Venice is a city that really is like no other in Italy, or the rest of the world for that matter. Made up of 118 small islands which are all separated by canals yet linked together by a number of beautiful bridges, it is best known as the ‘floating city’ as well as the ‘city of love’, making it one of the most magical destinations.
Venice is a city known the world over for its romantic canals, sensational churches and maze-like streets. The floating city has long reigned high up on the list of those that like to experience great food, wonderful sights and something a little bit different from the norm, and thousands descend upon its waterways every year to soak up its unique charms.
It’s definitely possible to drop a large amount of cash during a trip to Venice. However, there are many free and affordable things to do in this historic city, along with a few worth-the-money splurges.
Essential Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Reasons to Visit Venice
Venice is one of those places which must be visited at least once in your lifetime, as it really is so unique and the history of it is undoubtedly captivating.
The city played a significant role in the Italian Renaissance period and this is clear throughout the city’s intricate architecture and the plethora of artwork, which really is out of this world.
There is so much culture that is present everywhere you go, from the Venetian masks which have been a tradition of the city for centuries, to the wealth of beautiful and famous churches that serve as a reminder of Italy’s religious importance.
Venice is the perfect weekend destinations, although if you are able to spend longer in the city, it does have enough attractions to keep you busy for a week or more.
Best Time to Visit Venice
Venice is a great destination to visit all year round. Summer is peak time due to the weather, but this is when the heat can be intense and also a lot of tourist.
I think this romantic little slice of Italy is best enjoyed when there’s less crowds – the best time to visit is generally April and May, or September and October. The winding lanes and quirky layout of the mainland is much more enjoyable to get lost in when you’re not sandwiched in with other tourists. Spend your days wandering aimlessly along the streets without the huge crowds, dipping in to wine bars, art galleries, museums, churches and shops.
Here is a guide to what’s on in Venice during the year which you might want to plan a trip to coincide with:
January/February:
Top of the tree for events in Venice is it legendary carnival. Held late January/early February, the world’s oldest masked ball has been held since the middle ages. This two week party is a real experience.
April:
In April children take to the streets with pots and wooden spoons to celebrate Festa di San Marco. They chant and make as much noise as they can in exchange for tokens which are traded for sweet treats.
October:
Being so famous for its waterways you would think a Marathon in Venice would be difficult, but you’d be wrong. Held in October the runners start outside the city in Stra before making their way into St Mark’s Square.
December/January:
It is opera season in Venice. Be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Getting to Venice
Several airlines offer direct flights to Venice from European destinations including Ryanair, British Airways, American Airlines, easyJet, Japan Airlines, Jet2, Wizz Air Malta and Wizz Air. Flights to Venice usually take around two hours from London, and the short flight time makes it a great place for a weekend getaway. Find cheap flights on Skyscanner.
Where to Stay
Venice is very expensive to visit especially during summer, hotels can be very highly priced. Visit outside of summer for cheaper rates.
If you are on a budget check out Anda Hostel. The hostel itself is actually in Mestre (on the mainland from Venice, a 10 min/€1.50 bus ride to Venice station) and gives off more authentic Italian vibes than if you were stay in central Venice – and it’s a lot cheaper! There is regular entertainment including live music/DJ sets on weekends.
Search accommodation and the best deals on Booking.com.
Getting Around
If you would like to travel on the water and don’t want to splash out on the expensive gondola experience, ride the taxi boats which only cost a couple of euros.
Don’t always stick religiously to travel guides you read (except mine of course), leave the book at home and spend the morning traipsing aimlessly through Venice’s mazy streets; this is where the real charm resides.
Either grab a map and design your own walking tour or tag along on one of the free ones that you can find in the city. You might also like to check out sightseeing tours on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Top Things to Do in Venice
Venice, Italy is arguably one of the most amazing cities in the world and well-worth the money for those who can afford to go.
These ideas represent some of the most popular things to do in Venice, but there are certainly many other activities and sights.
One thing’s for certain. Whether you are able to spend a day or a week, you’ll be able to count Venice as one of your trips of a lifetime.
St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
One of the most famous piazzas in the world, piazza San Marco is named for the Basilica di San Marco itself. But there are many other important things to see at the Piazza. The Duke’s palace, the Bridge of Sighs leading to the prison, the old library and the archeological museum.
There are also the two impressive towers leading out of the piazza and onto the piazzetta near the vaporetto station. St. Mark’s square is also famous for its pigeons, which you can feed for a nominal fee when you purchase bird seed from one of the vendors in the open area.
This is definitely the piazza where you’ll want to sit with a cappuccino and enjoy the sites. If you want to enjoy before the crowds descend then visit St Mark’s Square as the sun comes up for a truly memorable experience. You’re more than likely to have the Piazza to yourself.
Gondola Rides
Taking a romantic gondola ride is the quintessential experience for a vacation to Venice, Italy. Many make the mistake of wanting to book a gondola the minute they approach the Grand Canal from the main train station. It’s my opinion that this is usually far too choppy to enjoy in the manner you’ve likely always dreamed of. A more serene gondola experience can be had in the quieter canals toward the city center.
Venetian Souvenir Shopping
There are several prized things to shop for as you see the sights.
Hand-blown glass, adorned carnival masks and hand-crafted lace all make the list of sought-after souvenirs by Venice vacationers. There are also a number of street artists selling gallery-worthy oil paintings, charcoal sketches and watercolors of famous buildings and scenes throughout the city.
Chances are, you’ll stumble across a glass-blowing demonstration during your explorations. Take the time to enjoy it. It’s a welcome break from architecture overload.
See a Palazzo
Being a city that was filled with wealth, especially throughout the Renaissance period, Venice boasts over 200 palazzis, or palaces. While it is possible to locate all of these wonderful buildings, if you are short of time, make sure to visit the Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s palace as it is also known as.
In the Palazzo’s courtyard you will be able to see Antonio Rizzo’s Scala dei Giganti as well as Sansovino’s statues of Neptune and Apollo which are all equally breathtaking. Again, the building’s rather solemn purpose in history is shown here in the courtyard by the Poggi (wells) which are situated on the east side, which is where prisoners would be held.
Visit a Gallery or Museum
Being such an important part of the Renaissance movement, Venice has a number of galleries and art museums. While the city itself and its architecture is a piece of art, there are a number of modern art galleries which serve as an interesting experience in a city that is filled with history.
The Palazzo Grassi is a definite must see for culture vultures and art lovers alike as it offers world class installations and exhibitions, as is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection which is one of the city’s most important museums.
Check Out the View from the Church of San Giorgio
The Church of San Giorgio has one of the best views of Venice from the top of the bell tower! This is a local secret travel tip which not many tourists know about.
Rialto
The Rialto Bridge and surrounding area of shops is a popular spot for photo ops and souvenir shopping in the city of Venice, Italy. There are outdoor cafes where you can have coffee and dessert while overlooking this historic bridge that’s often filmed in movies and is routinely the subject matter of various street artists. Be sure to visit Rialto Market, where you will can buy an amazing array of Venetian produce, or just take a stroll through to admire all of the colourful stalls.
Galleria dell’ Accademia
This former church and convent is on the tourist list for most visitors with even a passing interest in art, as the collection represents how Venetian art progressed in form from fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Works from many famous masters are housed here.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
For modern art fans, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must-see on the Venice tourism circuit. In addition to the sculpture garden where Ms. Guggenheim and several of her pet dogs are buried, you’ll see paintings from numerous important modern artists, including several by Picasso and Pollock.
Afternoon Vaporetto Rides
If you’ve seen as much as you can on foot, mid-afternoon is the perfect time to take a vaporetto – a public water bus – from St. Mark’s Square back to the main train station. The light is fantastic at that time of day to get some great stationary gondola photographs next to the famous striped Venetian poles and historic buildings. It’s also one of the best cheap tours of the Grand Canal at your tourist disposal.
Jewish Ghetto
For a unique perspective of this famous city visit the Jewish Ghetto: This is an off-the-beaten path destination. It is an absolutely fascinating place to visit and something totally different to do than the usual sightseeing activities.
Harry’s Bar
Enjoy a Bellini in Harry’s Bar. This historic drinking den was frequented by the likes of Orson Wells, Ernest Hemmingway and Charlie Chaplin.
Murano and Burano
Venice has a number of hidden gems within the city to explore, but if you have time to head a little further afield then visit the islands surrounding it; Murano and Burano in particular. Murano is world renowned for its glassware and definitely worth a visit for an insight into its history of glass making.
Burano is real treat for the eyes; tiny canals run through the streets filled with candy coloured houses. It really is a picturesque town like no other. Taking a boat trip to the colourful Burano and Murano will also give you the best places for Instagram worthy photos. If you are looking for. souvenirs, pick up some exquisite glassware and intricate lace produced by the islands residents.
Beach
Did you know Venice has a beach?!
Get Lost
Leave your map at the hotel. Just wander and prepare to get lost to discover the real Venice. Explore the back streets and go off the beaten track and remember to wear comfy shoes!
How to Visit Venice on a Budget
Unfortunately for your wallet, Venice is quite an expensive city to visit. But that doesn’t mean that a budget trip is completely outside the realms of possibility.
With a little care and common sense, you can still make the most of this iconic destination without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, it’s Venice; you just have to.
As a first point, I thought it would be wise to mention that visiting Venice in the off-season is generally cheaper. Waiting until the end of summer or visiting during Spring or even. winter can help you avoid the busiest crowds and also find cheaper flights and accommodation.
Of course, this might not always be possible, so I’ve based the rest of our tips on a peak trip to the city.
Transport
There’s no driving in Venice, so getting around the city will take some getting used to. While gondola rides and motorized water taxis are certainly available, they tend to be a bit pricey. Walking and taking the public water bus are always my methods of choice.
Take the first bridge to your left after exiting the train station, and make your way by foot for free to the Rialto and Basilica di San Marco. Take the time to enjoy the sites and attractions along the way. Hopping an affordable, mid-afternoon vaporetto from St. Mark’s Square back to the train station will provide you with the best photo opportunities of the Grand Canal.
Forgo the Gondola
For many, a gondola ride typifies Venice. Gliding along the canals of the city on a traditional wooden vessel, pushed along by along by a charmingly dressed gondolier; well it just doesn’t get much more romantic than that, does it?
The only thing is, this quaint experience may put you in the good books, but it will cost you a pretty penny to do so. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun of Venice’s canals; there are affordable floating buses called vaporettos at your disposal. Admittedly it’s not quite as romantic as the real deal, but it’s still a novel experience and it gets you from A to B as well.
For further savings, buy a multi-day water pass to get more rides for your money. You can buy the tickets at the boarding areas for the boat or on the vessel itself. If you are doing the former, make sure you validate the ticket at the machine after your purchase.
Activities
St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most impressive religious structures in the world, is free to enter and explore. For a nominal fee, you can purchase small bag of bird seed to feed the pigeons prevalent in the piazza. Strolling the streets is a free architectural and art tour, and can also result in glass-blowing demonstrations at local shops.
Must-see attractions include the exquisite Palazzo Ducale, the Peggy Guggenheim collection and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, which is sure to take your breath away. If the timing is right, consider checking out the Venice carnival during your visit, which is known around the world for its colorful and elaborate costumes.
If you are planning to visit any museums or galleries in Venice be sure to book your tickets in advance. This will save you precious time as you won’t need to queue and you can usually get special offers online.
Free Things to Do in Venice
Gratis attractions are great. While the best things in life might not actually be free, there are plenty of amazing things in Venice that won’t cost you a penny to enjoy.
The resplendent Piazza San Marco is the ultimate example of this. Yes, it’s a tourist hotspot, but almost everything there is free and incredible. The line for St Mark’s Basilica might be daunting, but don’t let that put you off; its interior is one of the finest you are likely to see in any Italian church – just make sure your legs and arms are covered.
Of course, there’s also the Gothic Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs nearby to quench your money saving thirst. If nothing else, it’s just a wonderful place to sit for an hour or so, enjoying a typically fine Italian coffee.
Further outside the centre, you’ll find the likes of Arsenale, an ancient shipyard full of past relics, the island of Burano, known for its bright, pastel-coloured houses, and Ghetto Ebraico, the historic centre the comprises of a cluster of small islands. All of these are free to enjoy.
Book Museums in Advance
Venice is blessed with a number of incredible museums, but unlike in London where many are free, you have to pay entrance fees. To save a little, look on line before hand at the ones you’d really like to visit and book before you go.
Here are a few that we recommend: Ca’Rezzonica; a vast collection of 18th century fine art. Peggy Guggenheim Collection; one of Italy’s finest modern art museums, contains works by Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock. Museo Correr; a place to find out about the civic history of Venice.
Food and Drink
Coffee for two with a view of the Rialto Bridge can sink you an easy 20 Euros.
It’s best to wander a few streets away from all of the major attractions before searching out a local trattoria. Using this strategy, you will spend significantly fewer Euros than you would dining within sight of the city’s more famous attractions.
As you’re in Italy, so it would be madness to eat anything other than Italian food. Like any major city, Venice is home to its fair share of lavish eateries. But while these are all well and good, some of the best food in Italy can be found in the traditional, family-run trattorias – they also happen to be some of the cheapest.
You’ll find the likes of gnocchi, freshwater fish and duck or guinea fowl on the menu. The region is renowned for the quality of its olive oil, truffles and chestnuts, as well as for the cheese made in Valeggio sul Mincio.
There’s no set guidance to finding these little restaurants, but rest assured every Italian city has them, and Venice is no different. What these places may lack in decor they almost always make up for in character, charm, quality and price.
Avoid the restaurants with people stood outside ushering you in. One, it’s an unpleasant way to pick a restaurant and two, these are usually the least inspiring places to eat. As an added tip, keep your eyes peeled for set menus; these will save you a fortune in the long run.
As an added cash saving bonus, pack yourself a traditional Italian packed lunch from one of the many little gastronomias that line the city’s streets. If you don’t mind a more casual meal, there are also a number of affordable panini shops near the train station suitable for starting or ending your day in Venice.
Hopefully my tips how not to break the bank in the floating city will help you. Now that you know how to save in the beautiful city of Venice, you can get your cheap flights booked and get planning!
Day Trips & Places to Visit Near to Venice
If you have been to Venice before, or looking to see as much of Italy as possible, you might want to explore other nearby popular attractions too. Bolzano, Florence, Verona and Lake Garda are all highly recommended and easy to get to on public transport.
Verona is a beautiful city to check out. Located further inland and not too far away from Venice (it can take under two hours via train) is the city of Verona, which is best known as the place in which the Shakespeare’s most famous star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet lived.
With this romantic piece of literature in mind, a visit to Verona is not complete without a trip to the Casa di Giulietta which is home to Juliet’s balcony. It is also traditional to leave a romantic note attached to Juliet’s wall which is a very popular tourist spot in the city.
Other places you might want to consider adding to your Italy itinerary include Rome, Florence and Milan.