € per day and the person you will have saved quickly again if you follow one of my saving tips.

Savings tip 1 – Parking in Mestre

Those who want to park their car during their day trip to Venice as close as possible to the historical center of the city have to park their car in the multi-story car park Tronchetto (from 21,00 €) or in the car parks at the Piazzale Roma (approximately 30,00 €). From Piazzale Roma, you can get directly into the city center, from the parking garage Tronchetto it is at least a 15-minute walk to the first gondola. Those who use the ‘ People Mover ’, a driverless high funicular that connects the parking garage Tronchetto and Piazzale Roma, pay 1,50 € per stretch and person. It is cheaper to park at the station in Mestre.

A top tip is the parking garage Via Ca’ Marcello (6,00 € / day), then 200 meters walk to the station. Trains to Venice depart every 5 to 10 minutes, travel time maximum of 10 minutes, and costs approx. 1.50 per person and route. From the Santa Lucia train station, you can go directly to the adventure Venice. Without much extra time, you can easily save 15,00 €, more than the entrance fee.

Savings tip 2 – Save on Vaporetti

One should not overestimate the size of the historical old town of Venice. Everything can be easily explored on foot. From Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Marco, it is about a 30-minute walk.

A detour through the authentic Cannaregio distric t takes about 1 hour. Single tickets with public water buses are quite expensive with 9,50 €. High savings potential.

Saving tip 3 – Traghetto instead of a gondola

Saving tip 3 - Traghetto instead of a gondola

Alone or in a small group, a gondola trip in Venice is always an expensive pleasure (approximately 30,00 to 100,00 €). But those who are satisfied with a short gondola experience or those who are only looking for it for the obligatory photo can cross Canal Grande with a gondola ferry instead of crossing one of its four bridges.

These ‘ Traghettos ’ depart from numerous shores and are rowed by two gondoliers. The crossing takes about 2 to 3 minutes and costs approximately 3,00 € per person. Only a short trial trip, but a lot of money was saved.

Saving tip 4 – Tap water instead of expensive plastic bottle

Sightseeing tours make you thirsty and from May to September it can be very hot in Venice. Drinking a lot is important, especially for children. Street vendors often offer water bottles at far-inflated prices.

At many public water places, one sees numerous tourists who fill their plastic bottles with refreshing water for free. The water is of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. Thus, get a drinking bottle and save money. One can also save money during the meal or the visit to a restaurant. Some hints for this are also available in Culinary Venice .

The classic among the general saving tips for Venice remains, of course, the cheap accommodation. Those who are willing to abstain from the evening flair of the old alleyways of the gorgeous lagoon city during an overnight stay in a hotel should have a look at my hotel recommendations outside the center .

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The World Was Here First

Is Italy Expensive? An Italy Trip Cost Guide for 2024

Last Updated on December 12, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

is venice italy expensive to visit

Italy is a country that inspires thousands of people across the globe to travel here each year. But is Italy expensive to visit? And how much will an Italy trip cost?

Renowned the world over for its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, amazing cuisine, and hospitable people, it is also essential to be aware of average prices in Italy before you travel.

You’ll likely find Italy to be less expensive than many other European countries. On average, you can expect a trip to Italy to cost roughly €70-305 per person per day (around $75-328 USD).

However, these prices will be heavily influenced by how you choose to spend your money across accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and entertainment and what region of the country you are visiting.

Table of Contents

Accommodation Prices

The first thing you need to consider in your Italy travel budget is the cost of accommodation as this is likely going be the biggest portion of your overall trip cost.

Because the whole country is so popular amongst travellers, there are several different accommodation options to choose from pretty much anywhere you wish to go. These range from backpacker hostels to rural B&Bs to boutique hotels to large international hotel chains.

The most budget-friendly option for accommodation would be to get a dorm bed at a hostel. There is usually at least one hostel in most major Italian cities, however, the prices actually don’t really differ all that much depending on where you are.

On the whole, you can expect the price of a bed in a hostel to start somewhere around €25-30 for the cheapest option. If you are in Venice or Rome, this might mean a bed in a 15+ person dorm, but in smaller cities, you can expect to pay the same for a dorm with a smaller capacity.

The postcard-perfect town of Perugia

Another fantastic budget option, especially for those travelling as a couple or with a friend, is to opt for a private room on Airbnb.

Along with being a great way to see how locals live in the city you’re visiting, Airbnb tends to be significantly less expensive than a traditional hotel. A private room can also work out to be less expensive per person than a bed in a hostel dorm if you’re not travelling solo.

Though you can generally expect prices to be higher in bigger cities that have a higher cost of living, like Venice , Florence, or Rome, on average a price for a private room on Airbnb costs about €50-60 per night. If you split this between two people, this can be an extremely cost-effective accommodation option in Italy.

If you’re interested in renting an entire, one-bedroom apartment in a major urban area then expect prices to start at around €60-90 per night. Once again, expect to pay more in Rome and keep in mind that prices can be higher in Milan , Florence and Venice.

Seasonality has a lot to do with prices, as well. For instance, the Amalfi Coast is going to have a lot higher accommodation costs in the summer months.

If neither hostels nor Airbnb appeals to you as accommodation options, you can find some decent budget and mid-range hotels that won’t take a huge proportion out of your total Italy trip cost.

A good thing to keep in mind is that it is almost always less expensive to stay in a locally run establishment than a well-known chain. Expect a mid-range hotel room to start at around €70-100 per night.

Keep in mind that this can vary drastically depending on where you are in the country and the season, as well. For instance, if you’re travelling on the Amalfi Coast, you can safely assume that these prices could double.

If you’re looking for a higher-end or luxury stay in Italy, expect, on average, prices to start at around €300-350 and to go up from there. Prices will be more expensive in places like Venice, Lake Como , the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre than they will be in lesser-visited areas.

Overall, if you’re smart about your choices, accommodation in Italy doesn’t have to break the bank.

Bergamo from Castello di San Vigilio

Transportation Prices

The second biggest thing that needs to be considered in your total trip cost are the transportation prices in Italy.

Unless you’re planning on only visiting one place and walking absolutely everywhere (make sure to pack good shoes if so!) while you’re in Italy, then you’re going to be spending at least some money on both local and intercity transport.

In the big cities like Rome or Naples , there are multiple public transport options — buses, trams, and metro — and you will probably end up taking a few of them, as places and sites are spread out from one another.

If you want to cover a lot of ground while visiting this city and plan on using the public transport network frequently (ie, more than once or twice per day) then it can oftentimes work out to be more cost-effective to buy a daily travel card rather than purchasing individual, single-journey tickets.

In other, smaller cities such as Modena , public transport is often just limited to the bus. If the city is walkable, which is most cities besides the bigger ones, then it is rarely necessary to buy more than one or two bus tickets that will get you to and from the train station. Expect single tickets to be around €2, though it can definitely vary from locality to locality.

Cathedral and Ghirlandina Tower in the town of Modena

The other thing you need to consider when it comes to transport in Italy are longer journeys, ie. intercity trains and buses. These can range in price significantly depending on the distance you plan on travelling and the type of train you are travelling on.

If you know of your general Italy itinerary beforehand, then take the time to research the travel options available to you as there can be many different ways to get from point A to point B.

To give you a general idea, the high-speed intercity trains tend to cost a bit more than the regional, commuter trains.

While taking one of the high-speed options can be great if you’re travelling long distances, it’s not needed if you’re only travelling a short distance in the same or neighbouring region. A high-speed train is about three times the price of a regional train and the journey time will not be much longer.

Depending on how long you’ve planned for your Italy itinerary, it may work out to be a better bet to take the high-speed train and pay a bit more so as to properly maximise your time in your destinations. If you have a number of weeks that you’re planning to spend in Italy, longer train journeys may not matter as much.

Another tip that can help you save a fair amount on your total trip to Italy cost is to book your longer train journeys in advance. It is much less expensive to do this rather than to purchase tickets on the day.

While we’re always advocates of not over-planning and letting the wind take you where it will, it can sometimes save you a good amount of money to have a few things planned ahead of time. We suggest booking on Omio to find deals on train tickets in Italy.

If you’re planning on taking a number of trains during your time in Italy, then a train pass can be good value. If you’re from outside of Europe, you can view Eurail Italy Passes here . Alternatively, if you’re from the EU, you can view Interrail Italy Passes here .

If you want to get a bit off the beaten path in Italy and explore on your own terms, renting a car is an excellent option. Prices for a hire car can vary, but you’re looking at a price starting at about €25-30 per day for a basic car without any additional insurance. Note that prices are often lower for a manual transmission.

If you do rent a car, you need to also factor in the cost of petrol and likely parking into your daily costs. The average fuel price in Italy is about €1.80 per litre in December of 2023. Prices for parking can vary depending on where you are and which kind of place you are parking in. Toll road pricing can also vary and it depends on the road and the distance you’re travelling.

If you want to find great deals for renting a car, we recommend using  RentalCars.com . This is particularly important if travelling to places with limited public transport options such as Lake Garda or Lake Como or if you’re spending time exploring Sicily the Puglia region.

On average, plan to spend about €10-30 per person per day on transportation taking all of the above-mentioned things into account.

Lovely Salo on Lake Garda

Food Prices

So let’s talk about the cost of one of the main things that attract thousands to visit Italy: food. Food in Italy is delicious, diverse and, surprisingly, doesn’t have to be that expensive. Sure, it is possible to splash out a small fortune on a high-end meal but in my experience, this is more of an exception rather than the rule.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to only eat kebabs or cook your own meals in order to eat on a budget while in Italy. Sure, if you’re really trying to pinch pennies and make your budget stretch as far as possible, then it can be beneficial to cook some of your meals from time to time. However, eating out at a decent restaurant actually isn’t all that expensive.

The biggest tip that I can give when it comes to saving money while dining out in Italy is to always avoid tourist-centric restaurants. This means not eating at places a stone’s throw from big attractions and sites, and avoiding places that have a photo-laden menu published outside with every type of food under the sun.

Learn about the foods that are typical for the region of Italy that you are travelling in and if a restaurant doesn’t have many of them on the menu, it generally means that locals don’t eat there.

If you walk just a few streets over from the main tourist centre, you will probably find about a 10-15% decrease in the prices on menus. This is because these restaurants are meant for locals who don’t typically hang out around the Colosseum every day. Eat in these places — you will not only save money but the food will almost always be better.

Food in Italy can be affordable and you can eat exceptionally well on only a small budget, but like elsewhere, prices can vary by region. For instance, it’s much cheaper to eat out in Sicily than it is dine at an equivalent restaurant in Venice.

Keeping that in mind, plan for a main meal at a restaurant to average around €15. And if you’re eating out with another person, each getting a main dish, sharing an appetiser and splitting a half-litre of house wine, expect this to average about €30-40 for the entire bill, depending on where you are.

All in all, plan to budget around €20-40 per person per day on food. On the low end, this allows one restaurant meal out and on the upper end, a couple of meals out each day at a mid-range establishment.

Pasta in Italy

Activity Prices

Now that we’ve covered the basic costs of the most necessary things on your Italy vacation, let’s talk about how much daily activities are going to set you back. Well, like most anything else, this really depends on what it is you plan to do.

If you’re travelling to Italy in order to take advantage of all of the fantastic history, art and culture there is in this country, then you’re most likely going to be visiting a lot of museums.

Museum entry prices can vary depending on if they are state-run or privately funded. But it’s generally safe to assume that a museum visit will set you back somewhere around €5-15.

When it comes to entry into any museum or historical site, be aware if you qualify for any discounts as well. Almost everywhere in Italy offer significant (up to 50%) discounts if you have a valid student ID and you also won’t have to pay as much if you are under the age of 26 or over the age of 65. Do your research beforehand to see if you qualify for these.

Also, if you plan to visit several historical sites and museums in any given city, it can often work out to be more cost-effective to purchase the city’s tourism card rather than pay the full price of every individual site you want to visit. Take the time to work out the sums before you go to see if it’s worth it for you.

If you’re curious about going on any food tours or wine tastings, it’s normally always cheaper to look for individual places to visit independently rather than paying for an organised tour.

Also, it can be a better bang for your buck to seek out smaller, locally-run businesses rather than bigger corporations. For instance, we went on a balsamic vinegar tour in Modena that was completely free. We just contacted the acetaia  directly.

However, if you’d like to go on something like an organised food tour of Palermo or even a day tour to Capri from Naples, you’re going to have to pay a bit more for this. Expect tours to land around €40-100 per person depending on where it is and what is offered.

If you are on an extreme budget, then you actually don’t need to spend anything on daily activities. Italian cities just beg to be wandered through and explored and this doesn’t cost a dime!

All in all, however, expect to spend an average of about €10-30 per person per day to account for museum entry or the occasional tour.

Barrels storing balsamic vinegar

Entertainment Prices

The last thing you need to consider in your total Italy trip cost is the price of entertainment. How much money you spend on this really depends on your habits.

If you’re looking to grab a coffee at a classic Italian cafe, you’re not going to have to pay a lot for the privilege. On average, something like a macchiato or a cappuccino will be under €2. It’s worth keeping in mind that it’s often cheaper to drink your coffee standing at the bar rather than being served at a table, though this practice does vary by region.

While there are certainly places to party into the wee hours of the night in almost every Italian city, it can be expensive to drink a lot and it also isn’t what Italians typically do every day. If you do, however, enjoy the occasional cocktail or glass of wine in the evening, you are in luck.

Italians have an excellent happy hour culture, called  aperitivo . During the few hours before one would typically go out for dinner, usually between around 6 PM-8 PM, cafes and bars will typically offer discounted wine and cocktails that come with either snacks or access to a buffet of charcuterie, cheese, bread, olives, etc.

You can normally get a drink along with a few snacks (the amount really depends on the establishment) for a good price – usually between €5-12 depending on where you are.

These kinds of things are especially prevalent in cities that have a large student population, like Bologna, but can be found throughout the country and we’ve experienced this culture everywhere from Bergamo to Palermo. This can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the drinking culture of Italy.

All in all, however, you can expect the average cost of a pint of local draft beer in Italy to land somewhere around €4-5 depending on where you are. A glass of wine will start around the same. If you’re after a basic cocktail like an Aperol spritz or a gin and tonic, expect to pay around €5-10 for this. Again, it really depends on the region or city you’re in and who the bar is catering to.

Aperol Spritz in Sicily

Italy Trip Cost Estimator

With the above aspects taken into consideration, this is the average daily amount you should expect to spend per person on your trip to Italy.

This is assuming that you stay in budget to mid-range accommodation, travel long distances every three or four days, cook some meals or take advantage of included breakfasts, don’t eat at high-end restaurants every night and are splitting costs like accommodation and potential car hire between two people.

Accommodation:  €25-175 / night

Transportation:  €10-40 / day

Food:  €20-40 / day

Activities:  €10-30 / day

Entertainment:  €5-20 / day

All in all, you can expect your average total cost of a trip to Italy to set you back roughly €70-305 per person per day. Obviously, this can also be cut down or increased depending on your travel habits and preferences. It also doesn’t include any pre-trip expenses such as a prepaid SIM for Italy.

Finally, make sure that you factor in the cost of a travel insurance policy. World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

Segesta

Travelling to Italy doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. While the country does have a reputation for being expensive, if you are smart about where and how you spend, it is completely possible to have a fun and fulfilling trip to Italy while on a budget.

Are you planning a trip to Italy? Have any questions about the prices? Let us know in the comments!

is venice italy expensive to visit

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Wonderful read. So very helpful thank you.

Happy you found this helpful!

Very informative! I will be cruising to the Mediterranean this summer and this is very good information!

Happy this could help! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

very helpful thanks I will be going October 2022 and I had so much questions and you really helped me

My son and I are going on a school trip in summer 2024. Basic travel and services are included, minus tips and it includes 2 meals per day. Can you help recommend a budget for us and what the best way to travel with our money might be? Thanks!

My sister and I and our two adult daughters are planning a trip to Italy in June. This was very helpful information. Thank you!

Very helpful! Thanks Maggie. I’m travelling to Italy in late August till the end of October 2023 and was wondering if it’s worthwhile getting the Eurail Pass. I’ll check out the train prices online to see what the best option is. Your articles are very helpfull for a first time, solo traveller to Italy… thank you.

Hi, a girlfriend and I are going to Rome for 2 weeks in April. I have travelled Europe using Airbnb and driving in a very low key but fun way. My husband has had Parkinson for 15 years and can longer do long hall flights and I only have minders for him for 3 weeks. So I chose Rome, have never been there. Booked a room for us on Airbnb and have a map and lots of ideas and good walking shoes. Will report back on our return.

My wife and I are beginnig to plan our 50th wedding anniverary in 2025. We plan to travel to Italy for this experience. Paris was our 25th. This was very helpful start for us. Thanks

Thank you again for your informative information…. My wife & I did travel to Italy this pass May 2023 for 3-wks to Florence, Venice, Bellagio & Milan, loved the different cities & sights & had a wonderful time…We are traveling back to Italy this May for 2-wks…Flying into Naples, having a driver pick us up & drive to Amalfi for 1-wk. & while there explore Positano, Sorrento & Capri, then taking a flight from Naples to Genoa, having a driver pick us up & drive to Portofino for 1-wk. & explore the 5-towns of Cinque Terre as well….Love Italy…Wishing you a happy, healthy & safe traveling 2024…

Thanks for sharing your insights, Elliot! Happy New Year 🙂

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    Is Venice expensive to visit? Like many other European cities, Venice too offers a lot of discounts and special prices for museums, theaters and cinemas. Museums. Compared to other countries in Europe, museum tickets are relatively inexpensive and are without a doubt worth the price. As ancient as the city is, the price of the tickets (which is ...

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    When To Visit Venice + Weather. Summers in Venice can be fairly hot and humid with highs in the low 80s. It's also peak tourist season so it's very crowded. There are also lots of mosquitoes and flies. Winters are fairly cold with temperatures in the low 40s but the city does empty out a bit so that's nice.

  13. Venice on a Budget: A Complete Guide for Thrifty Travelers

    Attractions and Exploring Venice on a Budget. Venice is a city teeming with historical famous sites, architectural wonders, and vibrant markets. Among the must-visit famous sights are the Rialto Market, Doge's Palace, and Saint Mark's Basilica. However, exploring these sites can be costly if not planned well.

  14. Visiting Venice? Make a Reservation and Be Ready to Pay

    City officials are introducing a new fee to visit Venice and its islands, a move, they hope, will limit tourists. Beginning in January 2023, visitors to Venice, Italy, must make a reservation ...

  15. Venice, Italy: The Ultimate Guide for the Adventure of a Lifetime

    Venice, Italy Travel Resources. The following list is a curated trove of travel resources. ... Is Venice cheap or expensive? Venice can be considered expensive, particularly when compared to other Italian cities, but there are ways to manage expenses to make a trip more affordable. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:

  16. Is Venice Worth Visiting: 10 Reasons You Should Visit Venice

    Is Venice A Good Place To Visit? Venice is a wonderful place to visit - especially when you explore away from the main sights and avoid the huge crowds. Is Venice Expensive? Yes. It's the most expensive city in Italy, and in high season it can be exorbitantly expensive. However, if you visit at certain times of year, Venice is a lot more ...

  17. Is Venice Expensive to Visit?

    Is Venice expensive to visit? Venice is a popular destination that is also moderately priced. It falls in the middle range of travel cost prices globaly with a daily average travel cost of $252. If we compare it to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit.

  18. Is Venice Worth Visiting? 10 Things You Should Know

    The whole pensolon (municipality) of Venice is divided into 6 boroughs: Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo, and Santa Croce. All have charming places to visit and delicious eats and drinks. Here are some attractions and activities that make Venice worth visiting. 1. Liberia Acqua Alta in the Castello district.

  19. Venice Italy: An Insiders Guide to Travel, Things to Do and Budget

    Venice is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Italy. And despite the city's expensive reputation, there are several ways to keep your budget under control while you're visiting. And despite the city's expensive reputation, there are several ways to keep your budget under control while you're visiting.

  20. Venice Bucket List: 20 Amazing Things to Do in Venice, Italy

    20 amazing things to do in Venice, Italy. Best things to do in Venice, Italy. Top experiences for first time visitors, photos, best tours, gondola, how much time should you spend. ... Best Things to Do in Venice. Cost: 11 ... (70°F) in early fall and cooling off to 13°C (55°F) by late fall. Autumn is the wettest time to visit Venice (late ...

  21. Is Venice Worth Visiting? Trip It or Skip It?

    In fact, Venice is the most expensive city in Italy. Factor this in when deciding which cities to visit on your travels through Italy. Crowds. Venice's beautiful and unique maze of canals makes this destination one of the most visited cities in the world, but this popularity is actually becoming a problem for the city. Overtourism is a real ...

  22. Venice Travel Guide

    Insatiable demand makes Venice's hotels the most expensive in Western Europe. What's more, the high season here is longer than anywhere else in the country, but many places don't recognize the existence of a low season any more. ... Choosing the right time to visit Venice can greatly influence the experience one gains from this enchanting ...

  23. Venice: How much will the entrance fee cost? Prices & Infos

    Trains to Venice depart every 5 to 10 minutes, travel time maximum of 10 minutes, and costs approx. 1.50 per person and route. From the Santa Lucia train station, you can go directly to the adventure Venice. Without much extra time, you can easily save 15,00 €, more than the entrance fee. Savings tip 2 - Save on Vaporetti

  24. Is Italy Expensive? An Italy Trip Cost Guide for 2024

    A comprehensive guide to how expensive Italy is to visit. Including an Italy trip cost estimator for accommodation, food, transport and more! ... Though you can generally expect prices to be higher in bigger cities that have a higher cost of living, like Venice, Florence, or Rome, on average a price for a private room on Airbnb costs about € ...

  25. Luke Patrick Hoogmoed on Instagram: "My reasoning Every now and then

    2,627 likes, 181 comments - lukepatrickh on February 28, 2024: "My reasoning Every now and then I repost reels that really show my personality or taste..."