Beyond romantic gondola rides and scenic tours around this beautiful cobbled town, here are 8 activities you can do on a budget when exploring Venice — The Floating City.
Venice is one of those places that transports me to a whole other world and time. Walking along the cobbled streets and relishing in the Merchant of Venice architecture makes me feel as though I’ve travelled back to a different century. I guess I’m not the only one captivated by the magic of Venice because tourism numbers have soared since the pandemic — which unfortunately also means that it can get pretty crowded and touristy. That’s why with this guide, we’re taking you off the beaten track to visit some of the lesser well-known sites to visit in Venice without costing a bomb.
As of 2024, all visitors to Venice above the age of 14 will have to pay an admission fee of 5 euros (~S$5.35) upon arrival. This scheme will only be in effect on certain holidays and weekends of the year to combat the issue of over-tourism. Although the exact dates of when the scheme will be in effect have yet to be announced, it’s good to take note of the additional fee while planning your next trip.
Of course, the additional fees can be easily offset with your savings from your bookings. Right from booking your flights to securing accommodations and activities, be sure to check out our YouTrip Perks merchants in order to secure the best deals. Get up to 15% cashback from bookings on Booking.com and an additional 7% off on Agoda when you start planning your trip!
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8 Free Things To Do In Venice:
1. Squero di San Trovaso Shipyard
Image credits: Visit Venezia
Go beyond and behind the scenes of the lovely gondola rides, and learn more about the craftsmanship and process of making Venice’s iconic boats. The shipyard is one of the last of its kind and dates back to the 17th century. While you can’t enter the workshop itself, you can observe from the outside as workers move around, repairing gondolas and working on boats at different stages of construction, repair, or maintenance.
The boatyard is located in a beautiful corner of Venice which also makes it a great spot for peaceful strolls along the canal or a visit to the nearby San Trovaso Church.
📍 Address: Dorsoduro, 1097, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Venice 2023: For more information, check out the shipyard here
2. Church of San Pantalon
Image credits: Visit Italy
Visiting churches to admire the grand architecture and appreciate the history behind each monument is a key activity when visiting Venice. The Church of San Pantalon may look less grand and unassuming on the outside, but is well-known for the beautiful ceiling inside that creates the illusion of a dome even though it well, isn’t one.
Painted by Venetian artist Gian Antonio Fumiani in the late 17th century to depict the Martyrdom and Apotheos of St. Pantalon, it draws many to just gaze up and appreciate the intricacies of the hand-painted art.
The church is located near the Grand Canal, one of the most popular waterways in Venice that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
🕜 Opening hours: 10 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 6 PM (Closed on Fridays)
📍 Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3703, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Venice 2023: For more information, check out Church of San Pantalon here
3. Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour
Image credits: Venice Walking Tour
In the years of the Jewish diaspora, the Jewish Ghetto in Venice became one of the earliest and most well-known ghettos in the world. Although the origins of the ghetto are related to segregation and restrictions on the Jewish community at the time, it also became a thriving centre of Jewish culture, learning, and religious life in Europe.
Today, the Venice Ghetto is a site for both history and culture and is a modern-day reminder of the complexities of Venice’s history. Going on a guided walking tour would help bring history to life, with insights and glimpses into life back in the earlier centuries.
Tour details: Differs from week to week, check out the tour schedule for more details
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Venice 2023: Find out more about free walking tours in Venice here
4. Glass Blowing in Murano
Image credits: ITALY Magazine
Murano is a small island located in the Venetian Lagoon that is known worldwide for its glass-blowing art and the production of exquisite glass pieces. You can get to the island from Venice by a public water taxi or by hiring a private water taxi.
Dating back to the times of the Roman Empire, Murano has been the hub for glassmaking for centuries, rising in popularity in the late Middle Ages after a majority of Venice’s glass-making factories were ordered to relocate to the island to prevent fires.
You could opt for a paid workshop and tour, where you get to try your hand at glassblowing. Or you could choose to wander around and appreciate artisans as they practice their art and get a piece of jewellery, vases, and other glass products as a souvenir.
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Venice 2023: Find out more about Murano and what to do on a day trip here
5. Doge’s Palace
Image Credits: Klook
The Doge’s Palace, or Palazzo Ducale is one of the most significant landmarks in Venice. The palace stands as a testament to Venice’s rich history, political power, and architectural grandeur. It’s an example of Venetian Gothic architecture — characterised by pointed arches, intricate stone tracery, and ornate detailing.
One of the key features of the palace is the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the adjacent prisons and is named from the idea that prisoners would sigh as they took their final glimpse of Venice as they were led into the prison. There is an entrance fee to this attraction, but you do get a glimpse of history, culture, and architecture all in one. Definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Venice.
🕜 Opening hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
📍 Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
🎟️ Entrance Fee: S$50.45 (Make your booking on Klook via YouTrip Perks and get up to 5% cashback)
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Venice 2023: For more information, check out the Special Itineraries Tour here
6. Libreria Acqua Alta
Image credits: Our Escape Clause
If you’re like me, an afternoon with a good book, a stunning view, and a cup of coffee sounds like a perfect afternoon to me. The Libreria Acqua Alta is a unique and charming bookstore in Venice that’s known for its quirky and creative layout and displays.
Besides the usual bookshelves, you’ll find bathtubs, gondolas, canoes, and even an old staircase filled to the brim with books for sale, making the place a quirky stop for all the bookworms. Acqua Alta literally translates to high water, derived because of the innovative preventive measures the store employs to protect the books during rainy seasons.
🕜 Opening hours: 9 AM – 7:20 PM
📍 Address: C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Venice 2023: Find out more about the Libreria Acqua Alta here
7. Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia)
Image credits: FROSCH Travel
The Venice Carnival is one of the most extravagant carnival celebrations in the world. Starting usually in January or February, celebrations last a full two weeks culminating in Martedi Grasso, the day before the season of Lent begins.
For two weeks, the streets are lined up with parades, flea markets, carnivals, and performances, with the most famous parade being the Flight of the Angel, where a performer descends from the bell tower in St Mark’s Square. Masked balls are held in historical palaces and grand venues across Venice, where attendees come dressed to the nines to dance, socialise, and show off their costumes. It’s a great time to let loose, have fun, and experience the culture of Venice to its fullest.
📅 Festival Dates 2024: 3 to 13 February 2024
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Venice 2023: Check out the programme and highlights of the events here
8. Festa della Sensa
Image credits: Venice Tourism
Festa della Sensa, also known as the Feast of Ascension is a traditional Venetian celebration with deep historical significance in its maritime history. The annual event takes place 40 days after Easter, celebrating Venice’s connection to the sea and its maritime heritage.
In the past, the Doge, Venice’s highest-ranking official, would perform a ritual by throwing a gold ring into the waters to affirm Venice’s authority over the Adriatic Sea and seek protection from the sea for the town and its sailors.
Today, the festival has evolved into a modern celebration with different processions and a regatta with different kinds of boats filling the waters of Venice. Many Venetian restaurants also have special menus, dishes, and seafood feasts to celebrate the festival, making it a worthwhile visit for all you foodies too!
📅 Festival Date: 12 May 2024
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Venice 2023: Find out more about the event here
Venice: Every Corner A Masterpiece
There’s so much to see and do in Venice, and you can even explore the richness of its history and culture while on a budget. If you’re still considering your options, be sure to check out our other budget guides to places like Taiwan, New Zealand, Barcelona and more to find your next ideal holiday destination. Don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card along for the best EUR rates. Remember to plan ahead, stay flexible, and most importantly, have fun!
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