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Venice city break on the cheap
There are plnety of ways to see Venice without burning a hole in your wallet. One tip is to head straight for a vaparetto or waterbus - they are directly outside the train station. A day pass on a vaporetto costs just 12euro and it is a great way to see the city and give your feet a rest. The 'No.1' vaporetto goes to San Marco and it's one of the beast ways to see the picturesque Grand Canal.
Get off at San Marco Square but be alert for pickpockets. And steer clear of the pavement cafes where prices can be exorbitant. It costs more to sit outside than in and the only cheap meal you'll get is if you choose to stand.
San Marco itself was built to impress when Venice was a powerful city-state. It is truly spectacular and admission is free, though you may have to pay to see some of the more sacred relics.
Avoid the classic gondola ride. It costs 80euro for a 40min ride though gondoliers will haggle if they are not busy. The best time for a good deal is early morning when the canals are quiet.
But by far the best way of seeing Venice is simply to walk around the narrow streets and alleys. Venice is small enough to walk and every corner is a photo opportunity. A cheap lunch can be found in small out-of-the-way shops and cafes where yu can pick up bread, wine and cheese at a reasonable price.
The further you get from the Grand Canal the cheaper it gets. Stay away from tourist honey pots like glass, lace and mask shops and discover the real Venice in the back streets and 'fondamentia' canalside walkways.
This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Val Adams. For more information see: Venice - Overview. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.
