Venice is incredibly beautiful but also expensive. Knowing this is the first step to a successful trip to Venice on a budget.
If you take the time to research your trip and create a plan, you will be able to have fun while not emptying your bank account. Here I will be explaining a few of the key ways to save a few extra bucks when travelling through Venice.
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Transportation in Venice
As fancy as the gondolas look, you may start running away once you hear the price. On average a water taxi can cost you over a €100. This can put a huge dent in your budget if you mistakenly took one thinking it would be cheaper.
Water buses are a great way of transportation around the city and allow for great sightseeing at the same time. By taking Line 2 you can get a nice view of the Grand Canal which then loops to Giudecca, this all costs around €6. Compared to the gondolas I think I will be riding the bus.
However, if you are set on a gondola experience you can always cut costs elsewhere by taking a coach for all or part of your journey to this Italian paradise. Sometimes it’s much cheaper to find flights to airports in nearby countries and complete the trip by bus. Although this may seem like a daunting task for some, Megabus and many other coach companies offer free WiFi so you can easily pass the time and keep in touch.
Tours of Venice
Tours might sound nice, but can be a huge waste of money (and sometimes time). The cheaper way to hit some nice hot spots for free is by downloading a tour app like Venice City Guide. Creating your own route and checking things out at your own pace can allow for a more romantic time with that special someone or family. When using your phone abroad try to keep your personal information safe by using a Virtual Private Network on your iPhone. The last thing you need is to find an empty bank account due to fraudulent charges.
St. Mark’s Basilica and Square
The St. Mark’s Basilica has to be one of Venice’s most astonishing sights. It is free to look at from the outside even though it does have a few museums inside that charge a fee. You can easily do without those and still feel satisfied. The St. Mark’s Square sits in front of the Basilica and can be packed with visitors. It’s a great piazza that is a wonderful place to relax and people watch after a day packed full of travel.
San Giorgio Maggiore
This is another church that has an amazing design. This church was designed by Andrea Palladio. The church contains a few Tintoretto paintings and has an elevator which you can take for a small fee. The elevator takes you to the top of the campanile and has a great view. The church is just like St. Mark’s; you can look and wander around for free (perfect if you’re visiting Venice on a budget). If you show up to this church for Sunday mass, you can even hear the Gregorian chants sung by Benedictine monks. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Music & Arts in Venice
Wandering around Venice you will notice that there is a lot of art involved everywhere. You can easily find some great places to visit like the Museum of Music or the Jewish Ghetto. Most of the museums are very cheap and are a great place to take the family. You can also find local music artists performing for free by just walking around Venice. Exploring the beautiful streets of Venice on foot is an incredible (and free) way to absorb the beautiful city.
The beauty of Venice awaits you. With a little advance planning you will find that you can visit Venice on a budget. If you stay away from expensive tourist traps, and know to avoid the over-priced gondolas, then you will have a wonderful trip that will stick with you for a lifetime.
Do you have any tips for visiting Venice on a budget?