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

Should you visit Kos or Venice?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Venice can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a vibrant, beautiful, and ancient island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Venice

Venice is a historic, beautiful, and romantic 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.

Kos and Venice: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
  • Home to St. Mark's Basilica
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Kos or Venice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Venice than Kos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Venice is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Kos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Venice is more touristy than Kos 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. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water.

How is Kos different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kos
Venice

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Kos or Venice.

Travelers visit Kos from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

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.


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

Kos
Venice

Kos 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.

Kos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Venice

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

Many people head to Kos for the nightlife scene. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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 Kos or Venice Better for Resorts?

Kos
Venice

Kos is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Venice is not a resort destination.

Kos has a few great resort options. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Venice is not a resort destination.


Is Kos or Venice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Venice

Kos is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos is not to be missed. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Venice Better for Beaches?

Kos
Venice

Kos is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Kos is a very popular vacation destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Venice

Venice is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic 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.

Kos does not have a historic old town.


Is Kos or Venice Better for Hiking?

Kos
Venice

Kos is very good for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Venice?

Kos
Venice

Venice is very popular for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Is Kos or Venice Better for Families?

Kos
Venice

Venice is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos 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 Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.


Is Kos or Venice Better for Couples?

Kos
Venice

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

Venice is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Is Kos or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Venice

Kos and Venice are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Venice is a great island 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 Kos or Venice Better for Students?

Kos
Venice

Venice is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Venice is a very popular city 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.

Kos is not popular with students.


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

Kos
Venice

Venice is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kos 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.

The public transit in Kos can get you around easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

Is Kos or Venice a more walkable city?

Kos
Venice

Venice is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Kos?

How long in Kos or Venice?

Both Kos 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 Kos. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Kos. 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 Kos. 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.


  • How many days in Kos or Venice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Venice 2-7

One day in Kos or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kos. 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.

With shopping and museums around the romantic destination of Venice, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Kos or Venice?

Kos 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.

Many people visit Venice for a weekend. With museums and food around the magical city of Venice, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Venice?

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

With food and shopping around the destination of Venice, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Kos or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Kos. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Venice, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Venice or Kos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Venice is €229. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kos and Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Venice 120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Venice 240
Compare Hotels in Kos and Venice

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Venice? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kos


Hotels in Venice


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kos Hotel Prices and Venice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Venice 27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island: $85
  • Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $65
  • Departure transfer to Kos Airport : $64
  • Arrival transfer from Kos Airport : $64
  • Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport : $61
  • Private Transfer Kos Airport to Kos Town: $60
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $60
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Catamaran Ferry Transfer to/from Bodrum and Kos : $28

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    16
  • Vaporetto Ride
    6.50
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    18
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Verona Airport (VRN): One Way Transfer to Venice Cruise Port: $380
  • VeniceAirport:RoundTrip Private Transfer to Venice+WaterTaxi: $755
  • Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $35
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port Round-Trip Transfer: $326
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port 1-Way Private Transfer: $157
  • Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Marco Polo Airport: $191
  • Transfer from Airport to Trieste Cruise Terminal: $804
  • Shared Water Taxi Transfer to Marco Polo Airport: $38
  • Private Transfer from Train Station by Water Taxi: $295
  • Private Boat Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Hotel: $347
  • One-Way Transfer to Florence Airport or Hotel: $1,037
  • Marco Polo Airport to Cortina D’Ampezzo Transfer: $834

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice and Kos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kos 43
    Venice 65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $66
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $87
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $89
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $97
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $98
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $115

Typical Food Prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:


  • Panini Sandwich
    4.00
  • Gelato
    6.00
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    7.90
  • Expresso
    1.95
  • Slice of Pizza
    2.23
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Venice with Set Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $48
  • Street Food Tour of Venice in 2.5 hours: $48
  • Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $48
  • Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $48
  • Secret Street Food Tour of Venice in 2,5 hours: $48
  • Eating Venice Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $48
  • Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit: $48
  • Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties: $49
  • Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $52
  • Venetian Dinner: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Venice 101

Tours and Activities in Kos

For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $30
  • From Boat Tour to the Volcanic Island of Nisyros: $38
  • From Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch: $41
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $33
  • From Nissyros guided island tour and volcano: $58
  • From Pserimos Island Snorkeling Cruise by Diving Boat: $54
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $33
  • Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos: $39
  • Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33
  • Full-Day 3 Island Cruise Tour in Kos Island: $37
  • Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33

Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    15
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    8.00
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    80
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    16
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    3.00
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Venice

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.

  • Doge's Palace and Correr Museum Skip the Line Private Tour: $286
  • Friendinvenice Early Morning Venice Private Tour: $287
  • From Vicenza Private Tour: $284
  • Peggy Guggenheim collection Venice private tour: $88
  • Private Grand Canal 1-Hour Boat Tour: $76
  • Small-group Saint Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-line Tour: $49
  • Venice Saint Mark's Basilica and gondola tour in the afternoon: $82
  • Venice Top-Attractions Walking Tour for Kids & Families & Child-Friendly Guide: $241
  • Private 2-Hour Doge's Palace Tour: $219
  •  Friendinvenice, how to experience the true Venice, private tour: $126
  • 2 Hour Night Kayak Tour in Venice, premium experience with sunset: $154
  • 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Venice 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $60
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $152

Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    5.20
  • Beer
    4.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:

  • Venice Food and Wine Tasting Tour with a Local Guide: $8.84
  • Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $28
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $28
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $38
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $39
  • Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
  • Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $73
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $75
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $83
  • Authentic Neighborhood Cicchetti Food & Wine Tour: $97
  • Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $98
  • Experience Venice with a Local Sommelier: Cicchetti & Wine Tour: $105


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kos or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.