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Travelers planning a trip to Venice, Italy will, no doubt, be considering the cost. You are probably wondering, Is Venice expensive to visit? Well, yes…and no. A vacation to the Floating City can be pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. With our money-saving tips, we’ll show you how to visit Venice on a Budget!
As budget-conscious travelers, we keep a close eye on costs. Our goal is not to spend as little as possible, but rather to selectively choose valuable experiences. On our recent One Day in Venice Trip, we cashed in on a few freebies and reveled in low-cost activities.
A budget trip can be broken down into three categories: Sightseeing, Food and Logistics. We are sharing our top thrifty tips for all aspects of planning a budget Venice vacation.
Venice on a Budget: Sightseeing and Attractions
Focusing your attention on free or cheap activities can save bundles. We are highlighting the top things to do in Venice on a budget to help keep you from unnecessarily over-spending!
#1 Venice Budget Boat Ride
A classic gondola ride on a picturesque canal is one of the top activities in Venice, but the steep price can be painful. The good news is that there are economical options.
First, gondolas can accommodate four passengers. Splitting the cost with another couple or a group of friends can reduce the per-person fee.
Riding the Vaporetto Ferry Boat is another way to save money. The water buses are not nearly as atmospheric and the boat isn’t steered by a striped-shirt gondolier. However, the 40-minute ride down Grand Canal is gorgeous…and costs less than 10 euros.
We believe it’s best to grab a spot at the back of the ferry, where you can see the Grand Canal in its entirety. Note that there are also Full-Day and Multi-Day Tickets for unlimited rides at a reduced price.
Another cheap way to travel over water is on a Traghetto. These large gondolas transport multiple passengers across Grand Canal at points where there are no bridges.
Two gondoliers – one in front and one in back – row the boat from one side of the canal to the other. It’s a really short ride, but for only a couple of euros, it’s a fun experience.
Top Budget Tip: Gazing at the gondolas as they float by can be just as mesmerizing – and it doesn’t cost a dime to watch!
#2 Sightseeing Venice for Free
The Venice Lagoon is like no other place in the world. The City of Venice itself consists of 126 individual islands – and a maze of streets and bridges links it all together.
Visiting the recognizable squares (like San Marco) and crossing the beautiful bridges (like Rialto) require no money at all. Additionally, the markets and a few gardens (like Giardini Reali) are free to stroll through.
That said, the most charming part of Venice is its cobblestoned lanes, narrow canals and hidden corners. Visitors could easily spend days exploring (okay, getting lost) in the sestieri neighborhoods and enthralling quarters, like the Jewish Ghetto.
Wandering without an agenda is our favorite way to experience Venice, Italy on a budget. However, you will rack up the miles, so make certain to pack comfortable travel shoes.
Venice Access Fee: While meandering is free, the city has implemented a new fee aimed at day trippers. The Venice Visitor Ticket is pretty affordable, only required on select days and doesn’t apply to all travelers. Find specifics on the official website.
#3 Tip-Based Venice Walking Tour
Those who would prefer a more organized introduction can join fellow travelers on a Free Walking Tour of Venice.
Several companies offer multiple tours in numerous languages. Popular picks include the Must-See Venice Walking Tour, A Walk to Hidden Gems and Favorite Local Spots.
These tours usually run about 2 to 3 hours. Space is limited, so we suggest reserving a spot online in advance of your trip.
Free Tour Tip: The people who lead these tours do work for tips. If you participate in a Free Venice Tour, plan to have some euros to compensate the guide.
#4 Free Venice Churches
Venice is home to an astounding number of churches; there are supposedly more than 250. From humble and hidden to outrageously ostentatious, the churches in Venice are sublime. They are steeped in history, feature exquisite architecture and are often filled with magnificent artwork.
Better yet, many don’t cost a dime to enter. While touring the city, we never hesitated to peek inside a church with open doors. Not only would we marvel at the altars and paintings, but relished the opportunity to sit in the pews to give our feet a rest. Surprisingly, the city has very few public benches!
Some of our favorite free-to-visit churches are Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Moise, Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto and Chiesa di San Zaccaria.
The famous Basilica di San Marco once offered free entry. However, needing to raise funds for repairs, a 3-euro ticket is now required to go inside, which is paid at the door. Skip-the-line tickets and combined packages can be purchased on the official website.
Good to Know: The cost to visit some of the other renowned churches – like Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo and Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari – is 5 euros or less. Additionally, the Church Pass covers admission into more than 15 Chorus Circuit Churches.
#5 Discounted Venice Attractions Tickets
When visiting Venice on a budget, we strongly recommend researching attractions passes and combo tickets. They can be very practical for penny-wise travelers.
The Venice City Pass offers a substantial value to those who want to visit a multitude of ticketed sights. It includes access to the Doge’s Palace – as well as entry to more than 10 museums and 15 churches – all for one set price. Plus, there is an option to include public transit. Get pass info and prices.
The St. Mark’s Square Museums Ticket – which includes the Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana – is offered at a flat rate. Purchasing the ticket more than 30 days in advance offers additional savings.
The Rolling Venice Pass is designed exclusively for young travelers. Valid for purchase by visitors up to the age of 29, the low-cost pass grants the holder discounted rates of entry at numerous attractions. Find out more.
More Discounts: Many sights offer generously discounted tickets to students and seniors. If you qualify, be sure to bring proper identification to claim the reduced fares.
#6 Free Venice Museums on First Sundays
On the first Sunday of the month (from October to March), the Italian Ministry of Culture sponsors Domenica al Museo, or Sunday at the Museum. The initiative offers free entry to select museums for all guests. Go to the official site for upcoming dates and included sights.
We planned our visit to coincide with the event and were able to tour multiple venues for free! Among the 12 institutions that participate, we visited the Gallerie dell’Accademia (known for Venetian artworks), Grimani Palace Museum (featuring ornate frescoes) and the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery at Ca’ d’Oro (boasting a fine art collection and super views).
More Free Museums in Venice: In our research, we couldn’t find any always-free Venice museums. The Museo della Musica di Venezia (hosting a collection of ancient instruments) claims to be free but requires a 2-euro donation (which, to be honest, is still a good deal!).
#7 Free Venice Viewpoints
High, low, near and far, Venice is stunning from every angle. The city truly shines, however, from an elevated perch.
The four bridges that cross Grand Canal – Ponte di Rialto, Ponte dell’Accademia, Ponte degli Scalzi and Ponte della Costituzione – are all exceptional vantage points to take in the splendor. The bridges are free to access and visitors can linger as long as they want.
Much higher than the bridges, however, is the open-air viewing platform at Fondaco dei Tedeschi. The multi-story department store allows guests to take in the incredible vista from their rooftop for free. All you need to do is reserve a timeslot in advance.
More Stunning Free Views: While we love gazing at Venice from above, the water-level views are not to be missed. Some of our favorite spots are Riva degli Schiavoni (where gondolas bob on the waves), the docks near Mercato di Rialto and the walkway to the east of Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.
#8 DIY Venice Day Trips
A great way to save money while traveling to any city is to forgo organized tours and plan day trips on your own.
In Venice, the best DIY day trip is to the outer islands of Murano and Burano. Accessible via the Vaporetto Ferries, these islands entice visitors with their beauty and charm – and both can be visited in a single day.
Quick trips to inland destinations are also easy to plan with direct train connections. Padua, an ancient city with gorgeous architecture, is a 30-minute ride to the west. Treviso – just 30 minutes to the north – feels a bit like a mini-Venice but with far, far, far fewer crowds.
Top Budget Tip: Some nearby Veneto destinations – like the Valpolicella Wine District and the Dolomite Mountains – are better accessed by vehicle. Travelers without a car can check these highly-rated day trips from Venice.
Cheap Eats in Venice
When we first started thinking about what to eat in Venice on a budget, we anticipated a struggle. Our go-to cheap travel meal is a simple picnic with items from the local grocery store.
However, Venice has very strict rules about where outdoor eating is allowed (and it’s definitely not in St. Mark’s Square!).
Generally speaking, we think that Venice is an expensive place to eat, but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that offer budget food.
#9 Venice Budget Restaurants
The best places to eat in Venice on a budget are grab-and-go eateries. These include cafes offering paninis (we enjoyed the ones from Bar all’Angolo on Campo Santo Stefano) and pizzerias selling inexpensive slices to go.
Just be aware that you will likely need to stand and eat or while you walk – sitting on bridges, ledges or steps and eating in most gardens is forbidden.
Creating a meal from traditional Cicchetti is another way to eat cheap in Venice. The snacks – often bread topped with local ingredients or savory fried morsels – are displayed in glass cases at bacaros.
Similar to Spanish Tapas, the bite-sized portions cost between 1 to 5 euros. Cicchetti is typically eaten while standing, but some spots have tables where patrons can comfortably consume their nibbles.
Pizzerias – and restaurants that serve pizzas – are a good bet for an affordable meal, too. Whole pizzas are usually priced at 15 euros or less, making them one of the most cost-effective items on the menu.
Restaurants to Avoid: It can be tempting to sit down at a pretty café on St. Mark’s Square or an appealing canal-side eatery, but check the prices before you do! For example, the historic Caffe Florian is astonishingly expensive, with coffees costing more than 10 euros and beers priced at nearly 20.
#10 Inexpensive Drinks
While eating in Venice on a budget can be challenging, it is far easier to find cheap drinks. Restaurants and bars typically offer both house wine and popular Italian beers at affordable prices (but always check).
Ordering an Ombra is a good way to keep your budget in check. Directly translating to ‘shadow,’ the small cup of wine – which should cost less than 2 euros – is often paired with cicchetti bar snacks.
Money-Saving Tip: It’s safe to drink tap water in Venice. In fact, the city has more than 120 fountains that disperse clean drinking water. Be sure to pack a travel water bottle and refill throughout the day.
#11 Worth-It Gelato
Gelato is a Venice foodie experience not to be missed! A great afternoon treat (especially on hot summer days), gelato is reasonably priced throughout the city.
Our favorite spot for a scoop is Gelateria Ducale. Not only is it one of the more economical places to get a cone or cup, but their delicious creamy gelato is worth every calorie!
More Foodie Tips: Pastry shops – called Pasticcerias – are a great place for inexpensive, fresh-made cakes and sweets. Pasticceria Tonolo, in particular, is known for their sublime confections and low prices. An espresso and tiramisu combo costs about 3 euros.
Practical Venice Budget Travel Tips
We’ve outlined what to do in Venice on a budget, but we have some logistical advice that can help you save more!
#12 Tuck Away your Valuables
Tourists are a prime target for petty theft. A vacation can get very expensive (and positively ruined) if a sticky-fingered thief heists your phone, wallet or jewelry.
Make sure you keep your valuables tucked away in zippered day bags and use our Top Tips for Avoiding Pickpockets to help stop someone snagging your stuff.
Be Aware of Scams: Like in any other touristic city, scammers roam the streets of Venice. Be careful with who you interact with, don’t accept roses or bracelets when thrust toward you and, for heaven’s sake, do not get drawn into any kind of dice game!
#13 Staying in Venice on a Budget
One of the biggest dilemmas when planning an affordable trip is determining where to stay. To be perfectly honest, Venice budget hotels are difficult to come by – and the top value rooms get snapped up in a hurry.
If you book in advance, you might be able score basic accommodation with a private bathroom at Foresteria Valdese Venezia. In the past, I have stayed at the no-frills, 1-star Hotel Rossi. It’s located just a short walk from the train station and rates run around $100 per night.
It is possible that the very best place to stay in Venice on a budget might not be in Venice at all. Mestre is only 11 minutes away by train and has plenty of cheap hotels, but not much else for tourists.
During our visit to the Veneto Region, we opted to stay in Treviso. Just 30 minutes from Venice by direct train, the walled city is crisscrossed by canals and features some wonderful architecture.
Although not as affordable as Mestre, Treviso is still less expensive than most hotels in Venice and comes with it’s own charm.
#14 Getting to Venice for Less
How much it costs to get to Venice will vary drastically depending on your point of origin and time of year. Therefore, we’re highlighting a few general ways to save money on transport.
By Air
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the closest and largest international gateway to the city. If flying into Venice, the cheapest way to get out to the main islands is by bus to Piazzale Roma.
The nearby Treviso Airport (TSF) is used exclusively by low-cost carriers. While destinations are limited, flights to Treviso are likely to cost far less than flights to Venice Airport. Read more in our article on Cheap Airfare Hacks.
By Train or Bus
Between taking a train or a bus to Venice, the later will likely be cheaper (but it will depend on where you are coming from). We start by checking fares on Flixbus, our preferred coach company in Europe.
For the best prices on train tickets, book far in advance. Just like flights, fares increase closer to the date of travel. I analyzed the price of early-summer travel to Venice from Rome about 6 months in advance – and the figures were quite interesting.
A train between the two cities costs about 100 euros. A flight from Rome to the Venice Airport was available for just 70 euros – and on the same airline to Treviso for 50 euros. The bus, however, was the cheapest at just 30 euros.
#15 Choose the Cheapest Time of Year to Visit Venice
A good way to save a lot of money on a trip to Venice is to visit in the wintertime. With the exception of Carnival (usually at the end of February), it’s the most affordable time to visit Venice.
The weather will be brisk – and possibly blustery and wet – but there are far fewer tourists and prices are at their lowest.
Shoulder Season: As with many popular destinations in Europe, the shoulder season has evaporated in Venice. Late spring and early autumn can be just as busy – and expensive – as the summer.
#16 Plan a Budget Venice Trip
If you are really trying to grind down your Venice travel budget, our Vacation Planner is a fabulous way to keep track of spending. Plus, we go in-depth on our money-saving methods.
Keeping track of your trip details is just as important! Organize all the essential information for your vacation to Italy with our Printable Travel Planner.
Final Tip: Even though travel insurance is an extra expense, we believe it is worth the cost! Regardless of how well you plan, things can go wrong when you travel. Find affordable rates and broad coverage with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Italy! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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We’ve been traveling to Italy for more than two decades. Our experience can help you prepare your amazing vacation!
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