Venice on a Budget: Where to Eat & Drink For Under €3 Euros

Venice is the city of love, the city of canals, and the city of… cheap eats?? Food deals and inexpensive drinks probably aren’t the first thing that pops into your mind when you dream about the floating city, but it should be! Between the canals and small side streets are some of the most deliciously cheap food we found in all of Italy. You just have to know where to eat in Venice on a budget! Ready for €1 glasses of Prosecco and €2 meat and cheese plates? I hope you’re hungry because we’ve found some of the best cheap bars and restaurants in Venice Italy!

Are There Really Cheap Bars in Venice Italy?

Randomly located throughout Venice are small cafes and hole in the wall restaurants that offer some of the best deals in Italy. Now here comes the catch! They are small glasses and app-sized servings.

Still, in a city that can easily set you back €20-30 euros for lunch, this is a great deal. We originally discovered these little shops when looking for what to eat in Venice four years ago on our first trip to Italy together.

This time around we knew that we wanted nothing more than to spend the entire day getting lost in the back streets and hopping from place to place.

So now that the secrets out… we’ll tell you about our favorite cheap bars in Venice, and how to have the most epic (and inexpensive) day exploring one of Europe’s timeless cities! Also, be sure to check out more of our favorite things to do in Venice Italy on your first visit.

Where To Stay In Venice Italy 

Before we get into the best cheap eats in Venice, you should have an idea of where to stay! Here’s some of our favorite hotels in the city that are centrally located.

Ultra Luxury (High End) – The Gritti Palace – Set right on the Grand Canal, this stunning hotel is known as one of the best in the city. Expect nothing but high-end luxury with rooms featuring antiques and Murano glass.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Scalon del Doge – This bed and breakfast is located in a 13th century building overlooking the Grand Canal. Decorated in a typical Venetian style, you’ll feel like you’re staying right in a Venice fairy tale!

Hostel Life (Budget) – Generator Venice – Just a quick 10 minute ride by water bus to St. Marks Square, you won’t find a cheaper or more stylish hostel in Venice. Dorms and en suite rooms are available, and it’s close to all the best eats and cheap Venice restaurants!

Best Cheap Eats in Venice on a Budget 

Bacareto Da Lele

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-8pm Sat 6am-2pm Sun Closed
Address: Fondamenta dei Tolentini, 183, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

This is by far the best place to stop in and grab a sparkling glass of wine and chow down on some snacks. It was the first small shop that we actually wandered into looking for where to eat in Venice, and have been dreaming about returning to for years!

During the day, the glass case is packed with different sandwiches that all cost €1, while in the late afternoon meat and cheese plates replace them for €1.70.

You can have your pick of drinks from Prosecco to red or white wine, and even a sparkling red! This Venice gem closes at 8pm, so make sure to come early.

Arcicchetti Bakaro

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm 
Address: 183/a, Santa Croce, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy

You won’t have to travel far to hit our second favorite place. The funny thing is it’s actually located right next door! Once again, you’ll need to wait to get inside because the small shop doesn’t fit more than a handful of people.

Yet, the energetic owner will be happy to explain the different crostini that fill the display case that will only set you back €1 each!

While there is a full menu of drinks at Arcicchetti Bakaro, you can’t go wrong with the sparkling wine. The delightful bubbly drink just costs €1-1.50 depending on if you order the small or large glass. 

Cheap Eats in Venice Tip: We came in the late afternoon and actually bounced between the two cheap Venice restaurants depending on who had a shorter line at the time. Join in with countless other patrons, and grab a table outside or seat along the canal.

Al Merca

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2:30pm & 6pm-8pm Closed Sunday
Address: Campo Bella Vienna San Polo 213, 30125 Venice, Italy

Just a quick 15 minute walk next to the Rialto Bridge (and morning fruit and vegetable market) is where you’ll find our next go-to spot. Al Merca will run you slightly more… as in a whole Euro to .50 cents!

Don’t worry, you’re still in for a great deal. Most importantly, you’ll have plenty yummy snacks and drinks at one of our favorite cheap bars in Venice Italy.

The delicious sandwiches range from meat lover to veggie options, with something for everyone. The glasses of wine cost a little extra, but they were some of the largest pours we got in Venice!

More Venice On a Budget Tips

Be Okay With Getting Lost

Walking aimlessly over the bridges and through the Venice canals is honestly the best way to take in the city. So put down your smartphone, (except maybe to find these cheap Venice restaurants), fold up that useless paper map, and just explore!

If you get in a real pinch looking for where to eat in Venice on a budget, the best directions you can follow will be written on small plaques on the side of the buildings. You shouldn’t have any problem if you keep in mind where the main square of San Marco is.

Santa Lucia is in the opposite part of town where the bus and train station is located. These are valuable landmarks when searching for the best Cheap Bars in Venice!

If you prefer being guided through the city, you can book a two-hour sightseeing tour or a street food tour of Venice. 

Reserve Your Slot for the Best Free Viewpoint in Town

Between bouncing around to all the best Venice budget food spots, you’ll be in for a full day of adventure exploring the island city. The secret is slowly getting out, but add T Fondaco Rooftop-Terrace to the top of your Venice itinerary!

It’s completely free, but you do need to sign up for a time slot prior to going. You’re allowed to do so no more than 15 days in advance.

From here you’ll have a view of the rooftops, Grand Canal, the famous Rialto bridge, and even some of the best cheap Venice restaurants!  Sign up for your time slot at T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace.

Day Trip to Other Islands 

After you’ve experienced eating in Venice on a budget, definitely hop on a Venice Ferry! You can easily visit the surrounding islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. These three stunning and unique places will be the cherry on the top of your Venice trip.

From St. Marks Square, there are boats that run half-day tours to all the islands. The best part is they only cost just a little more than the round trip boat pass to one island.

Book a Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands boat tour.

Have any questions about where to eat in Venice on a budget or want to share your own cheap eats in Venice tips? Please let us know in the comments below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

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