Prices, money and useful tips
Visiting Venice on a tight budget is entirely possible if you know where to look. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy all its charm without emptying your wallet.
Ways to save
Free things to do
- Wander around St Mark's Square.
- Cross the iconic Rialto Bridge.
- Step inside Santa Maria della Salute, the great domed church at the mouth of the Grand Canal.
- Admire the monumental gateway of the Arsenale, the Republic's old shipyard (the inside is only open during the Biennale).
- Pop into the many smaller churches that are free to enter.
- Get lost in the maze of backstreets.
Eating cheaply
- Head to the bacari (local wine bars) for a drink and a snack.
- Try cicchetti (Venetian bar snacks, a bit like tapas).
- Grab some pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice).
- Pick up food from supermarkets.
- Avoid the tourist restaurants in the busiest areas.
- Fill your bottle at the public drinking fountains: the water is safe and free.
General tips
- Walk: it's the best way to explore and to save money.
- Skip the gondola: it's an expensive experience.
- Buy a vaporetto pass if you'll be using it a lot.
- Travel in the low season (late autumn or winter).
- Stay outside the historic centre – it's cheaper.
- Free walking tours: you just tip what you think it's worth.
Our tip
The best way to save money in Venice is to wander with no plan. Not only is it free and leads you to hidden corners, it also saves you paying for water transport and takes you to less touristy areas, where prices are friendlier.
With these tips, your Venetian adventure will be unforgettable – and easy on your wallet.
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