Venice is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, attracting 23 million visitors each year. With such a high number of tourists, it can be challenging to experience the authentic Italian atmosphere without falling into tourist traps and spending a lot of money. In Venice there are many interesting activities and a lot of beautiful things to see, which are cheap and also authentic: let’s see some of them!
Venice is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, attracting 23 million visitors each year. With such a high number of tourists, it can be challenging to experience the authentic Italian atmosphere without falling into tourist traps and spending a lot of money.
Will those wishing to visit Venice, therefore, have to resign themselves to having to pay significant sums of money again and again? There are some strategies to control costs and carefully choose your destinations in this enchanting city.
For example, it is important to avoid staying in the historic centre but perhaps stay in one of the many hotels and hostels in nearby Mestre. We also recommend evaluating several options for reaching the city, such as Venezia Lines, which provides discounts for families and other periodic promotions, as well as providing a ferry service to take you from Venice to other splendid cities of art.
In Venice there are many interesting activities and a lot of beautiful things to see, which are cheap and also authentic: let’s see some of them!
Burano, the island of colour and lace
With little money and by simply taking a scheduled vaporetto, you can reach the beautiful island of Burano from Venice.
The island, not to be confused with the island of Murano, famous for its glass, is a must-see when visiting Venice and provides a perfect escape from the crowds of mass tourism.
Burano is known worldwide for its lace-making tradition and its extremely colourful houses. Admiring vibrant colours and taking beautiful pictures in this extraordinary setting is highly recommended.
Visit the Acqua Alta bookstore
In Venice, there is one of the most beautiful and weirdest bookshops in the world. This bookshop has won international recognition, featuring in prestigious magazines and on the Instagram pages of users all over the world.
If you love books, this destination is perfect and visiting it is completely free of charge. It is a curious bookshop with very friendly managers with whom you can talk to get a glimpse into local Venetian life.
In this magical place, also frequented and inhabited by typical Venetian cats, you can find books not only on the shelves but inside old bathtubs and in a gondola. You can climb up a ladder of books and take very special photos with truly amazing backgrounds. You will take home a beautiful memory.
Venetian handcrafted mask workshops
There are many shops selling masks in Venice, not only during the Carnival season but throughout the year.
Many craft businesses not only sell masks but also produce them and in certain cases organise courses for tourists and Venetians who want to better understand and experience this art form for themselves.
Admiring an artisan as he creates his products is a wonderful experience, which costs nothing. Talking to craftsmen is certainly an authentic Venetian experience.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Venice is full of wonders, some world-famous, such as St Mark’s Square, the bell tower, the Bridge of Sighs, etc. However, there are also extraordinary architectural gems that are mostly unknown to the masses.
Finding the monumental Contarini spiral staircase (bovolo in dialect) requires a bit of attention since it is not in a highly visible position. The staircase, part of the Palazzo Contarini, is hidden inside a small courtyard but is only a few minutes walk from St. Mark’s Square.
Through Instagram and other social media, the staircase is becoming popular over time, but it is still far from the circuits of mass tourism and allows one to admire something splendid and little known.
The narrowest calle in Venice
For historical curiosities lovers, a visit to Venice’s narrowest calle is unmissable.
There are so many calli (small streets) in Venice and the city is like a sort of intricate labyrinth: there are long, wide, narrow calli (narrow streets), which run into courtyards.
However, there is one calle that stands out from the others for its uniqueness, it is only 53 cm wide and it is Calle Varisco in the Cannaregio district, a great set for taking some fun photos in a not-so-expected place in Venice.
By following these suggestions, you can experience the authentic and enchanting side of Venice without breaking the bank. Enjoy your visit!