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

Should you visit Venice or Austin?

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 Venice and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Venice and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Austin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Austin. While Austin is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Venice different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin 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.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Venice or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

People head to Austin just to party. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Venice or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Venice is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Venice is not a live music destination.

Is Venice or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Venice is revered around 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.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Venice or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Austin?

Venice is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Venice or Austin Better for Families?

Venice is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Venice or Austin Better for Couples?

Venice is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Venice or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Venice and Austin are excellent places to visit.

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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Venice or Austin Better for Students?

Venice is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Venice is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Venice is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Venice or Austin a more walkable city?

Venice is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Venice?

How long in Venice or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Venice and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Austin. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Austin. 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 Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Austin 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 Venice or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Venice or Austin?

Venice 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.

Austin 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.

Five days in Venice or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Venice or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the entrepreneurial destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Venice or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Venice and Austin, 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 Venice or Austin?

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 Venice or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Venice as well as Austin. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Venice is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Venice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In the summer, Venice often gets less sunshine than Austin. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Venice is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 14°C (57°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Venice usually receives less rain than Austin. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Venice or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Venice during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. Venice is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Venice often gets less sunshine than Austin. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Austin. Most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Venice is much colder than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Venice in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Austin during spring. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Venice usually receives less rain than Austin. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Venice