A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Venice vs. Lake Garda for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Venice or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Venice and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lake Garda is known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Venice is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Lake Garda is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Venice different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Venice are world-renowned. 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 Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

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 Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

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 Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

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

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Venice or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Venice is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Venice or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is great for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda for the hiking trails. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Lake Garda?

Venice is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Venice draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Venice or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Venice or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Venice is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Venice or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Venice or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Venice is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

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

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.

Lake Garda offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Is Venice or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Venice is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Venice?

How long in Venice or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Venice or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Venice due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

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

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

With museums and food around the romantic city of Venice, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. 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.

A weekend in Venice or Lake Garda?

With food and shopping around the destination of Venice, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Venice, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Venice or Lake Garda?

Venice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Lake Garda. This lake 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Venice or Lake Garda?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Venice or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Lake Garda. Most visitors come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Venice is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 23°C (73°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. Venice usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Venice usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Venice or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Venice as well as Lake Garda. The autumn months attract visitors to Venice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

Venice is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Venice often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. It's quite cold in Venice in the winter. In the winter, Venice is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Venice in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Venice usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Venice or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Venice during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Venice for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Venice is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 13°C (55°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Venice often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Venice