Venice is one of those places you just have to see yourself to believe. Lovely as it is, its main problem is its popularity compared to its size. The island gets so crowded during summer that half the people who visit in peak season come away hating the place. It’s crowded in other seasons too, but more manageable.
The city is also quite expensive by Italian standards, though it can be done on a moderate budget if you are careful. Hotels on the main island are notoriously expensive, but you can find reasonably priced places a few kilometers away on the mainland. There are a few hostels in Venice as well, though none on the main island itself. Check our list of recommended cheap Venice hotels for some very well located and highly rated choices.
Fortunately, much of the fun of Venice is just wandering around, so entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank. Many attractions are free or very cheap, so once you have a bed and some food you can get by on very little. If you are a museum person, you might consider if the Venice Card is right for you.
Food is fairly expensive as well, and finding cheap meals is difficult, especially along the main tourist walkways. Going deeper into residential areas can save you some money, which is very true of drinks as well. For information on weather and crowds, see our article on when is the best time to visit Italy.
