It’s not a secret that Venice in Italy is one of Europe’s most expensive places to visit. From hotels, to restaurants, and even gondola rides, all of these can easily blow up your travel budget.
But, it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank every time you want to go on a trip to the City of Canals. Here are some of the best activities you can do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Summary
1. Get Your Fill of Art in Gallerie Dell’Accademia
Gallerie Dell’Accademia is the greatest museum in the world as far as Venetian Renaissance art is concerned. It houses an extensive Venetian painting collection, from Byzantine up to Gothic 14th century. This is where your eyes can feast on the works of Bellini, Giorgione, Carpaccio, Veronese, Tiziano, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Canaletto, Longhi, Bellotto and Guardi.
2. Be in Awe at Basilica San Marco
The Basilica San Marco or St. Mark’s Church boasts of an amazingly rich ensemble of statues, columns, interiors covered in mosaic, and domes. This is Venice’s real heart and is also Saint Mark’s final resting place. Long queues are always outside but you can still avoid the crowds.
3. Take a Tour of Museo Arte Orientale Ca’ Pesaro
If you are interested with Japanese art collection from Europe’s Edo period, the Museo Arte Orientale Ca’ Pesaro is the best place to check out. Prince Henry II of Bourbon acquired the collection during one of his Asian travels between the years 1887 and 1889. Admire over 30,000 artifacts, including daggers and swords, Japanese precious porcelains and armors, with extensive sections dedicated to Chinese and Indonesian art.
Read also article about Kyoto in Japan entitled Travel Tips for the Best Kyoto Experience.
4. Drop By at the Chiesa dei Frari
The religious treasure Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is found right in the heart of Venice in Italy, making it one of the city’s largest groups of buildings. Often referred to as Frari, this massive church dominates San Polo area with its creative usage of bricks and Gothic forms. The interior houses masterpieces by Donatello, Titian, and other local artists.
5. Explore the Jewish Museum and Synagogues
This is the first ghetto in the world and no significant changes were made ever since it was created during the Middle Ages. Opened to the public in 1953, the museum displays sacred furnishings, valuable artifacts, and even the nuptial contract Jewish community that lived in the neighborhood for centuries. The tour includes a visit to the city’s five synagogues as well, all of which were founded back in 16th century.
6. Enjoy a Ride to San Giorgio Island
Andrea Palladio built this crucial Benedictine monastery on a tiny island of similar name. This was designed around two cloisters and the church. The Giorgio Cini Foundation has been running the island since 1951.
7. Go on a Stroll on the Beaches of Lido
Ride a boat out to Lido’s sandy beaches where the aristocrats of the city used to go on walks during summer. If you visit during Venice Film Festival, you can even see movie stars in person. This beach is free and dotted with some really nice restaurants.