Venice

Venice has a reputation of being an expensive and touristy city, yet it is a very special city like no other on the world, so it is a shame that this reputation puts off adventure budget travelers, like us, from exploring this city because it is really a special one! So, in this blog, I’ll show you how you can visit Venice without breaking the bank and, also, avoiding all the tourist traps…so lets go:)

To visit Venice on budget you have to venture off-the-beaten-path and be prepared to walk…a lot:) Although, the city is abundant with landmarks and amazing sights, I don’t recommend that you stick with particular itinerary. Yes there are must sees in Venice; like: the Realto bridge and Piazza San Marco, but the best way to explore the unique nature of Venice is by wandering On Your Own and navigating the endless maze of small alleys while getting lost every now & then:)

The first step to enjoy a budget trip to Venice is to acquire a very good map and orient yourself with the different districts of the city (click to request info). Then you’ll have to figure out how to reach Venice and where to stay?

There are various ways by which you can arrive to Venice, but the most affordable and logistically easy way is by train to S. Lucia station. By arriving at S. Lucia station, you’ll find yourself right in the magic of the city with all its canals and amazing buildings

Next step is to take care of your accommodation. There are no hostels in the city and most hotels tend to be pricey and touristy, so first advice is to avoid hotels that are close to the main sites or right on the grand canal. You’ll find hidden gems in the side alleys, and since there will be no tourists around, you’ll feel like a local! I found one of these hidden gems that was very charming, clean, and close enough to the major attractions and I highly recommend it if you want to enjoy a local Venetian experience (click to request info) 

After settling in your hotel, its time to explore this amazing city. I know that the first thing you’ll want to do is to ride a gondola in the canals, but unfortunately, these are way overpriced and very touristy. Don’t be discouraged!! You can still explore Venice’s famous grand canal and On Budget! Use the Water Bus! For ϵ7.5 only, you can buy a ticket and ride the water bus for the entire day and hopping on & off as you like. The water bus will get you up close to all the major attractions along the grand canal.

Armed with your map and the knowledge of how to use the water bus, it is time to explore the major attractions of the city. For me, there are some must do’s; like:

Realto Bridge

Piazza San Marco

Bridge of Sights

Basilica Salute

But don’t restrict yourself to these sights only, Venice is full of countless marvels & the best way to see them is by just wandering in the small alleys and canals aimlessly without a particular agenda…just immerse yourself in the true magic of the city away from the mass tourism; and believe me, you’ll feel like a kid running in a maze:)

To put the icing on the cake, how about a bird-eyed view of Venice!! Yes you can see Venice from top and it is FREE!! (click to request info). The views are out of this world and you’ll find yourself taking loads of pictures from all directions…it is an amazing view so enjoy it as long as you want:)

Now it is time to relax and have an evening drink and dinner. Avoid the touristy restaurants and tourist traps and go eat where the locals eat. So, it is time to head away from the touristy districts and venture into the residential ones (click to request info). Here you’ll find local bars and restaurants with amazing food and friendly people

 On your way back to your hotel, take a final water bus ride at night and marvel the amazing atmosphere and architecture.