A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Venice vs. Mexico City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Venice or Mexico City?

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 Mexico City 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. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
  • Home to St. Mark's Basilica
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Venice or Mexico City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Venice. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Venice attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Venice different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice
Mexico City

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Mexico City and Venice.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mexico City that are not to be missed. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.


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

Venice
Mexico City

Mexico City 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.

Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

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 Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Venice
Mexico City

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

People head to Mexico City just to party. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

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 Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Venice
Mexico City

Venice is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.


Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Mexico City?

Venice
Mexico City

If you're looking to go shopping, Venice and Mexico City both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. 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.

Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Is Venice or Mexico City Better for Families?

Venice
Mexico City

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Venice or Mexico City.

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.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Is Venice or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Venice
Mexico City

Venice is very popular for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.


Is Venice or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice
Mexico City

For backpackers, both Venice and Mexico City are great 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 Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Venice or Mexico City Better for Students?

Venice
Mexico City

Venice is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

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

Venice
Mexico City

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

Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.


Is Venice or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Venice
Mexico City

Venice is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its 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.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Venice?

How long in Venice or Mexico City?

In either Venice or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Mexico City. 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 Mexico City. 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 Mexico City 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.


  • How many days in Venice or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Venice 2-7 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Venice or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Mexico City 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 Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Venice. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Mexico City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Venice or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful city of Venice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Venice or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Mexico City. 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Venice?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Venice is €229, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €200. 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 Venice and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Venice 120
    Mexico City 39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Venice 240
    Mexico City 78
Compare Hotels in Venice and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Venice or Mexico City? 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 Venice


Hotels in Mexico City


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: Venice Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Venice 27
    Mexico City 12
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: $372
  • VeniceAirport:RoundTrip Private Transfer to Venice+WaterTaxi: $740
  • Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $34
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port Round-Trip Transfer: $319
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port 1-Way Private Transfer: $154
  • Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Marco Polo Airport: $187
  • Transfer from Airport to Trieste Cruise Terminal: $787
  • Shared Water Taxi Transfer to Marco Polo Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer from Train Station by Water Taxi: $289
  • Private Boat Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Hotel: $341
  • One-Way Transfer to Florence Airport or Hotel: $1,016
  • Marco Polo Airport to Cortina D’Ampezzo Transfer: $817

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    1.13
  • Uber Ride
    3.94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $269
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $237
  • Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $196
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) - Mexico City: $187
  • RoundTrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) -Tlalnepantla: $167
  • One-way transfer + City Tour: $143
  • San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $133
  • Toluca Airport TLC to Toluca Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $128
  • Toluca Int Airport(TLC) to Toluca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Airport Transfer between Chiang Mai to/from Chiang Rai: $128
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Mexico City- Private Arrival Transfer: $126
  • Private Transfers To San Miguel de Allende: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Venice or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Venice 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
    Venice 65
    Mexico City 26
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: $29
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $47
  • 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
  • Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $51
  • Venetian Dinner: $62
  • Venetian Dinner: $67
  • 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $73
  • Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice : $76
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $77
  • Tiramisù cooking class and tasting in Treviso: $80

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    4.39
  • Dinner for 2
    26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

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

  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • Uruapan Food Tour: $62
  • Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $72
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $72
  • Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80
  • Flamenco Tablao Live Show & dinner: $83
  • Flamenco Live Show and Dinner in Mexico City: $83
  • Rural Cooking Class at the Mountains: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Venice 101
    Mexico City 14
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.

  • From Vicenza Private Tour: $281
  • Venice Top-Attractions Walking Tour for Kids & Families & Child-Friendly Guide: $238
  • Private 2-Hour Doge's Palace Tour: $217
  •  Friendinvenice, how to experience the true Venice, private tour: $125
  • 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $120
  • 2 Hours Private Guided Tour of the Doge's Palace: $131
  • 2-Hour Venice with Kids and Family Friendly Private Guided Tour: $272
  • 2hr Night Kayak Tour in premium tour with sunset: $127
  • 4 hours Private Boat Tour to Murano, Burano cover winter boat: $195
  • 4-Hour Venice guided walking tour with Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica: $134
  • 60' Quick Kayak Tour of Venice with guide: $60
  • 60' Quick Kayak Tour of Venice with guide: $59

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

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

  • Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
  • Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
  • Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Teotihuacan Early Access tour with Tequila Tasting: $37
  • 2 Day tour Teotihuacan pyramids +City tour & Xochimilco : $132
  • 2 Days Private Tour with Hiking in Malinche from Puebla: $214
  • 2-Hour Meditation Experience on the Shores of Lake Chapultepec: $15
  • 2-Hour Private Tour of Teotihuacan City of the Gods: $48
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Guide in Mexico City, you choose!: $120
  • 5 Hour Tour through Chapultepec, Anthropology Museum and Castle: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Venice 24
    Mexico City 19
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: $8.71
  • Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $27
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $27
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $37
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $39
  • Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
  • Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $71
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $73
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $82
  • Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $98
  • Experience Venice with a Local Sommelier: Cicchetti & Wine Tour: $103
  • A Venetian Evening - Wine Tasting & Tapas tour with a Local guide: $108

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $25
  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $28
  • Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
  • Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
  • Private Tacos & Wine Tour in Polanco : $159
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


When comparing the travel costs between Venice and Mexico City, we can see that Venice 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Venice or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Venice and Mexico City, 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.