In this post, you will find tips to build a budget travel itinerary in Venice.

Venice is considered an extremely popular destination for its romanticism and unique style. However, prices in Venice are not “popular” prices at all. Venice is a very expensive city, especially as it’s extremely touristic.

How to save on transportation in Venice:

Here in this post, we have already talked about how to get to Venice and which is the cheapest route. However, when we talk about moving within the city, Venice has its peculiarities. As the city is a set of islands, the most common way of getting around is by boat, called Vaporettos.

Photo of a vaporetto, boat transiting the canals of Venice.
Vaporetto traveling along the canals of Venice.

This kind of ferry is operated by ACTV. However, the price is not the most attractive. The single ticket costs 7.5 euros and can be purchased on the boat. However, it is possible to buy 24, 48 or 72-hour passes. With the pass, transportation is unlimited, including going to other islands in Venice. The ticket can be purchased on the VeneziaUnica website.

If you don’t mind walking around the city a lot, this is definitely the only way to get around Venice economically. It’s possible to transit between all the main attractions on foot. Download Google Maps so you don’t get lost in the narrow streets of Venice.

Check out more essential travel apps here.

How to save on accommodation in Venice:

For some travelers who are looking to cut costs without taking Venice off the itinerary, it’s common to choose to stay in the surroundings of the city. An example is the city of Mestre, about 15 minutes by train from Venice. You can choose to take a train between Venezia Mestre and Venezia Santa Lucia, or to take a bus to Piazzale Roma.

There are also several hotels located on the mainland of the city, which are half the price of others in the center. However, you will have to include in your budget the trip to the center of Venice. If your hotel has easy access to one of the Vaporetto lines, you can buy a single pass and use it every day of the trip.

How to save on food in Venice:

Photo of a pizza with tomato sauce and four cheeses at the Pizza 2000 restaurant.
Pizza 2000 is one of the must-visit restaurants in Venice.

Coming from Rome to Venice, we can see a significant increase in restaurant prices. It’s hard to find affordable and quality options. Also, be alert for “offers” presented by waiters at the doors of restaurants.

Some places advertise very attractive prices, such as a plate with a starter plus a drink for 24 euros. However, when you receive the bill, what should be 24 becomes almost 40 euros with the addition of many fees. One restaurant even charged us for the table and cutlery we used.

Always search platforms like Tripadvisor for reviews from other customers before choosing a location. Here we have a list of our favorites in the city. Another tip is to stay in rooms with a kitchen, so it’s possible to reduce the number of meals outside the house. Products such as wine and cheese are extremely cheap in the markets.

How to save on tours in Venice:

Walking around Venice isn’t difficult, after all, everything is accessible on foot. With a cell phone with a map and a previous search on the internet, you can build your itinerary without needing guides. We have prepared a map with the main attractions of the city to make your journey easier:

In addition, it’s possible to search for walking tours in the city, as they are usually free or with a spontaneous contribution. If you’re traveling on a budget, don’t go for traditional touristic activities like the gondolas. A trip for the couple can reach 100 euros.

Did you like the tips? If you’ve been to Venice, tell us which ones you used.

FAQ Budget Travel Itinerary in Venice

How much does a trip to Venice cost?

The average cost per person is around 150 euros per day. Considering around €40 for food and €100 for accommodation. Want to know how to travel cheaply around the city? Check out our tips here.

How to travel to Venice cheaply?

To save money, avoid transport by Vaporettos. You can also stay in other regions, which have cheaper hotel rates. Check out all our tips for traveling cheaply in Venice here.

What to do in Venice?

Don’t leave out of your Venice itinerary a trip to St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica. Visit the Rialto Bridge and walk along the Grand Canal in Venice. Check out more tips on what to do in Venice here.

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