A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Catania vs. Venice for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Catania or Venice?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Catania and Venice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a fun, historic, and lively port 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 cultural, magical, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Catania and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Venice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania. Although Catania and Venice are roughly the same size, Catania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Catania is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Venice is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Catania and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Catania is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna.

How is Catania different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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 Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Catania is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania or Venice Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Catania for the nightlife scene. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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 Catania or Venice Better for Beaches?

Catania is very good for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Catania to enjoy the beach. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is very popular for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Venice Better for Hiking?

Catania is great for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Catania for the hiking trails. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Venice?

Venice is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Venice Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Catania or Venice.

Catania is a very kid-friendly port city. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice 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.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Venice are very good destinations for backpackers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. 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 Catania or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is very popular for students. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

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

Venice is very popular for its public transit. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Catania offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

Is Catania or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Catania?

How long in Catania or Venice?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Catania or Venice?

Catania is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. 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 Catania or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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 Catania or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Catania. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Venice?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Catania 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 Catania 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 Catania or Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Catania as well as Venice. The summer months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In the summer, Catania is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the summer, Catania often gets more sunshine than Venice. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Catania. In October, Catania usually receives more rain than Venice. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Catania during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. Catania is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Catania often gets more sunshine than Venice. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Venice. Many visitors come to Catania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Catania is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives less rain than Venice. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Catania