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

Should you visit Granada or Venice?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come to Granada because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Granada 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 that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Venice travel costs.

Granada and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Granada and Venice are about the same size, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is better known for its shopping and quaint atmosphere, while Granada is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Venice is more touristy than Granada and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Granada different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Granada or Venice.

Travelers visit Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Granada or Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Granada and Venice both to be great destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Venice. 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 Granada or Venice Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Granada for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Venice Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Granada and Venice.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

With a famous historical old-town, Venice offers plenty to see. 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.

Is Granada or Venice Better for Hiking?

Granada is great for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Venice?

Venice is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Venice. 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Venice More Beautiful?

Granada and Venice both are comparable with their world-class scenery and beauty.

Granada is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a truly beautiful city that maintains a lot of its historical charm. There are beautiful views and charming neighborhoods that are fun to explore.

The famous beauty of Venice is one of the main draws. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.

Is Granada or Venice Better for Families?

Venice is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Venice is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Granada or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Venice are both great destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Granada or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada 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.

Granada is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

Venice is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Granada?

How long in Granada or Venice?

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

Families should spend more time in Venice than Granada. 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 Granada. 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 Granada 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.

One day in Granada or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Granada. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Venice?

Granada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Venice, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Granada. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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.

When is the best time to visit Granada or Venice?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Granada or Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Venice. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Venice during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Venice. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Venice. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Granada is a little warmer than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Venice. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than Venice. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Venice. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Venice. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Granada