Carnevale Venezia 2019 kicks off on February 16th and comes to its grand finale on March 5th. The world-renowned festival itself is said to come from the Italian words “carne” (meat) and “levare” (to remove or withdraw). In former times, Venetians went all out partying and feasting just before the somber fasting of meat during the long period of Lent.

Today, Carnevale is still a huge occasion to have a bit of fantasy and fun. Here are ten tips for travelers headed to Venice on a budget this year or any year for Carnival.

Venice Hotels: 5 Budget accommodations with canal views

1. Masquerade for Free

In the old days, masks disguised the city’s citizens, hiding the identity, social status, and even sex of the wearer. Traditionally, they were crafted from paper mâché or leather. Original masks and costumes can be pricey; make-up artists around the city offer face-painting for less.

If you’re feeling lucky, fill out the form for free entry to the Best Masked Costume Contest. Final awarding happens on Sunday, February 24th.

Getting dressed up for Carnevale is an adventure.

2. Stay at the Lido

Lido is a great place to set up your home base during Carnevale if you want to save on accommodations. “We paid just €70 for a 3-star hotel for three people with a nice street view — affordable especially during high season,” says Maria, a UK resident. If you stay at this beach island, you can easily get to Venice and back by boat.

3. Take the Local Ferry for Canal Crossing

Instead of shelling out €80 for a 30-minute gondola ride, Jayne Seddon of Venice Events recommends doing as the locals do: taking the Traghetto, a ferry across the Grand Canal, for €4. Jayne also suggests eating at the pasticcerie (cake shops), where you can order an affordable cappuccino and a fritelle, the popular local snack.

(Tip: Have your coffee while standing at the bar to save.)

4. Join the Free Fest for Kids

Traveling with little ones? Don’t let that be an excuse to join in on the fun. Kids can participate in the 7th International Kids Carnival. There will be workshops, competitions, and crafts, so your young ones can party too. The best part? All the activities are free.

5. Head to Rialto Market

For the freshest seafood sold at local prices, visit Rialto Market early in the morning. You’ll find fishermen with their catch, hustling the way they have for centuries. Even if you’re not there to shop, just observing local market life is an experience in itself.

6. Have a Free Art Lesson

Observe how Venetian artisans manufacture Murano glass in the New Arte Fuga (Via Giudecca, 13), a Lume Glass Factory. You can watch them skillfully creating glass art when you download a coupon for freebies and discounts at New Arte Fuga here.

7. Island-hop with Interactive Apps

See Murano, Burano and Torcello for just €20 per person. Take the four-hour boat tour of three islands in Venice — guides can speak English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian. Isola di Burano, a unique and colorful city, is well worth exploring on a trip to Venice.

Then, back in Venice, check out the beautiful, recently reopened Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Movie buffs will recognize the magnificently arched spiral staircase from Orson Welles’ 1952 film, Othello. Use this interactive guide app from Artplace Museum.

8. Know Your Stuff

Read Detourism, the local online magazine with text in English. Its publishers say their idea of “de-tourism” is to enable visitors to travel the city slowly and experience a more authentic Venice. From the canal cruises to the backstreets, you can read and uncover hidden stories.

9. Do a Pub Crawl “Venetian style”

The folks at Venice Events organize fantastic Venetian bar hops. You come in costume, then meander through the labyrinth of the city’s small alleyways and squares.  The pub crawl goes to four local barcari (bars), and €45 per person includes wine, aperitivi, and insights from your guide.

10. Party at The Arsenal

An old shipyard, called The Arsenal, now on its second edition of “Nights at The Arsenal” is the new hottest place for night owls to party. Pyrotechnics, theater magic and thumping dance floors are energized with live music by international DJs.

While each event at the Arsenal has an entrance fee, you can get a better deal online when you purchase the digital ADA ticket (“All Day Access)” for discounts, private entrances and a pass to all events for just €50 a head.

Special thanks to Venice Events for help with this article. www.venice-carnival-italy.com

The post Venice Carnival: 10 ways to save money and see more appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

You might think that its impossible to find delicious and affordable restaurants in such an iconic (and overpriced) tourist destination, but if you follow locals’ advice (like these tips compiled by our friends at Spotted By Locals), you’ll discover plenty of traditional, less-frequented restaurants, osterias and bacaros that haven’t lost their charm.

Venice travel tips:
• The best budget hotels in Venice for 2019
• How to save on vaporetto (ferry) tickets in Venice
• 10 Things to do in Venice on the cheap

Venice cheap eats: 5 recommended restaurants

Here are five affordable restaurants in Venice that won’t make a dent in your wallet. All of these places offer snacks for a few euros or even a full lunch for only €15. Hungry? Read on!

Bacareto da Lele

Address: Campo dei Tolentini 183

This bacaro (a neighborhood bar with snacks) in Santa Croce is very popular with locals and usually has long queues outside it at lunchtime, but that is only natural: “there aren’t many spots in Venice where you can have a glass of wine for €0.60 and a sandwich for € 1 or € 2”, reaffirms local Enrica.

Its central location right beyond the first bridge you’ll cross when entering the city even makes Bacareto da Lele an ideal starting point for a traditional Venetian ‘bacaro tour’.

Enjoy a canal view with your food from Osteria Al Squero. Photo: Annamaria Bergamo

Osteria Al Squero

Address: Dorsoduro, 943-944

A ‘squero’ is a gondola workshop, and this traditional osteria is located just across a canal from the one at Saint Trovaso. The unexpectedly quiet atmosphere at Osteria Al Squero is one of its biggest pluses, as is the rich selection of inexpensive crostini that go for only €1.50 each.

Local Annamaria recommends the ones with sarde in saor (sardines cooked with onions and raisin); salmon, pink pepper and lemon; tuna and olive oil; and the one with bacon and mushrooms sauce.

Related: 3 budget-friendly Venice restaurants popular with locals

Trattoria dalla Marisa offers a classic atmosphere. Photo: Matteo Giarraffa

Trattoria dalla Marisa

Address: Calle Canna, 30171

Mainly frequented by students and workers stopping by for lunch break during their busy studying and working days, family-owned Trattoria dalla Marisa serves simple and genuine homemade Italian cuisine that brings back sweet memories of their grandmothers to locals.

It’s as old-fashioned, with wooden walls and pictures hanging everywhere, as it is cozy and welcoming, even to non-Italians. The shared tables complete the intimate experience, though you can also opt to sit by the canal. Perhaps the best part? They offer a rotating lunch menu for a very generous €15.

Snacking on a canal with a rice ball from Bacarretto. Photo: Matteo Giarraffa

Bacarretto

Address: San Croce, 2098

It might be on the other side of Italy, but that doesn’t mean that while in Venice you shouldn’t take the opportunity to sample some specialties from Sicily. The locals themselves love regional cuisines and varieties and local Matteo would recommend the mixed fried antipasto, their caponata and a delicious cassatina (ricotta cake) for dessert.

Everything is seasonal and made fresh at Bacarretto, and if you’re in a hurry or don’t want to pause your exploring for that necessary pit-stop, you can also get an arancinetta for €2 (rice ball) or two to enjoy on the go.

Related: 3 “Pasticcerie” to try for breakfast in Venice

Dig into a delicious pizza at Al Faro. Photo: Ristorante Pizzeria Al Faro Facebook

Al Faro

Address: Calle Ghetto Vecchio, 1181

Ristorante e Pizzeria Al Faro is in Cannaregio, in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, where the word itself comes from. Visiting this neighborhood is worth it on its own, but stopping by Al Faro is a definite must: the quality of the pizza in Venice isn’t that good, because traditional wooden ovens are forbidden, yet despite that, this pizzeria, in particular, manages to not only make some great pizza but also have them ready within 10 minutes after ordering — and for very affordable prices.

Local resident Matteo suggests trying the “Al Faro” with buffalo mozzarella, pumpkin cream, porcini mushrooms, speck and olives (€12).

Related: Search for cheap hotels in Cannaregio

Your favorite cheap eats in Venice

Do you have a favorite place to eat in Venice? Tell us in the comments below.

The post Venice Cheap Eats: 5 tasty and affordable restaurants appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve put together a list of cute and cozy stays in the city that won’t break the bank. With your leftover euros, you can spend more on eating delicious Italian food, strolling through museums and down ancient alleys, and shopping for famous Venetian glass — while still affording a comfortable place to rest your head at night.

More tips on Venice:
• How to avoid the crowds at Venice’s top attractions
• 5 Simple tips for saving in Venice
• Affordable hotels in Venice with canal views

5 Cute and cozy hotels in Venice

Not only do these budget hotels in Venice offer a charming atmosphere, they all have high user ratings, so you can rest easy that the service will be friendly and welcoming.

Hotel Ai Do Mori

Address: Calle Larga 658
Neighborhood: San Marco
User rating: 8.5
Doubles starting at $95

Friendly management, clean rooms and a location across from St. Mark’s Square make the Hotel Ai Do Mori a great cheapo pick. Rooms have wood-beamed ceilings along with TVs, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There’s a wonderful little terrace with a view of St. Mark’s tower. While there is no breakfast available, guests have an excuse to start exploring the city early to find their morning meals. Read our full review here.

It’s easy to fall for the cute rooms at Albergo Doni.

Albergo Doni

Address: Calle Del Vin 4656 San Zaccaria
Neighborhood: Castello
User rating: 8.1
Doubles starting at $95

Albergo Doni offers affordable rooms with lovely canal or garden views in a fantastic location. If you’re looking for real European charm, you’ll love the rooms that feature antiques and Venetian wall art. Amenities are simple: Along with an included breakfast, guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi in the common space, but TVs and phones won’t be found here. Read more about Albergo Doni here.

Stay right on a beautiful pedestrian street when you check into Albergo Casa Peron.

Albergo Casa Peron

Address: Santa Croce 85 – Salizzada San Pantalon
Neighborhood: Santa Croce
User rating: 8.1
Doubles starting at $99

Nestled on a popular pedestrian shopping street, Albergo Casa Peron offers one-star rooms with simple, old-world style. We love the rooms with cozy private balconies overlooking the garden, and while each room has a private shower, Cheapos can save even more money by booking a room with shared toilets. Learn more about the hotel here.

The entrance of Hotel Dalla Mora is just steps from the canal!

Hotel Dalla Mora

Address: Salizada San Pantalon, 42 – Santa Croce
Neighborhood: Santa Croce
User rating: 8.5
Doubles starting at $111

With canal views in nearly every room and a traditional Italian breakfast included in the price, the Hotel Dalla Mora is hard to beat. Super friendly owners and pristine rooms (with private or shared bathrooms) just add to the appeal. A shared canal-side terrace gives visitors a space for solitude or newfound friendships. Read the full review of Hotel Dalla Mora here.

We always love stepping into the lovely confines of Pensione Guerrato.

Pensione Guerrato

Address: San Polo 240/A
Neighborhood: San Polo
User rating: 8.6
Doubles starting at $124

Pensione Guerrato is packed full of character with a helpful staff at the helm. The building dates back to the 1200s, and we love the “kitschy” décor with a mixture of antiques and unique knickknacks. There’s also air conditioning, an included breakfast buffet, and spacious bathrooms. For Cheapos that don’t mind a little splurge, it’s well worth it! Read the full review and book a room here.

Venice has plenty more hotels for budget travelers. Check out our full list of recommended hotels in the city.

The post Venice: 5 cute and cozy hotels from our guide under $125 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But once you see some of the lodging prices, it might break your heart. That’s why we’ve found budget spots that still provide a sweet, passionate atmosphere, so you can enjoy your romantic getaway without worrying about your wallet.

Read more about Venice
• 10-Day Trip through Italy: Rome, Florence and Venice
• The 7 best cheap hotels in Venice
• 10 Things to do in Venice on the cheap

Romantic hotels in Venice for Valentine’s Day

We have dozens of budget hotels in Venice for you to explore and book, but these are our favorite romantic accommodations.

Locanda SS. Giovanni e Paolo

Neighborhood: Castello
Doubles from $50

The Locanda SS. Giovanni e Paolo is a sweet six-room guesthouse with an intimate feel. It’s a great spot for couples looking to spend quality time together, as there are no distractions, such as TVs or phones, in the rooms. Add the location in the romantic Castello neighborhood and the incredible rates, and you’ve got the perfect spot for Cheapo lovers. Read the full review

Hotel Galleria sits right along the canals.

Hotel Galleria

Neighborhood: Dorsoduro
Doubles from $81

Hotel Galleria offers low rates for rooms with views of the Grand Canal. Each room is pretty, with rich colors and antique furnishings. Enjoy breakfast in bed with your sweetheart, as it is served in your room each morning (and the price is included in the nightly rate). And next door, you’ll find Venice’s most important art museum, Galleria dell’Accademia, which would make a great date spot. Read the full review

Snuggle up in the plush rooms of Locanda Al Leon.

Locanda Al Leon

Neighborhood: Castello
Rooms from $86

Nestled inside a 15th-century building, the Locanda Al Leon is a pristine guesthouse with a location near Piazza San Marco. The fabric walls, elegant Venetian furniture, and beautiful views create a romantic atmosphere. If you inquire ahead of time, you might just get a room with a private terrace, which will really impress your lover. Read the full review

Be charmed by the old-world feel of Ca’ Riccio Hotel.

Ca’ Riccio Hotel

Neighborhood: Cannaregio
Rooms from $72

We swoon for the wrought iron beds, high ceilings (with wood beams!), and Jacuzzi tubs at the Ca’ Riccio Hotel. The hotel gives off a very “Romeo and Juliet” vibe, and rooms have a beautiful, rustic feel. Every room also includes a café table and chairs, perfect for couples looking to enjoy a bottle of vino in the evening. Read the full review

The ornate surroundings of Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo are worth the splurge!

Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo

Neighborhood: Santa Croce
Rooms from $91

While it’s a splurge, the Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo is worth it if you’re looking to really impress someone. The hotel has its own bridge along with Roman sculptures and plenty of unique antiques. Rooms are dripping in luxury, with damask walls, high ceilings, and gilding. Plus, sometimes the rates dip into the Cheapo-friendly range! Read the full review

Is there a hotel in Venice that warms your heart? Let us know in the comments or tell us on Twitter or Facebook.

The post Romantic hotels in Venice on Valentine’s Day for less appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Luckily, we’ve compiled some of our favorite cheap hotels near Venice’s top sights, so you can enjoy a top-notch location (and quality hotel!) without a big hit to your wallet.

Related:
• All recommended cheap hotels in Venice
• 5 Cheap and charming hotels in Venice
• 5 Budget hotels in Venice with canal views
• Cheapo sleeps in Venice with special perks

5 Cheap hotels in Venice with great locations

Are you ready to go sightseeing in Venice? Check in to these five cheap hotels in Venice to experience the best of the city!

Antique touches are everywhere you look at Pensione Guerrato.

Near Rialto Bridge

Pensione Guerrato

San Polo 240/A
Neighborhood: San Polo
User rating: 8.7
Doubles starting at $92

Venetian antiques and knickknacks lend character to the clean and comfortable Pensione Guerrato just steps from the famous Rialto Bridge. Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a complimentary breakfast sweeten the deal, and guests can even save more euros by booking one of the rooms with shared bathrooms.

The building dates back to 1287, also ensuring that you’ll experience plenty of old-world charm during your stay. Read our full review here.

You won’t soon forget the view from Hotel Ai Do Mori!

Next to Saint Mark’s Square

Hotel Ai Do Mori

Calle Larga 658
Neighborhood: San Marco
User rating: 8.5
Doubles starting at $89

One of our favorite hotel crushes, the Hotel Ai Do Mori offers cheapo prices in a wonderful location across a tiny street from Saint Mark’s Square. Despite climbing quite a few stairs to get there, the room at the top of the hotel offers guests incredible views from a private terrace.

Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning are included in the list of amenities, and while there’s no breakfast, guests can enjoy their morning meal at one of the several nearby cafés. Read more about Hotel Ai Do Mori here.

Six rooms at Hotel Al Gazzettino offer canal views.

Grand Canal

Hotel Al Gazzetino

San Marco 4971
Neighborhood: San Marco
User rating: 8.4
Doubles starting at $125

This three-star hotel has classic Venetian style and some surprisingly good deals, especially for those who book early. After a free breakfast, head out the door and walk to the Grand Canal in just two minutes! To wake up to a lovely view, request one of the six rooms that overlook the canal. Read the full review here.

An airy room overlooking the rooftops of Venice at Albergo San Samuel.

Near the Accademia Gallery

Albergo San Samuel

Salizada San Samuele 3358
Neighborhood: San Marco
User rating: 8.8
Doubles starting at $103

The uniquely stylish Albergo San Samuel offers rooms that combine period furniture and modern, boutique-style design for a fun, artsy aesthetic that won’t break the bank. Amenities are simple, but those looking to stay connected can be comforted by the free Wi-Fi.

The hotel also offers a lounge where guests can mingle with each other. The spectacular Accademia Gallery is just a five-minute walk away. Read more about the hotel here.

The view from Santa Lucia Station in Venice. Photo: Lacey

Next to Santa Lucia Train Station

Hotel Santa Lucia

Cannaregio 358, Calle della Misericordia
Neighborhood: Cannaregio
User rating: N/A (no online booking)
Doubles starting at $57

Simple, sun-drenched rooms at the Hotel Santa Lucia provide guests with a relaxing home base at an ideal location by the main train station in Venice. In warmer months, you can enjoy the hotel’s air conditioning and lush garden. Although rates are already cheapo-friendly, you can really save by reserving one of the rooms with a shared bathroom.

The hotel does not accept online reservations, but you can read the full review and learn how to book a room here.

More budget hotel options in Venice

Looking for more budget-friendly hotels in Venice? Check out our full list of cheap hotels in Venice.

The post 5 Affordable hotels in Venice with excellent locations appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.