Budget Summer Travel Guide to Venice, Italy

There's no place on earth quite like bella Venezia, with it's thousand-year-old history, romantic waterways, and countless bridges, churches, museums, and palazzi. Accordingly, it's one of the most popular--and pricey--destinations in Italy. Venice relies almost entirely on tourist dollars to keep it afloat so things don't come cheaply here, especially during summer when tourism is at its peak. Even those visiting Italy on a budget, however, can enjoy the glory and magic of Venice with this summer travel guide.

Lodging is at a premium during the summer, but budget travelers can cut down on other expenses to make visiting Venice affordable. First, skip the expensive guided tours. A great travel guide book such as Eyewitness: Venice or Top Ten Venice, a good map (I prefer Streetwise's laminated maps), comfortable shoes, and a willingness to wander are all you really need to get started.

My favorite way to see Venice is from the water but gondola rides, as romantic as they can be, can cost upward of 80€. Traghetti are a very inexpensive way to cross the Grand Canal gondola-style for just a few euro. Visitors can get the best view of the Grand Canal on the vaporetto (waterbus) for only 6.50€ each way, and it stops near all of the major tourist destinations. Travel cards are the most economical solutions for tourists making more than one stop or staying in Venice for several days; a 48-hour card, for example, allows unlimited vaporetto travel for only 28€. Tip: If the first vaporetto that comes along is too crowded, as it is likely to be during the summer, step aside and wait for the next one, then head to the front or back of the boat for an extraordinary view of the city.

Museum admissions in Venice can be surprisingly inexpensive. Admission to Galleria dell'Accademia for example, costs only 6.50€ for adults and children under 12 are free. Book tickets in advance to minimize waiting times and guarantee admission during the crowded summer months. To stretch your dollar even further, consider purchasing a "group" ticket which costs only 11€ for entrance to three museums--the Accademia, Ca' d'Oro, and the Oriental Art Museum.

Summer in Venice is very hot and humid. You may be tempted to wear flip flops, shorts, and tank tops but keep in mind that tourists must wear conservative attire to enter churches. Don't bypass these tourist stops, as churches are a wonderful way to see hidden masterpieces exactly where they were intended to be hundreds of years earlier. Must-see churches in Venice that do not charge admission include Santa Maria della Salute, San Zaccaria, and San Giorgio Maggiore.

Budget travelers should keep in mind that densely-populated tourist areas such as Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge are, of course, must-sees but also more expensive when it comes to souvenirs and meals. Those visiting Italy on a budget should avoid ristoranti, as they tend to serve only three- to five-course meals and be prohibitively expensive. Trattorias, pizzerias, and tapas bars are less expensive a la carte options. Budget summer travelers should consider buying pastries, sandwiches, or fruit, bread, and formaggio, and eating al fresco while soaking in the scenery. Don't forget the gelato! This inexpensive Italian ice cream is a delicious treat after a day of sightseeing.

Ci vediamo a Venezia (see you in Venice)!Tourists can get the best, and most economical, view of the Grand Canal on the vaporetto (waterbus)Don't bypass churches, as they are a wonderful, inexpensive way to see hidden masterpiecesMuseum admissions in Venice can be surprisingly inexpensive. Book in advance to guarantee admission during peak summer months.http://www.actv.it/english/home.phphttp://www.italylogue.com/featured-articles/free-things-to-do-in-venice.html