Travel Tips for Visiting Venice: Save Money & Time

The Eternal City’s waiting for you! And our tips for visiting Rome are sure to make your trip one to remember – without breaking the bank.

Venice is a breathtaking city of canals, history, and romance, but it can also be expensive and tricky to navigate.

Here’s how to experience the best of Venice while saving time and money.

Getting to Venice

Venice’s main airport, Marco Polo (VCE), is 13 km away, with transport options including:

Bus (€8-€10, 20-30 min) – ACTV or ATVO buses to Piazzale Roma.
Alilaguna Water Bus (€15, 45-60 min) – A scenic but slower ride to key locations.
Taxi (€40-€50) or Water Taxi (€100+) – Expensive, but direct.
Train – If coming from other Italian cities, arrive at Santa Lucia Station for a direct Grand Canal entry.

Our tip: The airport bus is the best balance of price and efficiency.

Venice is a car-free city, best explored on foot or by boat.

Walking – The cheapest and most scenic way to navigate.
Vaporetto (Water Bus) (€9.50 per ride) – Essential for longer trips; get a multi-day pass (€25 for 1 day, €35 for 2 days) to save.
Traghetto (€2) – A cheap way to cross the Grand Canal on a gondola-like boat.
Gondolas (€80-€90) – A splurge; consider sharing the ride.

Our tip: Walk whenever possible, and get a vaporetto pass if using boats frequently.

Venice has plenty of delicious yet affordable food options if you avoid tourist traps.

Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at Bacari – Small bites for €1-€3 each at wine bars.
Menu del Giorno – Fixed lunch menus for €13-€20.
Pizza al taglio & pasta-to-go – Cheap, tasty street food (~€5-€8).
Markets & grocery stores – Rialto Market and local supermarkets are great for budget meals.

Our tip: Avoid cafes in St. Mark’s Square, which charge €10+ for coffee with a live music fee.

Venice has plenty of affordable accommodation options:

Budget areas: Stay in Cannaregio, Castello, or Dorsoduro for cheaper hotels.
Hostels & guesthouses: Affordable stays in Venice proper, or Mestre (mainland) for cheaper hotels.
Apartment rentals: Good for groups, but check for hidden fees.

Our tip: If staying in Mestre, pick a hotel near the train station for easy access to Venice (€1.50 ride).

Venice is a year-round destination, but each season has a different experience:

Spring (April-May) & Fall (Sept-Oct) – Best weather, fewer crowds.
Summer (June-August) – Peak crowds, expensive, but lively.
Winter (Nov-Feb) – Low prices, fewer tourists, but chilly.
Carnival (Feb) & Biennale (May-Nov, every other year) – Busy and pricey periods.

Our tip: Visit early spring or late fall for the best mix of affordability and good weather.

Venice’s nightlife is relaxed and scenic, focusing on wine bars, live music, and stunning views rather than clubs.

Bacari & Aperitivo – Grab cicchetti (€1-€3 each) and a spritz (€3-€6) at local wine bars in Cannaregio or Campo Santa Margherita.
Live Music & Rooftop Bars – Enjoy Vivaldi concerts in churches or jazz at Venice Jazz Club (€10-€20 entry). For views, head to Skyline Rooftop Bar (Giudecca) or Fondaco dei Tedeschi (free terrace access).
Evening Vaporetto Ride (€9.50) – Skip the gondola and cruise the Grand Canal at night for a magical view.
San Marco & Zattere Stroll – Walk Piazza San Marco after dark or enjoy a peaceful waterfront at Zattere.

Our tip: Skip touristy bars — aperitivo and canal-side drinks are the best budget-friendly way to enjoy Venice at night.

While it’s got plenty of paid activities, there are also plenty of free things to do in Venice:

St. Mark’s Basilica – Free entry (go early to avoid lines).
Rialto Bridge & Market – Great views and a taste of local life.
Cannaregio & Jewish Ghetto – A quieter, authentic side of Venice.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop – Free panoramic view (reserve online).
Giardini della Biennale – Venice’s biggest public park, free entry.
Vaporetto Grand Canal ride – Like a budget gondola tour with a multi-day pass.

Our tip: Sunset at Zattere or a night vaporetto ride gives you Venice’s magic for free.

Here are some tips to help you pack wisely:

Our tip: Avoid heels and oversized luggage — you’ll regret it on Venice’s bridges.

Before you go, here are some final health and safety tips:

Pickpockets – Keep your belongings close, especially in crowded areas like Rialto & St. Mark’s.
Scams – Ignore street vendors selling fake bags or “free” bracelets.
Acqua Alta (Flooding, Nov-Feb) – Raised walkways help, but bring waterproof shoes.
Emergency? Call 112 – Venice has boat ambulances if needed.
Pharmacies (Green Cross) – Staff can assist with minor medical needs.

Our tip: Download Air Doctor for quick access to English-speaking doctors.