A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Venice for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Volterra or Venice?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Volterra or Venice? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Volterra attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Volterra travel costs.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. The famous beauty of Venice is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Venice travel costs.

Volterra and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Venice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Venice than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Venice is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Volterra is more popular for its food and small town charm. Venice is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Volterra different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice and Volterra. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Volterra or Venice?

Venice is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Many visitors head to Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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

Volterra 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.

Volterra has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Venice makes for a great culinary experience. 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. Many of the restaurants are excellent, but head into the local neighborhoods for the best options.

Is Volterra or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Volterra and Venice.

Volterra is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Venice doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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 Volterra or Venice Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Volterra and Venice.

Volterra has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Venice?

Venice is terrific for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Volterra or Venice More Beautiful?

Venice is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Venice is one of the main draws. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.

The beauty of Volterra is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The quaint town setting with wandering streets and beautiful buildings make this a highlight of any trip to Italy.

Is Volterra or Venice Better for Families?

Venice is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Volterra offers lots of family activities. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Volterra or Venice Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Volterra and Venice make for a world-class place to visit.

Volterra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. 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.

Is Volterra or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Volterra or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is terrific for students. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Venice is terrific for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Volterra or Venice a more walkable city?

Volterra and Venice both are world-class when exploring on foot.

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

Venice is a very easy town to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Venice?

Both Volterra and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Volterra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volterra, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Volterra. 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 Volterra. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Volterra 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 Volterra or Venice?

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

A weekend in Volterra or Venice?

Volterra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

Five days in Volterra or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

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.

A week in Volterra or Venice?

Volterra 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 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Venice, 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 Volterra or Venice?

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 Volterra or Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Volterra during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 23°C (74°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volterra. In the summer, Volterra often gets more sunshine than Venice. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Venice. Many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Volterra is a little warmer than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Volterra usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Volterra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Volterra usually receives more rain than Venice. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volterra or Venice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Volterra is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Volterra often gets more sunshine than Venice. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

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

Volterra usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volterra usually receives more rain than Venice. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Volterra