A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Venice for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

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Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a historic, beautiful, and romantic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

How is Beijing different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Beijing or Venice better for Museums and Historical Sights?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Venice.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Venice better for Food?

Beijing has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Venice.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Venice better for Nightlife?

Beijing has the better options when it comes to nightlife.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 Beijing or Venice better for Shopping?

Shopping in a popular activity in both Venice and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Beijing or Venice better for Families?

Both Beijing and Venice are fun to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

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 Beijing or Venice better for Couples?

Venice offers a wider variety of romantic activities for couples than Beijing.

Venice is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Venice better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Venice are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

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 Beijing or Venice better for Students?

Beijing and Venice are comparable places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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 Beijing or Venice better for Public Transit?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Venice.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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 Beijing or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is more walkable than Beijing.

Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

Beijing and Venice: Pros and Cons

Beijing
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Venice
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Should I spend more time in Venice or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Venice?

Both Beijing 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 Beijing is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Venice is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Beijing or Venice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beijing 3-7 
    Venice 2-7

One day in Beijing or Venice?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Venice?

Beijing 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.

In Venice, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Beijing or Venice?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Which city is cheaper, Venice or Beijing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $67, while the average daily cost in Venice is $190. 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 Beijing and Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beijing $34
    Venice $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beijing $68
    Venice $196

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beijing $6.60
    Venice $23
Typical Local Transportation prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $5.09
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $7.45
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.94
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.38
  • Metro
    $0.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • Private 2-Day Xi'an Tour From Your Beijing's hotel Including Transfer Service: $1,680
  • Private Day Trip Of Xi'an From Your Beijing's hotel Including Transfer Service: $1,100
  • Private Day tour of Xi'an From Beijing Including Transfer Service: $1,000
  • Beijing to Xi'an See Terracotta Warriors with Bullet Train Round Trip Transfer: $564
  • 3-Days Classic Beijing Sightseeing Tour with Layover Airport Transfer Option: $560
  • All-Inclusive Tianjin Port Transfer with Classical Beijing 2-day Tour: $540
  • 2-Day Customizable Beijing Highlight Tour with Airport Transfer Option: $520
  • Private 3-Day Beijing Highlights Tour with Tianjin Port Transfer: $514
  • Simatai Great Wall & Beijing City 4-Day Private Tour Package + Airport Transfer: $513
  • Chongli Ski Resorts Private Transfer from Beijing City: $480
  • 4 Days Beijing Sightseeing with Airport (Train Station) Transfer: $455
  • 2 Days Beijing to Feng Ning Ba Shang Grassland tour with private transfer: $448

Typical Local Transportation prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    $17
  • Vaporetto Ride
    $6.84
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    $19
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer from Venice Airport to Portorož: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer Venice Airport to Piazzale Roma by Business Car: $50
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Marco Polo Airport VCE to Venice in Business Car: $163
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Marco Polo Airport VCE to Venice in Luxury Van: $165
  • Departure Private Transfers: Venice to Marco Polo Airport VCE in Business Car: $155
  • Departure Private Transfers: Venice to Marco Polo Airport VCE in Luxury Van: $174
  • Exclusive Private Transfer VCE M Polo Airport to Venice City Center 4Pax: $691
  • Gardaland full Day private transfers from Mestre area and viceversa up8pax: $746
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Venice Marco Polo Airport to Padua City - One Way: $122
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice City - One Way: $61
  • Luxury / vip transfer Venice to Zagreb: $1,158
  • Luxury Private Transfer Venice Airport - Rovinj: $375

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice and Beijing 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 day
    Beijing $18
    Venice $54
Typical Food prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.89
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $7.45
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.98
  • Watermelon
    $2.09
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $18
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Online Cooking Class: $25
  • Private Temple of Heaven Walking Tour with Peking Duck Dinner or Kung Fu Show: $62
  • 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $69
  • Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
  • Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $90
  • Vegetarian / Peking Duck / Hotpot Dinner with Kungfu Show Private Tour: $90
  • Private Evening Hutong Walking Tour with Mongolia Hotpot Dinner: $96
  • Private Nightlife Trip to See Wonderful Acrobatic Show Enjoy Delicious Barbecue Buffet Dinner: $96
  • Peking Duck Dinner with Face Changing show plus Full Body Massage: $98
  • Private Tour: Beijing by Night including Imperial Performance and Dinner: $98
  • Half Day Food Tour with Public Transit of Breakfast or Local Street Snacks: $99

Typical Food prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $4.21
  • Gelato
    $6.31
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    $8.31
  • Expresso
    $2.05
  • Slice of Pizza
    $2.35
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $83

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.
    Beijing $21
    Venice $84
Typical Entertainment prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.94
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $63
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $10
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $18
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $18
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $12

Tours and Activities in Beijing

Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Beijing Badaling Great Wall with 30-Minute Helicopter Tour: $614
  • 1 Day Beijing No Shopping Tour with Peking Roast Duck: $226
  • 1 Day Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour: $29
  • 1 Day Old Beijing City Tour .Forbidden City,Hutong,Temple of Heaven: $163
  • 1 Day Romantic Tour in Oriental Provence Lavender Manor and Mutianyu Great Wall: $208
  • 1 Day Tour : Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town: $239
  • 1 Day Tour Badaling Great Wall and Badaling Ski Resort: $249
  • 1 Day Tour Mutianyu Great Wall & Chunhuiyuan Hot Springs: $224
  • 1 Day Tour: Badaling Great Wall and Jiuhua Hot Spring: $167
  • 1 day Mutianyu Great Wall Nonshopping bus tour: $51
  • 1-Day Badaling Great Wall Helicopter Tour with Sacred Way & Bird's Nest: $714
  • 1-Day Badaling Great Wall and Ming Tombs Tour with Sacred Way from Beijing: $212

Typical Entertainment prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    $16
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    $8.41
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    $84
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    $17
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    $3.16
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    $8.41

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 day
    Beijing $10
    Venice $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $138
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
  • Private Wonderful Beijing Bar Crawl Tour: $195
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $228

Typical Alcohol prices in Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    $5.47
  • Beer
    $5.15

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

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Venice is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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Beijing vs. Venice Travel Comparison

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