Which city is cheaper, Venice or Barcelona?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Barcelona vs. Venice for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town
Jump to 
Should you visit Barcelona or Venice?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Venice can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Venice
Venice is a historic, beautiful, and romantic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.
How is Barcelona different from Venice?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Is Barcelona or Venice better for Museums and Historical Sights?
Both Barcelona and Venice have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Barcelona that are not to be missed. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Is Barcelona or Venice better for Food?
Most foodies will appreciate the options in Barcelona a bit more than Venice.
Many restaurants in Barcelona have been singled out for their culinary prowess. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and Jamon Iberico.
Venice is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.
Is Barcelona or Venice better for Nightlife?
Party-goers will usually choose Barcelona over Venice.
Barcelona is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.
Venice doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.
Is Barcelona or Venice better for its Old Town?
Both Barcelona and Venice have historic old towns worth visiting.
The old town of Barcelona is one of the most recognized in the world. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants.
The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
Is Barcelona or Venice better for Shopping?
Both Barcelona and Venice are good shopping destinations.
Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L’Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.
Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
Is Barcelona or Venice better for Families?
Both Barcelona and Venice are fun to visit with kids.
Barcelona is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the Magic Fountains Show near Plaça d’Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum. There are also many great parks and playgrounds around town.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.
Is Barcelona or Venice better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Both Barcelona and Venice are popular destinations for backpackers.
Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers.
Venice is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.
Is Barcelona or Venice better for Students?
Barcelona and Venice are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.
Barcelona is a very popular city for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do.
Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.
Is Barcelona or Venice better for Public Transit?
Both Barcelona and Venice offer public transit options.
Barcelona has a great public transit system. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city.
With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
Is Barcelona or Venice a more walkable city?
Barcelona and Venice both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Barcelona is very walkable. The city is more spread out than some other major European cities, but there are many plazas and outdoor areas that are fun to explore on foot. The city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.
Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
Barcelona and Venice: Pros and Cons
Barcelona
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Good nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Venice
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
Should I spend more time in Venice or Barcelona?
How long in Barcelona or Venice?
Both Barcelona and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Barcelona is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Venice is 2-7 days.
-
How many days in Barcelona or Venice? Ideal Length of StayBarcelona 3-7Venice 2-7
One day in Barcelona or Venice?
Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Venice. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Barcelona or Venice?
Barcelona is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Barcelona or Venice?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Venice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Barcelona or Venice?
Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Venice is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBarcelona €123Venice €181
The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €123, while the average daily cost in Venice is €181. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Barcelona and Venice in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBarcelona €75Venice €93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBarcelona €150Venice €186
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Barcelona €15Venice €22
Typical Local Transportation prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
-
10 Trip Metro Ticket€7.80
-
Airport Bus€5.00
-
Metro€2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Private 5 days in Barcelona with private transfers and private tours: $1,524
- Private 5 days in Barcelona with tours and transfers and pick up and drop off: $1,213
- Private Round-Trip transfer from Barcelona Airport or Barcelona city to Andorra: $876
- Private 3 days in Barcelona with private tours and transfers: $796
- Montserrat Monastery Tour & Hot Air Balloon Flight, Including Transfer, Lunch, Photos, Cava: $791
- Private Transfer & Tours to Andorra from Barcelona 10 Hours: $597
- Barcelona city or airport to Andorra Private Transfer: $564
- Private Transfer from Barcelona travel to Andorra: $554
- Transfer Barcelona-Madrid: $531
- Private Round-Trip Transfer to Montserrat from Barcelona: $529
- Private Transfer: Andorra to Barcelona City or BCN Airport by Luxury Van: $522
- Barcelona city to Andorra Private Transfer: $520
Typical Local Transportation prices in Venice
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
-
Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass€16
-
Vaporetto Ride€6.50
-
1 Day Travel Card€18
-
7 Day Transport Card (for Two)€101
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ultra - Venice Private Airport Transfer from City Hotels to Venice Airport VCE: $10
- Ultra - Venice Private Airport Transfer from Venice Airport VCE to City Hotels: $10
- Ultra - Venice Private Airport Transfer from Venice Airport VCE to Cruise Port: $10
- Private Airport Transfer: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Venice: $31
- Shuttle Transfer From/to Venice City and Airport: $32
- Private Arrival Van Transfer: Venice Airport to Venice, piazzale Roma: $34
- Private Transfer to/from Airport and Venice city center: $36
- Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $36
- Venice Marco Polo Airport Shared Transfer by Water Taxi: $38
- Private Transfer from Venice Port to Venice Airport by car: $38
- Private transfer from Venice Airport to Venice Port by car: $38
- Private transfer from Venice Port to Venice Airport by Minivan: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or Venice?
Prices for flights to both Venice and Barcelona change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayBarcelona €27Venice €52
Typical Food prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
-
Hot Cocoa & Churro€4.15
-
Sandwich€1.70
-
Baguette & Horchata€3.80
-
Tapas on the beach€8.28
-
Gelatto€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Live from Potato Gnocchi Online Cooking Class: $23
- Live from Barcelona to China: Potato Gnocchi Online Cooking Class: $23
- Barcelona organic dinner in a beautiful rooftop garden: $35
- Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Tour: $48
- Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona: $49
- Hands-on Brunch Cooking Class with Bottomless Mimosas!: $50
- Born district food tour and tasting in Barcelona: $51
- Street Food Tour & Gothic Quater Sightseeing with Local Expert: $52
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $52
- Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit: $59
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show and Dinner Ticket: $62
- 2-Hour Bites & Flavors Private Food Tour: $66
Typical Food prices in Venice
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
-
Panini Sandwich€4.00
-
Gelato€6.00
-
Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza€7.90
-
Expresso€1.95
-
Slice of Pizza€2.23
-
Three Course Dinner (for Two)€79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Hour Online Live Carbonara Cooking Class With Italian Chef: $37
- Online Tiramisu Cooking Class With Italian Chef At Home: $37
- 2.5-Hour Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $48
- 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $74
- Venice Food Tour: Rialto Market and Cicchetti Tasting: $84
- Traditional Home Dinner in Venice with a Chef: $87
- Cooking Show with a Famous Local Chef: $90
- Venice Carnival 4-Hour Grand Ball Gala Dinner and Show: $102
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $103
- Private Food Tour: Cicheti & Wine: $106
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Central Venice with a Fun Loving Local: $106
- Interpreti Veneziani Ensemble Baroque Concert with Dinner: $109
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Barcelona €27Venice €80
Typical Entertainment prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
-
Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass€42
-
Souvenir Gaudi Book€8.55
-
Admission to Museo Picasso€6.00
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- #1dayBarcelona. 6-Hour Action Packed Private City Discovery Tour: $549
- 'Game Of Thrones' Small Group Tour in Girona from Barcelona: $125
- 1 hour private sailing tour: $158
- 1,5 hour Vermut & Sailing Experience Barcelona with drinks and snacks!: $41
- 1-hour Private Speedboat Cruise from Barcelona: $372
- 1.5-Hour Sights of Barcelona E-Bike Tour Led by a Local Guide: $34
- 2 Hours Private Sailing Tour for Family and Friends: $316
- 2 Hours Running Tour in Barcelona with Local Guide: $35
- 2 hour Private Sunset Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $372
- 2 hour Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $47
- 2 hour Sunset Sailing Cruise Barcelona: $47
- 2 hours Exclusive Sunrise Sailing Experience from Port Vell: $335
Typical Entertainment prices in Venice
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Venice Boat Ride€15
-
Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee€8.00
-
Gondola Ride (for Group)€80
-
Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace€16
-
The Jewish Museum Admission€3.00
-
The Glass Museum in Murano€8.00
Tours and Activities in Venice
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
- Best Price: Book Doge's Palace skip the line ticket with audio-guide: $9.95
- Once-in-a-lifetime virtual tour in Venice alone RoamFromHome: $9.95
- Venice Highlights Virtual Tour with Expert Guide (Times in EST): $11
- Vatican and Sistine Chapel Virtual Guided Tour (Times in EST): $11
- Online Casanova Venice Great Escape Cinematic Experience: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- La Fenice: Morning Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $15
- Venetian Lagoon 90-Minute Sightseeing Cruise: $16
- Giorgio Cini Foundation Tour with Audio Guide: $16
- Modigliani Opera Vision Exhibition Ticket: $18
- The Majestic Teatro La Fenice: Guided Tour in Venice: $23
- Skip the Line: Venice Accademia Galleries Ticket: $24
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBarcelona €14Venice €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $9.08
- Generation Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $19
- Barcelona Pub Crawl: $20
- Wine Tasting Experience in Barcelona: $22
- Opera Samfaina: Food and Wine Tasting Interactive Experience in Barcelona: $26
- Wine tasting & tapas: $39
- Barcelona Guided Local Wine Tasting Tour: $44
- Wine Tasting near Sagrada Familia: $47
- Home Food and Wine Tasting with Wine Lover: $51
- Fun Wine Tasting in Barcelona with a Sommelier!: $53
- Spanish wine tasting in a historic building with a Sommelier: $54
- Food Tasting Tapas and Wine Tour: $62
Typical Alcohol prices in Venice
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
-
1/2 Liter Wine€5.20
-
Beer€4.90
Sample the Local Flavors in Venice
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
- Venice Wine Tasting Tour: $30
- Online Live Wine Tasting from Venice: $37
- Wine Tasting in Venice: $40
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $62
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $67
- A Relaxing Evening at The Hot Springs (with wine tastings): $75
- Natural wine tasting with a Bacaro owner in Venice: $76
- Venice in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
- Taste Food and Wine Tour of the Rialto Markets: $147
- Full-Day Prosecco Wine Tour and Tasting: $204
- Amarone Wine Tasting from Venice by Train: $210
- Amarone-Soave wine tour. Visit Verona. From Venice: $291
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Barcelona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Barcelona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Barcelona and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Barcelona.
Related Articles for Barcelona
Related Articles for Venice
Budget Your Trip
Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.More City Comparisons
Athens vs. BarcelonaAthens vs. Venice
Riga vs. Barcelona
Riga vs. Venice
Moscow vs. Barcelona
Moscow vs. Venice
Tallinn vs. Barcelona
Tallinn vs. Venice
Vilnius vs. Barcelona
Vilnius vs. Venice
Minsk vs. Barcelona
Minsk vs. Venice
Helsinki vs. Barcelona
Helsinki vs. Venice
Bucharest vs. Barcelona
Bucharest vs. Venice
Istanbul vs. Barcelona
Istanbul vs. Venice
Warsaw vs. Barcelona
Warsaw vs. Venice
Lisbon vs. Barcelona
Lisbon vs. Venice
Copenhagen vs. Barcelona
Copenhagen vs. Venice
London vs. Barcelona
London vs. Venice
Zurich vs. Barcelona
Zurich vs. Venice
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.