A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wellington vs. Venice for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Wellington or Venice?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a laid-back, funky, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Wellington and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Venice?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Venice than Wellington. While Wellington is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Wellington is known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Venice is more touristy than Wellington 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. Wellington is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches.

How is Wellington different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Wellington 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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Wellington 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.

Wellington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington or Venice Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Wellington for the nightlife scene. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington or Venice Better for Beaches?

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

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Venice Better for Hiking?

Wellington is very good for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Venice?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Wellington or Venice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Venice.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Venice is known to be 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 Wellington or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington and Venice are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Venice is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Wellington or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Is Wellington or Venice 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, Wellington 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.

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Wellington or Venice a more walkable city?

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

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Venice?

Both Wellington 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 Wellington. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Wellington, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Wellington. 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 Wellington. 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 Wellington 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 Wellington or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wellington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the beautiful 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.

A weekend in Wellington or Venice?

Wellington 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.

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.

Five days in Wellington or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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, 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.

A week in Wellington or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact destination of Wellington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wellington and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific and Venice is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Wellington.

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Venice?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Venice?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Venice has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Venice. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wellington is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wellington in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Wellington or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Venice. Many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Wellington is generally around the same temperature as Venicein October. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 15°C (58°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Venicein October. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in April than Venicein October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wellington 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. Wellington is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 10°C (49°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F)in January.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. In July, Wellington usually receives more rain than Venicein January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wellington or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Wellington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Wellington is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wellington in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F)in April.

In the spring, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Venicein April. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in October than Venicein April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Wellington