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

Should you visit Biarritz or Venice?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Biarritz or Venice? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Biarritz and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Biarritz and Venice are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Biarritz is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Venice is more touristy than Biarritz and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Biarritz is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Biarritz different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice and Biarritz. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Biarritz or Venice?

Venice is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Biarritz or Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Biarritz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Biarritz or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Biarritz for the nightlife scene. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. 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 Biarritz or Venice Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Venice is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Venice is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Venice Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is great for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Venice?

Venice is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Biarritz or Venice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Venice.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Venice is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Biarritz or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Biarritz or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz and Venice are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Venice is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Biarritz or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

Is Biarritz or Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Biarritz or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Venice?

Both Biarritz and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Venice has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Venice than Biarritz. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Biarritz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Biarritz if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Venice.

One day in Biarritz or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Venice offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Venice?

Biarritz 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.

Venice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Biarritz and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Biarritz Expensive? and Is Venice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Venice, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Biarritz or Venice?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Biarritz or Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Venice. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Venice. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Venice. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Biarritz is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Biarritz is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Venice. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Venice. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Venice. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Biarritz