We get it. Venice is beautiful, but it’s easy to feel like your budget’s about to explode when you visit it. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of ways to discover the beauty of Venice without spending a fortune!
Keep reading & find out the do’s and don’ts
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Arriving by plane? Fly smart
Venice has two main airports: Marco Polo (close, but often pricier) and Treviso (a budget hub about 40 minutes away). But here’s a secret: you can also land in Verona, Bologna, or even Trieste and hop on a cheap train. Sometimes that combo saves you more than flying direct.
👟 Just… walk
Seriously, Venice is tiny! Don’t stress about the vaporetto (water bus). Walking gets you everywhere, plus you’ll find the cutest shops, churches, and hidden corners on foot. Getting lost here is half the fun.
🚤 Only buy a vaporetto pass if you need it
If you’re only using the vaporetto to get to the islands, just buy single tickets. But if you’re hopping around a lot, passes can save you money. (24 hours: €20, 48 hours: €30, and so on. Weekly pass: €60.)
⛪ Visit churches (stunning & cheap!)
Many are free, but €12 gets you a pass to 18 incredible ones. Don’t miss Santa Maria dei Miracoli (it’s like a jewel box) and San Sebastiano, full of Veronese’s beautiful art.
🥪 Eat like a local
Skip the sit-down restaurants and grab cicchetti (these are tiny snacks, a bit like tapas) at a local bar. Want more food? Tramezzini (stuffed sandwiches) are everywhere for €2–5.
🧍🏽 Stand, don’t sit
In Venice, it’s way cheaper to eat standing up at the bar. Sitting usually adds extra fees. So grab your coffee or spritz and enjoy it upright, like a true local.
🍷 Order an ombra instead of a spritz
Spritz is everywhere (and usually overpriced if you’re a traveler). Ask for an ombra (a little portion of local wine) for around €1–2. Want to fit in even more? Go for a Select Spritz instead of Aperol, it’s the real Venetian choice.
🚣♀️ Want a gondola pic? Take a traghetto
Gondolas are romantic but cost €90+. Try a traghetto: similar type of boat, just €2 to cross the canal. It’s short but fun, and you can still snap that dreamy photo you wanted!
🏖️ Chill on the Lido
Need a beach break? Lido Island has a lovely long sandy beach, and the western end is free. Pack a towel, bring a snack, and you’ve got a beach day without the fees.
🛍️ Cheap shopping in Venice
Venice can be pricey, but you can still find cool souvenirs without spending a fortune. Head to Murano to buy glass straight from the makers; it’s cheaper than the shops near San Marco. In Burano, you’ll find lovely handmade lace, even just little bookmarks or coasters that make great gifts. For fun vintage stuff and handmade bits, check out the stalls on Via Garibaldi. And if you want a classic Venetian mask, skip the super touristy shops, Cannaregio has more honest prices.
🍕 Where locals eat on a budget
Forget the fancy restaurants! If you’re looking for the best cheap eats in Venice, the city has loads of spots where locals grab budget-friendly, tasty food. Try Bacareto da Lele for tiny sandwiches and wine (everything’s under €2!). Bigoi does fresh pasta-to-go, quick, filling, and affordable. For cicchetti (Venetian snacks), check out All’Arco or Osteria Al Squero: grab a plate, stand by the canal, and enjoy. And if you’re near Rialto, Antico Forno has giant pizza slices that are really cheap and locals swear by.
🖼️ Free museums in Venice
You can visit some amazing spots without spending a cent. The Museo della Musica (in San Maurizio) is always free and full of beautiful old instruments. And on the first Sunday of each month, big museums like the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Ca’ d’Oro, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Museo di Palazzo Grimani, and Museo d’Arte Orientale open their doors for free. The only thing you need to do is just go early because it gets busy!
🎨 Want to dive deeper into the art scene? Check out our guide to the Venice art museums every art lover must see for must-visit spots beyond the free entries.
💡 Enjoy the free sights
Venice itself is the best attraction. Our favorite things to do in Venice on a budge are:
Rialto Bridge
It’s one of Venice’s most iconic sights, and if you go early in the morning or around sunset, it’s magically quiet.
Piazza San Marco
Stroll through the square and soak up the architecture. Enjoy street musicians, marble arches, and endless photo ops, all for free.
Basilica di San Marco
You can now enter for just €6. Book your ticket online in advance to skip the huge line.
Santa Maria della Salute
This church is a beauty, perched right at the Grand Canal. Entry is free, and it’s quieter than San Marco, plus, it’s lovely inside and out.
Watch the gondolas at sunset
You don’t need to ride one to enjoy them. Grab a spot by the Grand Canal or on a bridge and just watch them glide past.
Giardini della Biennale
Need a quiet break? Head to this peaceful park in Castello. It’s kid-friendly, beautiful and… free.
Look for churches on Chorus Pass
If you want to see more inside Venice’s churches, the Chorus Pass gives you access to 18 beautiful ones for just €12. Amazing value if you love architecture and art.
Planning more budget adventures in Europe? Don’t miss our favorite tips for Amsterdam on a budget—another stunning city that’s surprisingly affordable.
🐚 Add a beach day to your Venice trip
Staying at the MEININGER Venezia Mestre also means you’re super close to the train station and just a bus ride away from some of the best beaches around! Hop on an ATVO bus from Mestre and you can enjoy Jesolo, Caorle, Bibione, Lignano, or Eraclea Mare if you need a break from sightseeing or just want to chill by the sea.
Venice on a budget: Explore the city for less FAQ
What’s the best airport to fly into for budget travel to Venice?
Marco Polo is closest, but Treviso is usually cheaper. You can also fly into Verona, Bologna, or Trieste and take a low-cost train—this combo can save you even more.
Is it cheaper to stay in Mestre instead of central Venice?
Yes! Mestre is just 10 minutes from Venice by train and much more affordable. Check out MEININGER Venezia Mestre—it’s budget-friendly and well-connected.
How can I get around Venice without spending too much?
Walk! Venice is small and walkable. Only use the vaporetto if you’re heading to islands. For multiple rides, passes start at €20 for 24 hours.
What are some cheap or free things to do in Venice?
Explore places like Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, and Santa Maria della Salute for free. Visit 18 churches with the Chorus Pass for just €12.
Where can I eat cheap local food in Venice?
Try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at local bars, tramezzini sandwiches, or pasta from Bigoi. For great cheap eats, visit spots like Bacareto da Lele or Antico Forno.
How can I enjoy Venice’s canals without paying for a gondola?
Ride a traghetto—a local gondola-style boat—for just €2. It’s short, but you still get a cool photo and fun ride.
What’s the best way to enjoy drinks in Venice without high prices?
Order an ombra (small wine) for €1–2 or a Select Spritz, the local favorite. Stand at the bar—it’s always cheaper than sitting down.
Are there any free museums or free museum days in Venice?
Yes! Museo della Musica is always free. On the first Sunday of each month, big museums like the Gallerie dell’Accademia offer free entry.
Where can I find affordable souvenirs in Venice?
Buy Murano glass on the island for better prices. In Burano, get handmade lace. For budget-friendly crafts, explore Via Garibaldi or Cannaregio.
Is there a beach near Venice I can visit for free?
Yes! Head to Lido Island. The west end of the beach is free—just bring a towel and snacks for a budget beach day.
🛏 Sleep in Venezia Mestre, save big
Staying on the islands is dreamy but pricey. Mestre (just 10 minutes away by train) is a smart move. Check out the MEININGER Venezia Mestre, it’s modern, affordable, and super easy to get to Venice from there.
Address: Via Ca’ Marcello, 8C, 30172 Venice, Italy
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