Venice has a reputation for being one of Italy’s more extravagant cities, but there are plenty of free things to enjoy in this city of canals that will keep your trip within your travel budget. Here are six ways to enjoy Venice for free.
Piazza San Marco
Also known as St. Mark’s Square, Piazza San Marco is a grand public square enclosed by architectural gems like St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Clock Tower and the historic arches of the Procuratie. You can tour a portion of St. Mark’s Basilica free of charge and enjoy some of Venice’s prime real estate for people-watching.
Canals
While a romantic gondola ride through Venice’s famed canals might set you back a pretty penny, you don’t have to break the bank to truly enjoy this water-laced city. Skip the gondola and enjoy the Venetian canals by foot with a leisurely stroll along the quaint streets that line the waterways.
Rialto Bridge
Stretched across the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is one of the top must-sees in the city. The picturesque bridge is free to cross, and nearby you can also check out the fresh fish and vegetables at the Rialto Market, where local vendors have been setting up shop for more than 700 years.
Lido
Fancy a day on the beach? Luckily, Venice is home to a few sand-swept beaches that are free for visitors to enjoy. Pack a picnic and head to the south end of the Lido sandbar to find fee-free beaches. If you’re headed to Venice in September, you just might run into a celebrity or two – Lido hosts the Venice Film Festival every September.
Santa Maria della Salute
This iconic piece of the Venetian skyline is also free for visitors to enjoy. Explore the 17th century Baroque architecture for yourself with a free visit to the church.
Carnevale
Enjoying Venice’s well known (and free) festival will take a little planning, since Carnevale is a two-week celebration held in February. If you can make it to Venice during one of Italy’s largest celebrations, though, you won’t be disappointed.
(Main image: Andy Hay)
