In case you suppose Venice isn’t family-friendly, it’s time to rethink that place: I’ve received 27 causes to go to Venice with children right here – however there’s no denying this metropolis break is somewhat totally different from the typical.
accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
So for those who’re contemplating a visit there with your loved ones (and you actually actually ought to), I’ve picked out my high ideas for Venice with children that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to.
In addition to info on getting round on the town’s well-known canals, there’s recommendation on escaping the crowds, what to eat, the place to remain and easy methods to plan your loved ones metropolis break in Venice.
When to go to Venice with children
Having visited Venice in spring, summer season and autumn through the years, my first piece of recommendation is to keep away from peak summer season for those who presumably can.
Venice is at all times humid, so add in excessive temperatures and large crowds, and all of it combines to make this a far much less nice option to discover the town.
The temperatures throughout shoulder season, in spring and autumn, are normally good for wandering the streets with out melting and whilst you may need to dodge a couple of showers, we’ve loved solar and temperatures of 20-22C in October.
Individuals additionally flock to Venice for Carnevale, within the two weeks operating as much as Shrove Tuesday (normally in February) whereas Easter can be thought of peak season, so additionally normally greatest averted.
In any other case March to Might and September to October are superb. Whereas winter is quieter, the climate is more likely to be worse so strolling the streets and travelling by boat with children is far much less enjoyable.
Getting round Venice with children
Whereas the thought of travelling by water may appear overwhelming (though additionally thrilling!), Venice’s transport system actually isn’t too sophisticated to make use of.
Journey from Marco Polo airport to Venice
The closest airport to the town is Venice Marco Polo airport, however some low-cost airways will journey to Treviso airport (formally often called Canova Airport) – scroll down for particulars.
In case you’re travelling from Marco Polo airport to Venice with children, there are a few totally different choices to your journey.
Shopping for tickets for Venice public transport
By far the simplest option to get tickets for public transport in Venice – together with bus, vaporetto and Alilaguna providers – is to make use of the machines in Marco Polo airport.
There are machines close to the luggage carousels for ATVO, ACTV and Alilaguna (learn on to see which firm you want) the place you’ll be able to pay by card and with the choice to see directions in English so it couldn’t be simpler.
Within the time it took me to attend for our case, I had purchased three separate tickets protecting the entire of our keep in Venice – coming into the arrival corridor, there was an enormous queue to purchase them on the ticket desks, the place you’ll additionally have to trade any vouchers for prebooked tickets.
By boat
One of many best is the Alilaguna boats, which runs from the airport to Murano, the Lido and the primary islands of Venice – there are two traces which function year-round (blue and orange) plus one other seasonal line (crimson).
Relying the place you’re staying within the metropolis, this may not be the quickest route, though it’d imply you’ll be able to keep away from altering boats, so it’s effectively price checking the timetables.
The Linea Blu, for instance, takes round 90 minutes to get to San Marco and Zattere in Dorsoduro, however round half that point to get to stops in Cannareggio and Castello. The Linea Arancio, in the meantime, takes round an hour to get to Rialto – the same period of time to taking a bus and vaporetto.
You should buy return tickets for barely lower than the price of two single tickets, they usually’re simple to select up from the machines within the airport or the workplace within the arrivals corridor.
By bus
There are two bus traces which run from Marco Polo airport to Piazzale Roma in Venice – the town itself is car-free, so that is the closest level earlier than you should swap to a vaporetto.
Piazzale Roma itself may be very effectively linked on a number of vaporetto traces – it’s solely a few minutes stroll to the vaporetto stops, nevertheless it’s price checking which one you want, with the assorted stops given totally different letters.
The 2 bus routes are run by separate firms, ACTV and ATVO (unhelpfully related, so it’s simple to get the pair confused).
The ATVO service is good because the airport bus is an specific, with no stops between Marco Polo airport and Piazzale Rome – the journey takes round 20 minutes and there’s house for suitcases.
You should buy single or return tickets from the machines within the airport or by the bus cease (and a return is barely lower than two singles). You have to validate the tickets earlier than you board.
The ACTV bus 5 additionally follows the identical route however could cease alongside the best way, and there’s no separate house for baggage and it’s precisely the identical worth because the ATVO bus.
By water taxi
Is there any extra glamorous option to arrive in Venice than in one of many glossy picket water taxis – very James Bond.
Plus it’s going to whisk you on to your lodging (or as shut as you may get by water) moderately than all the numerous stops alongside the best way, so the journey can take as little as half-hour.
The draw back, after all, is the worth. Beginning charges for a personal water taxi are usually round 120 euros, however you’ll be able to normally anticipate it to price round 150-200 for a number of folks with baggage – the water taxis can match as many as 10 on board, so for those who’ve received an enormous household otherwise you’re travelling with pals, it’s price contemplating for a memorable option to arrive.
You can even get shared water taxis – youngsters aged six and below journey free, though you could want to attend for different passengers so it’s not at all times fairly as quick as a personal water taxi.
Journey from Treviso airport to Venice
Quite a lot of low-cost airways which beforehand flew to Treviso airport (or Canova airport, because it’s official title is) have switched to Marco Polo airport now, however you should still discover some flights touchdown there for Venice.
By bus
There are two bus traces which run from Treviso airport to Piazzale Roma in Venice – the town itself is car-free, so that is the closest level earlier than you should swap to a vaporetto.
Piazzale Roma itself may be very effectively linked on a number of vaporetto traces – it’s solely a few minutes stroll to the vaporetto stops, nevertheless it’s price checking which one you want, with the assorted stops given totally different letters.
The ATVO service takes round 70 minutes to get from Treviso airport to Venice, by way of Mestre, and there’s house for suitcases.
Alternatively, the Barzi bus takes simply 40 minutes to succeed in Venice because it makes use of the motorway, stopping at Tronchetto vaporetto cease. Youngsters below 10 journey free and there’s a return ticket choice, which must be used inside 10 days. You should buy tickets from the driving force or on the airport.
Taking the vaporetto in Venice with children
You’re unlikely to get by a household metropolis break in Venice with out taking the vaporetto at the very least as soon as – and actually, it’s half the enjoyable. An odd bus can’t evaluate to a water bus, in spite of everything.
Whereas the Alilaguna traces additionally function in central Venice (together with two extra vacationer traces), the simplest choice is utilizing the ACTV community – keep in mind that you could’t use the identical tickets for each.
Youngsters below six journey free, however in any other case a single journey prices 7,50 Euros for all ages and the ticket is legitimate for 75 minutes from the time you validate it.
Except you recognize you received’t be utilizing the vaporettos a lot, the day passes are higher worth although, particularly for those who’re staying for greater than in the future. A one-day go prices 21 Euros, whereas a 48-hour go is 30 Euros, a 72-hour go is 40 Euros and a seven-day go is 60 Euros.
In case you make two journeys a day throughout a three-day keep, you’re already saving: this contains boats to Murano and Burano (in addition to the Lido) too and saves you clock-watching or attempting to board a vaporetto at a cease and not using a ticket machine.
It’s effectively price shopping for your journey go on the machines in Marco Polo airport – you’ll discover them by the luggage carousels whilst you’re ready to your baggage to look. They’re simple to make use of, with an choice to make use of English, and it saves you queuing, plus if you recognize you’ll want a spare single ticket as soon as your go has expired, you’ll be able to choose that up on the identical time to validate and use later.
You’re more likely to do plenty of strolling, so having the choice to hop on even for one or two stops to avoid wasting drained toes is nice as effectively.
You can even create your personal mini boat tour in Venice: take line 2 and you are able to do a loop (virtually) aound the town. Board at San Marco Giardinetti and the route takes you below the Accademia and Rialto bridges, out to the west previous the cruise port and down in direction of Dorsoduro and Giudecca, then again to San Marco San Zaccaria, round five-minutes out of your place to begin.
Alternatively Line 1 travels alongside the Grand Canal for the important thing sights.
You may obtain the free Che Bateo app to work out routes, however I discovered Google Maps was simply pretty much as good at giving the totally different choices and tended to have higher real-time info.
You have to at all times validate your ticket earlier than boarding (some stops require this to open the gates however others could have a machine so simply maintain the ticket shut till it beeps and the sunshine goes inexperienced.
Ticket inspectors do verify and received’t be sympathetic for those who haven’t, so you’ll be able to anticipate to be fined. You should use a single ticket on multiple mode of transport through the 75-minute window however at all times validate every time.
How else to get round Venice with children
With no vehicles within the centre of Venice, it’s a definite bonus once you’re exploring with children – simply be careful for the canals as an alternative of the visitors.
Scooter, bike and buggy
Youngsters aged below 14 are additionally the one ones allowed to make use of scooters and bikes inside Venice’s slender streets, so in case you are visiting with youthful children, it’s price allowing for.
As you’ll encounter loads of slender alleys, streets thronged with different guests and numerous steps to the steep little bridges throughout the canals, having a scooter isn’t essentially at all times going to make life simpler although.
As soon as children are sufficiently old to discover on foot (together with the occasional bribe of gelato), that is actually one of the best ways to get round (apart from by boat).
In case you’re visiting with youthful children, you’ll hit related issues for those who’re utilizing a buggy – be ready to have to hold it up and down steps, manoeuvre slender winding streets and generally uneven surfaces.
A child provider solves that downside however as you’ll most likely be doing plenty of strolling (and because it’s normally heat in Venice), it’s more likely to be exhausting work you probably have a younger toddler.
Contemplating this and the actual fact there’s nothing between the banks and the water of the canals (soiled in addition to harmful), it’s positively not superb with toddlers. Whereas I strongly imagine it’s attainable to maintain travelling with younger children, Venice is one metropolis break I’d be tempted to postpone till they’re older.
Gondola trip
A trip in a gondola is the basic picture once you consider a metropolis break in Venice, being rowed alongside the canals whilst you recline and savour the surroundings.
Often, the romantic dream focuses on extra – effectively – romance, than having children within the gondola too.
And with costs ranging from 80 Euros for a 25-30 minute journey through the daytime (120 Euros at evening), it’s not the most cost effective choice. There may be house for as much as 5 on board although.
As a rule, the journey returns to its place to begin, so it’s extra of an expertise than an opportunity to journey from A to B. The gondolas have their very own set routes, so you can ask to be let off alongside the best way, nevertheless it doesn’t work like a taxi – it additionally implies that not all gondola journeys would be the identical, so it’s price selecting rigorously to attempt to get a style of the quieter little canals and the beautiful views of the Grand Canal, for instance.
Mornings could be quieter for those who’re seeking to keep away from gondola jams, and do keep away from the most popular a part of the day in case you are visiting in summer season – there’s no shade.
In case you fancy a sundown journey, attempt to time it for simply earlier than the night price begins at 7pm – for those who get aboard whereas the day price nonetheless applies, you received’t have the 50% surcharge however nonetheless get the identical ambiance.
How one can spot a gondola – do you know?
When you’ll spot the gondoliers nonchalantly wielding their oars and ducking below low bridges round virtually each nook, not each glossy black boat you’ll spot is a gondola. Look intently and among the elegant darkish crafts are literally the flat-bottomed sandalo – less expensive to make, it’s additionally lighter than a gondola.
The quickest option to inform the distinction is to have a look at the prow – gondolas have excessive curved prows which assist it minimize by the water of the lagoon.
A real gondola takes round two months to be made within the squero – the particular gondola workshops – are 36 toes lengthy and weigh 1300 kilos. Constituted of eight various kinds of wooden, they’re truly asymmetrical to compensate for the gondolier standing at one finish.
And the ornamental metallic touches on the entrance aren’t merely ornament. The form of the ‘bow iron’ symbolises the totally different areas of Venice – the S form for the curves of the Grand Canal, six enamel to symbolize the primary districts and an additional one for the island of Giudecca. Look out for additional decorations together with lions, the image of the town, and pine cones – regarded as fortunate.
Gondoliers have their very own oars, tailor-made to them, and have to be licensed after round 400 hours of coaching – in addition they have their very own uniform, though it’s a fable that the ribbon colors on the hat inform you whether or not they sing or not. As a result of that’s the one factor they don’t do exterior the flicks. Except they’re feeling significantly musical after all.
Traghetto
One less expensive different (if much less romantic!) is a journey in a traghetto. Trying somewhat like overgrown gondolas, the traghetti cross the Grand Canal at half a dozen stops between bridges – the Grand Canal solely has 4 bridges, so if you wish to get from one financial institution to a different, this could prevent a detour.
Simply look out for the indicators studying ‘Traghetto’ – probably the most helpful is from San Marco (close to Harry’s Bar) throughout to Salute.
The journey prices 2 Euros for vacationers (much less for residents) and normally takes solely a few minutes to journey from one facet to the opposite. If the traghetto is on the other financial institution, it’ll normally cross once they see folks ready, so there’s no official timetable.
Historically you rise up within the traghetto, and locals will nonetheless usually do that: they’re a LOT wobblier than they appear although, so fortunately guests are directed to sit down down.
Planning days out in Venice with children
In case you’re in search of concepts of the very best issues to do in Venice with children, try my high picks – plus some extra ideas for planning days out in Venice with children earlier than you go to.
The perfect issues to do with children in Venice
In case you suppose Venice solely appeals to adults, suppose once more – there are such a lot of causes to go to with youngsters, who’ll be as entranced by this excellent metropolis as their dad and mom.
For all the greatest issues to do with children in Venice, try my submit with the highest family-friendly points of interest and highlights.
Prebook your tickets
Venice actually is an excellent metropolis – and hundreds of thousands of individuals agree, flooding into La Serenissima yearly. So in addition to selecting when to go to, it’s effectively price planning what to go to – and prebooking your tickets every time you’ll be able to.
Basilica San Marco
If you wish to head into the Basilica San Marco, for instance, the road to purchase tickets can simply final an hour, usually a number of hours in peak season. Even throughout our most up-to-date go to in October, the queue for individuals who hadn’t prebooked stretched to the Doge’s Palace.
There are restricted numbers and morning tickets are significantly well-liked. The lights are normally turned on between 11.30am and 12.30pm, so it’s the most effective occasions to see the gold and mosaics shine.
You may prebook tickets right here, together with extra tickets for the Pala d’Oro (effectively price seeing: there was no queue to purchase as soon as we have been inside, nevertheless it’s just one euro additional to prebook to be on the secure facet) together with the museum, plus the close by belltower.
Head to the primary door and present your prebooked tickets so as to skip the queue (though additionally don’t be shocked if you end up directed to go in by way of the exit if the water is larger than common).
You’re advised to decide on a time slot to enter however we have been advised that you can enter at any level on that day – though we didn’t take a look at the idea, and you could not wish to danger it at peak occasions.
In case you haven’t prebooked and tickets have offered out, both arrive earlier than the Basilica opens at 9.30am so as to be one of many first in line, or head there in direction of the top of the day – final entry is at 4.45pm, so goal for round 4pm to present time to discover earlier than it closes.
The Doge’s Palace
One other incredible place to discover in Venice with children, it’s additionally price prebooking tickets for the Doge’s Palace – or Palazzo Ducale. This received’t allow you to skip the safety queue (which does transfer pretty quick) however means you don’t should queue up twice.
You can even get mixed tickets permitting you entry to the museums of the Piazza San Marco, together with the Museo Correr, plus the refrain go for entry to 12 of Venice’s church buildings, and an choice to improve to get the museum go which supplies you entry to some extra of the smaller museums, together with the glass museum on Murano.
We booked by GetYourGuide, and also you simply have to trade your voucher for tickets – this may be carried out on the close by Alilaguna desk at San Marco Giardinetti. Do verify you’ve acquired all of the tickets you ordered in trade for the voucher although.
The perfect views in Venice
Heading as much as the highest of the belltower in Piazza San Marco is among the greatest recognized spots to get an awesome view of Venice – and for a great cause, from the Campanile, you’ll be able to see proper out past Santa Maria della Salute in Dorsoduro, in addition to right down to the Basilica and all throughout the rooftops of Venice.
It’s additionally the place Galileo examined out his personal telescope, for some added historical past. Do take a one euro coin to function the modern-day equivalents for a powerful close-up of among the buildings.
It’s subsequently unsurprisingly well-liked, and whereas the queues aren’t so long as for the basilica, it’s nonetheless price prebooking your ticket and timeslot so you’ll be able to stroll straight in.
In case you prebook, it prices 12 Euros for all guests aged 6+ (in any other case, it’s 10 Euros) so for those who’re in search of a less expensive different, there are a few different choices.
Lower than 10 minutes from St Mark’s Sq., there’s a viewing terrace on the high of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi retailer – tickets are free however should be prebooked as there’s a restricted quantity allowed for every timeslot (they do get snapped up, and also you’re unlikely to be allowed in early).
There’s a 15-minute most you’ll be able to spend on the market, plus small indicators giving some info on what you’ll be able to see. The primary view is out throughout the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, however you may as well see again to St Mark’s Basilica.
As a bonus, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi additionally has free, clear bogs each on the bottom ground and on the highest ground close to the terrace
Or head over to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the place the spectacular church has its personal campanile and nice views again in direction of Venice.
Entry to the church is free, whereas it prices round six Euros to climb the belltower. You’ll get a greater view of the Doge’s Palace from right here than from the belltower in St Mark’s Sq. too.
Line 2 is the one one which stops on the island: you’ll be able to take it from San Marco San Zaccaria or from Zattere B in Dorsoduro (as Line 2 makes an virtually full loop alongside the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal, watch out to get the one going the proper manner).
Visiting Murano and Burano
Whereas there’s lots to tempt you to remain in central Venice, it could be a disgrace to go to with out making it to any of the opposite islands – and Murano (recognized for its glass) and Burano (well-known for its lace and vibrant homes) are a well-liked mixture.
Whereas Murano is on the best way to Burano, and infrequently visited in that order, it’s truly higher to move out to Burano first. Not solely do you skip among the crowds for those who get to the smaller island early, supplying you with extra probability to understand the rows of brightly painted properties, it may be simpler to seek out house on a ship heading to Murano afterwards.
Arriving at Murano at round lunchtime, the queues for the vaporetto travelling on to Burano stretched alongside the quayside – and as there are restricted boats operating, you can end up ready some time.
With a number of vaporetto stops on Murano itself, and a number of other traces operating again to Fondamente Nove in Cannaregio, it’s normally simple to move again to central Venice although.
You can even guide excursions to Murano and Burano, which solves the query of transport, nevertheless it’s simple to plan it independently and offers you extra flexibility in how lengthy to spend in every island – personally I a lot most popular Burano, though the glass blowers on Murano are effectively price seeing. We visited Fornace Mian – the tour prices 10 Euros however is free for youths.
Prime tip: You can even see among the glass creations being made at New Arte Fuga on Burano – whereas it’s a special expertise to visiting a glass manufacturing unit, the demonstrations are an awesome probability for youths to get shut and watch the glass being heated, crushed and formed.
Discovering bogs
It’s price retaining a stash of small cash handy for public bogs whilst you’re out and about in Venice with children. There are a number of dotted round central Venice – you’ll see indicators as you stroll – together with close to Rialto and the Accademia Bridge, and price 1.50 Euros.
Some have attendants who can change a word as effectively, however in any other case you’ll have to feed the cash into the turnstile. Some additionally stated card cost was an choice, however we by no means truly discovered it working anyplace.
By the way, for those who’re visiting Venice’s islands, you’ll discover related paid public bogs right here too, though it’s cheaper to make use of the services – just one euro on Burano, for instance!
In any other case, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi retailer additionally has free bogs (on the bottom ground and fourth ground), whereas points of interest usually have bogs too, together with the museums and the Doge’s Palace (head up the steps as there’s normally much less of a queue than these on the bottom ground). Eating places could have bogs for patrons as effectively.
The Flush app (free to obtain by way of the Google Play retailer or Apple Appstore) can be a great choice to seek out the closest bogs. Nevertheless it’s effectively price seizing the chance whilst you can, in case of urgency, as you’re not assured to seek out anyplace close by.
Discovering your manner round
One of many joys of exploring Venice is getting misplaced and stumbling throughout someplace new and pleasant, in addition to slowly figuring out landmarks to assist discover your manner round.
And with plenty of twisting little lanes ending unexpectedly at canals, and a maze of tiny alleys alongside among the greater paths by the town, it’s very simple to get misplaced, even with a great sense of route.
The town isn’t large, so for those who hold wandering, ultimately you’ll come to a spot the place you may get your bearings once more too.
You’ll additionally discover arrows on the partitions directing you to numerous well-liked spots, equivalent to Rialto and St Mark’s – don’t be confused if the arrows level each methods, it merely means you’ll be able to take both path to get there.
However whereas ambling aimlessly is at all times enjoyable in Venice, generally you simply want to have the ability to get from A to B – Google Maps is your good friend right here. Having explored within the days earlier than smartphones, a paper map solely goes up to now.
Simply remember that Google Maps isn’t at all times 100% correct – it usually confirmed us on the other financial institution of a canal, or often strolling serenely alongside the water itself, so don’t comply with it blindly!
Do you know? You will discover out which of Venice’s six sestiere (or areas) you’re in by trying up on the metallic brackets holding the road lamps – many have a two-letter code on: SM for San Marco, CS for Castello and so forth.
What to eat in Venice with children
Like in every single place in Italy, you’ll discover great meals that’s certain to enchantment to children – whereas pizza and gelato aren’t historically Venetian, you definitely received’t battle to seek out each throughout the town.
Equally, don’t look forward to finding youngsters’s menus, though eating places are normally pleased to do smaller parts or let children share a plate of pasta, for instance.
A few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes aren’t probably the most child-friendly, except you may have a mini connoisseur – equivalent to sarde in saor (sardines in a sweetened vinegar with onions, pine nuts and raisins) or seppie al nero (cuttlefish stewed in its personal ink, usually served with polenta).
However you may as well discover choices like baccala mantecato, a creamy salt cod concoction normally served with bread or polenta, which my daughter devoured, together with plenty of fish and tramezzini, sandwiches made with crustless white bread.
The town can be well-known for its cicchetti, little snacks – usually deep fried – served at a standard bacaro, one of many outdated bars dotted round Venice. Typically eaten standing up counters, increasingly have tables that are extra family-friendly.
You’ll discover loads of bacari within the San Polo space, together with across the Rialto market, or close to Campo San Bortolomio on the other financial institution – look out for SEPA, Rosticceria Gislon and Corte dell Orso.
In case you’re in search of the very best gelato, the massive heaped tubs exhibiting all of the totally different flavours are very tempting, however whereas it’s hardly ever a foul concept to present in to temptation, the very best gelato can be hidden away.
Head to a gelateria the place there are metallic lids over the tubs and it’s an indication of high quality, with the ice cream being stored on the good temperature. Gelateria Gallonetto has maybe the very best ice cream in Venice… and also you don’t get lengthy queues of individuals taking selfies, as at another retailers well-liked on Instagram.
The place to remain in Venice with children
There are some really wonderful accommodations in Venice, set in outdated palaces or overlooking the Grand Canal – however whereas a keep at anybody could be memorable, discovering an house remains to be usually extra sensible.
You don’t should sacrifice model for practicality although. I’m an enormous fan of the flats on Plum Information – the hand-picked assortment features a checklist of ‘house truths’ for every one, selecting out something from WiFi pace to noise as to if you’ll have to climb a number of flights of stairs.
The flats themselves are all wonderful, with the whole lot from a place in Dorsoduro with your personal non-public terrace to one other with Murano glass chandeliers simply two minutes from St Mark’s Sq., in addition to locations on the Lido and Giudecca. You can even filter by properties appropriate for those who’re travelling with an toddler below one 12 months, in addition to family-friendly choices for these with children below 12.
We additionally beloved the Really Venice assortment (which will also be booked by way of AirBNB). In addition to a string of beautiful locations to remain, you’ll be met on the vaporetto cease and brought to the house, moderately than attempting to navigate Venice’s maze of streets with a suitcase.
There are additionally a string of flats (together with accommodations for those who choose) in Venice on reserving.com.
For extra ideas for visiting to Venice with children, try my information to Italy with children, in addition to my choose of the very best issues to do in Venice with children
Disclosure: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Photographs copyright MummyTravels
