Today more than ever; saving money on a trip to Europe may mean the difference between going or not. Venice has been historically one of the more expensive cites to visit in Italy; but the pros at www.italy4real.com have just gotten back and have found a way to see some great city sites for free. 

During our visit in May we were able to find more than 10 great sites all over the city that cost zero, nada, nothing; so don't cancel that trip!

Museum of Natural History. This grand venue contains some great options for adults and families alike, such as the Dinosaur Room and the Aquarium of the Tegnue. Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-1pm, Sunday's 10am-4pm, closed Monday's. Closed December 25th, January 1st, May 1st. Address: Ve Santa Croce 1730. The museum is located on the Giudecca island just across from St Marks and the main part of Venice; you can take the number 2 waterbus and get off at the Redentore or Zitelle stops. Tel: 041 275 0206. www.msn.ve.it

Church of S. Giorgio Maggiore. This amazing church has a very beautiful interior and an exact miniature copy of the bell tower in St Marks. Opening times: May-September Mon-Sat 9:30am-12:30pm,2:30pm-6pm, Sun 8:30am-11am,2:30pm-6pm. October-April Mon-Sat 9:30am-12:30pm,2:30pm-4:30pm, Sun 9:30am-11am,2:30pm-4:30pm. Address: Isola di S.Giorgio Maggiore. The church is located on a small island across from St. Marks Square, it's the one with the little copy of the St. Marks bell tower. Take the number 2 water bus, there is only one stop on the island. Tel: 041 522 7827.

Cemetery Island. This is not just a creepy old cemetery but an entire island filled with amazing crypts, art, sculpture and the graves of the famous such as Stravinsky, Diaghilev, Pound & Brodskji to name a few. Each grave site has a photo of the person so it's also a photographic history of the population of Venice; very interesting. Opening times: April-September 7:30am-6pm. October-March 7:30am-4pm. Address: Isola di San Michele. Take the number 52 water bus from St. Marks Square, it's a also a stop on the way to Murano. Tel: 041 729 2811.

Burano Permanent Gallery of Art. Enjoy local and international artists in this local gallery on Burano island. Opening times: Visit by reservation only; have your hotel call ahead. 9am-12:30pm Mon-Sat. Tuesday 9am-4:45pm. Closed Sunday and holidays. Address: Via S Mauro 107. Take the number 52 water bus from St. Marks Square. Tel: 041 730 106.

Music Museum: Musical Instruments; The Baroque in Venice. This is a world class exhibit of some of the best ancient and modern musical instruments, a Venice must see! Opening times: Daily 9:30am-7pm. Address: In the church of Chiesa di San Maurizio; Campo San Maurizio. Easy walking distance from St. Marks Square. Tel: 041 241 1840. Unlike many rumors about how expensive Venice can be; the experts at www.italy4real.com know that you can explore the city of bridges without spending a dime on great, world class sightseeing. For more information on great things to do in Venice or to get expert assistance in planning your next trip to Italy or Europe; give us a call or email and let our experts help you plan a trip for any budget or travel style. 800-554-5170, +1-425-355-3711 or info@italy4real.com .