A dreamy destination like Venice can turn out expensive if you don’t plan your trip well. Below are the 4 things to keep in your mind when you visit Venice. This will reduce your expenses and make your stay memorable.
- Public transport (Vaporetto ride)
- Accommodation at Venice S. Lucia vs Mestre
- Supermarket
- Buying a Venetian mask
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4 main things to keep in mind
1. Vaporetto Ride
Vaporetto is an efficient transportation system in Venice but not mandatory. You don’t need to opt for this ride as it is totally not worth it.
- A one-way ticket cost 7.5€
- Day pass ~ 23 €
These figures are overrated and the water taxis were too crowded. It’s just like any other boat ride and doesn’t give the essence of Venice. Instead, try the romantic Gondola.
However, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Vaporetto sail. Venice is best explored on foot.
2. Accommodation at Venice S. Lucia vs Mestre
Venice S. Lucia is the island’s main station. But do keep in mind that the accommodation is quite expensive, typically ~100€ per night or maybe even more.
Stay near Venice Mestre train station
The best option is to rent an apartment through Airbnb (Use this link to avail discount on your first booking) near Venice Mestre station. This location was just 10 minutes away from the train station.
You pay around 40€/night which is very economical for a tourist city like Venice. Our accommodation was great and the host was very friendly.
Beware of city tax
When we booked the accommodation, the host informed us that Venice levies a mandatory city tax of 2.5€ per night per person. On arrival, the city tax increased to 4€ per night per person. We disagreed and paid only 2.5€.
So make sure you confirm with your host about the city tax.
Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to tour the 3 island tour of Venice – Murano, Burano, and Torcello when you visit Venice. You pay only 20€ for the entire 5-hour trip, the best thing to do in the floating paradise.
3. Supermarkets
You are a tourist, you want to enjoy your vacation. But every time you can’t have an expensive meal, right?
Supermarkets come to the rescue here. I made a supermarket list in google maps. Make use of it. The one closest to Venice S. Lucia (DESPAR) was cheap.
4. Buying a Venetian mask
The Venetian mask is your best souvenir when you visit Venice. It is expensive near S. Lucia station, typically 15 – 20€. Don’t buy it there. Instead, walk a few hundred meters inside and try.
The best prices are found on the narrow street shops. We found one for 6€. Magnets are astonishingly just 1€.
Apart from that, there are many accessories, shops on the island. We happened to enter one near the despar supermarket.
The accessories were arranged colorwise and looked beautiful. The price was on the higher side.
Another special mention goes to the mask shop Tragicomica. You will find it near the Rialto Bridge. It was amazing to see so many masks of different shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes.
This place allows you to rent the traditional Venice Carnival attire along with 3 different choices of masks for a photoshoot. It costs 15€ per person. The lady dressed us up with passion and we looked lovely.
There is no professional photographer but they click on your mobile or camera. So if you happen to bump into this shop, then try it.
Happy holiday in Italy!!