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

Should you visit Venice or Ravenna?

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

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a authentic, historic, and off-the-beaten-path town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Ravenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice than Ravenna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ravenna is known for its food, nightlife, and small town charm. Venice is more touristy than Ravenna 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. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Venice different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Ravenna has a few options to choose from. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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 Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Venice can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Ravenna?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna 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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Venice or Ravenna Better for Families?

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

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.

Ravenna is a very family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Venice or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Venice or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Venice or Ravenna Better for Students?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Venice has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Venice or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Venice?

How long in Venice or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Venice or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Venice than Ravenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ravenna.

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

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.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Venice or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 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 Ravenna, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Venice or Ravenna?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Venice and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Ravenna. Many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Venice is generally around the same temperature as Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 23°C (73°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Venice usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Venice or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Venice as well as Ravenna. Most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Venice is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Venice usually gets more rain in October than Ravenna. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Ravenna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ravenna in the winter. The weather in Venice can be very cold. In the winter, Venice is around the same temperature as Ravenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Venice in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Ravenna averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Venice usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Venice or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna and Venice during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm.

In April, Venice is generally around the same temperature as Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 13°C (55°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Venice usually gets more rain in April than Ravenna. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Venice