A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Venice vs. San Remo for Old Town, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Venice or San Remo?

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 San Remo 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.

San Remo

San Remo is a beautiful, scenic, and authentic coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Venice and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
  • Home to St. Mark's Basilica
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Venice or San Remo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice than San Remo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Venice is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Remo attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and beaches. Venice is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Venice different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice
San Remo

Venice is terrific for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Venice
San Remo

San Remo 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.

San Remo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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 San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Venice
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo Better for Beaches?

Venice
San Remo

San Remo is great for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Venice is not a beach destination.


Is Venice or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Venice
San Remo

Venice is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or San Remo?

Venice
San Remo

Venice is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Venice or San Remo Better for Families?

Venice
San Remo

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Venice or San Remo.

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.

San Remo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.


Is Venice or San Remo Better for Couples?

Venice
San Remo

Venice is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo 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.

Couples visit San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Venice or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice
San Remo

Venice is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Venice or San Remo Better for Students?

Venice
San Remo

Venice is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not popular with students.


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

Venice
San Remo

Venice is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Remo 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.

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Venice or San Remo a more walkable city?

Venice
San Remo

Venice is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Venice?

How long in Venice or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Venice or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Venice than San Remo 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 San Remo.

Families should spend more time in Venice than San Remo. 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 San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Venice 2-7 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Venice or San Remo?

The beautiful city of Venice offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of San Remo. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Venice or San Remo?

Venice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Remo 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 San Remo?

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 San Remo?

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of San Remo. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo 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 San Remo is €152. 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 San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Venice 120
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Venice 240
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Venice and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Venice or San Remo? 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 San Remo


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 San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Venice 27
    San Remo 46
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: $380
  • VeniceAirport:RoundTrip Private Transfer to Venice+WaterTaxi: $755
  • Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $35
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port Round-Trip Transfer: $326
  • VCE Airport and Venice Port 1-Way Private Transfer: $157
  • Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Marco Polo Airport: $191
  • Transfer from Airport to Trieste Cruise Terminal: $804
  • Shared Water Taxi Transfer to Marco Polo Airport: $38
  • Private Transfer from Train Station by Water Taxi: $295
  • Private Boat Transfer from Cruise Terminal to Hotel: $347
  • One-Way Transfer to Florence Airport or Hotel: $1,037
  • Marco Polo Airport to Cortina D’Ampezzo Transfer: $834

Is it cheaper to fly into Venice or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 44
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: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Venice with Set Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $48
  • Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $48
  • Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $48
  • 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
  • Street Food Tour of Venice in 2.5 hours: $48
  • Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties: $49
  • Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $52
  • Venetian Dinner: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Venice 101
    San Remo 23
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.

  • Doge's Palace and Correr Museum Skip the Line Private Tour: $286
  • Friendinvenice Early Morning Venice Private Tour: $287
  • From Vicenza Private Tour: $284
  • Peggy Guggenheim collection Venice private tour: $88
  • Private Grand Canal 1-Hour Boat Tour: $76
  • Small-group Saint Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-line Tour: $49
  • Venice Saint Mark's Basilica and gondola tour in the afternoon: $83
  • Venice Top-Attractions Walking Tour for Kids & Families & Child-Friendly Guide: $241
  • Private 2-Hour Doge's Palace Tour: $219
  •  Friendinvenice, how to experience the true Venice, private tour: $127
  • 2 Hour Night Kayak Tour in Venice, premium experience with sunset: $155
  • 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Venice 24
    San Remo 14
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: $8.84
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $28
  • Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $28
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $38
  • Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
  • Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $73
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $75
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $83
  • Authentic Neighborhood Cicchetti Food & Wine Tour: $97
  • Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $99
  • Experience Venice with a Local Sommelier: Cicchetti & Wine Tour: $105
  • A Venetian Evening - Wine Tasting & Tapas tour with a Local guide: $109


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

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


Which is Bigger, Venice or San Remo?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Venice and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and San Remo. Most visitors come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Venice is around the same temperature as San Remo in the summer. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Remo 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 San Remo during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Venice usually receives more rain than San Remo. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Venice 23°C (73°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Venice or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Venice as well as San Remo. The autumn months attract visitors to Venice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In the autumn, Venice is cooler than San Remo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Venice in October average around 14°C (57°F), and San Remo averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Venice often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Remo. Venice usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Venice 14°C (57°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Venice or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo 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 San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Venice in the winter. In January, Venice is generally much colder than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 3°C (37°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during winter. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Venice usually receives less rain than San Remo. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Venice 3°C (37°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Venice or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Venice during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Venice for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Venice is around the same temperature as San Remo in the spring. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Venice often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as San Remo. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Venice 13°C (55°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Venice

Venice San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)