7 Cheap things to do in Venice

Did you know that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the beauty of Venice?

When people think of Venice, they often picture expensive gondola rides and overpriced restaurants. And while those splurges can be memorable, they’re far from essential.

Venice is a city made to be explored on foot: every corner offers something to admire, and the best views of bridges, canals, palaces, and churches are completely free.

If you want to enjoy Venice without breaking the bank, here are 7 budget-friendly experiences that prove you needn’t spend much to make the most of your stay.

7 Cheap things to do in Venice

In this blog post, I’ll share 7 cheap things to do in Venice. You might already know some of them, then there may just well be some others that are completely new.

They’re all great ways to enjoy the city without overspending in my opinion.

I’ll also share the names of some budget hotels that you can look at, just in case you are also looking to keep costs down with accommodation.

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Where to stay in Venice on a budget

If you want to enjoy Venice on a budget, picking the right place to stay makes a big difference, especially when you have very limited time to explore the city.

Here are 3 well-located and affordable options:

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7 Cheap things to do in Venice

Here’s a list of cheap things to do in Venice. Some are local’s favourite activities, others are hidden gems you might not have heard of.

1. Coffee and Pastries at Rosa Salva (Campo S. Giovanni e Paolo)

Rosa Salva is one of Venice’s historic pastry shops, and the branch in Campo S. Giovanni e Paolo is especially charming.

Stop by in the morning for a proper Italian breakfast: stand at the counter and order an espresso or cappuccino with a freshly baked pastry like a frolla, millefoglie, or krapfen. It’s an everyday local ritual that feels like a treat.

💶 Cost: under €6

2. Self Bacaro Tour

A bacaro is a traditional Venetian wine bar serving small snacks known as cicchetti. Doing a self-guided bacaro tour is one of the best ways to explore the city.

Try the cicchetti, like crostini or polenta with baccalà mantecato, fried meatballs and mozzarella in carrozza. Pair them with a glass of wine or a classic Spritz.

I recommend going for the Spritz Select! Go at your own pace and follow local recommendations, which I all carefully pinned in my bacari walking maps.

💶 Cost: between €1,50 to €5 per bite + €3 or 4 for a Spritz and €3,50 for a glass of house wine

3. Visit Ca’ d’Oro (or Free on First Sundays)

Ca’ d’Oro is one of the most beautiful palaces on the Grand Canal, now home to the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti. The building alone is worth the visit, with its intricate façade and stunning courtyard mosaics.

While some rooms are closed for restoration, the experience is still worth it, and the entry fee is minimal. Even better, it’s free on the first Sunday of every month as part of the Domenica al Museo initiative by the Italian government.

💶 Cost: €3 or free on first Sundays

4. Take Vaporetto Line 1 Down the Grand Canal or get a vaporetto pass to visit other islands

You can skip the gondola but if you are spending more than a day in Venice, hop on vaporetto line 1 for a budget version of a scenic cruise.

This line zigzags down the Grand Canal, giving you stunning views of historic palaces from the water.

If you would like to explore more and have enough time, get a day pass and visit Murano and Burano, or even the laid-back Lido of Venice.

If you love going even more off the beaten path, consider getting the water bus to San Giorgio Maggiore island and climb the bell tower for spectacular views over Venice, or even Giudecca, where life moves at a slower pace.

💶 Cost: €9.50 (75-minute ticket) / €25 (day pass)

5. Indulge in a Gianduiotto at Nico

At Gelateria Nico on the Zattere promenade, treat yourself to a gianduiotto affogato: a block of creamy hazelnut-chocolate gelato drowned in whipped cream. It’s a rich, velvety delight and perfect on a sunny afternoon by the water.

Locals and visitors alike come here for this indulgent classic. Grab a seat outside and enjoy lovely views of the Giudecca canal and over the Giudecca island.

See my guide on how to eat in Venice on a budget for more specific tips on where to find cheap eats in Venice that you can include in your Venice itinerary.

💶 Cost: €8

6. Climb the Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Tucked away in a quiet courtyard near Campo Manin, the spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is one of Venice’s lesser-known gems.

Originally built in the 15th century, it combines Venetian, Gothic, and Renaissance styles in a unique and photogenic structure. Climb to the top for a panoramic view from the loggia over the rooftops. It’s a peaceful, photogenic escape from the busy streets below.

💶 Cost: €8

7. Authentic Glass Factory Experience

Head to Murano and join a tour of an authentic glass factory to see skilled artisans at work at Wave Murano Glass. This experience gives you real insight into Venice’s centuries-old glassmaking tradition.

It includes demonstrations, stories about the art form, and a look into the creative process but without the pressure of tourist traps or any obligation to buy glass at the end.

💶 Cost: €30 per person

7 Cheap things to do in Venice

You don’t have to spend much to have an unforgettable time in Venice.

From sipping coffee like a local to admiring Renaissance architecture or hopping on a vaporetto, the city offers plenty of low-cost experiences that are just as enriching as the more expensive ones (if not more!).

Which of these would you try first, and what else have you done in Venice on a tight budget? Feel free to email me to let me know about your experiences!

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