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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Venice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Venice than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Venice is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Carcassonne is more popular for its food and small town charm. Venice is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Carcassonne is well known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Carcassonne different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Venice from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Venice is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Venice. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Venice has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Venice?

Venice is very popular for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Venice. 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Venice Better for Families?

Venice is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Venice is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Carcassonne or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne and Venice are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Venice is a great town 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.

Is Carcassonne or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

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

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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 Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Carcassonne or Venice a more walkable city?

Carcassonne and Venice are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Venice?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Carcassonne, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Venice?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Venice?

Carcassonne 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Venice. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carcassonne. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the magical city of Venice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the fairytale destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Carcassonne and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Venice. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 24°C (75°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Venice. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Carcassonne is a little warmer than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Venice. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums 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. In the winter, Carcassonne is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carcassonne in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

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

In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Venice. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Carcassonne during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In April, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 14°C (56°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Venice. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Venice. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Carcassonne