Venice on a Budget

Venice is such a unique and beautiful corner of Italy. Between the architecture, canal transportation, arched alleys and cobblestones at every corner, Venice offers the best of a city and quaint town combined.

The most popular tourist sections of Venice are the Piazza San Marco and Rialto, beautiful and lively to check out, but when dining in Venice on a budget, head down the back streets. The beautiful hotel Ca’D’Oro is a bit off the beaten path, where surrounding, affordable and local eateries can be found.

Costumed Man at the Venice Carnival, in front of Santa Maria della Salute © Burkhard Behling | Dreamstime

Another great way to eat in Venice on the cheap is by taking food to go from the many local grocery stores and delicatessen shops. The food will be fresh, cheap and sandwiches travel well while walking the city streets.

San Giacomo di Rialto, one of the oldest churches in Venice, built around year 421, is a great sightseeing opportunity in Venice, as well as the Bell Tower of St. Mark. The bell tower dates back to 1912 and, for €8, tourists can walk to the top for a view of the city.

Bridge of Sighs © Lachris77 | Dreamstime

Known for famous, hand-blown glass, the glass museum, Museo del Vetro, will be another great stop during your Venice trip. There are also many glass shops in the city where onlookers can see through the storefront window while shop-workers blow glass on site.

Boutique shops and cafés are scattered all over the city, but there are so many free activities; just be sure to check out the Venice tourist guide, available in the San Giorgio Maggiore.

Walking around the city is the best way to explore, but for a longer trip or just for a trip on the Grand Canal, take the water bus, vaporettir.