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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Venice?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. Venice is 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. See Venice travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Venice: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Venice?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Venice than Yogyakarta. While Yogyakarta is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Venice is more popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Yogyakarta is known for its nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Yogyakarta 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. Yogyakarta is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows.

How is Yogyakarta different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Yogyakarta
Venice

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Yogyakarta and Venice.

The museums and tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are world-renowned. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.


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

Yogyakarta
Venice

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Venice.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Dining out in Venice is an experience not to be missed. 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 Yogyakarta or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta
Venice

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

Many people head to Yogyakarta for the nightlife scene. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta
Venice

Venice is renowned for its old town. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.


Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Venice?

Yogyakarta
Venice

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Yogyakarta and Venice.

Known for shopping, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Venice More Beautiful?

Yogyakarta
Venice

Venice is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Venice is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Venice Better for Families?

Yogyakarta
Venice

Venice is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Venice is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.


Is Yogyakarta or Venice Better for Couples?

Yogyakarta
Venice

Venice is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta
Venice

Yogyakarta and Venice are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

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 Yogyakarta or Venice Better for Students?

Yogyakarta
Venice

Venice is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.


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

Yogyakarta
Venice

Venice is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Venice a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta
Venice

Venice is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Venice?

Both Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Yogyakarta. 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 Yogyakarta. 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 Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta or Venice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yogyakarta 2-4 
    Venice 2-7

One day in Yogyakarta or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the romantic 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 Yogyakarta or Venice?

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. 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, 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 Yogyakarta or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. This 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.

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 The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Venice or Yogyakarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $59, while the average daily cost in Venice is $315. 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 Yogyakarta and Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $33
    Venice $136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $66
    Venice $272
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Venice

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta or Venice? 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 Yogyakarta


Hotels in Venice


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: Yogyakarta Hotel Prices and Venice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.19
    Venice $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

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

  • Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer from Pandowo Harjo to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $100
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Maguwoharjo: $95
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfers: $94
  • Semarang & Transfer To The Hotel or Airport: $93
  • Yogyakarta Hidden Gems Tour with Private Guided Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Kembanglimus: $81
  • Private Transfer from Borobudur to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $79
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to South Rejowinangun: $75
  • Private Transfer from Banyuraden to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $70
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Donoharjo: $70
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Condong Catur: $70

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice

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


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    $18
  • Vaporetto Ride
    $7.41
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    $21
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Marco Polo Airport Private Transfer to Hotel by Car& Boat: $182
  • Venice,piazzale Roma to Trieste city or Cruise Port -Departure Private Transfer: $239
  • Venice, Piazzale Roma to Venice Airport (VCE)- Departure Transfer: $74
  • Venice, Piazzale Roma to Chioggia Port-Departure Private Transfer: $136
  • Venice, Cruise Port to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Venice to Verona Airport (VRN) - Departure Private Transfer: $205
  • Venice to Chioggia Port - Departure Private Transfer: $154
  • Venice to Chioggia Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $136
  • Venice Shared Departure Transfer: Central Venice to Marittima Cruise Port: $46
  • Venice Private Transfer (Hotel, Port, Venice or Treviso Airport, Mestre TrainSt): $147
  • Venice Private Departure Transfer by Water Taxi: Central Venice to Cruise Port: $206
  • Venice Private Arrival Transfer by Water Taxi: Cruise Port to Central Venice: $191

Is it cheaper to fly into Yogyakarta or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice and Yogyakarta 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
    Yogyakarta $18
    Venice $128

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

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

  • Ramayana Show with Transfer, Entry Fee & Dinner: $13
  • Night Walking & Street Food Tour: $21
  • Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Morning Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • Kotagede Night Food Tour: $27
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Optional Dinner: $28
  • Nighttime Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $33
  • Cooking Class with Market Visit and Hotel Pickup: $33
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • 3-hour Cooking Class with Market Tour: $35

Typical Food Prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $4.56
  • Gelato
    $6.84
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    $9.01
  • Expresso
    $2.22
  • Slice of Pizza
    $2.54
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

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

  • Venice Evening Food Tour: Bites, Drinks & Sit-Down Dinner: $45
  • Eating Venice Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $52
  • Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit: $52
  • Venice Food Tour with Local Guide and City Highlights: $53
  • 2.5 Hour Street Food Tour of Venice: $56
  • Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties: $56
  • Small Group Venice Street Food Tour with Expert Local Guide: $56
  • Venice's Food Tour with Authentic Local Tastings and Sightseeing: $56
  • Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $57
  • Guided Venice Street Food Tour and City Sightseeing: $58
  • Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice: $82
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine in Venice: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $14
    Venice $115

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

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

  • "Java's Cultural Heritage: Borobudur and Prambanan Tour": $16
  • 1 day Yogyakarta Tour Jomblang cave and Pindul Cave tubing: $69
  • 1 day tour Borobudur and Prambanan Temples: $40
  • 1 day tour borobudur temple,prambanan temple,plaosan temple: $40
  • 2 Days Tour to Mount Merbabu from Yogyakarta: $280
  • 2-Day Borobudur Tour with Merbabu Camping and Hiking: $332
  • 3 Days 2 Nights A Tour of Culture and Nature: $115
  • 3-Hour Yogyakarta Hidden Food Walking or Cycling Guided Tour: $70
  • 8 Days all inclusive - Motorbike Tour in Central Java: $2,933
  • A Day Out from Jomblang Cave Tour: $73
  • ATV and Jeep Merapi Volcano Experience in Kaliurang Yogyakarta: $80
  • Adventure Ride to Kebun Buah Mangunan Yogyakarta: $31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    $17
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    $9.12
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    $91
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    $18
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    $3.42
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    $9.12

Tours and Activities in Venice

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.

  • 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $129
  • 2 Hour Venice Walking Tour San Zaccaria to Rialto: $51
  • 2 Hour Venice Walking Tour San Zaccaria to Rialto: $51
  • 2 Hours Private Guided Tour of the Doge's Palace: $141
  • 2 Islands Tour: Burano & Murano from Punta Sabbioni: $35
  • 3 Hours Venice walking tour: $93
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour in Venice Small Group: $87
  • 5.5-Hour Murano and Burano Islands Tour: $42
  • 6-Course Venetian Gourmet Tasting Experience: $81
  • A Venetian Aperitif on The Lagoon (Private Tour): $176
  • A private walking and gondola tour in Venice: $287
  • Adventure in the Prosecco Hills: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.43
    Venice $28

Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    $5.93
  • Beer
    $5.59

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

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

  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $29
  • Luxury Natural Wine Tasting with Cicchetti Tapas in Venice: $58
  • A Venetian Evening: Wine Tasting and Cicchetti with a Local Guide: $104
  • Cicchetti and Wine Tasting Tour in Venice + Ebook: $135
  • Wine Tasting and Cicchetti Stroll Guided Tour + Ebook: $135
  • Full Day Wine Tour and Tasting in the Prosecco Region: $141
  • Venice food and wine tour - eat and drink like a local: $153
  • From Olive Oil & Wine Tour in the Venetian Hills: $186
  • Prosecco Wine Tour with Sommelier – Pick-up from Treviso: $189
  • Private Tour of a Hidden Vineyard in Venice with Wine Tasting: $225
  • Tour of Treviso Must-See Sites with Local Guide & Prosecco Wine Tasting: $244
  • Wine Tasting from the Veneto and Friuli with Local Appetizers: $253


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

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


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Venice?

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