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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

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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

Venice price guide | how much it costs to visit venice, italy.

Calculating the daily costs to visit Venice, Italy. How to estimate your budget for food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and more.

venice italy trip cost

Venice is easily one of the most magical cities in Europe—it’s also one of the most tourist-dense so prices are high. You have to truly seek out good deals for food and book your accommodation early or you’ll pay a premium. In this Venice travel price guide, we’ve outlined the estimated travel expenses for food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and other common costs to help you budget your trip to Venice.

This Venice Price Guide is part of our  City Price Guide Series  where we break down the travel costs of Europe’s most popular cities.

Average Daily Cost for Visiting Venice, Italy

things to do in Venice

It costs around €55-€88/day to visit Venice comfortably as a budget traveler.

If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another €80-€120/night depending on your level of accommodation. These prices also don’t include big nights out at the bar/pub, club entry fees, souvenir/clothing shopping, tours, random purchases, nicer food, etc.

Daily Cost of Budget Travel in Venice: €88 (Approx. $87)

  • Attractions:   €1 5 (one paid attraction + any free sights)
  • Breakfast: €3
  • Lunch:   € 9
  • Dinner:   €1 8
  • Treat (dessert/beer/wine):   €3
  • Transportation: €0
  • Accommodation (Hostel): €3 8

Daily Cost of Frugal Travel in Venice: €55 (Approx. $60)

  • Attractions:   € 8 (free walking tour + visit one of the free sights)
  • Breakfast: €2
  • Lunch:   €7  (pasta to go)
  • Dinner:   € 10
  • Beer/Snack:   €2 
  • Transportation: €0 (walk)
  • Accommodation (Cheap Hostel) : € 26 

Venice Attraction and Museum Prices

The true joy of Venice is simply walking around the city. You can visit a museum or two but it’s totally fine to just take in the scenery.

  • St. Mark’s Square Museums (Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nzionale Marciana): €25
  • The Grand Canal : Free (but boat tours/gondolas cost extra)
  • Basilica dei Frari : €5
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection : €16
  • Church of Santa Maria : Free
  • Venice Natural History Museum : €11
  • Walking Tours: Free-€50
  • Kayak Canal Tour: €50/person (kayak), €80-€100 40-minute, €100
  • Gondola Ride: €80/person (day), €100/person (around sunset). These prices are set by the city .

Food Prices in Venice, Italy

Venice Travel Costs | Food Prices

You’ll have to actively seek out budget restaurants because the food is fairly expensive—so, if you’re not careful, it’s easy to spend way more than you probably want. Note: Anything around St. Marks Square (Piazza San Marco) is going to be crazy expensive.

Venetian cuisine relies heavily on polenta, seafood, and tomato sauces – quite different from northern Italian cuisine. Baccala’ Mantecata, or salted cod, is one of the most famous Venice dishes; it’s widely available at local restaurants. Also look for marinated sardines (sarde in saor) and risi i bisi (fresh rice and green beans) as other local staples. Read more of our strategies for Eating and Drinking in Europe on a Budget .

Budget Breakfast Prices in Venice: €3-€8

  • Many hostels will offer a free simple breakfast that normally consists of cereal, bread/croissant, and maybe milk, coffee, tea, or juice (some hostels will offer more and some less). Hotel breakfasts tend to be overpriced, so skip those in most cases.
  • A typical Italian breakfast is an expresso and maybe a simple pastry or juice.
  • Caffe del Doge has coffee and pastries, €3
  • Marchini Time , another local café, offers cappuccino, espresso, and other cheap breakfast options: €3.

A Few Budget-Friendly Breakfast Spots in Venice

  • Caffe Del Doge : A great little cafe with friendly staff and nice coffee/baked goods. Great for coffee lovers.
  • Pasticceria Tonolo : Delicious pastries and coffee. Always busy. Great for coffee lovers.
  • Torrefazione Cannaregio : Excellent coffee. Great for coffee lovers.
  • Marchini Time : Cute little cafe. Lots of tasty options.
  • Pasticceria Rizzardini : A bunch of tasty pastries and coffee.
  • Farini : Modern cafe with a few grab-and-go pastries.
  • Al 133 : A bit of everything — from pancakes and eggs to coffee and croissants.
  • Boresso : Great little pastry shop.
  • Pasticceria Alla Bragora : A solid little cafe that’s popular with the locals.
  • Caffe’ Brasilia : Nice coffee and juices away from the crowds.

Budget Lunch Prices in Venice: €6-€12

  • Super budget travelers can make a super cheap lunch of bread, cheese, and fruit from any grocery store for a few euros.
  • Look for Ciccheti, or tapas: served all day, and inexpensive (€2-€4/plate).
  • Local pizza is another budget option that will cost €5-€7 ( Antico Forno is especially recommended).
  • Street food, including crepes, hot dogs, etc. run around €4-€6.

Budget Dinner Prices in Venice: €10-€20

  • Pretty much all the options from the ‘Budget Lunch’ section above also apply for dinner.
  • Again, Venetian tapas – ciccheti – is a budget way to sample local foods.
  • Small seafood and pasta establishments: €4-€8 (especially recommended is Fried Land, which makes fresh pasta and fried seafood for sit-down or takeaway)
  • Panini stands or walk-ups have cheap sandwich takeaways: €5-€8.

A Few Budget-Friendly Lunch and Dinner Places

  • We love Italy, Fresh Pasta To Go : Excellent pasta to-go spot serving up fresh pasta in takeaway containers.
  • Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta to Go : The most popular of the “pasta to go” restaurants in Venice.
  • Cocaeta : Excellent crepes away from the crowds.
  • Osteria Al Squero : Great crostini/chichetti and cheap drinks. Popular with the locals.
  • Bacareto Da Lele : Budget travel mecca — €.60 wine, €1 porchetta sandwiches, and lots of other cheap (but still tasty) food options. A bit quirky but worth the wait.
  • Baci & Pasta : Cheap but quality pasta that’s great for a quick meal.
  • Al Merca : Cheap little sandwiches (€1.50) and a small offering of cheap drinks.
  • All’Arco : A popular place to get a few cheap chichetti/tapas (was recently featured on Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix).
  • Osteria Alla Ciurma : Another popular place for chichetti and drinks.
  • Pizza 2000 : Big slices of affordable pizza.
  • Antico Forno : Excellent pizza. Nice price. Central location.
  • Pizza Al Volo : More cheap pizza.

Drinks and Alcohol Prices in Venice

  • Beer at a bar or restaurant: €3.50-€5
  • At a grocery, beer runs about €1.75 and a bottle of wine about €4.
  • Expresso should only cost €1-€1.50 (specialty coffee might cost around €2-€3).

Transportation Prices in Venice

Venice’s transit system is administered by ACTV and 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 around the city. That said, we found ourselves walking almost everywhere (which is part of Venice’s charm).

75 minutes of water services : €9.50 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 the city center (bus, taxi):

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

Gondola Ride: €80-€100 for a 30ish-minute ride (but don’t be surprised if the driver cuts the ride a little short). Normally it’s €80 during the day and €100 after 7pm.

Hostel, Hotel, & Rental Apartment Prices in Venice

venice italy trip cost

Venice is a killer when it comes to accommodation — especially in the summer. There aren’t many hostels so prices are constantly high and the quality isn’t great. And in the summer it can be hard to find a place since there are so many visitors. Hotels and rental apartments aren’t much better. Luckily, most people only spend 1-3 nights in Venice.

Hostel Prices in Venice: €32-€55/night

The nightly price of a well-rated hostel in Venice starts around €34-€48/night per person—although many hostels raise their prices on the weekend. Remember, these prices are for a bed in a shared dorm room. Private rooms start are around €88-€140.  

Check out the latest hostel prices at  Hostelworld  since prices are always fluctuating.

The Best-Rated Hostels in Venice, Italy:

  • Combo Venezia
  • Dimora Il Veliero Romantico
  • Anda Venice
  • Generator Venice
  • MEININGER Venezia Mestre

Check out The Savvy Backpacker’s guide to  The Best Hostels in Venice  to get a more in-depth look at the city’s various hostel options.

Budget Hotel Prices in Venice: €90-€110/night (€150-€180+ if you want to be on the island)

A decent budget hotel that is in the city center will cost around €150+/night. You can find cheaper hotels if you want to stay farther away from the island.  We suggest checking out  Booking.com  to see hotel prices for your dates since they’re always changing based on demand, time of year, distance from Venice, etc.

Rental Apartment Prices in Venice: €100-€190/night

You can sometimes find some decent deals on rental apartments if you stay in one of the more residential neighborhoods or if you stay a bit outside Venice. These rentals can be a good option for large groups or travelers who want a little more space (and a kitchen). On the other hand, there are a few downsides to rental apartments — like limited/inconvenient check-in processes and extra cleaning fees/service charges (which can make short stays quite a bit more expensive). For short stays, we prefer hotels/hostels but rental apartments can be a nice option for longer stays.

Airbnb is always popular but you can sometimes find cheaper/better options on our list of  Airbnb Alternatives .

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COST TO VISIT EUROPE

Check out our guide on  How Much It Costs To Backpack Europe  to learn more about budgeting your entire trip (including many more city price guides).

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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

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  • Where To Stay
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  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

The World Was Here First

Is Venice Expensive? A Venice Trip Cost Guide

Last Updated on January 9, 2024

by Daniella Lynn Theis

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.

Known for its historical charms and a large number of canals, Venice is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Millions of people visit the city each year. With such a vast amount of tourism, something that you are likely calculating in when planning your Venice trip cost is that the city is expensive to visit. But is Venice expensive?

Venice is certainly more expensive when compared to many other Italian cities, at an average cost of €70 to €305 ($77-334 USD) per person per day, you’ll find that Venice is a pricey place to visit when coming from other nearby cities.

But it also offers plenty of ways of visiting the city in a more budget-friendly way that will also see you immersing yourself with Venice culture more wholeheartedly.

Table of Contents

Venice Trip Cost Guide

Accommodation prices.

Venice has a variety of accommodation available. There are luxury hotels, dormitory hostels and plenty of bed and breakfasts. The areas of Rialto and Cannaregio offer cheaper alternatives for accommodation and are often walking distance from one of Venice’s main attractions.

While it is possible to get a room sometimes for around 50€, you will have to expect to pay something closer to 80€ – 100€ per night for a budget hotel.

Expect prices to start at around 150€-200€ per night for a 3-star hotel and to exceed 250€-300€ per night if you’re staying in a luxe hotel. Especially if you are planning to stay in a hotel within Venice – even more if you are planning to reside in the San Marco area.

A cheaper option is to have a look outside the city’s lagoon area and stay in Mestre – a commune that is part of Venice but is on the mainland. Mestre is connected to Venice by bus and train and hotel prices there are a bit more budget-friendly at around 80€ a night.

Another budget-friendly option is to choose one of Venice’s hostels to avoid paying Venice prices. Again, the prices can vary depending on the area. Choosing to stay in Mestre is the cheapest option at around 15€-20€ a night for a shared room in a dorm.

Large-scale dormitories are not as widely available within the lagoon area of Venice, but it is possible to find a dorm bed for around 20€ a night, and a private room in a Bed and Breakfast can be as little as 30€ – 50€.

Airbnb also offers cheaper options for you to keep your trip to Venice cost low. It is possible to get a private room for about 50€ a night in the areas of Rialto and Cannaregio – both of which are actually not far from the main tourist sites in Venice. 

Venice Grand Canal

Transportation Price

When calculating prices in Venice, transportation thankfully is one of the easier options. It really is dependent on a couple of things:

  • Where you are staying
  • How much you like walking

If you do not mind walking, then you can really save money during your trip to Venice. When I visited Venice, I actually spent the 15€ on airport transport and, other than that, did not pay any extra transportation costs as I stayed in the Cannaregio area and walked everywhere.

It was a lot of walking, but it is definitely possible, and there are so many great places in Venice to stop for a coffee or some food to keep you going! However, I fully understand that this way of exploring is not everyone’s idea of a great time. There are also some options should you prefer to have some form of transport to rely on.

The inner city – i.e. the ‘Venice’ that tourists visit – has no roads, cars, buses, trains or trams. Public transport is solely operated by water-based crafts also known ‘vaporettos. ‘ These boats will take you around the city and its surrounding islands.

If you are staying in Venice for a few days, and are planning to make some day trips during your time there, then it is worth considering to purchase one of the multi-day tickets from ACTV. These multi-day tickets allow you unlimited use of the vaporettos for a specified number of days from €8,50 – €20 per day depending on the length of your trip.

If you are under 29, then you are especially lucky as you can purchase a bundle deal for 28€ that will include your three-day vaporetto ticket as well as a ‘Rolling Venice’ card which is part of the Venezia Unica city pass. The card offers discounted prices for many of Venice’s attractions and museums and is available for anyone between six and twenty-nine years of age.

The one cost you will have to consider if you are arriving by plane, is your transportation from the airport. If you are arriving at Marco Polo Airport — which is just across the lagoon from Venice – there are several options.

The cheapest would be the bus taking you to Piazzale Roma – click here to book it in advance. Keep in mind that there is no way for the bus to go any closer than Piazzale Roma and that you will have to make your way to your accommodation from there.

As an alternative to the bus, The blue Alilaguna line offers another convenient method from the airport to several Venice locations.

Stopping at several stops within the main lagoon – such as Fondamente Nove in Cannaregio and the area of San Marco – it is a cheap way to make it to your accommodation for 15€ per trip. If your budget allows it, there are also shared water taxis that will take you directly to your hotel.

If you are staying in Mestre, bus journeys can be purchased for as little as 1,50€ per journey. A ticket on the train can be pre-booked for around the same price but usually costs around 8€ – 10€.

Finally, if you’re planning on arriving to Venice by train from a nearby city such as Milan or Florence , it’s best to book tickets in advance to get the best fares – you can click here to browse train routes and availability.

Venice Canals

Food Prices

Food prices in Venice can differ significantly in the city. Breakfast in the area of San Marco might cost you double the amount than it would in Rialto.

It is definitely possible to eat ‘on the cheap’ and visit Venice on a budget. The best thing is to follow the locals. Venice is full of bustling cafes with locals queuing for their espressos. Often these places will offer great meal deals such as an omelette, a coffee and a glass of fresh juice for 7,50€.

A one-course meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost around 15€-20€ and drinks usually are around the 5€ mark upwards. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, be sure to find yourself a bacaro – a traditional bar that’s seen as a ‘pit stop’.

There are hundreds of these across the city, and often you will find one nestled up a side street even in the most expensive places.

In a bacaro you will find some great deals for a midday snack. The selection can differ, but expect a variety of cooked meats, smoked or fried fish, seafood, bruschetta, and salads. My partner and I both had a drink and a selection of six different foods for 10€-15€ each.

Something to definitely try are the Venetian ‘ cicchettis’. You can see these as Venetian tapas consisting of bits of bread with cooked meat or fish and they are served at many bars and bacari across the city.

Venetians eat these as a snack before dinner to accompany their drink. Normally one of these will cost around 3€ a piece, but sometimes places will offer you discounted prices if you are ordering two or more.

Just like lunch, prices paid for dinner can vary. Prices in a mid-range restaurant are similar to the ones mentioned above, but many restaurants will offer set deals such as pasta and a drink for 15€.

Typical Venice cicchetti

Activities Prices

When calculating the cost of activities in Venice, include the average cost for museum entry fees, walking tours, historic site entry, and any free sites as well.

The Doge’s Palace was the residence of the Doge or “Duke” of Venice, who ruled as the chief magistrate and leader of the Republic of Venice for centuries – it is here that you will get to see the famous ‘Bridge of Sighs’ which used to link the prison to the palace.

Tickets to visit the palace cost 25€ but also include Museo Correr (another one on the Venice ‘must do’ list), Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana – you can book priority admission tickets in advance here.

If museums are something you really enjoy, then you can actually go for a Museum Pass . For only 40€, it gives you entry to eleven museums, including the ones mentioned above.

Another one of the sites to see is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection – a museum showcasing art by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Alexander Calder.

Venice has such a selection of things to do, and the same goes for tours. There are food tours, wine tours, walking tours, museum tours – you name it. Most of these tours will be around the 25€ – 50€ mark. The Doge palace has a famous “Secret Itinerary” tour for 32€ which lets you see bits of the castle that are not open to regular visitors.

While tours are a great option to get a full scope of the city’s history, it is also possible to organise your own day trips from Venice, which can really lower your Venice trip cost. The islands are full of cultural heritage – Mazzorbo has a winery and Burano is known for its colourful houses and handmade lace.

These are only two of the many islands and be assured: each island surrounding Venice will have something special going for it. To get to the islands, you can use your ACTV day ticket, so the trip is already included at no extra cost!

Tours to islands are available for around 25€ – 45€, although these tours will often require you to also purchase an ACTV ticket separately. Click here to view island tour options in Venice.

However, Venice is a city where you could easily not spend any additional money on activities and just focus on nothing in particular.

It is a great city to just get lost in: Explore the Rialto Fishmarket, walk along with the many boroughs, have a coffee with a local and walk along the Grand Canal. Walk through the park that is nestled along the shores of Castello. The possibilities seem almost endless.

Of course, we also have to talk about the cost of a gondola tour. If you’re trying to save money while visiting Venice, then opting out of going on a gondola ride is gongg to be a good option as they can cost in excess of 100€ per person.

Gondolas parked near Doge's Palace

Entertainment Prices

There is a vast selection of different kinds of bars in Venice. On average you can expect to pay 5€-10€ for a beer, glass of house wine, prosecco or an Aperol Spritz.

The side streets often offer you ‘hidden gems’ where you can find lower prices and likely sit with several locals. Most bars do provide some snacks with your drink, such as a bowl of olives, nuts, or potato chips. 

Depending on the time of year, Venice often will have a festival on. Examples are the Venice Biennale of Art – a yearly art exhibition – or the Venice carnival running in February.

Both are ticketed, but tickets for the Biennale of Art are around 35€, and the carnival has several free and many paid events.

If you are a lover of theatre, be sure to visit the Teatro La Fenice – an opera house founded back in 1792. The prices are dependent on what show you go see but will be anything from 30€ – 200€.

Drinking in local bars in Venice will lower your trip cost

Is Venice Expensive? Average Venice Trip Cost

So, let us get to the verdict – how expensive is Venice? Below you can find an average of what you should be expecting to spend per person per day in Venice. This is a minimum and assuming that you’re splitting the costs between two people and plan to stay a bit outside of the city centre

Accommodation: 20-150€ / night

Transportation: 5-15€ / day

Food: 20-50€ / day

Activities: 20-70€ / day

Entertainment: 5-20€ / day

All in all, expect your Venice trip cost to be a minimum of 70€ to 305€ per person per day.

This also doesn’t include any pre-trip expenses such as flights or travel insurance. For travel insurance, SafetyWing  is an option if you’re travelling in Venice on a budget. They offer affordable and flexible travel medical insurance policies. 

These figures are for guidance. This is what I would recommend planning into your budget if you are trying to figure out the least amount you can spend in Venice. Prices can vary, and some days you might spend more, and others you might pay less, particularly if splurging on some activity or entertainment costs.

In the end, my partner and I ended up spending an average of 85€ per person per day because we stayed in an Airbnb apartment with some locals that gave us excellent advice on where to eat cheaply. We also did not have any transportation costs as within the city, we walked everywhere.

Rialto Bridge in Venice

Venice is a beautiful city and truly one of a kind. I am so happy that I got to travel to Venice and soak in its charms. Overall, prices might be higher than in other European cities but visiting Venice does not have to be extortionate. Hopefully, this overview has helped you answer any questions you had while calculating your trip to Venice cost.

Are you planning to visit Venice? Are you wondering about the prices? Let us know in the comments!

venice italy trip cost

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Florence or Venice: Which Italian City to Visit?

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About Daniella Lynn Theis

Daniella is a writer for The World Was Here First. Based in in Glasgow, Scotland, she has lived in several different countries and is always on the hunt for adventures, trying to find even the most hidden secrets for any destination. In her spare time, she loves photography and finding new eateries and things to do in or around Glasgow.

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Venice Travel Costs and Prices

  • General Information
  • Plan your trip

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)

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What is the best way to get there?

The main airport in Venice is Marco Polo International Airport (VCE), which offers service to/from many destinations across the globe on most major airlines. Treviso Airport (TSF) in nearby Treviso is another option for smaller carriers.

Venezia St. Lucia is Venice’s main station, offering domestic and international train service. Venezia Mestre station offers local and regional service.

Omio and Flixbus offer service to Venice from several European cities.

For more info on getting to Venice, visit here .

Do I need a visa?

Since Italy is one of the 26 Shengen Area countries, tourists from those countries do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days, but passports must be valid for at least six months after departure dates. The same goes for Americans.

When is the best time to visit?

Winter: Winter in Venice sees crowds thin, the mercury drop, and “acqua alta” (high water) potentially flood the canals — but it’s also a prime time to snag a deal. Average daily temperatures this time of year are highs of 43 Fahrenheit (6 Celsius) and lows of 32 Fahrenheit (0 Celsius). To experience the city at its most atmospheric, coincide your trip with November's Arte Biennale or March's Carnevale.

Public Transport

While walking is a wonderful way to get around Venice and its 118 islands, ACTV operates the city’s public transportation, Download its daAab app to buy tickets for vaporettos (waterbuses), buses and the airport shuttle here . For more info on ACTV, including schedules, routes, and fares, see here .

There are more than 150 vaporettos and larger vessels (battelli foranei) that travel to dozens of locations along the Grand Canal and islands.

People Mover

This monorail offers connections to PIazzale Roma transit hub, Marittima cruise ship terminal and Tronchetto parking island.

Two tram lines make 36 stops between mainland Venice and the city center

Buses can be found on mainland Venice as well as some of the smaller city islands.

Taxis/Water taxis

With many parts of Venice closed to traffic, taxi service is limited to Mestre and Lido. However, water taxis can be hired at several points in the city and can be expensive.

Uber and Lyft do not operate in Venice

Venice’s iconic gondolas are another way to get around, but they can be expensive, even before you tip your gondolier. Additionally, Gondolas 4 All offers service and wheelchair-accessible access for passengers with mobility issues.

For info on Gondolas 4 All, visit here .

While BicinCitta is the city’s bike-share, and there are several bike rentals companies, biking is prohibited in central Venice, but you can bike around its larger islands.

For more info on BicinCitta, visit here .

Are there local customs I should know?

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Your Venice Vacation

There's no better way to head off on a break than with one of our vacation packages to Venice. The romantic ambience and rich history are just a couple of the convincing reasons you'll want to visit this captivating city. If your trip to Venice includes a little sightseeing, drop by renowned attractions like Rialto Bridge , St. Marks Basilica and St. Marks Square . Check out Expedia's extensive range of travel options and begin planning your ultimate vacation to Venice now.

The Latest Venice Vacation Packages

Unaway Ecohotel Villa Costanza Venezia

Unaway Ecohotel Villa Costanza Venezia

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023

Antony Palace Hotel

Antony Palace Hotel

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2024

Crowne Plaza Venice East, an IHG Hotel

Crowne Plaza Venice East, an IHG Hotel

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2024

Best Western Titian Inn Hotel Venice Airport

Best Western Titian Inn Hotel Venice Airport

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2024

Elite Hotel & Spa

Elite Hotel & Spa

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2024

Where to stay in Venice

Dorsoduro featuring heritage architecture and a coastal town

Venice City Center

Discover an abundance of architectural monuments and great art by grandmasters in the heart of an Italian city built on water.

San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

In the heart of Venice, this densely built area boasts iconic attractions like St Mark's Square, Saint Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace. Find numerous hotels, banks, and high-end shops amid the bustling tourist scene.

Venetian Ghetto showing boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

Explore historic churches like Santa Maria di Nazareth and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, or admire stunning palazzos such as Ca' d'Oro and Ca' Vendramin Calergi. Enjoy morning markets, local shops, and quaint cafés in this residential, peaceful district.

Castello featuring heritage architecture and a river or creek

Castello is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Venetian Arsenal.

Dorsoduro showing a river or creek and a bridge

Boasting the highest land areas in Venice, this sestiere features the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the picturesque Zattere quay. Easily connect to San Marco via Ponte dell'Accademia.

Venice Essential Information

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Hotel Montecarlo

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in venice, st. mark's square.

Experience the timeless charm of Venice’s glorious heart, home to the city’s most famous cultural icons, many cafés ... and several thousand pigeons.

Port of Venice

Explore the waterfront of Port of Venice and enjoy other activities such as boating in Venice. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.

Rialto Bridge

Take a stroll across Venice’s oldest and most iconic bridge for romantic views, souvenir shopping and street entertainment.

What to do in Venice

Venice: four seasons concert ticket at vivaldi church, murano & burano tour, venice: murano and burano half-day lagoon trip, other vacations you might like.

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The city of canals, with its famed canals, graceful gondolas, ornate palaces and masterful glass artwork, venice will charm you with its old-world elegance and a unique experience like no other city..

No vacation to Italy is complete without a visit to Venice, especially for a romantic getaway. Famed Venetian canals glide under bridges, wind around unique buildings and guide you to centuries-old palazzos. Shop all the world's best designers, visit renowned churches and museums, and bask in the beauty of St. Mark's Square at dusk. Visit the islands of Murano and Burano and take in the artisanship of centuries-old glass blowing and lace making. There are delights at every turn in this historic city.

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Property offers the ultimate in elegance and sophistication, with highly personalized service and hospitality.

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Clichés come to be reborn in Venice, where all the picture books in the world won't prepare you for the sight of its gilded palaces rising from the sea. Explore the city's famous churches and museums but set aside time to get lost in The Canaled One. Deceptive, mysterious Venice has a soft spot for wanderers, and to them she will open her heart. There are many ways to explore the city, not the least of which is getting lost in its labyrinth of streets. (Don't be surprised to come to an intersection with signposts for your destination pointing in different directions—there's more than one way to get there.) Don't miss taking a gondola, the most enduring of numerous flat-bottomed craft that were developed to navigate the lagoon's shallow waters. These austerely beautiful and elegantly designed boats have evolved over centuries to meet Venice's unique needs.

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One thing Venice has in common with much of Italy: spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summers are hot and crowded. Winters are relatively mild and tourist-free, but there are frequent rainy spells, and at the beginning and end of the season there's the threat of acqua alta, when tides roll in and flood low-lying parts of the city, including Piazza San Marco.

What Mardi Gras is to New Orleans and Carnaval to Rio, Carnevale is to Venice. For the 12 days leading up to quaresima (Lent), the city is given over to feasting and celebration, with more than half a million people attending masquerade balls, historical processions, concerts, plays, street performances, fashion shows, and all other manner of revelry. If you plan to participate, book months in advance.

Top Experiences

Murano Island and Glass Blowing : Murano is renowned for its glass making. Centuries old techniques are still used so observing the artisans is quite unique. Visit the Glass Museum and pick up a one of kind souvenir for yourself.

St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges Palace : The church is on the eastern end of St. Mark’s Square and attached to the Doge’s Palace. The Doge’s Palace was the seat of the Venetian government, doges were the elected officials of Venetian government.

Traverse the Canals : Traveling the canals of Venice may be accomplished in a couple different ways. Rent a traditional gondola which is more expensive but romantic. An alternative is to take the public water bus which travels all the main areas for much less money but is quite scenic and goes to outer islands such as Murano and Burano frequently.

Gallerie dell-Academia : Housing pre-19th century art, the displays in the museum are mostly by Venetian painters and arranged chronologically with themed displays.

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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

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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.

venice italy trip cost

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.

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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

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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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Best Hotels & Where to Stay

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Comments (3).

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April 29, 2019

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November 16, 2019

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Italy's Floating City Is One of the Most Memorable Vacation Destinations on Earth — Here's How to Plan a Trip

Visit Venice for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Venice travel guide.

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Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Canals, gondolas, and the Rialto Bridge. You think you know what to expect from Venice, but it turns out that no photo, however digitally enhanced, can hold a candle to the real city. To get to know it, though, requires more than an afternoon. While the day-trippers are stampeding from the Rialto to St Mark's Square, you should be a block or two away, watching artisans craft items with Renaissance techniques, seeing shimmering reflections dancing on bridge arches, and gawking at marble-clad buildings each more fantastical than the next. The joy of Venice is getting lost, they say – although however far you amble, you're never more than a couple of churches away from a Titian or Tintoretto.

Don't stick to the city, though – that getting lost should also be done in the lagoon, taking the vaporetto (ferry) to the beach-filled Lido, island of glass Murano, and, further out, Torcello and Burano, where Venice began 1600 years ago. You could spend a lifetime here and never do Venice justice. But with just a few days, it can touch your soul.

Central European Standard Time

If you're wanting to escape the crowds, there's no better time than winter, when visitor numbers are at their lowest. But while there's a romance to it, Venice in winter with its biting cold, swirling fog, and frequent wind and rain certainly isn't the Venice of people's dreams. In summer, the city is crowded and hot – but it's also the perfect time to head to the beach on the Lido, or into the lagoon. Spring and fall tend to have the best of both worlds – go late March to mid April, Easter aside, and you should enjoy decent weather but not too many crowds. Christmas tends to be quiet but New Year is busy, and Carnival (roughly mid January to mid February) is packed.

Currency: Euro (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Italian

I don't speak Italian: Non parlo Italiano

I'm lost: Mi sono perso/a

I would like…: Vorrei…

How much is…: Quanto costa…:

How do you get to…: Per andare a…:

Learn more Italian phrases

Calling Code: +39

Capital City: Rome

Trains: Venice has two main train stations, Venezia Santa Lucia and Venezia Mestre, but only long distance trains stop at the former while local trains go to the later.

Buses: The vaporetto is the public transit system in the city and operates on 20 different lines all through town. The water buses run the length of the Grand Canal and cost €7.50 per ride, and are good for 75 minutes. Travelers can also get a Venezia Unica City Pass (€10) to use one both mainland buses and some water water buses. Buses from the mainland and local airports terminate at Piazzale Roma in Santa Croce.

Taxis: Water taxis can be found at the airport, train and bus station, and Piazza San Marco. Otherwise they must be booked in advance. Note that they're expensive, with a minimum charge of €60 ($72). Ground taxis (a car) can take you from the airport to Piazzale Roma for considerably less.

Car service: Hotels can arrange transfers, usually with water taxis.

Gondola: While more of a scenic mode of transportation rather than a pragmatic one, Gondola rides are synonymous with Venice and shouldn't be missed. Daytime rates are usually around €80 ($95) or €100 ($120) at night, excluding tip.

Hotel Flora

Address: S. Marco, 2283/A, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 520 5844 Website

Set at the bottom of a small alleyway on the designer drag off Piazza San Marco is this time capsule of a hotel, owned by the local Romanelli family. While the rooms are stuffed with antiques and the floors are typical Venetian terrazzo, it packs a luxury punch with Simmons mattresses, Rivolta Carmignani linens, and Ortigia amenities. Breakfast is served in the tiny courtyard out back, while the retro-style bar is the place to be after dark.

Giò & Giò Bed and Breakfast

Address: Calle delle Ostreghe, 2439, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 296 0491 Book Now

You'll feel like you're stepping into your swanky Venetian friend's home as you enter this boutique B&B near the Santa Maria del Giglio church that's just a quick stroll from St Mark's Square. Antiques sit alongside contemporary white-clad sofas, chandeliers hang from pebble-colored ceilings, and the three rooms continue that mix of old-meets-new.

Istituto Canossiano San Trovaso

Address: Fondamenta Eremite, 1323, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 240 9711 Website

Many of the city's monasteries and convents run B&Bs on the side, and staying in one is a unique way of seeing Venice. The Istituto Canossiano San Trovaso, run by nuns in arty Dorsoduro, is as close as they get to hotels: large, comfy rooms in a 17th-century building, at a fraction of the price of similar-standard hotels. You don't get breakfast, but there's a communal kitchen; and you don't need to be religious, but must be ok with a Madonna and Child over the bed.

Address: Calle Avogaria, 1629, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 296 0491 Book Now

You'll feel like a real Venetian in this five-room B&B at the quieter end of Dorsoduro. Rooms are sleek but fun, with out-there patterned walls, heavy drapes, and swanky mosaic-tiled bathrooms. Choose a junior suite and you'll get a private, walled garden.

Centurion Palace

Address: Dorsoduro, 173, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 34281 Book Now

Had enough of the heavy brocade and stucco found all around town? You'll want this ultra-modern grande dame of claret and brown walls, contemporary art, and blingy bathrooms papered with real gold leaf. Ask the friendly staff to set up breakfast or dinner on the terraces cantilevered over the Grand Canal.

Palazzo Stern

Address: Dorsoduro, 2792/A, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 277 0869 Book Now

Ride the number 1 vaporetto along the Grand Canal and you'll notice this pretty, locally-run hotel with its lovely little garden right beside the Ca' Rezzonico stop. Owned by an early 20th-century art collector, the 15th-century building is packed with antiques and ancient sculptures. Above the traditional rooms is a rooftop hot tub.

Ca' di Dio

Address: Riva Ca' di Dio, 2181, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 06 398 061 Book Now

New hotels in the city center are now banned by the Venice authorities, so this property, opening in summer 2021, is one of the last debuts. And it's a goodie: a grand palazzo with a rare modern interior and two private courtyards to escape the crowds. Even better? Its front-facing rooms (and roof terrace) have the same lagoon views as those around St Mark's but its location, a 10-minute walk up the famous Riva degli Schiavoni, by the Arsenale vaporetto stop, means it's beautifully peaceful.

Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 522 6480 Book Now

This, the former home of a 14th-century doge (plus two more modern annexes), is the Venetian grande dame par excellence. Sit back in the bar – the original doge 's atrium, with Corinthian columns and a grand coffered ceiling. Eat on the rooftop overlooking the lagoon at Terrazza Danieli. Or climb the breathtaking Escher-like staircase to the rooms – some designed by Jacques Garcia, others pointed right at the lagoon, and a special few with original painted ceilings.

Hotel Santa Chiara

Address: Santa Croce, 548, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 520 6955 Book Now

If you're not here for long, it's simpler to get the bus from the airport and leave your stuff at the terminus, instead of braving packed ferries and lugging your bags across countless bridges. This lovely, locally-owned hotel – part old convent, part ultra-modern block – has great, modern rooms, some of which overlook the Grand Canal. Pretty Santa Croce is on the doorstep, and San Polo and Dorsoduro are each a 10-minute walk.

Address: Calle Dandolo o Civran, 1958, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 863 3022 Website

Five rooms, three of them overlooking the Grand Canal, and a peaceful courtyard to kick back in – if those aren't reasons enough to book this lovely B&B, how about the decor? Instead of traditional Venetian grandeur, rooms sport the colors of the lagoon – eau de nils, greys, and barely blues. Breakfast is served in the living room, where canal reflections dance on the ceiling.

Address: Fondamenta di Santa Caterina, 3, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 527 2281 Book Now

You want to stay far from the crowds but you still want luxury? This modern Michelin-starred restaurant-with-rooms is the place for you. Sitting canalside on the quiet island of Mazzorbo, with a sprawling vineyard round the back, this gets you back to nature – and Burano's multi-colored houses sit just across the bridge at the end of the garden.

Address: P.za San Marco, 12130124 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 522 2105 Website

By day, Quadri is known for its outdoor tables and inhouse orchestra serenading guests as they sit in St Mark's Square. By night, though, this Venice institution – everyone from Lord Byron to Brad Pitt has stopped here – opens a Michelin-starred restaurant upstairs. Forget the food, straight from the Rialto market and the Philippe Starck-designed room, focus on the unparalleled view of that famous square from a secret angle. Reservations recommended.

Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Address: Via Giudecca, 88, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 730 120 Website

A stop at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero is worth the 40-minute vaporetto ride to Burano. This wonderful institution is known lagoon-wide for serving the freshest fish netted by the island's boats each morning. Trust maitre d' Massimiliano to point you in the direction of the day's best catch; and trust his parents, Ruggero and Lucia, to cook it to perfection. Reservations recommended.

Address: S. Croce, 1762, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 524 1570 Website

If you don't love seafood, Venice can be a struggle. Not at La Zucca ("The Pumpkin"), which has a delightful veggie-heavy menu, whatever your dietary preferences. Load up on the inventive sides – like prosecco-stewed onions, or zucca in saor, sweet-and-sour pumpkin marinated with currants, onions and pine nuts. Reservations recommended – book an outdoor table beside the canal.

Antica Sacrestia

Address: Calle de la Corona, 4463, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 523 0749 Website

Genial owner Pino is a multi-generational Venetian who brings the best of the lagoon to the table, despite the handy location in the touristy alleys behind St Mark's Square. Don't be afraid to venture away from pasta and pick gratin scallops and mussels – or whatever came in that day.

Address: C. Giazzo, 1580, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: No phone Website

A classic modern joint for cicchetti (Venetian bar snacks), the restaurant pairs great local wines with the best Italian ingredients, stuffing sandwiches and tiny bread rolls with everything from zucchini and cavolo nero frittata to grilled eggplant and capocollo. Popular with locals, it's a brilliant lunch stop.

Address: Fondamenta di Santa Caterina, 3, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 527 2281 Website

Mazzorbo, a lagoon island next to Burano, has long been known for its agriculture. Local prosecco magnates the Bisol family have taken things up a notch by replanting an ancient vineyard, adding a vegetable garden and opening a Michelin-starred restaurant and trattoria (same kitchen, lower prices). The menu is inventive lagoon food, and if you want to make a night out of it, there's a tiny hotel upstairs. Reservations recommended.

Address: Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2684, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: No phone Website

Venetian tramezzini – sandwiches stuffed to the gills – are legendary, and this tiny bar on Cannaregio's popular drinking strip, run by siblings Federica, Stefania, and Davide Michielan, is the best place to try them. Bag a canalside table and try the porchetta – herb-roasted beef, produced by a friend of the family.

Locanda Cipriani

Address: Piazza Santa Fosca, 29, 30142 Torcello VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 730 150 Website

This legendary restaurant-with-rooms on quiet Torcello island has captured the hearts of everyone from Nancy Mitford to Ernest Hemingway, who stayed a month. The food, sourced from around the lagoon, is Michelin-rated, but you're here for the out-of-this-world atmosphere. Book a table in the pergola-shaded garden, Torcello's two Byzantine churches soaring up behind the rose bushes. Reservations recommended.

Osteria Ae Botti

Address: Giudecca, 609, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 724 1086 Website

You'll get the best sunsets in Venice here on Giudecca island, where the sun ploughs into the lagoon like a giant gobstopper as shadows cast over the city, across the water. This lovely, laidback restaurant is the place to take it in, with tables stretched out along the waterfront as the Giudecca Canal slaps at guests' feet. It's divided into a pizzeria and a restaurant – pick whichever appeals, as you're here for the view. Reservations recommended.

Ristorante Riviera

Address: Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 1473, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 522 7621 Website

Bag an outdoor table at this Michelin-rated restaurant on the ever-sunny Zattere waterfront, overlooking the Giudecca Canal. The food is fervently local, but forward-looking – go all out with the 12-course "Big Market" tasting menu to get the best sense of what the region has to offer, from lagoon-grown mackerel to beef carpaccio and Asiago cheeses. Reservations recommended.

Frary's

Address: Fondamenta Frari, 2558, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 720 050 Website

Pick a canalside table at this lovely laidback restaurant for a super-quick canalside lunch, overlooking the Frari church. If you're sick of Italian food, this is your respite – the Mediterranean cuisine rounds up dishes from Greece to Iran. The fesenjoon – a Persian mix of chicken, walnuts, and pomegranate on rice – is outstanding.

Address: Campo Santa Marina, 5908, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 523 0017 Website: no website

No time for lunch? Pop into here, one of Venice's historic pasticcerie , or cake shops. As well as pastries, they do everything from sandwiches to local dishes, like radicchio lasagne – a restaurant-style experience served in minutes.

Osteria Da Moro

Address: Fondamenta Sant'Eufemia, 658, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 099 5884 Website: No website

Fill up on the cicchetti here and you won't need dinner. From fish-laced crostini to mini meatballs, you can construct your own feast as you take in the show-stopper Giudecca sunsets with a glass of wine on the outdoor tables. The prices are excellent, too.

Address: o dei Garzoti, Fondamenta Rio Marin, 890, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 716 636 Website

Pizza is relatively new to Venice, but you wouldn't know it from the perfectly crisp pies on offer at Ai Garzoti. Try an unorthodox topping like 'nduja and peppers, or if you'd prefer something lighter, they do inventive salads. There's a full restaurant menu, too.

Harry's Dolci

Address: Fondamenta S. Biagio, 773, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 522 4844 Website

You can't come to Venice and not drink a Bellini cocktail – that peach and prosecco mix that sweetens every trip here. But instead of heading to Harry's Bar, where it was invented, hop on the vaporetto to Giudecca, where you'll find sister restaurant Harry's Dolci. You'll get the same Bellinis and fish-filled Cipriani menu; only with spectacular waterside views from the outdoor tables.

Grand Canal

The vaporetto (waterbus) lines plying the zigzagging Grand Canal double as spectacular cruises. Hop on the number 1 at Piazzale Roma or the station, and wiggle your way down past marble-clad palaces, each more ornate than the other, before sailing under the Rialto Bridge, past St Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, and alighting at San Zaccaria.

Piazza San Marco

Most visitors to Venice come for one thing only: the breathtaking, waterside St Mark's Square. Have coffee in one of the chi-chi cafes outside (we recommend Quadri), visit the Basilica di San Marco, the church covered head-to-toe in glittering gold mosaics, and stroll along the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront, for those classic lagoon views.

Palazzo Ducale

Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 271 5911 Website

Overlooking the waterfront, this stunning palace – which was the seat of power for the ancient Venetian Republic — showcases an astonishing mix of artistic masterpieces and grand architecture, including the famous Bridge of Sighs. Take the Secret Itineraries Tour to get guided around the prisons and other rooms not otherwise open to the public – you're then free to continue the rest of your visit alone.

San Giorgio Maggiore

Address: Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore

Admire the Tintorettos in the vast church below, then take the elevator to the top of the belltower on this island monastery. From here, you'll have spectacular views of Venice – go at sunset to see the lagoon flush pink beneath you.

Querini Stampalia Museum

Address: Campo Santa Maria Formosa, 5252, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 271 1411 Website

Only time for one museum in Venice? Make it this one, a former noble's house, stuffed with works by the likes of Bellini, Tiepolo, and Pietro Longhi upstairs, and a ground-floor wing and garden designed by 20th-century architect Carlo Scarpa where the canal is encouraged in to lap against specially constructed channels.

Burano and Torcello

Get a vaporetto (ferry) to these two islands 40 minutes outside Venice. Fishing town Burano's multicolored houses make it an Instagram paradise (go early or late to discover the real town), while semi-deserted Torcello, where Venice began, is known for the Byzantine mosaics in the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.

Northern Lagoon of Venice

Phone: +39 333 904 3172 Website

Spend the afternoon with Andrea Rossi, one of Burano's best fishermen, who'll show you the hidden corners of the lagoon in his boat. You choose the itinerary, from fishing to floating through inches-deep channels, or birdwatching on Torcello.

Teatro La Fenice

Address: Campo S. Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 786 654 Website

Most visitors tour Venice's famous opera house, which burned to the ground in 1996 before being rebuilt. But for a more intimate experience, book a ticket for a show to hear the legendary acoustics and see the gold-drizzled stucco up close from your own box, instead.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Lara D'Agostino/Travel + Leisure

Address: San Polo, 3052, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 523 4864 Website

Tintoretto is one of Venice's 16th-century celebrity artists, and this is where you'll find his best works. The top floor of this building is covered entirely – yes, even the ceiling – in his paintings, making it an artwork in itself.

Buy a Chorus Pass

Venice's churches are living museums, with masterpieces usually in situ. Fifteen of the best make up the Chorus group – buy an open-access ticket (valid for 12 months) so you can pop in to see Tintoretto in San Polo, and Canova's tomb in the Frari church, as you walk around.

Arts & Crafts tour

Phone: +39 349 084 8303 Website

Venice's artisans have a proud history, with many crafts dating back to medieval times and earlier. These days, they're endangered – so take a tour with guide Luisella Romeo, who'll take you to meet glass-blowers, mask-makers and gold-beaters.

Walk the Giudecca

The 20-minute walk along the waterfront of Giudecca, the island squaring off against the city center, nets you some of the city's most iconic views, with St Mark's and the round Salute church always in the background. This is also one of the least touristy areas, so follow the locals into bars for a spritz along the way.

If it's sunny, blow off steam from all that culture with a trip to the Lido, the long sandbar off Venice city center. The deep-sanded beach is incredible, here – head west for the free section, away from the sunbeds.

Gondola ride

Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's worth it – Venice was built to be seen from the water. But don't rent one on the Grand Canal; instead, you want to be going along the small waterways where you can't get by public transport and the only sound is the slosh of water on the boat. Start from the train station for an off-the-beaten-track itinerary.

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop

Address: San Marco, 5541, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 314 2000 Website

Work your way through this department store in a 16th-century building by the Rialto Bridge, up to the rooftop. From up here you'll get astonishing views of the Rialto and the Grand Canal, snaking from top to bottom. Reserve ahead online.

Rialto Market

Address: Campiello de la Pescaria, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: No phone Website: No website

The waterfront market beside the Rialto Bridge has been going strong for centuries. Don't just take photos, though; buying is part of the fun, whether it's lagoon-netted fish or veg from Sant'Erasmo island.

Il Pavone Legatoria Artigianale

Address: Calle Perdon, 1469-1477, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 522 4296 Website

From pencils to notebooks, scarves and even earrings, Paolo Pelosin does them all in marbled paper. Ask to see his workshop out back, where he uses combs to create swirls and blobs with this ancient art.

Process Collettivo

Address: A, Fondamenta Frari, 2559, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 524 3125 Website

From the recycled bags, passport holders and washbags to essential oil-infused soaps and amenities, everything on sale here has been made by inmates in Venice's jails. The shop is a collaboration with artist Mark Bradford and two local non-profits, which staff are always delighted to tell you about.

Stefano Morasso

Address: Campo San Cosmo Giudecca 621/A, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 564 7224 Website

Why brave the crowds and souvenir shops on Murano when you can buy hand-blown glass by a Murano maestro on Giudecca – for a better price? Stefano makes incredibly modern, delicate glasses, beakers and vases, while wife Nicoletta turns his offcuts into stunning glass jewelry.

Address: 3253/A, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 523 7655 Website

Byzantine and Venetian motifs take center stage at Paolo's store. The octogenarian bookbinder makes notepads, albums, folders and bookmarks with his hand-printed designs, while he's also branched out into leather- and fabric-clad objects.

Marina de Grandis

Address: Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina, 6376, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 521 0019 Website

Ignore those cheap "Made in Italy" leather shops for hand-sewn pieces by leather worker and bookbinder Marina. Choose from her rainbow-colored handbag collection, or try a leather-clad notebook with cult Fabriano paper.

Ca' Macana

Address: Dorsoduro, 3215, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 277 6142 Website

You'll need a mask to remind you of Venice, of course; but make sure it's a handmade one. Carlos Brassesco handcrafts papier maché masks – both traditional Venetian designs and modern style – and runs mask-making workshops if you want a go yourself.

Legatoria Barbieri

Address: Via Giudecca, 283, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 528 8493 Website

Venice has for centuries been famous for its textiles. Here, Adriano Barbieri uses pricey fabrics by the likes of Fortuny and Rubelli to create exquisite notebooks, picture frames, and more.

Codex Venezia

Address: Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2778, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 348 546 0257 Website

Artist and graphic designer Nelson Kishi makes gorgeous, one-of-a-kind line drawings of Venice in his studio, which he shares with his painter wife. Usually in monochrome pen with a single flash of color, they somehow cut to the heart of the real Venice. He makes prints of all his work, if the originals are beyond your budget.

Banco Lotto n10

Address: Salizada S. Antonin, 3478/A, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 522 1439 Website

Pure woollen coats, silk jackets, and summer dresses, all with a vintage feel – they're all handmade by inmates of the women's jail on Giudecca. This non-profit teaches prisoners skills to equip them for life on the outside – and their clothes, often in expensive fabrics by Venetian companies like Rubelli and Fortuny, are divine.

Dila Venezia

Address: San Polo, Campiello dei Meloni, 1477, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Don't mistake this for a typical souvenir shop. Artist Laura Bollato and her nephew Sebastiano make beautiful prints of Venetian cats, and turn them into bags, t-shirts, calendars and even pencil cases.

Collection Muranero

Address: Salizada del Pignater, 3545, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 338 450 3099 Website

Moulaye Niang fuses the glass-blowing techniques he studied on Murano with motifs from his Senegalese roots to create unique handmade works, from beads and jewelry to glass sculptures. Got something in mind? He takes commissions.

Teresa Ballarin Antichità

Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2400, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 347 822 3536

Channel Peggy Guggenheim with the in-your face costume jewelry at this antique store's all-jewelry annexe. Outré Bakelite patterns abound – choose from vintage (going back to the early 1900s) or new takes on retro patterns.

Acqua Marea

Address: Calle S. Pantalon, 3750, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 351 922 1895 Website

Caught out by acqua alta flooding? You'll need super-chic gumboots, curated by Martina Ranaldo, who gave up life as an academic to kit out Venetians. She also has eco-friendly shoes.

Libreria Toletta

Address: Dorsoduro, 1214, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy Phone: +39 041 523 2034 Website

Looking for a book to remind you of your trip? You'll find it here at the city's best-loved bookstore since 1933. It has a huge English-language section of guides, Venice-set novels and cicchetti cookbooks.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

San Marco : Once the political heart of Venice, San Marco is now the most visited of Venice's six sestieri , or districts. Piazza San Marco, or St Mark's Square, is the center; radiating out around it is a rabbit warren of narrow calli (streets), taking you to the Rialto Bridge. There are gems here, but this is definitely the tourist trail.

San Polo : On the other side of the Rialto from San Marco, this is Venice at its most medieval, with squeezebelly alleyways, sottoporteghi (cut-out passageways underneath first-floor houses) and timber-framed palazzos. Although heavily trodden, there are still artisans around, and it has a young feel, thanks to its proximity to university Ca' Foscari.

Dorsoduro : Traditionally the artists' area, Dorsoduro — the "hard back" of Venice, forming the lower border of the city center — is less boho than it was, but you'll still find high-end galleries and bijou shops around the Guggenheim Museum. It's a popular area with students around the vast, bar-lined square, Campo Santa Margherita, and the always-sunny Zattere waterfront is where locals love to stroll.

Castello : The biggest sestiere is also the hardest to pin down. Alleyways behind San Marco stuffed with restaurants and bars unfold into big, café-lined squares where local kids play football. Some of the loveliest churches are in Castello – like the marble-clad Santa Maria dei Miracoli – but this is a place for walking, along the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront and around the Arsenale, where the Republic of Venice could knock out a warship in mere days.

Santa Croce : For the vast majority of visitors, Santa Croce is their first sight. But step away from the Piazzale Roma bus stops or the cruise terminal and one of the city's most laid back areas is on the doorstep. This is one of the most residential areas still, and the quiet canals are worth a wander. This top end of the Grand Canal is less prestigious, but, because of that, more real.

Cannaregio : What was once an industrial area is now perhaps the loveliest sestiere, with wider canals, bigger pavements to lay seating on, and magnificent palazzos. Cannaregio has long been known for its artisans; today, the Fondamenta della Misericordia is the locals' favorite bar strip, while the Fondamente Nove waterfront, on the north of the lagoon, offers spectacular views of the Dolomites, as well as ferry boats to the islands. Giudecca and the islands: Life goes on as it always has on the islands, which give a different glimpse of lagoon life. Giudecca, the croissant–shaped island opposite Dorsoduro, has some of the best views in the city, while the Lido is one great, miles-long beach. In the north, past the cemetery island of San Michele, is Murano, known worldwide for its master glassblowers. Half an hour beyond it, into the north lagoon is the fishing island Burano, known for its multicolored houses, and Torcello, where two ancient basilicas mark where Venice began.

Spring is the classic time to visit Venice, before the summer crowds (and heat) hit. Temperatures can hit 55°F in March and 70°F in May, but when the sun is out, it feels much hotter. Summer can be sweltering – although average temperatures are in the low-to-mid 80s, the humidity, which pushes 80 percent, makes everything much stickier. Fall tends to remain warm – average temperatures are 74°F for September and 64°F in October, again feeling warmer when the sun is out. Winter temperatures rarely hit freezing, though the high humidity, fog, and strong winds can make the city feel colder than other snowier cities.

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Venice Travel Guide

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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

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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.

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 21.02.2024

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Venice on a budget

Julia Buckley

Jun 9, 2023 • 14 min read

Lovely couple in Venice honeymoon, Italy in summer.

Venice can be cheap (if you know where to go) © LeoPatrizi / Getty Images

Is Venice overpriced? In some ways, sure, but not in others. The bad news is that hotels and restaurants tend to charge premium rates in this small city, where there’s no room to build anything new, and public transport tickets are eye-watering.

But then there’s the good: the main sights are free, cheap bar snacks are nutritious, and the city center is walkable, meaning you only need to set foot on a vaporetto (waterbus) if you’re heading into the lagoon.

So put aside what you may have heard – you absolutely can visit Venice on a budget – and you don’t have to do it in an unsustainable way, either. Instead of being a ‘hit and run’ daytripper, you can take your time in this magical city without breaking the bank. Our local tips will help you find the cheapest way to travel to Venice on a budget.

Work out which airport is really the cheapest to fly to

Venice’s airport, Marco Polo, sits north across the lagoon, about 13km by road or a straight shoot across the water. Then there’s Treviso Airport, a budget airline hub about 37km, or a 40-minute drive, north. But those aren’t your only choices, thanks to the excellent (and cheap) railway system in this part of Italy. Verona (also a low-cost airline base), Trieste and even Bologna are viable options, too, if you’re happy to get a train or bus for a couple of hours.

A gondola enters a canal during snowfall in Venice, Italy

Visit in the depths of winter

Unfortunately, there’s no real off-season in Venice these days, but the second half of December through to Christmas, and then New Year through to the start of Carnevale (Venice Carnival, whose dates vary every year, but is usually late January or early February), generally see the fewest tourists. The downside is that some restaurants are closed in January. Whatever time of year you go, aim for midweek – weekends in particular see vast numbers of daytrippers.

Calculate the best way into town – for you

If you’re flying into Marco Polo many people will tell you it’s cheaper to get the coach into town (€10) than the Alilaguna ferry (€15). That might be the case – but it all depends on where you’re staying.

The coach drops you at Piazzale Roma, the vehicle terminus on the very outskirts of the city; from there you’ll likely have to get a vaporetto to your hotel, which costs €9.50 for a single (other options are available – see below).

However, the Alilaguna ferries offer a range of routes and stops, which will probably get you within walking distance of your hotel. Check the map before you decide on the route.

Mother is carrying her son as they enjoy a tourist visit to Venice. They are standing on a bridge overlooking the Grand Canal, with gondolas and boats passing by. The magnificent architecture and stunning waterways of Venice are on full display, providing a picturesque backdrop for their memorable trip

Where you stay depends on what you do

In a similar vein, beware of false economies when choosing where to stay in Venice on a budget. Yes, it’s often cheaper further out from the city center, but if it means getting the vaporetto into town, that can make the price rocket.

Staying on Giudecca or Murano , for example, means paying €9.50 every time you want to get off the island – and even the further afield parts of the sestieri (six districts) may mean you prefer to get a vaporetto into town rather than walk it.

Work out the whole cost before you book what looks cheapest at first. In a similar vein, accommodation on the mainland is usually cheaper – but you have to pay to come in, first on a tram, bus or train, and then on the vaporetto . Plus, if you’re concerned about making your visit sustainable, pick somewhere where your money will stay in the fragile city, not swill around on the mainland.

See if you can do without an Airbnb

Many people have an image of Venice in their head as super-expensive and automatically assume that booking an Airbnb will help keep costs down. Not necessarily. Airbnb prices are high here, and groceries are artificially expensive since supermarkets have to pay to have them transported to the mainland, then loaded onto a boat, which means self-catering isn’t a bargain.

Venice restaurants are expensive but there’s an easy way to eat cheaply (see below). Once you add it all up, a basic hotel can be better value. It’s more ethical to stay in a hotel, too – the explosion of Airbnbs and vacation rentals have decimated the housing market, meaning many Venetians have had to leave the city.

Don’t be part of the problem if you can help it. Hostels and monasteries are another option – several of Venice’s many monasteries and convents rent rooms, although there’s usually a curfew.

A close up of peppers on some bread, one of the traditional 'cicchetti' snacks in Venice.

Make the most of the bar food

Venice is famous for its cicchetti – bar snacks that bear more than a passing resemblance to Spanish tapas. Like tapas, they’re varied enough to make a meal in themselves, and you can order a platter of cicchetti for two for the price of a starter in a formal restaurant. Most bars these days serve cicchetti as innovative toppings on thin slices of baguette.

While that’s fine for lunch, if you want something more substantial for dinner try somewhere that offers a more varied selection, such as Ca’ d’oro alla Vedova , known for its sublime meatballs, or Osteria Al Portego , which has a great selection of seafood cicchetti .

Another lunch tip if you’re wanting food on a budget: tramezzini . These overfilled sandwiches are delicious and perfect for lunch on the run. Ttry local variations such as tuna with cipolline (mini pickled onions).

Walk everywhere

Because it is a complicated city, it’s easy to ‘read’ Venice through its vaporetto maps: your hotel is two blocks from this stop, the restaurant is a five-minute walk from that one, to get from the railway station to Zattere you’ll need to take the boat all the way around the city.

Actually, though, Venice is a small place and it’s easy to walk everywhere, apart from the islands. Walking saves you the expensive vaporetto fares and the stress of getting on uncomfortably busy boats.

Don’t be put off by people talking about getting lost in Venice – while that’s easy to do (and a lovely experience), the main routes around the sestieri are pretty easy to follow and there’s always another church, bar, or artisan shop to stop in.

Vaporetto passing along the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy as seen from Rialto bridge, at sunrise.

Work out how much you’ll use the vaporetto

If you’ve followed the advice above, you might not need to use the vaporetto unless you’re going out to the islands. But if you’ll be using it several times or more during your trip it could be worth buying a timed pass, which gets cheaper the longer you stay.

A 24-hour pass costs €25, 48 hours costs €35, 72 hours is €45 and a week is a relative bargain at €65 (prices drop in 2023 if you book more than 30 days in advance – see below).

Going to be staying longer or making regular visits? Consider a Venezia Unica pass. Available at the Piazzale Roma and Rialto ticket booths, it’s valid for five years and costs €100 upfront, but then you only pay €1.50 per journey (instead of €9.50) or €14 for a carnet of 10, which doesn’t expire.

Book on-the-ground transport in advance

For 2023, Venice is trialing a system where visitors who book city transport more than 30 days in advance get discounts of up to 21%. Book on the Venezia Unica website for dates before 31 December 2023 and you can buy passes for advance travel.

Single vaporetto tickets go down from €9.50 to €7.50, and one-, two-, three- and seven-day passes to €21, €30, €40 and €60 respectively. You can add an airport coach transfer, but the saving is only €0.50. The deal also applies to museum entry – for instance, a pass to the San Marco museums (see below) costs €25 instead of €30. You must book for a specific date, at least 30 days ahead, however. It’s not clear whether the discount scheme will be extended beyond 2023.

tourist man with backpack standing in front of saint marco basilica Venice, Italy. summer travel concept

You might not need a city pass

Don’t assume the Venezia Unica (Venice city pass) is a great deal. Unlike those in many other cities, the Venezia Unica pass does not include free transport – and a card costs €52.90. That gets you into the Civic Museums and the Chorus churches (below), but if you’re only really planning to see the Doge’s Palace it’s better value to book a single ticket and buy the Chorus pass separately.

A reduced version of the Venezia Unica card costs €38.90 and only includes the San Marco museums – the Museo Correr , and its conjoined archaeological museum and Marciana Library, as well as the Palazzo Ducale . Unless you want to see it all, it’s not the deal you might assume.

Go to church

Yes, many churches in Venice are free, but many are worth paying for, even when you’re on a budget. The Chorus collection of 18 churches offers some of the city’s finest art and architecture. Again, ditch the false economies – instead of paying €3 per entry, stump up for the pass to all the churches – it costs €12 and lasts a year.

Don’t miss Santa Maria dei Miracoli , a tiny, jewel-like church clad from inside to out in precious marble, or San Sebastiano , which was frescoed and painted all over by Veronese and is known as his ‘Sistine Chapel’.

Eat standing up

If you know Italy you’ll already be aware of this rule: wherever possible, eat and drink standing up at the bar instead of sitting at a table. Bar prices are fixed and are fairly cheap, even in Venice. Take a seat, however, and you’ll be charged more – and probably subjected to mandatory table service for those extra euros.

Stay upright and even notoriously expensive places like Gran Caffè Quadri , in Piazza San Marco, become affordable.

Young woman enjoying summer cocktail on the background of famous Rialto bridge in Venice. Concept of happy vacation and leisure time in Italy. Standing back with italian alcohol drink Aperol spritz

Drink a shadow of a spritz

Sure, everyone thinks they have to drink a spritz in Venice – not least actress Florence Pugh, who made an instantly iconic entrance to the 2022 Venice Film Festival clutching a goblet of lurid orange Aperol. But spritzes – usually prosecco, some kind of bitter liqueur like Aperol or Campari, and soda – can be pricey, especially if you’re speaking English at the bar and liable to be charged tourist prices (yes, you will be charged tourist prices).

Instead, ask for an ombra – literally a “shadow” of wine. It’s essentially a small serving of house wine, named after the booze stalls that used to set up in the shadow of Piazza San Marco’s bell tower, and it can cost as little as €1. By the way, if you insist on a spritz, the Venetian aperitif of choice is Select, not Aperol.

Swap the gondola for a traghetto

Yes, you want to ride a gondola. Yes, you want to see Venice from the water. No, steaming down the Grand Canal on a vaporetto isn’t quite the same. But before you shell out €80 for a half-hour daytime gondola ride (rising to €90 from November 2023), notice those low-slung black boats being rowed across the Grand Canal and full of people.

They’re traghetti – kind of like communal gondolas – which cross the canal at six points along its length. The great thing about a traghetto ride? You’re getting the same on-the-water experience as a gondola, but it only costs €2. T

The catch? You share it with as many people as can be squeezed onboard. And, of course, it’s much shorter, taking a couple of minutes to cross the canal. But we’ll take that over an awkward-yet-insanely-pricey serenade.

Hit the beach

The Italian coastline is notorious for private beach clubs that charge for access, blocking off much of the natural heritage unless you’re willing to pay. OK, Venice is no different, but there is a nice stretch of public (meaning free) beach at the western end of Lido island.

Yes, a beach in Venice – in fact the Lido is one long beach, kilometer after kilometer of perfect sugary sand. If you need a rest from the sightseeing, don’t sit at a bar and shell out for a spritz – just take the vaporetto across to the Lido and lie down.

Avoid the icons

There are some things everyone says you must do in Venice. Drink a Bellini cocktail at Harry’s Bar . Sit down at Caffè Florian for a drink in Piazza San Marco. Have a lazy lunch at Locanda Cipriani on Torcello . If you’re on a budget, do not do these things .

These places are iconic for a reason, of course – but they’re also full of tourists and prices are sky-high. Instead, follow the sound of the Venetian dialect to nearby places that are just as memorable but at a fraction of the cost.

In Piazza San Marco, try Aurora, which is not as posh but much cheaper, or stand at the bar at Quadri , run by the Michelin-starred Alajmo brothers. On Torcello, swap Locanda Cipriani (expensive and also snobby if our recent experience is anything to go by) for the Taverna Tipica Veneziana , an outdoor buffet where you order at the counter and eat in the garden. And instead of going to Harry’s slide over to Giudecca , where, right by Harry’s Dolci (sister restaurant to the original Harry’s Bar) are some other bars by the vaporetto stop at Palanca. Sit outside – the views are the same but your bill will be in single figures.

Kids browsing souvenirs at an outdoor stall in Venice

Take responsibility

You already know that fragile Venice is being destroyed by overtourism. Sometimes, it feels like being on a budget means you can’t help but be part of the problem – you think you can’t afford to eat in a nice restaurant, buy a sumptuous handmade mask, or stay at a locally-owned hotel.

But that’s not true! OK, the fancy restaurant and hotel may be beyond your budget this time, but start small – with souvenirs. Don’t touch the crappy plastic magnets and masks you see on thousands of stalls around town; go for something handmade and memorable.

Most Venice artisans make entry-level stuff as well as top-drawer items, and a little hand-stitched notebook, marbled pencil or hand-blown glass bead for €3 makes far better memories of your trip than a factory-made snow globe. If you see a workshop you like, feel free to ask about their cheaper items – artisans are always thrilled to meet people who value their work and history. And it’s easier on the planet than shipping in that plastic stuff from abroad, too.

Enjoy the freebies

Don’t forget that while restaurants and hotels in Venice may be expensive, the main sights you’re going for are free. The Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco are of course free, as is the glorious Salute church on the Grand Canal. The Basilica di San Marco is now charging €6 for entry but that’s a paltry amount to see a gold-filled church, and you shouldn’t skip it. Book online in advance to save the long queue.

Don’t break the rules

One easy way to save money in Venice: don’t treat the city like your personal playground. Most visitors are by now aware that there are strict rules in place: no picnicking, no sitting on bridges or in Piazza San Marco, and certainly no swimming in the canals. And yet many people decide the rules don’t apply to them.

The problem is, Venice is an extremely fragile city, and if all 100,000 visitors that day decided to sit on that bridge, or lay out a picnic in that square, it’d be a major issue. This is why people do get fined – even for what seem like minor infractions, and sometimes after the fact, thanks to a top-notch CCTV system that means police can track down tourists after they’ve left. Fines can run into thousands of euros – and if you’ve got that kind of money to blow you should be using it to go all out at the Gritti Palace in the first place.

Daily costs in Venice

  • Hostel room: US$50-125 (dorm bed)
  • Basic room for two: US$100-250
  • Self-catering apartment: from US$180
  • Public transport ticket: US$10.50 one way
  • Coffee: from US$1.50 (standing at the bar)
  • Sandwich: from US$2.20
  • Dinner for two: US$50-200
  • Glass of wine: US$1.50-6
  • Average daily cost: US$150 per person

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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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The Perfect Five Day Venice Itinerary

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: May 23, 2023

Home >> Europe >> Italy Travel Guide >> The Perfect Five Day Venice Itinerary

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Venice, the short answer is as long as you like. Venice is elegant and enchanting; with every turn of the corner, something new will amaze.

Whether your stay is short or long one, you will discover much but still be left wanting more. While Venice will more than captivate your attention, there is much to see and do in Venice beyond the canals of Italy’s most romantic city.

And, this Venice trip cost guide will also show you, Venice doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think. 

If I were not King of France, I would choose to be a citizen of Venice. – Henry III

Table of Contents

Want to Plan the Perfect Venice Itinerary?

We have put together a five-day Venice itinerary, including day trips from Venice to give you the best of Venice and beyond.

Want to Know the Best Time to Travel to Europe? We’ve got you covered with the Best Time to Visit Europe whether it’s the beach you crave, perfect hiking weather or exploring Europe’s cities.

Arriving in Venice

If you are flying into Venice, for first-timers, taking a water taxi or ferry (Vaporetto) from the airport offers the most beautiful first glimpse of Venice, an experience you will never forget.

A one-way ferry from the airport will cost approx €15 pp.

By Water Taxi:

A shared water taxi,  at approx €32 pp.

By Private Water Taxi:

A private water taxi in Venice is an indulgence we can highly recommend to anyone with the budget. There’s nothing quite so special or chic as being transferred from the airport to your hotel in a private Venetian water taxi.

A  private airport transfer  at around €190 for a group of up to six.

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Before You Go – Venice Travel Essentials

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Comfortable Walking Shoes

See Our Complete Guide to the Best Anti-Theft Travel Gear and Safe Travel Tips

A luxury speed boat travelling down thehe Venice Grand Canal

Check the Latest Hotel Deals for Venice

Five day Venice Itinerary - The Grand Canal

Day 1 Tick the Lists See the Venice Highlights

“Getting Lost in Venice” is a phrase you will often hear about this labyrinth of a city. Getting lost is the best advice you can get.

Even armed with a map or your phone’s trusty sat nav you will still lose yourself in the maze of canals and countless bridges. Don’t fight it, embrace it!

Early Morning in the cobble stone streets of Venice.

Get up Early to See the Best of Venice

Our advice- wake up very early and hit the streets by 7 am. Early morning is a rare and fleeting time in Venice when you will nearly have the city all to yourself. Before the maddening crowds of tourists converge on the city blocking the streets and obscuring the best views.

Early morning is also a very good time to get your bearings in Venice- if that is at all possible.

5 Days in Venice - A view of St Marks Square

Piazza San Marco

Make a beeline to Piazza San Marco and stroll the square unencumbered by throngs of tourists. You may well happen on the occasional bride and groom also making the most of the rare quiet for some opportune wedding snaps.

Piazza San Marco in Venice in the early morning.

Basilica di San Marco – Saint Mark’s Basilica

Be the first to enter the Basilica di San Marco. A visit to the basilica will only last around 15 minutes, and queues will start forming early so don’t waste your day waiting for tickets.

St Mark Basilica Opening Hours:

It is best to check the official Basilico di San Marco site for opening and closing times as these will vary according to day and season.

5 Days in Venice - Basilica di San Marco

Take a Free Venice Walking Tour

There are a number of free city walking tours in Venice. Most do not cover the main attractions such as St Mark’s Square instead offer fantastic insight into the less tourist-dense areas of the city.

Tours usually run twice a day, and there’s no limit to the different free walking tours you can do. Just Google “Free Walking Tours Venice”. We have done a number of these tours in Venice and thoroughly enjoyed them. They are also an excellent way to get your bearings in the city and a few insiders local tips.

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Take an After Hours Tour of St Mark’s Basilica

If you prefer to be exclusive, the  Saint Mark’s and Doge’s Palace VIP After Hours Tour in the evenings are a highlight but numbers are limited, so bookings are essential.

Expect a much higher ticket price, but for access to areas normally closed to the public and an hour-and-a-half private tour, the ticket price is very much worth it.

St. Mark's Square in Venice

Related: Discover the Beauty of The Italian Ligurian Coast.

Doges Palace

Stroll over to Doges Palace. One of Venice’s most prominent landmarks, this now museum offers an incredible insight into the history of Venice. Cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palaces dark prison cells for a different view of the Grand Canal.

Doge's Palace in Venice

Tip for Visiting Doges Palace

Your entry to Doges Palace gives you free entry to three other museums in Venice. While you have three months to use these tickets, why not spend the afternoon exploring Venice one museum at a time.

Skip the line at Doges Palace with a Private Guided Tour

Views of the Venice canals From the Bridge of Sighs.

Take a Venetian Gondola Ride

Spoil yourself to a traditional Venetian gondola ride if it’s within your budget. After all, a gondola ride in Venice is one of those quintessential travel experiences.

Cost of a Gondola Ride:

Expect to pay in the vicinity of €80 per half hour during the day and €100 per half hour at night.

Sunset from Accademia Bridge

While the cost of a gondola ride in Venice may not be in everyone’s budget, watching the sunset from Accademia Bridge is free. For one of the best views in Venice , head to Accademia Bridge at sunset before setting off for an aperitivo.

Watching the gondola’s cruise down the Grand Canal at sunset while enjoying one of the most beautiful city views in the world is definitely within everyone’s Venice budget.

A gondola driver Preparing the gondolas early in the morning.

Day 2 Murano and Burano Islands

A trip to Venice is not complete without visiting the Islands of Venice. In particular, the famous glass and lace-making islands of Murano and Burano, two of the most charming islands in Venice and Italy .

Murano Island

Jump on a ferry to the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon. Famed for the high-quality glass produced there since 1291, when glassmakers were ordered to move their foundries from Venice to Murano.

The Venetian Republic feared fire could break out and destroy the mostly wooden buildings in the city. From the 14th century on, Murano’s glassmakers were held in such high regard they enjoyed an elevated social standing and many statutory privileges.

See a Murano Glass Blowing Demonstration

For centuries Murano’s glassmakers have handed down their craft from generation to generation, developing and perfecting many technologies ensuring a monopoly in the high-quality glass market.

Book yourself in for a 30 min glass blowing demonstration,  something not to be missed when visiting Murano Island. The glass factories also have showrooms offering good deals on original Murano Glass if you happen to be in the market.

Getting to Murano Island

  • Take the line 12 Vaporetto (public ferry) from Fondamente Nove.
  • The ride will take approx 15 minutes and will cost around €7.
  • You can also do a half day Venetian Islands tour for approx €20.

 Murano Island Glass Blowing demonstration in Venice

Burano Island

In the afternoon visit the prettiest island in Venice and possibly Italy – Burano.

Shop for Burano Lace

As Murano is famous for its glass, Burano is famous for its lace. In the 16th century, the women of Burano were known for the delicate, detailed lace they produced. Intricate pieces created by not one, but as many as seven women.

Each woman specialised in a single stitch, so each piece, no matter how small was passed from one woman to the next taking as long as a month to complete.

Due to the time and cost of the finished piece, today’s Burano lace is made by machine but by no means any less beautiful.

The colourful houses on Burano Island

Enjoy the Brightly Coloured Houses of Burano Island

Burano is also famous for its brightly coloured houses. Families used to paint their home different colours to designate where one family’s quarters finished, and the next started.

Legend has it such bright colours were used so during the thick fogs, the fishermen could establish which was their home. The tradition and legend have stuck leaving us one of the most photographed towns in Venice.

The brightly painted houses of Burano Island in Venice.

While Burano can be inundated with tourists, there is still a lovely local atmosphere. It is also touted as one of the best places in Venice to dine out.

Small local restaurants serve up exceptional food, especially locally caught seafood at very reasonable prices. A perfect place for a lazy lunch.

Getting to Burano Island

The line 12 Vaporetto will continue from Murano Island to Burano Island and return to Venice.

Day 3 Day Trip From Venice to Ferrara

Ferrara city on the banks of the River Po is a perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance city largely overlooked by the average tourist.

People walking in the ancient streets of Ferrara Italy.

At only 112kms south of Venice and only 50 km’s north of Bologna, it is a wonder the bike-friendly, car-free streets, within this beautiful walled city are not awash with tourists.

Ferrara is truly one of Italy’s little treasures. Medieval quarters, superbly intact, weave a path through the Jewish ghetto opening onto spacious streets revealing palaces and castles and impeccably preserved cathedrals.

5 days in Venice - Ferrara

Overtly rich in history, Ferrara also has a lovely laid back exuberance that may have you wanting to stay a weekend or more. Perhaps this is to do with the lack of traffic; a city that has twice as many bicycles than inhabitants.

Or, is it the contrast to Venice in the absence of tourists. Regardless, a day trip to Ferrara will be as rewarding as it is refreshing. A brief reprieve from the bustling hordes of Venice.

Getting to Ferrara

  • Ferrara sits on the main train line that connects Bologna and Venice, 112kms from Venice.
  • Travel times will vary between 50 minutes to 1 hr 20 min depending on direct services.
  • There are more than 40 services per day. Ticket prices may range from €15 – €21 per trip.

Tip: Discounts of up to 50% on train fares are available if booked in advance. See train timetables and available discounts here

Day 4 A Day Trip From Venice to Verona

“In fair Verona, where we lay our scene”. – William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s take on a collection of poems and stories written in the late 1500s about feuding families and star-crossed lovers made Verona a household name. Stories based loosely on real events and real families of Verona.

There is so much more to do in Verona than just the tourist pilgrimage to Juliet’s balcony. The city has a romantic outlook independent of the fictional tragedy – so much so that we voted it one of the most romantic places for couples to visit in Italy .

Verona-Juliet's Balcony

Visit Juliet’s Balcony

Of course, you could not visit Verona and miss the opportunity to stand under the balcony where Juliet is said to have stood in the courtyard where the real Capello family once lived.  With, of course, a few hundred others. But once you have had your fill of romance, Verona offers so much actual history to see and enjoy.

Visit the Roman Arena

The city boasts a wealth of Roman ruins, mainly the magnificent Verona Roman Arena which dominates the main square, Piazza Bra.

Once an arena for Roman gladiator battles, executions and plays, the 2000-year-old arena now hosts Verona’s famous summer opera season attracting opera’s biggest names.

Verona Pizza Bra and The Arena

Discover Verona’s Distinguished Past

Strolling the medieval streets, you will be rewarded with upmarket boutique shopping and charming traditional trattorias scattered amongst Roman columns and fossils embedded in the marble streets. The remnants of the cities distinguished past are evident everywhere you look, such as the elaborate tombs of the infamous Della Scala family.

Verona flourished under the Della Scala families rule in the middle ages. A family renowned for being both murderous tyrants as well as passionate patrons of the arts. The cities passion for the arts continues today.

A visit to Verona is so much more than just Romeo & Juliet. A beautiful and cultured city steeped in fascinating history, there is so much to do and see in Verona .

Related: Plan the Perfect Holiday in Sardinia

Verona - Part of a five day Venice itinerary

Getting to Verona

  • Verona is 121 km’s inland from Venice.
  • Train services run all day from Venice to Verona.
  • Travel times will vary from 50 min to 1hr 20 min depending on the service.
  • See times and prices for Verona here.  Look out for advance purchase discounts.

Verona Tour Recommendations:

  • Verona Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line Arena Ticket
  • Arena di Verona Opera Ticket Package
  • Verona Food Tour with Guide
  • Verona Cooking Class: The Real Taste of Italy

Day 5 A Morning in Padua Then, an Afternoon in Venice.

At only 45 km’s or half-hour by train from Venice, it is surprising Padua is often overlooked by many visitors to Venice. Although in saying that, we have it on good authority this is where Venetians move to when they have had enough of Venice.

Home to Italy’s second-oldest university, this handsome medieval town brimming with Renaissance grandeur and a stunning Byzantine skyline has a more youthful and carefree vibe than its bigger sister Venice.

The beautiful statues in Padua Prato della Valle

Much like Ferrara, Padua boasts a bike-friendly city, plenty of pedestrian-only streets and large, uncongested piazza’s that feel like a breath of fresh air after tourist-clogged Venice. Padua oozes charm and history with a healthy dose of style and social pizzaz.

Aside from enjoying the space and sociability of this lovely town, Padua also offers quite a varied tourist itinerary. If you want to venture beyond delightful alfresco dining, open-air markets and boutique shopping. Padua hosts some of Italy’s most important historical treasures. 

Charming cobblestone streets in the Padua Jewish Quarter.

See the Famous Padua Anatomical Theatre

The University of Padua was founded in 1222 and lays claim to Galileo among its many noteworthy tutors. It is also the home of the first and one of the most beautiful anatomical theatres in the world.

The beautifully preserved six-tier, wooden anatomy theatre was carved entirely from walnut in the 16th century. It is said students were serenaded by live lute music to calm their nerves as they watched cadavers being dissected.

The streets of Padua Italy surrounded by historic buildings.

The Basilica of Saint Anthony

Padua is also an important place of pilgrimage. The Basilica of Saint Anthony or “il Santo” was built in 1232 to enshrine the tomb of the Franciscan monk.

5 days in Venice - Padua Basilica of St Anthony

The magnificent church is not just the burial place of one of the world’s most revered saints; it is one of the most popular sacred monuments in the world. Many make the pilgrimage to witness the relics of Saint Anthony and to place a hand on his tomb.

Basilica di Santa Giustina and the Scrovegni Chapel

Then for some contrast, visit the Basilica di Santa Giustina and the tomb of Luke the Evangelist. An imposing church although quite modest in comparison.

Then head to the Scrovegni Chapel to witness Giotto’s frescoes. Completed around 1305, the frescoes are considered one of the most important pieces of art in Italy and the western world.

5 days in Venice - Padua- Abbey of Santa Giustina

Getting to Padua

  • Padua is only 42 kms inland from Venice.
  • Regular train services leave from Venice.
  • Expect travel times of 25 mins.   See train timetables and prices here

Related: Plan a 7-10 day Northern Italy Itinerary

A Final Evening in Venice

As Padua is so close to Venice, it is possible to enjoy the best of this beautiful town and be back in Venice to appreciate the ebbing tide of tourists.

Take time to stroll the streets one last time then, settle in for an apertivo and watch the sun go down on one of the world’s most romantic cities. Five days in Venice might not be enough.

Related: Tour Croatia and Slovenia from Dubrovnik to Venice

5 Days in Venice - street parking

Ready Set Italy

Articles , Preparing For A Trip , Venice

How Much Are Tour Guides in Venice?

venice italy trip cost

This article has been written,  reviewed, and fact-checked  by Rick and I.  We live in Italy  and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece  to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy.  Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Venice is a magnificent city with unfathomable beauty. It is a location where alluring bridges and winding waterways connect gothic and marble palazzi. The lagoon’s blue waters, which shine in the sunlight, encircle everything. Venice’s inventive and vivacious personality has enchanted visitors for years. But, how does one prepare for a trip to Venice ? By checking out this guide, of course!

It’s simple to get sucked into the charm of this Italian city as the gondolas glide around the canals and the magnificent domes frame the views. Despite being a favorite of starry-eyed lovers, Venice is not just for couples. The vibrant neighborhoods and warm Italian hospitality will attract solo travelers. While families or groups of friends can immerse themselves in the social atmosphere, conversing over delicious Venice food while sipping bellinis.

Although Venice might be one of the most excellent Italian places to visit, its beauty has a cost. The sheer number of tourists who flood the floating city’s winding streets represents this cost. The city’s austere beauty is unaffected by the large concentration of tourists. You just have to allow yourself to become lost to locate the hidden gems of Venice. If you’re considering a trip to Venice, check out this article on the cost of tour guides in Venice.

Venice Private Tours

Private tours are the way to go if you want a trip that is just for you, your loved ones, or your friends—no other people. You may decide where and when you want to go, what you want to see and do, and who you want to travel with along the way, creating a customized travel experience.

Discover The Best Of Venice With A Private Walking Tour

Venice Piazza San Marco

With a private walking tour of Venice , you may see and do precisely what you want while on vacation. Follow your local guide to discover the ins and outs of the city, and you’ll feel nearly like a local yourself when you’re finished. You will also have full of interesting and useful information.

You will meet your guide there, then leave on your walking tour to discover this lovely city. Follow your guide’s directions and pay attention to their advice so you may get the most out of your trip.

To obtain a true sense of the area, start by becoming familiar with the neighborhood where you are staying. Find the best spots to eat and shop, and discover the simplest routes.

Tell your tour guide about some of the famous sites you want to see, and ask what else you may see when your trip is complete. You can feel more at ease navigating the city and assured that you have access to all the necessary information. If you’re looking for a private tour, check out this private tour with a local tour guide for an afternoon in Venice.

Take A Private Tour Of A Murano Glass Factory And Design Your Own Souvenir

yellow and blue ball on brown wooden fence

With this private tour, you can take a private lesson from a renowned Venetian craftsman who will assist you in creating your unique piece of glass using traditional Murano techniques.

The master craftsman will guide you through each stage of the process so you may create your one-of-a-kind glass piece while listening to him expertly explaining Venetian art’s history and trade secrets.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the traditional glass-making processes. Venice’s most well-known work of art is regarded as a universal symbol of beauty. You can take your creation home as a unique souvenir after the demonstration. You can save 10% on the glass artwork in the shop. If glass blowing is interesting to you, be sure to check out this private lesson with a local artisan .

Venice’s Best Evening Tour: Wine, Drinks, and Dining

Typical lunch in Venice

In one of the best neighborhoods in town, the Cannaregio district, Venice comes to life as the inhabitants head outside to decompress. Visit three of the greatest places to enjoy a drink and a dish from the neighborhood, like Cicchetti or Ombra. Visit stunning locations with nightlife and a local guide.

As you move from hotspot to hotspot, enjoy regional drinks like wine, beer, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks, along with delectable nibbles typical of the area. Every taste is catered for with vegetarian options.

Get to know Venice by participating in its exciting nightlife with your tour guide.

An Evening Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace

On a late-afternoon guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, you can avoid the crowds and learn about two of the symbols of Venice.

You’ll visit the Correr Museum (Museo Correr), which is located in St. Mark’s Square beneath the portico just outside the museum’s entrance. Then, go inside the Doge’s Palace to discover more about the seat of the Venetian Republic’s sovereignty.

View the opulent residences of the Venetian aristocracy as well as the Great Council Hall’s breathtaking Veronese and Tintoretto frescoes.

Venice Piazza San Marco at night

Learn the untold tales behind the artwork, such as the reason why one of the painted dogs is shrouded in a black veil. Find out how the dukes were chosen and what they accomplished. Investigate the vast armory and eerie prisoners.

Discover why it isn’t exactly as romantic as you would have expected when you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the inside.

After resting, visit St. Mark’s Byzantine basilica’s gold-plated embellishments. Ask a church custodian to unlock the doors for a doge-like experience. Admire the altarpiece’s gemstones, the Pala d’Oro.

Visit the crypt where St. Mark’s remains are purportedly stored. Enjoy the mosaics’ gentle sparkle as the sun sets while learning about Venetian art and history from your Venetian guide. We like the St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Evening Tour as it’s an affordable and comfortable way to see some of Venice’s most famous attractions.

Guided Tours in Venice

Want to maximize your adventure vacation and complete tasks you otherwise wouldn’t have believed possible? Do you prefer to eliminate the burden of organizing transportation, meals, and logistics? A guided tour is a convenient and stress-free way to see a new place.

This is especially true if you want to explore more isolated areas where food drops are necessary, if you prefer to have a knowledgeable guide nearby to keep you on the course, or if carrying a full pack with all of your camping gear feels strenuous and exhausting.

You can also more fully enjoy and immerse yourself in the local culture with the help of a local guide. Additionally, you’ll get the chance to make lifelong friends with other travelers who share your interests.

Get Away From The Crowds & Uncover Venice’s Hidden Gems

Venice Italy at night

Get away from the crowds and off the beaten path in Venice. With a guide, you may tour the historic center of Venice, including lesser-known locales like the Rialto Bridge.

You can explore the maze-like “calli” and “campi” (little Venetian streets and squares) and discover undiscovered architectural treasures like Marco Polo’s House, a structure thought to be the great explorer’s residence that is currently utilized as a theater and designated by a white plaque.

Continue on to the Fenix Theatre, where many famous composers, including Giuseppe Verdi, presented their works. Pass by St. Mark’s Square, home to numerous historic structures like the Doge’s Palace, Basilica, and beautiful monuments.

Discover Venice’s canals by taking a gondola ride, which is an optional choice. Admire Venice’s top attractions while riding in a gondola, including the Mozart House, the Fenice Opera House, the Grand Canal, and more. The journey will come to a close in Piazza San Marco and the tour is called: Hidden Venice: Unusual Walking Tour .

Venice Murano & Burano Tour by Boat

Burano Venice

In the heart of Venice, experience life as an island of craftsmen known for their time-honored craft techniques that have been passed down through the generations.

Your guide will keep you entertained on the short boat ride to Murano, a glass-making island. Learn about the Murano glass industry, whose artists were forbidden from leaving Venice.

Watch an artisan at work while listening to an English description of the procedure. Learn how silica sand turns into glass and how color is added to the finished product. There will then be time for you to explore the vast collection of glass art and the island on your own.

Visit the tiny island of Burano by boat to witness the tightly packed, vividly painted homes that line the streets and waterways. Visit a building where ladies are still stitching lace to learn about Burano’s centuries-old lacemaking heritage.

Your tour guide will go over the procedure for this extinct craft. Then, you can choose your own souvenir in the manner of Michelangelo. Alternately, stroll the meandering lanes while savoring delectable cookies from nearby bakers. The tour is called From Venice: Murano & Burano Islands Boat Tour and I highly recommend it as a way to see both islands in one day.

Venice Food Tasting Tour with Wine and Cicchetti Dishes

Typical venetian cicchetti

This tour is the ideal way to get to know Venice because it gives you a broad overview of Venice’s history and the taste of Venetian cuisine. Your journey starts in the Cannaregio district, one of Venice’s few remaining residential sections and a favorite gathering place for thirsty locals after work. Your local guide can recommend additional sights and activities for you to see and do while visiting. Take a leisurely stroll about and learn about the area’s 1,000-year history.

You will then cross the Grand Canal like a local as you ride in a genuine, stand-up traghetto gondola. In Rialto, you can go on a food tour! The first visit is at a tiny restaurant close to the market run by a group of young residents who love modernizing classic dishes. Expect to eat things like seasonal veggies, polenta with seafood, and black ink calamari (served in elaborate dishes). For a truly memorable experience, pair your food tasting with high-quality Italian wines. With this tour of Venice’s wine bars and their signature Cicchetti dishes, you can take your palate on a culinary vacation.

The second culinary stop is a historical location where you can learn more about the Venetian tradition of “bacari” and how to take advantage of it when exploring the city by yourself.

Next, the tour guide will reveal a few secret spots near the Rialto, demonstrating the value of moving one block away from the crowds to enjoy Venice alone. The voyage ends at Campo San Bortolomio, surrounded by great restaurants and shops. Your guide will gladly recommend methods to keep having fun or guide you back to your lodging. The tour is called Food Tasting Tour with Cicchetti Dishes and Wine Tour and I like it because, well, who doesn’t like wine!

Speaking of which, here’s the low down on Italy’s drinking age .

Walk Through Venice’s Jewish Ghetto

Venice the Jewish Ghetto

On this stroll through the Jewish Ghetto near the Cannaregio neighborhood, you’ll discover a side of Venice that most tourists miss.

Start your Jewish Ghetto tour at the Cannaregio neighborhood, which is today a wonderful residential area in the city’s north. When you reach this area, you will notice yellow signs pointing you to the Synagogue in Hebrew and Italian. These signs will teach you about the area’s historical Jewish significance.

The best way to experience this quaint neighborhood brimming with artisan workshops, galleries, boutiques, and delis is to take your time.

Enter Campo del Ghetto Nuovo (New Ghetto Square), which was established as a walled island in 1516. You can hear about how the island’s population grew and how the Venetian Jews were forced to live there.

Venice great German Scola Synagogue

The Jewish Ghetto Venice Tour takes you past the Deportation Memorial, the Levantine Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum of Venice.

A collection of bas-reliefs in the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo is one of the most noteworthy features of your Jewish Ghetto Venice tour and a site that most visitors to Venice never get to see.

Learn how Napoleon opened the Jewish Ghetto’s gates, allowing Jews to live anywhere in this magnificent “Floating City.” The neighborhood is drenched with Jewish culture, bakeries, restaurants, and handicraft shops despite just a small portion of the current population being Jews.

As your local guide leads you from one intriguing area to the next and regales you with anecdotes of former residents, this hidden nook of Venice’s cultural life comes vividly to life, giving your trip there a rich undertone. The tour is called the Venice: Jewish Ghetto 2-Hour Walking Tour . Andrea and I have done it, and we’d certainly do it again (this time, going to the Synagogue as well).

Traveling to Venice has several advantages. This charming Italian city has something to please everyone.

Venice is a place where we always wanted to go. And when we got there, it most definitely did not disappoint. In every aspect, it surpassed our expectations.

Venice in Italy is a unique city. It’s an excellent place to study Italian culture. However, various things contribute to the city’s even greater uniqueness.

Venice has so many wonderful things. The sights, history, and food of Venice are all outstanding.

There are innumerable advantages to visiting Venice. Whether you prefer history, beautiful places, architecture, or gastronomy, there is one for everyone.

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  • How much does it cost to travel to Italy? (Average Daily Cost)
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How much do package tours cost in Italy?

Is italy expensive to visit.

  • How much do I need for a trip to Italy?
  • Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
  • Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Italy?

You should plan to spend around $180 (€166) per day on your vacation in Italy. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $49 (€45) on meals
  • $28 (€26) on local transportation
  • $184 (€170) on hotels

A one week trip to Italy for two people costs, on average, $2,522 (€2,331) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 180 € 166
  • One Week Per person $ 1,261 € 1,165
  • 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,522 € 2,331
  • One Month Per person $ 5,405 € 4,995
  • One Week For a couple $ 2,522 € 2,331
  • 2 Weeks For a couple $ 5,045 € 4,662
  • One Month For a couple $ 10,810 € 9,990

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Italy cost?

A one week trip to Italy usually costs around $1,261 (€1,165) for one person and $2,522 (€2,331) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Italy on average costs around $2,522 (€2,331) for one person and $5,045 (€4,662) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Italy will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Italy on average costs around $5,405 (€4,995) for one person and $10,810 (€9,990) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Italy is $300 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

  • Sicily : Self Drive Tour 8 days from Catania 8 Days - 13 Destinations $ 990
  • Ultimate Italy (Standard, 22 Days) 22 Days - 20 Destinations $ 4,847

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Italy is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Italy is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Andorra or the Netherlands.

For more details, see Is Italy Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Italy?

The average Italy trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Italy travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Italy

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Italy is $92 (€85). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Italy is $184 (€170). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 92 € 85
  • Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 184 € 170

Hotel Prices in Italy

Looking for a hotel in Italy? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Kayak

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Italy based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $108. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

  • Stunning Farmhouse In Passignano With Swimming Pool Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 163
  • Grand Hotel Billia Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 273

Local Transportation Budget in Italy

The cost of a taxi ride in Italy is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $28 (€26) per person, per day, on local transportation in Italy.

  • Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 28 € 26

Recommended Services

  • Transfer package from Trapani airport to Favignana (transfer + hydrofoil ticket) Viator $ 96
  • Transfer from Rome Airports to Rome Viator $ 62

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Italy are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Italy, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

  • Bus € 4.00
  • Train to Naples € 14
  • Taxi € 15
  • Train to Lecce € 44
  • Bus Ticket € 1.60
  • Local Bus Ticket € 4.20
  • Bus From Airport € 6.00
  • Ferry to Capri (Round Trip) € 35

Food Budget in Italy

While meal prices in Italy can vary, the average cost of food in Italy is $49 (€45) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Italy should cost around $20 (€18) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Italy is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

  • Food 2 Meals for one day $ 49 € 45

Recommended

  • Sicilian Cooking Class Viator $ 101
  • Bella Sorrento Cooking School with authentic Chef Experience Viator $ 177

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Italy are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Italy, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

  • Espresso € 2.00
  • Dinner € 58
  • Bread € 1.00
  • Coffee € 2.00
  • Snacks € 4.00
  • Cheese and bread € 10
  • Dinner € 25
  • Dinner € 35

Entertainment Budget in Italy

Entertainment and activities in Italy typically cost an average of $28 (€26) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 28 € 26

Recommended Activities

  • Visit in Pompeii - Pompeii Private Tour with Ada Viator $ 209
  • Golf Cart Driving Tour: Rome City Highlights in 2.5 hrs Viator $ 94

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Italy are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Italy, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2) € 12
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2) € 12
  • Food Tour (for 2) € 31
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2) € 67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2) € 115
  • Juliet's House Entry € 4.00
  • Verona Card € 10
  • Chair & Umbrella at Beach € 10

Tips and Handouts Budget in Italy

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Italy is $13 (€12) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Italy is 5% - 15% .

  • Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 13 € 12

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Italy

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Italy is $48 (€44), as reported by travelers.

  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 48 € 44

Alcohol Budget in Italy

The average person spends about $18 (€17) on alcoholic beverages in Italy per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 18 € 17
  • Sorrento Food & Wine Tour - 'Taste of Sorrento' Viator $ 94
  • Classic Sicilian Food and Wine Tour of Palermo Viator $ 109

What did other people spend on Alcohol?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Italy are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Italy, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

  • Beer € 10
  • Beer € 2.00
  • Beer € 4.00
  • Wine € 6.00
  • Bottle of Wine € 11
  • Bottle of Limoncello € 16
  • Beer € 2.56
  • Glass of Local Wine € 2.90

Water Budget in Italy

On average, people spend $4.55 (€4.20) on bottled water in Italy per day. The public water in Italy is considered safe to drink.

  • Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 4.55 € 4.20

Related Articles

Italy on a budget.

Italy

At A Glance

  • Train travel can be expensive in Italy. Costs are generally comparable to what you will find elsewhere in Europe. You'll usually get the best prices if you book your tickets in advance. There are discount passes available, but these passes usually come with limitations and requirements, so they are rarely worth the deal.
  • Southern Italy is less expensive than northern Italy. It's also less touristy. If you're looking to save some money and get off the beaten path, head to the south where your money will go farther and you'll see a whole different side to the country.
  • You'll save money on food if you have a filling lunch in a restaurant and then prepare a picnic for dinner. There are many great markets where you can pick up Italian cheeses and breads as well as regional wine for a good price. Even if you don't have access to a kitchen, you can turn these items into and excellent meal.
  • Most people visit Florence, Rome and Venice during their trip to Italy. Pick at least one small town to visit that is off the beaten path. Spend a day or two exploring its streets and neighborhoods and you'll leave with a whole new perspective on this country.
  • Avoid doing a tour. Italy is easily visited independently. Transportation is excellent and the tourist infrastructure is well established. There is really no need to visit this country as part of a package tour.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

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How Much Does A Trip to Italy Cost in 2024: Detailed Budget Breakdown

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Italy , Travel Planning

Updated On: January 23, 2024

Italy is one of our favorite destinations in Europe. After visiting the country multiple times over the years we always get the same questions – is Italy expensive? How much does the average trip to Italy cost? Italy is a brilliant destination to travel to, whether you are a solo traveler or a family looking for a special holiday. But it is safe to say that the actual costs of visiting Italy vary depending on your travel style.

Table of Contents

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Italy?

In this guide, we’ll break down the average trip to Italy cost and show you how, where possible, you make it more cost-effective.

Italy is often associated with luxury – stunning villas, fine dining, archaeology, and the arts. But that doesn’t mean you can’t tailor your trip to Italy to suit different budgets. Is Italy expensive? After all our trips to the different regions of Italy we are going to fill you in on how much a trip to Italy costs.

When we have visited Italy, we always rent a car. We love having the freedom to go off the beaten path and to stop whenever we like. You can check car rental comparisons here.

Airfare is the first bridge you’ll likely come to when booking a trip to Italy. The good news is that Italy has regular flights to all its major cities, so finding a round-trip ticket is neither problematic nor massively expensive if you visit from a nearby destination. The average budget traveler can find the best deals and cheap flights to Italy. This is simply because flight demand isn’t high – there are so many options when flying to Italy. The country has a staggering 77 airports and hosts dozens of airlines. One thing is for sure: you will always find flights to Italian cities, and the average price is low, so it won’t be one of your main trip costs.

Of course, airfare prices do vary depending on your departure date and destination. As a general rule, flights to Italy from Europe are the cheapest. Flights from the US to Italy are slightly more expensive due to budget-spiking transatlantic crossings and fewer charters. However, that doesn’t mean you are doomed for cheap flights.

The cheapest times of year to fly to Italy are out of season and in shoulder seasons. The shoulder seasons are March to May and September to October. The official ‘off-season’ is over winter, from November to February. You can also save money on flights by booking in advance, using VPNs to adjust your network, and using airline loyalty programs. There’s always a way to maximize budgeting opportunities. Another essential thing to consider for those flying from the US is value for money.

Can you take advantage of cheaper European flights by taking a longer holiday period? This way, you might spend more flying to Italy, but once there, you could add a few extra destinations cheaply. For instance, taking flights for as little as $15 to Germany, Greece, or Turkey.

  • Return Flight Cost from Europe: $60 to 200
  • Return Flight Cost from US: $400 to 7000

Accommodation in Italy Costs

Your next significant cost after airfare is accommodation. Accommodation is a double-edged sword when calculating your trip to Italy cost. In fact, looking at the price tag of a luxury Italy trip is likely what has got you questioning, ‘Is Italy expensive?’. The reality is that Italy does luxury, and it does it well. Like the south of France, Italy has a reputation for Riviera beauty and luxury hotels that attract A-list celebrities.

You can indeed find hotel rooms that cost tens of thousands a night. Of course, the flip side is also true; you can comfortably backpack it in a hostel dormitory for as little as $40 a night. There are a few factors to consider, so let’s take a closer look so you know what sways it so much.

Choosing Accommodation in Italy

The biggest decider in Italian accommodation is whether you want budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodation. With budget accommodation, you can choose dormitory-style accommodation, or B&B-style stays.

Most hotels offer a mid-range experience, with moderate prices and occasional luxuries like swimming pools that can hone your Italy itinerary and experience. Luxury hotels come in two categories: average luxury and celebrity-style luxury. You can pick up five-star hotel stays for €250 per night, but equally, some five-star hotels charge upwards of €1,000 per night – the real decider is location, hotel brand, and your hotel room choice. For the most part, most travelers pick the middle road with mid-range hotels, which average around €100 a night.

What to Consider When Booking a Trip to Italy

When considering what goes into accommodation pricing, consider location and time of year. Summer is the peak season, so you should avoid summer in Italy if you prioritize saving money. If you want a more affordable hotel room, look at shoulder season travel, where you find the same room up to 50% cheaper.

Location also plays a massive role in your trip budget. For instance, an entire apartment in an Italian city center versus a secluded VRBO property or hotel in the Tuscan countryside can vary greatly in price. If you can get out of touristy areas, like Rome city center or Venice, accommodation prices naturally fall.

Vacation rentals are also a great idea to save money, especially if you are flexible on location – rolling hills don’t always come at a sky-high price. If you are willing to stay remotely and in vacation rentals, it can save money on your Italy trip.

  • Budget Hotels: $40-80 per night
  • Mid-Range Hotels: $100 per night
  • Luxury Hotels: $250 per night
  • Vacation Rentals: $50 upwards per night

Transportation Cost

Transportation in Italy can be a make or break when calculating an Italy travel budget. The country is brilliantly connected by public transportation, with a train travel trend carried by low ticket prices and high-speed connections. If you want to save money, train travel is the way forward as long as you book in advance.

Booking up to a month in advance can give you access to fantastic train travel deals – great for budget travelers. Just be sure you purchase tickets for train travel, as Italy has notorious laws on fining fare hoppers. Trust us: skipping fares in Italy is not the way to go for budget travel.

Italy also has ferry and bus services, which are used far less frequently than the train travel routes. The ferries are most popular in areas like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, where many coastal towns are less accessible by road. You can typically book tickets in advance for ferries or take local, smaller shuttle boats on the day. Buses are simply less popular for comfort reasons.

We love renting cars when traveling in Italy. Check car rental prices here. We have found some great deals that work out to be cheaper than train travel if booked at the right time.

While the bus may be the holy grail for the budget traveler in most countries, in Italy, train travel usually rivals bus prices if you book in advance. And for the same cost, it makes sense that you’d want a faster and more comfortable journey. Buses are the budget option for last-minute public transport journeys – usually $2 per ticket for inner-city travel or around $35 for long-distance buses.

Finally, one of the most popular ways to get around Italy is by car rental. Car rentals   can  be really effective. If you are travelling in a group, for instance, as a family or group of friends. This can quickly rack up public transport costs and make spending an upfront fee (usually between $10 and $30 a day) more effective on a car rental plus any additional fuel costs.

If you plan on taking many day trips or staying remotely, a rental car can be a lifesaver. Remember any additional parking costs you might incur at your accommodation, and know that Italy has many toll roads.

If you stay in a city center where you can find most things within walking distance, you won’t need a car rental. You can always book private transfers from the airport if you travel at unsociable hours or head to the metro station or train station for a day trip.

  • Transport Budget: $30 per day with a car rental

You can’t visit Italy without a solid food budget, and that’s from no fault of its own. Italy has one of the world’s most famous – and arguably delicious – cuisines. We’ve already got  an entire guide  dedicated to the top dishes you should try when you holiday in Italy. If you are in the stages of forming your Italy itinerary, just know food will undoubtedly make up a significant proportion of it. So, with all that said, what does a trip to Italy cost when discussing a food budget?

The average restaurant meal in a major city center is around $70 per person; this is more like $20-30 per person outside of popular areas. Takeaway dishes cost around $10-15. It is important to remember that the coperto (aka the extra cost for sitting down) is added onto most bills in centrally located restaurants and calculated per person.

It is customary to tip around 10%. However, the Italian tipping culture is much more relaxed than the tipping culture in the US. When questioning ‘Is Italy expensive?’, you need to consider whether, and if so, when and where you will eat out. We’d suggest dining out at least once just for the Italian food experience. However, a compromise for a week in Italy might be two sit-down meals, a food tour, and then takeaway or street food for lunch and cooking other meals at your accommodation.

Food is the number one reason people choose Italy, so try to set aside a generous budget. Think of it as cultural immersion or an investment in activities. Everyone deserves to experience fine dining on the Amalfi Coast with air conditioning and stunning ocean views – just set aside around $100 to comfortably budget. And if you can, find accommodation with kitchen facilities to cook your own meals and save money.

  • Food Budget: $20 a day without sit-down restaurants or $100 a day with sit-down restaurants

Tours and Activities

Finally, what about tours and activities? It goes without saying that part of what makes Italy so fabulous is its array of things to do.

There are Roman ruins to tour, sunset cruises, and museum tours – and that’s not to mention the abovementioned food tours. Your trip to Italy cost will be massively dictated by your entertainment choices, but it shouldn’t be any other way. Adding to your Italy trip cost with lifelong memories is worthwhile. Just keep in mind your tour and activity expectations when planning a budget: will you tour the Amalfi Coast on your trip to Italy, or are you backpacking in Rome?

One thing to know about Italy is that it does luxury and ‘exclusive experiences’ really well. You need to evaluate what is on your to-do list. Is a gondola ride in Venice catching your eye, or are you looking at budget day trip destinations and museum entry fees? There’s no denying that a gondola ride is one of the  best things to do in Venice , but if you want to splurge on special experiences, you will have to budget more.

We’d recommend narrowing down your ‘exclusive experiences’ to a select few if you want to keep to a reasonable budget. You can then bulk up your itinerary with low-cost and free tours and activities. For instance, the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, or a boat trip. You can also plan tourist attractions like stopping to see the Trevi Fountain, which costs nothing.

Independent Travel or Group Tour in Italy

When it comes to your itinerary in Italy, you have the option to book guided experiences and the option to travel solo. Traveling solo can cut your upfront costs, while guided experiences provide peace of mind. For instance, a day trip from Milan to Lake Como costs as little as $4 by public transportation ,  yet around $100 for a  guided tour.

You could cut costs by taking the day trip or save stress and time by spending extra money on a guided day trip. As a side note, if you visit attractions rather than destinations, many attractions in Italy have options for self-guided audio tours when you actually enter. We’d recommend downloading audio tours if you are visiting solo as you’ll will gain a much better appreciation of the monuments you are visiting/

When considering guided tours, an important consideration is whether they are private. A group tour versus private tours vary massively in cost. So, if you’d like to save money but still have a guided experience, we’d suggest shopping for group tours. Keep in mind a single supplement for solo traveler visitors, though, which applies for both group and private excursions – frustrating, we know. You should always check specific policies per tour company.

  • Tours and Activities Budget: $300 per week

Overall Trip Cost

With all that in mind, what is the total trip to Italy cost? What exactly should you budget? You see tons of average price statistics floating around and various Italy vacation packages, so it is essential to have a concrete number reflecting the ‘real’ cost of a holiday in Italy.

We’ve broken down the ‘big’ Italy budget into all the factors (airfare, food, tours, etc.), so let’s quickly review them before we give you our final figures.

Regarding flights, budget around $1000 return from Europe in shoulder seasons and $1500 from the US. You can find flights priced above and below these rates, but as a general rule, these are the average prices to expect.

Accommodations

Accommodation prices in Italy is pretty simple: the more stars, the more expensive the hotel. And the more central the location, the higher the fees. Budget approximately $60 per night for a central budget hotel, $100 for a mid range, and $250 for a luxury. Vacation rentals are anything upwards of $50 per night.

For the vast majority of people who go for mid-range hotels, $700 – $1000 is a reasonable rate to budget and expect for a week’s accommodation in Italy.

Transportation

Transportation is tough to calculate because it massively depends on where you are staying. If you are staying in the city center, you should budget as little as $40 for a whole week on public transportation. You can walk to all the main tourist attractions, which costs nothing. Even if you go on a day trip or catch a local bus or tram, public transport should cost as little as $2-30. A $40 weekly transportation budget should allow you to take a day trip, use public transport for airport transfers, and get around occasionally by inner-city transport to take a break from walking.

If you hire a car, this price will increase. If you hire a car, budget around $30 daily for rental car fees, petrol, and parking. In a week, this totes up to $210.

For food, it does depend on your travel style. You can easily spend $20 a day on food if you just purchase takeaway or street food style meals for lunch and cook your own meals for breakfast and dinner. Whereas, if you want to eat out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you should budget $100 daily. To get the best of both worlds, we’d suggest a weekly budget of $300 or $400 if you want to try fancy cocktails and aperitifs. This should allow two days of dining out and five days of cooking meals and getting takeaway lunches.

For tours and activities, you should budget approximately $300 per week. This budget considers one guided tour of up to $100, one luxury experience of around $80, plus up to six standard $20 entry rates for tourist attractions. With $300, it is safe to say that you are comfortably within budget to enjoy a couple of significant bucket list experiences and get an excellent insight into the tourist attraction scene. You’ll be able to have at least two tourist attractions a day.

  • Per-Day Budget: $240 if you fly from Europe and rent a car, and $295 if you fly from the US and rent a car
  • Total Italy Trip Cost: $1660 if you fly from Europe and rent a car, and $2060 if you fly from the US and rent a car

Money Saving Tips

It is all well and good knowing the average trip to Italy cost. But what about learning how to reduce the average cost of an Italy trip? An average price is just that – an average. That doesn’t mean that you can’t reduce it further and make some serious reductions. Even a tiny compromise, like taking public transport, not private transfers, can significantly reduce the cost of visiting Italy.

This section will reveal the top tips and tricks for lowering Italy’s budget. Here’s how to save money on your trip to Italy.

1. Avoid Sit Down Restaurants or Cook at Home

A huge factor in your trip to Italy cost is sit-down restaurants. This might seem oddly specific, but it is a famously price-boosting thing in Italy. You instantly get charged more when you sit down at a city center restaurant. There’s even a name for this: the coperto. The coperto is a flat rate cover charge that is calculated on a per-person basis. But this is where it gets even more expensive – it is the same whether you order a drink and bread or a four-course meal. This means that if you want to sit down, you’ll have to pay an extra cost, even if you dined on a budget.

Not all restaurants and cafes have a coperto. However, a safe rule of thumb is that if you are in a ‘competitive’ area, like the center of Rome or Venice, you should expect an additional charge for sitting down. The coperto acts as insurance for the restaurant or café business, meaning no matter how much you spend, they will be compensated for not having an empty table for a different guest. It would help if you always aimed to buy takeaway food or street food in these busy areas. Or if you are desperate to dine sitting down, then head out of the city center and into quieter suburbs.

Similarly, you can save money by cooking at your accommodation. Self-catered accommodation with your only kitchen is a real travel hack for cutting costs and avoiding things like the coperto.

2. Travel in Shoulder Seasons

You don’t need us to tell you that traveling at different times of year bags you different prices. The peak season is notoriously bad for budget, no matter where you go. Peak season just means the time when the destination is deemed ‘most impressive’ by mass tourism. This is summer for Italy since it is primarily a beach holiday and al fresco dining destination. June to August is the peak season for Italy, when you will be competing amongst other tourists for everything from tickets to accommodation, and local vendors and business owners hike up the prices to meet the rise in demand.

If you want to play your Italy budgeting tactically, you could book to visit in winter. Contrary to popular belief, the country gets cold, especially in northern Italy. You can expect an average temperature of between – 5 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, with southern Italy warmer than the north and its mountainous regions. This idea is excellent if you don’t care about beach days and want to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s in Italy. It is also the perfect time to visit museums and galleries, which are much more enjoyable without overheating.

However, you don’t need to go as extreme on budgeting as that if you still want beach days and warm weather of low to mid-twenties. The best way to budget while sticking as close to peak season is with shoulder seasons. March to May and September until October are the optimum seasons to experience Italy well and cheaply. These months have cheaper accommodations and tours, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds.

3. Take Local Transportation

Visiting Italy can get expensive if you constantly spend on private transfers and even a car rental- especially concerning petrol, toll roads, and parking fees. One really effective way to save money is with local transportation. Italy has a fabulous train system, with a train station in all major cities and most significant towns. In fact, tickets can be as little as $9 for a regional journey. Booking train tickets in advance can be a brilliant way to take day trips or an alternative to road-tripping or flying between cities.

Italy also has a fantastic ferry system and buses. You will be able to navigate the country by public transport. On the other hand, private transfers and taxis can get expensive. For instance, when booked in advance, a train ticket from Milan to Rome costs as little as $35. Milan to Rome by rental car costs a minimum of $104 for fuel. A private transfer from Milan to Rome costs as much as $190 one way.

Ironically, public transport is also often much quicker. Milan to Rome takes just over 3 hours by train, yet 5.5 hours by car. Snag the better deal and get there faster. Taking local transportation is one of the best ways to cut costs when visiting Italy.

4. Avoid Major Cities and Tourist Hotspots – Off the Beaten Path

This one might sting, but if you  really  want to save money on your Italy trip, avoid major cities and tourist hotspots. These cities and hotspots are like vampires for your Italy budget. Everything from food to accommodation and even water bottles get hiked up in price in these places.

If you aren’t too fussy about where you stay, think outside the box and get creative. Head off the tourist track, and you’ll find much more reasonable rates. And you’ll be pioneering more authentic and sustainable travel – a moral boost and a budgeting tip.

There is a small ‘but’ to this top tip. You can always stay outside of a major city. This way, you can take advantage of local transport and cheap rail prices for day trips into the city. You can benefit from the city’s tourist attractions without spending extra on accommodation and food.

5. Know Your Discounts

Lastly, you should know your discounts when trying to lower your trip to Italy. Simple things like a student ID or pensioner card can prove you are eligible for discounts. You should always carry some form of ID if you qualify for discounts, and similarly, do your research before entering an attraction or venue where you think you could be eligible. You could even learn a basic phrase in Italian that you can use to respectfully enquire about discounts. One example of an attraction you can save on with a student ID is the Vatican museums, which knock off approximately 7 euros ($7.42) if you display a student card. Every little helps, right?

Researching discounts and rates before you go is also a healthy practice when sticking to a budget and a great rule to live by if you are a budget traveler. Many museums have free days or cheaper times, while bars and restaurants might have happy hours. And you can adjust your visit to attractions and venues to get better deals. It is a win-win.

Trip to Italy Cost: FAQs

So, now you have an overview of a general trip to Italy cost, what do you think: is Italy expensive? As you can see, the average cost of a trip to Italy does vary depending on factors like travel style, when you travel, and where you go in Italy. Lots of small choices can massively impact your overall Italy budget.

Are you ready for some FAQs? These answers will give you the snapshot information you need to transform your trip for the better. Consider this section the cherry on top of your Italy budget planning.

How much is a trip to Italy for 7 days?

If you fly from Europe and rent a car, it costs approximately $1660 to travel to Italy for 7 days. If you fly from the US and rent a car, it costs around $2060.

Is Italy very expensive to visit?

Italy can be expensive if you opt for luxury hotels, private tours, fine dining, and popular peak-season areas. This is entirely down to travel style, though, and you can easily do Italy on a budget if you cook your own food, backpack, and take public transport. Small compromises and budgeting decisions go a long way in Italy.

What is the cheapest month to go to Italy?

The cheapest months to visit Italy are over winter, with November as the absolute cheapest. Most people visit Italy in the summer and use March to May and September to October as the slightly more affordable, yet still warm, shoulder season. If you visit between November and February, you can find the absolute cheapest prices to visit Italy.

How much does it cost to go to Italy for a weekend?

Visiting Italy for the weekend costs around $550 if you fly from Europe and $950 from the US. This budget factors in public transport costs, a budget of $100 for tourist attractions, flights, and mid-range accommodation in a city center location.

To Conclude

Now you have as accurate as possible an idea of what your trip to Italy will cost, you can answer the question for yourself: is Italy expensive? You can use some of our top tips to save money when visiting Italy. You don’t have to visit Italy for a luxury trip, although if you do, you will undoubtedly go to the right place. Italy is incredible – no matter your budget. With the right attitude, you can find some fantastic accommodation choices, tours, food, and flight deals.

There are so many amazing  things to do  – including sailing on Lake Como, visiting remains of Roman cities and amphitheaters where gladiators fought, and just kicking back with cocktails on stunning beaches that a trip to Italy is a must for any travel lover. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Italy today.

Looking for more inspiration? Just check out these  facts about Italy to make you smile.  Or get some inspiration on  hiking in the beautiful Cinque Terre  region, which should already be on your bucket list.

Plan Your Next Trip To Italy With These Resources

  • Best Things to Do in Piedmont, Italy
  • 15 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy for Travelers
  • 16 Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy
  • 14 Remarkable Towns in Tuscany, Italy
  • 28 Best Things To Do in Milan
  • The Ultimate One Day in Rome Itinerary: How To Maximize Your Visit

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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1 thought on “How Much Does A Trip to Italy Cost in 2024: Detailed Budget Breakdown”

Thanks guys for sharing this some many useful tips and cost of ITALY also superb attractions, sceneries too guys.

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  1. How Much Does a Gondola Ride in Venice Cost?

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  2. Explore Italy's Adriatic Coast

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  3. Venice Price Guide

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  4. Daily Costs To Visit Venice, Italy

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  5. How Much Does A 10 Day Trip To Italy Cost? [Budget Included]

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

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  1. Day Trip to Venice, Italy

  2. ITALY TRAVEL VLOG|| BEST DAY IN VENICE ||GONDOLA BOAT RIDE|| VENICE ALLEYS WALKING TOUR|| VENEZIA 😊

  3. Venice, Italy: save this FREE panoramic spot for your next trip! #venice #italy #panoramicview

  4. A day trip to Venice

  5. My Trip to Venice, Italy

  6. Venice

COMMENTS

  1. Venice Travel Cost

    How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Venice cost? A one week trip to Venice usually costs around $1,736 (€1,604) for one person and $3,472 (€3,208) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Venice on average costs around $3,472 (€3,208) for one person ...

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

    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. Flights: $820 to $2,068 for economy. Lodging: $82 to $96 per night for one 1-star hotel room. or $21 to $41 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental.

  3. Venice Price Guide

    Average Daily Cost for Visiting Venice, Italy. Taking an expensive gondola ride. It costs around €55-€88/day to visit Venice comfortably as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another €80-€120/night depending on your level of accommodation.

  4. How much does a trip to Venice Cost?

    The Cost of a Trip to Venice. A journey to Venice will usually cost from $97 to $639 for an individual and $194 to $1,277 for two people. The mid-range tends to hover around $247 (€229) per person daily, as calculated from our travel cost data from fellow travelers covering food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses. This is a fairly wide price range, and your ...

  5. Venice Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    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.

  6. Venice, Italy: The Ultimate Guide for the Adventure of a Lifetime

    Walking: Perfect for strolling, Venice is full of walkable alleyways.Signs help you find landmarks. Vaporetto (Water Bus): Like a bus, but on water.Route #1 offers scenic canal views, #2 is quicker. Traghetto: Gondola-like boats for quick Grand Canal crossings.Only 2 euros. Gondola Rides: Iconic but pricey (80 EUR for 30 mins).Agree on price first.

  7. Is Venice Expensive? A Venice Trip Cost Guide

    Entertainment: 5-20€ / day. All in all, expect your Venice trip cost to be a minimum of 70€ to 305€ per person per day. This also doesn't include any pre-trip expenses such as flights or travel insurance. For travel insurance, SafetyWing is an option if you're travelling in Venice on a budget.

  8. Venice Bucket List: 20 Amazing Things to Do in Venice, Italy

    Tourist Entry Fee in Venice: Beginning in 2024 (the date keeps getting pushed out and as of December 2023, the start day is April 2024), there will be a fee for visitors to enter Venice. This fee will cost €5. If you have plans to spend the night in Venice, you will be exempt from the fee. All visitors, even those with an overnight stay in Venice, will have to register their visit on an ...

  9. Venice Travel Costs and Prices

    One-way Vaporetto ticket (valid for 75 minutes): € 7.50 ( US$ 8.10) 48-hour Travel Card: € 30 ( US$ 32.40). 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$ 16.20) Bus from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma: € 1.50 ( US$ 1.60)

  10. Venice, Italy 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy. 318. from $76 per adult. 2023. Canal Grande. 41,746. Bodies of Water ... Venice Travel Guide. Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Venice. Mike M. Venice is also the Lido, Murano, and Burano. ... Take a supply of one euro and 50 euro cent coins for toilets for the 1.50 cost to "spend a penny ...

  11. Venice Vacation Packages 2024 from $1,046

    Hotel Bisanzio. Castello. $2,701. $1,992. per person. May 1 - May 8. Roundtrip flight included. Dallas (DFW) to Venice (VCE) 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)

  12. Venice, Italy Guide: Planning Your Trip

    Here is some basic knowledge for planning your trip to Venice. Best Time to Visit: Since it's near the sea, Venice has mostly mild weather, although there can be rain nearly all year round. Summers are humid, and winters can be foggy and wet. To avoid large crowds, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit.

  13. Venice, Italy Vacation Packages

    One thing Venice has in common with much of Italy: spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summers are hot and crowded. Winters are relatively mild and tourist-free, but there are frequent rainy spells, and at the beginning and end of the season there's the threat of acqua alta, when tides roll in and flood low-lying parts of the city, including Piazza San Marco.

  14. The Ultimate Guide to Venice on a Budget

    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.

  15. The Ultimate Travel Planning Guide to Venice

    For a more detailed list of day trips to visit, check out The Best Day Trips from Venice. $26.94. Popular day trips from Venice include Verona, made famous by the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet; Ravenna, with its Byzantine mosaics; and the medieval town of Treviso. Each of these towns is accessible by train.

  16. Venice Travel Guide

    Address: S. Marco, 2283/A, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy. Phone: +39 041 520 5844. Website. Set at the bottom of a small alleyway on the designer drag off Piazza San Marco is this time capsule of a ...

  17. Venice Travel Guide

    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.

  18. Venice on a budget

    Book on the Venezia Unica website for dates before 31 December 2023 and you can buy passes for advance travel. Single vaporetto tickets go down from €9.50 to €7.50, and one-, two-, three- and seven-day passes to €21, €30, €40 and €60 respectively. You can add an airport coach transfer, but the saving is only €0.50.

  19. Visiting Venice on a Budget

    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 ...

  20. 5 Day Venice Itinerary with Day Trips

    Travel times will vary between 50 minutes to 1 hr 20 min depending on direct services. There are more than 40 services per day. Ticket prices may range from €15 - €21 per trip. Tip: Discounts of up to 50% on train fares are available if booked in advance. See train timetables and available discounts here.

  21. How Much Are Tour Guides in Venice?

    Venice's most well-known work of art is regarded as a universal symbol of beauty. You can take your creation home as a unique souvenir after the demonstration. You can save 10% on the glass artwork in the shop. If glass blowing is interesting to you, be sure to check out this private lesson with a local artisan.

  22. Venice, Rome, Bologna, Florence & the Amalfi Coast: Best ...

    Most travelers will find that 14 to 15 days is perfect for a well-paced Italy trip with stops in Venice, Rome, Bologna, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 12 or 13 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Naples or Siena. Get inspired ...

  23. Italy Travel Cost

    A one week trip to Italy usually costs around $1,261 (€1,165) for one person and $2,522 (€2,331) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two ... Most people visit Florence, Rome and Venice during their trip to Italy. Pick at least one small town to visit that is off the beaten path.

  24. How Much Does A Trip to Italy Cost in 2024: Detailed Budget Breakdown

    You'll be able to have at least two tourist attractions a day. Per-Day Budget: $240 if you fly from Europe and rent a car, and $295 if you fly from the US and rent a car. Total Italy Trip Cost: $1660 if you fly from Europe and rent a car, and $2060 if you fly from the US and rent a car.