A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Venice for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bucharest or Venice?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Venice. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a charming, historical, and less touristy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bucharest and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Venice?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bucharest is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Bucharest and Venice.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bucharest. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

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 Bucharest or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

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 Bucharest or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is renowned for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Venice?

Venice is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Venice Better for Families?

Venice is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is renowned for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

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

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.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Bucharest or Venice a more walkable city?

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

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

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Venice?

Both Bucharest and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Bucharest. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Bucharest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Bucharest. 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bucharest. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Bucharest or Venice?

Bucharest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the romantic 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 Bucharest or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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 Bucharest or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bucharest. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Venice?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Venice?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bucharest or Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Venice. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Venice. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bucharest is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Venice. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Venice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Venice. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. Bucharest can be very cold during winter. Bucharest is much colder than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Venice. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Venice. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

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

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Venice. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Bucharest