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

Should you visit Christchurch or Venice?

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

Should I visit Christchurch 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a adventure-filled, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical 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.

Christchurch and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Venice?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Christchurch. While Christchurch 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 Christchurch is known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Venice is more touristy than Christchurch 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. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Christchurch 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.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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

Christchurch 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.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

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 Christchurch or Venice Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

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 Christchurch or Venice Better for Beaches?

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

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is terrific for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Venice has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Venice Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Christchurch for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Venice?

Venice is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Christchurch 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Christchurch or Venice Better for Families?

Christchurch is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is one of the most popular family destinations. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Venice is 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 Christchurch or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Christchurch is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Is Christchurch or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch and Venice are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Christchurch is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

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 Christchurch or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is terrific for students. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Christchurch is very popular with students. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Venice can take you anywhere. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Christchurch 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.

Christchurch is a very walkable destination. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Venice?

Both Christchurch 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 Christchurch. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Venice, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Venice?

Christchurch 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.

Venice is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Venice?

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

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magical destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Christchurch or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Christchurch. This 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.

Venice is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Venice?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Venice?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Venice has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Christchurch or Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Christchurch is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Venicein July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Venicein July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Venice. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Christchurch is generally cooler than Venicein October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Venicein October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or Venice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Christchurch 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. Christchurch is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F)in January.

In the winter, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Venicein January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Venicein January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Venicein April. Christchurch gets 45 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 Christchurch