Venice on a Budget: 10 Free Activities

Venice is one of the most popular cities in the world - and not exactly cheap. Yet sometimes, you can enjoy it without spending a dime. Here, we tell you how to experience much of Venice for free during your trip.

Venice is a truly special city, no doubt about it. The canals, the gondolas, the old buildings, and the Italian flair attract around 30 million tourists annually to what is probably the most famous city in Northern Italy. To truly experience the city, you should plan about three days for your trip.

Venice, however, is not exactly cheap; unsurprising, given it's one of the most visited cities worldwide. And the city capitalizes on that. There are even discussions about introducing a city-wide entry fee. Residents are not always thrilled about the hordes of tourists.

So far, no decision has been made. Currently, you can still visit Venice without an entry fee, and there are ways to explore the city for free. We've listed them here for you.

The large Rialto Market has been around for centuries. To this day, stalls remain tightly packed together here. Simply strolling through the bustling market is an experience. Located in the city center, it's mainly known for its fruits and vegetables. Just next to it is a fish market offering all kinds of seafood.

If you've managed to grab a few free samples of fresh fruit here and there, it's time for another free highlight along the way: the world-famous Rialto Bridge. It's less than a five-minute walk from the market of the same name.

Right next door, you can continue to explore the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a former warehouse now turned shopping center with a terrace offering a spectacular view of Venice.

Venice has historic buildings as far as the eye can see. Many of these are free to visit. For example, the most famous basilica in Venice, St. Mark's Basilica. Only the access to its famous treasury costs an entry fee. If you visit Venice during peak season, however, you should expect long lines at this attraction.

But it's not just St. Mark's that's worth a visit. How about checking out the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in the southeastern part of the city? This church is especially popular among locals. Here too, entry is free, except for the museum.

If you want to experience cities for free and soak up their true atmosphere, it's always a good idea to plan your trip around festival times. And one thing Venice is famous for, alongside Cologne or Brazil, is Carnival.

This historic spectacle is experienced anew in Venice, where people parade through the streets in February in their masks and extravagant costumes.

The Festa del Redentore is another major free festival in Venice. Held on the third Sunday of July each year, the Venetians celebrate the end of the plague epidemic of the 16th century, a plague wave that lasted two years.

Think Venice is all about water and buildings? Think again! The city is also green - with numerous gardens and parks hidden between its canals, like the Giardini della Biennale, home to around 30 pavilions and regular exhibitions.

The Parco della Rimembranza is another great choice for relaxation, where you get a bit of greenery and a view over the lagoon.

A somewhat morbid yet peaceful place is San Michele Cemetery in Venice. You can reach the island by boat, stopping at the Vaporetto terminal.

The good news: Most tourists continue to the next island to explore highlights there, leaving you with some peace away from the tourist crowds.

Here, you'll find a 15th-century church built of Istrian marble. The cemetery was added in the 19th century, featuring graves and impressive statues over the gondoliers' graves.

Of course, boats are the primary means of transportation in Venice. And this is celebrated regularly. The most famous regatta is the Regata Storica, held every first Sunday in September. You should consider this when planning your trip if you want to witness the spectacle live.

The regatta takes place on the Grand Canal and features a historic parade with period boats and people in corresponding attire competing in various races.

Every four years, there's the Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, where the four maritime republics of Venice, Genoa, Pisa, and Amalfi gather. You can, of course, watch all regattas for free.

Venice has some quirky places to offer. One of them is a unique bookstore: Libreria Acqua Alta, where the city's water theme is omnipresent, with books stacked in bathtubs and old gondolas.

It's not just quirky; there's a reason for it: When there's high water, which often happens in a floating city like Venice, the books are protected from water damage as they float in bathtubs and gondolas instead of sinking, according to theory.

Another quirky place is Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in the entire city. It's barely 50 centimeters wide, not ideal for those wary of tight spaces.

If you want a truly beautiful view of Venice, plan a trip to the island of San Giorgio. From there, you can see the Grand Canal. The island's historic basilica is free to visit, featuring two famous paintings by Tintoretto: 'The Last Supper' and 'The Manna.'

The basilica's gardens and monastery regularly host free exhibitions in a glass building. You can also walk in the footsteps of history here: Pius VII was elected Pope on this island.

This was impossible at the time due to Napoleon's campaign in Rome. In 1800, he was elected here as the head of the Church, passing away 23 years later in Rome.

Palaces need not always be grand and opulent. The Scala Contarini del Bovolo proves this. Translating to 'Snail Staircase,' the name becomes clear once you stand before it. You can find the building near Rialto Square in one of the narrow alleys.

Just follow the yellow signs from the Rialto Bridge to Accademia and Campo Manin. There, another sign leads to the Scala. With one right and one left turn, you find yourself in a small courtyard but standing before an impressive palace.

Built in the 14th century for the Contarini family, the gothic exterior staircase was added in 1499. The spiral staircase reminiscent of a high snail shell, winds tightly up to the top.

The Marciana Library in the Scuola Grande di San Marco in Venice is a remarkable place. The building also serves as Venice's hospital, the Ospedale Civile. Although it might not seem like a vacation should include a hospital visit, this one is worth it.

Even the building is a sight; the grand Scuola Grande di San Marco was built in the 15th century and has an ornate facade. The entrance hall features a marble floor, with gardens as well.

The first floor only recently opened to the public, housing the medical library. The ambiance is impressive, and the collection of old medical instruments and anatomical illustrations is worth seeing. Interspersed are reproductions of famous masterpieces by Bellini, Tintoretto, or Donato.

A more unusual activity in Venice might be visiting the Orsoni Color Factory. You'll find it in a quieter part of town, in Cannaregio Street.

It's the oldest mosaic factory in the city, producing colorful glass tiles and gold leaf since 1888. The latter has been used in Saint Paul's Cathedral in London, as well as the Sagrada Família in Barcelona.

Visiting the factory is free, but reservations are required. Tours are offered on the first and last Wednesday of the month, unless these days fall on a holiday. You can find more information and contact details for reservations on Orsoni's website.