How to Enjoy Venice on a Small Budget

Can you explore Venice on a budget, is it possible? From personal experience, I can say yes… but you have to be careful. Venice is a beautiful and unforgettable experience, but it comes off as very expensive, so I put together this guide to show that you don’t need a huge budget to visit.

Here are some of my favorite things that I’ve done, so you can enjoy Venice too.

Where to Stay

Before we go into specific activities to do in Venice, let’s talk about accommodation. If you want to stay in the city, this will be the most expensive part. The public transport is really good, so you don’t have to stay in the city if you want to lessen costs that way.

If you want to stay in the city for an affordable price, I enjoyed the Generator Hostel which was great with a VeneziaUnica City Pass which covered travel on the ferries. If you are traveling with a friend and/or want to splurge on a private room, this apartment is gorgeous, in a great part of the island, and Haus Ormesini is a great option and affordable if you book early enough.

Affordable Attractions

Of course, you can stick to all the free things available, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t book anything else. So here are some paid attractions that you can’t miss, and worth factoring into your budget.

I need to mention the best view in all of Venice, which can be found at The Campanile di San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Bell Tower. Standing at 98.6 meters tall, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding canals. A whole lot of stairs, but definitely well worth the climb!

Explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci through interactive exhibits and displays at Leonardo Da Vinci Museum Venezia. It is truly an astounding place to learn about his inventions, art, and scientific discoveries.

Doge’s Palace is a little on the expensive side and it will take a while to walk through, but it’s a staple of the area. While you’re in the palace, you can visit the iconic Bridge of Sighs. St. Mark’s Museum/Basilica is a classic place to visit while you’re there and it has a charming little terrace that you can visit that runs along the side.

If you enjoy panoramic views of Venice while sipping on a drink or enjoying a meal, then you should check out the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace. It is a rooftop bar and restaurant, it has great views of the city and the canals. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the city’s beauty.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is another unforgettable place that you should visit while you’re visiting Venice. They also have a charming cafe setting to admire the impressive art collection. Enjoy a coffee or light meal while surrounded by masterpieces.

Unique and Interesting Shops

One of the coolest places I went was Libreria Acqua Alta. This unique bookstore built on a canal, featuring a quirky collection of books and a charming atmosphere. The bookshelves are arranged on gondolas and in bathtubs, creating a whimsical and unforgettable experience. It’s also a great spot for some pictures, and there are books piled high in the back that have been out there for years, they’re quite weathered, but perfect for photos.

If you’re looking for vintage, then you need to explore Vintageria Venezia for one-of-a-kind finds and treasures. From clothing and accessories to home decor, you’ll find a variety of unique items at affordable prices. I’m always a big fan of finding affordable choices, and this shop had a ton of great ideas.

Free Activities

When it comes to free activities, I always find the best ones to make the most out of my visits. One of my favorites was Giardini Reali which is a peaceful garden in the city. It’s a great place to get some calm and enjoy the lush greenery, fountains, and sculptures. The greenery covers the top too, so it’s a beautiful spot to walk down, or take a seat and have a picnic.

You won’t miss Piazza San Marco during your visit, it’s where all the tourist attractions are, but you might need to hunt it down if you’re not in that area. Admire the iconic St. Mark’s Square, a bustling hub of activity and a must-see for any visitor. People-watch, admire the architecture, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Calle Varisco is the narrowest street in Venice, and it’s really cool to see. It’s a unique activity and one where you can get away from some of the hustle and bustle of the city. You can see out to the canals at the end and watch the boats pass. It’s a great way to get an insiders look into the middle of Venice, which you might not come across during your normal tourist actions.

Take a leisurely walk along the Grand Canal, soaking up the stunning views and vibrant atmosphere. Admire the magnificent palaces and bridges that line the canal. It’s also beautiful to see from the water, if you want to splurge a bit on a canal ride, I know it’ll be well-worth it.

Anyone Can Visit Venice, No Matter the Budget

While there is no shortage of things to do if you want to visit Venice, you do need to be a bit more savvy to make it happen on a budget. These are just a few of the tips that I have for visiting Venice on a budget. Food tends to be where people spend the most without really noticing it, since costs add up quickly. Make sure you’re careful about not overdoing it with that, and then you’ll be able to make this trip to Venice a success (on a budget!).

What are you waiting for? Start booking your trip!