Mid-Range Travel Guide: Venice

Accommodation

$120-280 per night

Private rooms in boutique hotels, charming bed & breakfasts, or well-located three-star properties on the main islands

Food & Dining

$50-90 per day

Mix of traditional osterie, canal-side restaurants, some tourist area dining, and occasional fine dining experiences

Transportation

$25-60 per day

Vaporetto passes, occasional private water taxis for convenience, airport transfers

Activities

$60-120 per day

Major attractions like Doge's Palace, guided tours, gondola rides, museum entries, and cultural experiences

Stay in Mestre on the mainland and take the train to Venice - typically 50-70% cheaper accommodation with 10-minute access

Eat cicchetti at local bacari instead of full restaurant meals - usually 60-80% less expensive than tourist restaurants

Buy vaporetto multi-day passes instead of single rides - saves approximately 40-60% on water transport costs

Visit churches and public areas which are free, rather than paying for every attraction - many architectural marvels cost nothing

Shop at Rialto Market or local supermarkets for snacks and drinks - tourist area markups typically 150-300%

Book accommodations 2-4 months in advance for 20-40% better rates, especially during peak seasons

Avoid restaurants with tourist menus near major attractions - typically 100-200% markup compared to neighborhood spots

Taking water taxis for every journey instead of vaporettos - costs 5-10 times more than public water transport

Eating and drinking only in St. Mark's Square area - prices typically 200-400% higher than neighborhoods like Castello or Cannaregio

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season - can cost 100-300% more than advance bookings

Not checking if attractions are included in city passes - individual entries can cost 50-100% more than bundled options