Making the most of London: a student trip to Venice
Published on 23 Apr 2026
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Disclaimer: The content on this blog is the opinion of the author and it was correct at the time of writing
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Living and studying in London offers easy access to affordable travel. As a University of East London (UEL) student, you are well connected. London City Airport is nearby, with direct transport links from Stratford. This makes short trips across Europe more accessible, especially when seasonal deals are available.
This trip to Venice is one example, with return flights costing around £50.
First impressions of Venice
Arriving in Venice by boat from the airport is a memorable experience. Without overplanning, the city feels more authentic and surprising. It can be tempting to rely on social media or travel guides, but experiencing a place for the first time without expectations can be more rewarding.
Unlike London, where boats are often used by tourists, Venice relies on them for daily life. People use boats to commute, work, and travel across the city.
Exploring on a student budget
Venice stands out for its atmosphere. The canals, buildings, and historic surroundings create a unique environment. For students, exploring does not need to be expensive. Walking through the city and observing daily life is a key part of the experience.
Staying outside the busiest tourist areas can help reduce costs and offer a more local perspective. Quieter neighbourhoods often feel more authentic and less crowded.
Food and local experiences
On the first evening, we found a small venue serving cicchetti (Venetian small plates) with drinks. It was affordable and a good introduction to local food.
There are a range of options for students:
- Mid-range: Hostaria Sant'Aponal offers good quality food at reasonable prices.
- Casual: Places like Cantine del Vino già Schiavi and Osteria Al Squero serve affordable sandwiches and cicchetti.
Some of the best experiences come from smaller, family-run restaurants. These often provide a more personal and welcoming atmosphere.
Seeing beyond the tourist view
Exploring early in the morning showed a different side of Venice. The city felt clean and well maintained, even with high visitor numbers. Taking local transport, such as commuter boats, offers insight into everyday life.
Like London, Venice has a mix of tourist-focused and local areas. Some shops sell generic souvenirs, while others reflect local creativity, such as independent artists and small businesses.
Challenges and observations
Navigating Venice can be difficult. Digital maps are not always reliable, especially when routes involve canals without bridges. While this can be frustrating, it also adds to the experience.
Visiting outside peak season helps avoid large crowds. However, tourism still has a visible impact on the city. This raises questions about how destinations like Venice will balance tourism with local life in the future.
Making the most of London as a student
Being based in London gives you direct access to affordable travel across Europe. With London City Airport nearby and strong transport links from Stratford, trips like this are realistic on a student budget.
Venice shows that you do not need to overspend or overplan to have a meaningful experience. Staying outside busy areas, choosing simple food options, and exploring on foot can make a trip both affordable and more authentic.
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