Everything is so different in Venice. Every turn in the street brings a new set of fancy buildings and canals. It is all gondolas and boats with no car in sight! Even for family travellers with kids of different ages, there is always something to grab your attention.
During our Italy trip we spent 4 nights in Venice. We got to experience both “kinds” of Venice. For 2 days we had beautiful sunny blue sky Venice. And the other 2 days we had shower, rain and flooding! The latter was much to our son’s amusement as he jumped on countless puddles.
Here are our Venice top things to do for family travellers:
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Start at Piazza San Marco (and chase some pigeons)
Piazza San Marco is the heart of Venice. Admire the beautiful architectures of St Mark’s Basilica, Campanile, clock tower and Palazzo Ducale. Closer to the water you will see the church of San Giorgio Maggiore in a distance and many gondolas lined up just like in the postcards.
There is enough action in the square to keep children occupied. Yours will likely to enjoy chasing pigeons around this square, although feeding them is no longer legal.
Note for parents: Don’t buy your coffee here! There are many beautiful cafes lining up the piazza with real eye watering prices (We’re talking about more than $20 for a small cup). Come summer time you will also have to pay extra for the performers providing background music.
Exploring Grand Canal on a Vaporetto
We think Venice is best seen from water. “Vaporetto” is Venice’s water bus that goes back and forth the Grand Canal. It runs the complete length of the Grand Canal from Piazza Roma to Piazza San Marco. Children under 6 ride free.
This is no ordinary city tour. Parents will enjoy marvelling at the many palazzos belonging to everyone who was anyone in the Gothic and Early Renaissance eras. Kids will be amused spotting the many unique boats along the canal including: police boats, water taxis, crane boats, fresh fruit & vegetable boats, garbage truck boats, and even DHL delivery boats.
For best views, head to the outdoor seats at the front of the boat or in the standing only area in the middle.
Take on a ride on a gondola
Perhaps most tourists’ #1 quintessential family travel experience in Venice. Try to time your gondola ride during sunset time.
Although pricey, prices are fixed – so no bargaining here. Look for recommendations for a good gondolier and starting point on Tripadvisor. Most visitors will try to catch a gondola ride from the Rialto bridge (which can get too busy) or St Mark’s square (choppy open water and away from pretty sights).
Areas around San Barnaba (shooting location for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) can be a good starting point.
Getting lost and see the local life
Venice is not that big so don’t worry too much with getting lost. Areas like the Dorsoduro and Cannaregio is only minutes walk away from tourist sites but gives a totally unique local feel.
Day trip to Burano village
Ever seen photos of Venice that show brightly-painted buildings? Those are not from the main island.
Burano is a colourful village that is easily reached by the Vaporetto less than an hour away. Originally settled by fishermen hundreds of years ago, all houses are painted in vibrant colours. Don’t forget to try numerous seafood dishes local to the area.
St Mark’s Basilica
Back at Piazza San Marco, this basilica is free to enter and get quite busy. You are not allowed to take photos of the interiors. So take your time admiring the beautiful gold mosaics inside.
Take turns with your partner to climb up the stairs to Loggia dei Cavalli (this section you will have to pay) to stand beside the giant horses on the balcony, see the originals inside and look down enjoying views over Piazza San Marco.
Where to eat in Venice
Like the rest of Italy, Venice is very kid friendly and eating out is never a problem. Try the many yummy local seafood dishes. We particularly love the squid ink pasta. Italian waiters are typically super friendly to kids. As always when on holidays, avoid dining in main tourists spots. Going one or two streets away will usually get you more authentic food at a reasonable price.
Where to stay in Venice
Try to book your hotel or Airbnb close by to San Zaccaria or Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia area to minimise dragging heavy luggage for too far. Otherwise make sure your hotel can arrange a porter to help or… for an easier alternative, get yourself a strong husband LOL.
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As for families planning to use a stroller in Venice – Yay or Nay?
In Venice you will constantly walk up and down steps to cross small bridges. With our 3 year old son, we would ask him to get down from the stroller to walk and cross the bridge himself. For younger kids a baby carrier will be a better option. Since you will be carrying your stroller a fair bit, definitely choose a lightweight travel stroller.
Family travel to Venice is definitely worth it. We loved it so much, we didn’t want to come home! Venice for us is one of the most family friendly places to visit and is quite an experience in itself. Where else can you get to the airport by boat!?
