How to plan a luxury weekend in Venice on a shoestring budget

Venice is somewhere I really want to visit in the next few years. It was a pretty high contender for our 10th wedding anniversary trip but was unfortunately pipped to the post by Cuba. Now we're looking at maybe visiting for a long weekend for Steve's 40th birthday.

There's no denying that Venice is an expensive destination with many hotels topping £700 per night! WOW! One of the ways that I have found to save money but not compromise on style is to stay in an airport hotel and commute into a city centre. We tried this when we stayed in Paris a few years ago - we just couldn't find a decent city centre hotel in our budget but did find a nice 4* airport hotel that we could afford. We then bought a 3 day travel pass for the RER and it worked a treat.

How to travel to Venice when you're on a budget

Jet2.com fly to Venice from just £45 (via Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh or Manchester) and you can fly out on a Friday and return on a Monday making it the ideal escape for a weekend break with no need to pay any extra for checked in luggage. 

Where to stay in Venice when you're on a budget

The Park Hotel Annia is a hotel that stands out as offering a high standard of accommodation at a good price. Located close to Venice airport with good transport links into Venice, rooms start at just 94 euros per night. Being close to the airport means that you don't need to worry about carrying luggage on and off water taxis or navigate any winding streets with your suitcase so your break can start straight away.

The 4 star Park Hotel Annia is located in a nineteenth-century building that has been renovated to a very high standard. It looks modern and elegant and I can really see myself sitting in the hotel's gardens enjoying breakfast before a day exploring.

 The hotel's bedrooms feature everything you would expect from an elegant 4* hotel and include a complimentary shuttle service to/from Venice airport, Wi-Fi, Satellite TV, Mineral Water, Tea & Coffee plus hypoallergenic beds and a mini bar. All of this from 94 euros is fantastic value. You can catch the no5 bus direct from the hotel to Venice, order a taxi or the hotel can book you onto a specific sightseeing tour.

Where to dine in Venice when you're on a budget

Cocaeta is rated as the number one restaurant in Venice and has received hundreds of 5* reviews. Here you will find the most delicious looking handmade crepes from just 5 euros. Expect queues as at these prices, it's a popular place but worth the wait I reckon. There are a vast array of toppings available from Parma Ham and Sweet Onion to Smoked Bacon or even Avocado, Feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. YUM! Check out their reviews and pictures here to see for yourself. 

Another way to cut costs is to snack on ciccheti throughout the day. These small tapas-like snacks are served in bars for just 1-2 euros. Pull up a chair and join the stylish locals rather than paying over the odds for an expensive sit down meal. 

 Free Places to Visit in Venice

First of all, you don't need to pay anything to walk around the famous streets of Venice and absorb the atmosphere and take in the culture. Just make sure you avoid stopping for coffee in St Mark's Square (and paying through the nose like these tourists). My advice would be to take your own flask of gourmet coffee to enjoy instead!

The stunning architecture and design of St Mark's Basilica is not to be missed and walking around this building will make you feel like a Queen. It is worth getting up early and heading to the 7am or 8am mass if you'd like to view this beautiful building without the crowds. It's free to enter the church (but you will need to pay an admission fee to enter other parts of the building). 

St Mark's Basillica

If the hustle and bustle all gets too much, popping on your shades and heading to the Lido is your best bet. There's a free patch of beach just in front of the Excelsior hotel or where the Gran Viale meets the sea so head here to avoid any costs but still take in the glamour. 

Visiting Venice doesn't need to be about paying over the odds for dinner or spending a week's wages on a gondola ride (I would recommend buying a travelcard instead). It's such a beautiful city and we can't wait to visit. Let me know if you've ever visited and if you have any tips to share. 

Disclosure | This is a collaborative post