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

Should you visit Venice or Houston?

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 Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural 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.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Venice and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Houston. While Houston 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 Houston is known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Houston 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. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Venice different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston 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 Houston?

Venice is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Venice and Houston both to be good destinations.

Venice is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Houston offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Venice or Houston Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston Better for Music?

Houston is very good for its music scene. However, Venice is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Venice is not a live music destination.

Is Venice or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Houston?

Venice is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Venice or Houston Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Venice or Houston.

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.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Venice or Houston Better for Couples?

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

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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Venice or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Venice is a great city 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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Venice or Houston Better for Students?

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

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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Venice is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known 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 Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Venice or Houston a more walkable city?

Venice is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Venice?

How long in Venice or Houston?

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

Families should spend more time in Venice than Houston. 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 Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston?

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.

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Venice or Houston?

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.

Houston 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 Houston?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern big city of Houston. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Venice and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Venice is in Europe and Houston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Venice or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Venice and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Venice as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Venice is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 23°C (73°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Venice usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Venice is much colder than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Venice usually receives less rain than Houston. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Venice or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Venice during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. In the winter, Venice is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Venice in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Venice usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Houston. The natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In April, Venice is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 13°C (55°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Venice usually receives less rain than Houston. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Venice