Venice

🏨 1. Stay – Where to Stay

Venice is full of charm, but choosing the right base makes family travel much easier. Stay central if you want to step straight into the action, or pick quieter areas like Castello or Dorsoduro for more space and calmer evenings. Out on Murano or Burano, life slows down with colourful streets and easy boat rides back to the main sights.
From family-friendly hotels to self-catering apartments and unique stays, Venice has something for every budget — the key is to find a spot that is a good base for exploring, while comfort and space for everyone.

Location

When people say “Venice”, they usually mean the historic heart — the cluster of islands linked by canals and bridges where you’ll find St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto, and all the famous landmarks. But the city is bigger than that. The Venetian Lagoon also includes quieter gems like Murano, Burano, and Mazzorbo, each with their own character and charm. Families with young children, should consider location very carefully, to balance proximity and cost. If you are only after the main sights, you don’t want to be travelling all the time, so recommend staying closer to your desired sights.

For families, this means you can choose to stay right in the centre, with sights at your doorstep, or a short boat ride away in more peaceful surroundings — still very much “Venice,” just with a different pace.

• Cannaregio – quieter vibe, safe, easy walk to sights, close to train station.
• Castello – near Giardini Pubblici (public gardens/playgrounds).
• Lido – beach escape with vaporetto links to central Venice.

Area map of Venice

Accommodation Types

Different families will want different things from their accommodation. Venice has a great selection of both:

• Apartments with kitchens (great for picky eaters).
• Hotels with family suites and breakfast included.

Facilities to Look For

• Hotels:
  • Left luggage area, if you plan to arrive early or depart late – you don’t want to be carrying luggage round.
  • for when
• Hilton Molino Stucky → outdoor pool & kids’ menu.
• B&Bs with high chairs and cots.

Budget Options

Vanice is a popular destination as, as such, can

• Self-cater breakfasts/lunches from supermarkets.
• Staying on Lido or Mestre (mainland) for cheaper hotels, but avoid if you want to spend much time in Venice. Booking early

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✈️ 2. Travel – How to Get There (and Around)

Getting to Venice

Reaching Venice is part of the adventure — whether by air, road, or rail, the moment you step into the lagoon city feels unforgettable.

By Air
Most visitors fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), just 13km from the city. From here you can hop on the Alilaguna waterbus (about €15 per person, 60–75 minutes to St. Mark’s), take a shared water taxi (around €35–40 per person, 30–40 minutes), or opt for a private water taxi straight to your hotel (from €100+, 20–30 minutes and very special). The budget option is the ATVO or ACTV airport bus to Piazzale Roma (about €10 per person, 20–30 minutes).
Another airport option is Treviso (TSF), popular with low-cost airlines and about 40km away — buses to Venice take about an hour and cost €12–14.

• 2 hrs from London. 9 hrs from NYC.
• Check out link to save money on flights. Business Class for free!!

Airport Transfers

• 🚤 Alilaguna water bus (budget-friendly). Yes, you can get a water bus from the airport to Venice. Note, in the summer and busy times.
• 🚤 Private water taxi (fun splurge, ~€70–90).
• 🚍 Shuttle bus to Piazzale Roma (best with strollers).
• 🚖Taxi – around €40-50. To get to the airport, you can get a taxi from Piazzale Roma (from the train station, head west along the canal and over the bridge).

Useful Apps & Tools

• AVM Venezia Official App (for iOS / Android) — Official app to buy and validate public transport tickets (ACTV / waterbus) in Venice. Apple+4Actv+4Actv+4
• MyPass Venezia — lets you purchase, store, and validate ACTV tickets directly on your phone. MyPass Venezia – Tutto in un’app
• VeneziaUnica — the city-ticketing / official portal for Venice transport and tourist passes. Venezia Unica+2AVM Spa+2

By Car
Cars can’t enter Venice itself, so you’ll need to park at Piazzale Roma or on Tronchetto Island. Expect parking fees of €25–35 per day. From there, you continue by vaporetto, water taxi, or on foot.

Car Hire

• Cars are not needed in Venice itself, as there’s no roads within the centre of Venice.
• If exploring beyond Venice, rent from airport or Mestre. We recommend signing up to Avis preferred and avoid wasting time in queues when collecting your car.

By Train (Our Favourite Way!)
There’s nothing quite like arriving by train. Crossing the causeway over the lagoon, your train glides into Santa Lucia Station, and the very first step outside puts you right on the Grand Canal. Trains from Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Rome connect directly, and booking early often lands 1st class seats with leather recliners for the price of standard. For extra adventure, consider the night train connections — for example from Munich, Vienna, or Paris — so you wake up with Venice at your doorstep.

Getting Around Venice

Venice is a walking city — no cars, just canals, bridges, and narrow calli (streets). You’ll quickly find that wandering on foot is part of the charm.

• Walking: Streets twist and turn, so don’t expect Google Maps to be perfect. Allow time to get a little lost (it’s part of the fun). Look for yellow signs on walls pointing toward San Marco or Rialto — they’re the best low-tech navigation.
• Vaporetto (water bus): The main public transport, run by ACTV. Tickets are €9.50 for 75 minutes, or you can buy day/3-day passes if you’ll use them often. Vaporetti are great for longer trips (e.g. Murano, Burano, Lido).
• Water taxis: Fast, private, and expensive — worth it for a special arrival or if you’ve got lots of luggage.
• Etiquette: On crowded bridges and streets, keep right to let others pass. On vaporetti, let passengers off before boarding, and don’t block entryways with bags or strollers.
• Wi-Fi & maps: Venice has patchy free Wi-Fi in main squares (Piazza San Marco, Piazzale Roma), but it’s best to download an offline map before you go.
• Public maps: Large maps are posted at major vaporetto stops, but smaller alleys rarely have them — think of them more as orientation points than detailed guides.
• Download maps offline before you arrive — Wi-Fi is patchy once you’re wandering.
• Follow the yellow signs (to San Marco, Rialto, or Ferrovia station) — much easier than street names.
• Stick to the right on bridges and narrow lanes, so little ones don’t get swept up in the flow.
• Vaporetto day passes are worth it if you’re exploring Murano, Burano, or the Lido — and kids love the boat rides.
• Plan snack stops in quiet squares (campi) — they’re perfect places for kids to rest and run around safely.
• Remember strollers: many bridges have steps, so lightweight or foldable ones are easiest.
• Choose a landmark near your stay (a church or vaporetto stop) so the whole family can “spot their way home.”

👉 Best tip: Pick a landmark near your accommodation (a church, square, or vaporetto stop) and learn your way back there — it’s far easier than memorising street names.

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🍕 3. Eat – What to eat and where to eat in Venice

Child-Friendly Restaurants

• Rosa Rossa → pizza + high chairs.
• Trattoria da Bepi → relaxed & affordable.
• Trattorias off the beaten path are generally good and less expensive than the more touristy areas.

Local Foods Kids Will Eat

• Pizza al taglio (by the slice). Often available on the go.
• Pasta with butter & cheese.
• Gelato everywhere. Generally, these are more busy in the afternoon, post lunch, for a cooling pudding on the go! Gelato Fantasy had a great selection to chose from.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets in Venice pack a punch. They are small compared to their mainland cousins, but they still stock fresh bread, fruit and even hot meals. If you have kids that prefer to eat at home, or want to keep the costs down, make sure you visit these to get some great food choices.

• Coop & Conad → snacks, milk, baby food.
• Rialto Market → fruit, picnic supplies.

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🧳 4. Pack for Venice: Family Travel Checklist

👶 Essentials for All Families

• Power on the move: Ankur Power Bank has been our pack of choice for the last few years. The simple design allows your to plug in, but check remaining juice.
• Baby carrier (bridges make strollers tough). Our choice for babies to toddlers or newborns.
• Refillable water bottles (acqua potabile fountains around Venice). Insulated Kleen Kanteens are amazing. Especially in the summer, where they can keep your drink cool for literally hours!
• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones + bridges). Check these out! Easy on and off, breathable, COMFY – all you would ever want.
• Travel adapters (Type C/F plugs). Versatile adapter that can cope with multiple different uses.
• Lightweight Travel Backpack – an essential part of getting out and about – this backpack is highly recommended for it’s comfort and quality.
• Compact Travel Stroller – can be folded with one hand and carried like a bag. Without a shadow of doubt, you need the Babyzen yoyo. Can even be taken as carry on, on some airlines!! We swear by ours.
• Packing Cubes Set – We have research and checked loads and always go back to these. We’ve bought several, as they are just so useful
• Kid-friendly Headphones – keep them entertained in times of need, with these headphones. Specially designed so they protect young ears and don’t damage their hearing

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🎡 For Kids

• Small backpack (snacks, refill bottle, colouring book).
• Travel games (Farm in a tin, or Zoo in a tin – these have traveled miles with us and fit in a backpack nicely) / activity packs for queues & boat rides.
• We pack these lightweight blanketsfor our trips. Good for sleeping on the go.
• Child headphones & tablet (for flights / downtime).

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💡 Optional but Handy

• Collapsible shopping bag (for groceries & market snacks).
• Portable charger (navigating maps drains phones fast).
• Packing cubes (keep kids’ clothes separated).

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🎡 5. See – Things to Do with Kids

Map of locations

Family Itineraries

• 1 Day: Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, gondola
• 3 Days: Doge’s, Murano/Burano, Natural History Museum
• 7 Days: Mix above + Verona/Padua day trip

Rainy-Day Ideas

• Natural History Museum.
• Peggy Guggenheim (short, colourful art).

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BASICS

💶 6. Budget & Costs in Venice

Venice has a reputation for being pricey, but with the right planning it can be very family-friendly. Here’s what to expect and how to save.

our page on traveling for free

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💰 How Much to Budget

• Low budget (backpack style): €60–90 per person/day
• Mid budget (comfortable family trip): €120–200 per person/day
• High budget (luxury stays & dining): €250+ per person/day

These estimates include food, attractions, and transport (but not flights).

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🎟️ Paid Attractions (Typical Prices)

• Doge’s Palace: ~€25 adult / reduced for children
• St. Mark’s Campanile (bell tower): ~€10
• Vaporetto single ride: €9.50 (children under 6 free)
• Gondala: This is what Venice is iconic for. These prices are fixed and apply to a private gondola ride, not per person.
  • Daytime (8 AM to 7 PM): 90 EUR for a standard 30-minute ride.
  • Evening/Night (8 PM to 7 AM): 110 EUR for a standard 30-minute ride.
    

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🌿 Free (or Almost Free!) Attractions

• St. Mark’s Basilica — main church is free (museum/terrace extra).
• Burano & Murano — colourful houses and glass workshops to explore without tickets.
• Public squares (campi) — like Campo Santa Margherita, perfect for kids to run and for parents to grab a coffee.
• Parks & play spaces:
  • Giardini Pubblici (Castello): shady trees, space to play, and a playground.
  • Giardini Reali (near St. Mark’s): recently restored green space with benches.
  • Parco Savorgnan (Cannaregio): playground and gardens tucked away from crowds.
• See the gondolas — free to watch them glide under the Rialto Bridge or along the Grand Canal.
• 👉Favourite!👉Crossing by gondola (traghetto) — Venetians use these standing gondolas to cross the Grand Canal. It’s a short ride (just a few minutes) and costs about €2 per person — a great way for kids to experience a gondola without the €80+ tour price

Approximate locations to get the Gondala for €2.

Tip: On certain cultural days (like Festa della Repubblica in June or European Heritage Days in September), museums may have free or reduced entry.

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🍝 Food & Drink Savings

• Lunch is cheaper than dinner — many restaurants offer set “menu del giorno” deals.
• Cicchetti bars (Venetian tapas) are great for families to share small plates.
• Avoid eating right on St. Mark’s Square — prices there are much higher. Head a few streets back for better value.
• Mondays can see some restaurants closed; weekends are busier (and pricier).
• For self catering – don’t forget the supermarket, even for hot food in some of the bigger ones.

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📍 Expensive vs Cheaper Areas

• Most expensive: San Marco & Rialto (tourist heart, café tables on St. Mark’s can charge €10 for a coffee).
• Cheaper & family-friendly: Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Castello — more local trattorias and shops.

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🛒 Supermarket Tips

As space is limited in Venice, the supermarkets are small, but still pack a punch. They sell fresh food that you would expect, but also hot food counters. Brilliant if you are self catering, or want to grab something on the go. Supermarkets to look out for:

• Coop and Conad City (common mini-supermarkets in Venice)
• Despar (several locations, good variety)
• Fruit & veg stalls in local squares are great for fresh produce.

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👉 Top family tip: Mix free wandering days with 1–2 paid attractions, grab supermarket lunches for picnics, and enjoy dinner in less touristy neighbourhoods to balance the budget.

Pass / Card	What’s Included	Best For	Buy
Venezia Unica City Pass	Public transport (vaporetto + buses) + museums, churches, cultural events	Families staying several days, using boats often and visiting museums	Buy Now
Venice Museum Pass	Entry to civic museums (Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, etc.)	Families wanting art & history focus; good for rainy days	Buy Now
Venice Pass (Bundle)	Attraction bundles (museums, skip-the-line, optional transport)	Packed itineraries — if you want to see multiple paid sights	Buy Now
Venice City Pass (Turbopass)	20+ museums, priority entry, optional transport & tours	Convenient “one-stop” option covering attractions + transport	Buy Now

Check here for our favourite location to see the Rialto without the crowds, plus a lovely place to get some food, or just stop off for a drink. During happy hour, you can pick up a cocktail and some complimentary food. Being Italy, it’s good, not junk.

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🚼 7. Age-Specific Advice

• Toddlers: Short gondola rides, playgrounds, daily naps.
• Kids (5–12): Murano glass demos, mask-making workshops.
• Teens: Photography tours, Carnival costumes, exploring markets solo.
• 👶 Toddlers: Short gondola rides, playgrounds, daily naps.
  Venice can be magical with little ones, but it does take planning. Many bridges have steps, so a lightweight foldable stroller or baby carrier is your best friend. Keep a close hand near canals (no railings), and plan for plenty of breaks in shady campi (squares) where toddlers can toddle safely. Pack snacks, as shops often close for a few hours midday. Baby changing facilities are limited — larger museums, train stations, and some restaurants will have them, but a portable changing mat makes life easier.
  
  🧒Kids (5–12): Murano glass demos, mask-making workshops.
  This age group usually loves Venice’s sense of adventure. The vaporetti (water buses) are as exciting as rollercoasters when you’re 6! Treasure hunts through winding alleys, spotting lions of St. Mark, and visiting islands like Murano (glassmaking) or Burano (rainbow houses) keep kids engaged. Interactive museums like the Leonardo da Vinci Museum are hands-on, and gelato stops double as morale boosters. Walking days can be long, so plan half-days of sightseeing with time for play in larger squares such as Campo Santa Margherita.
  
  👩‍🦱 Teens: Photography tours, Carnival costumes, exploring markets solo.
  For teens, Venice is Instagram gold. Encourage them to navigate with offline maps (or follow the yellow signs), giving them a sense of independence. Activities like a gondola rowing lesson, climbing the Campanile di San Marco for city views, or exploring the Venice Biennale (if it’s on) appeal to older kids. Day trips to Lido Beach offer space to relax, and evening gelato walks are a hit. Teens also appreciate the freedom of travel by vaporetto — let them take the lead on routes to Murano or Burano to keep them involved.

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👶 8. Safety and Practical Stuff Parents Need to Know

Venice is generally a safe and welcoming city, but it helps to know a few practical things before you arrive with kids in tow. The biggest “hazard” is the canals — there are very few barriers, so keep little ones close, especially near the water and on bridges. Streets can be narrow and crowded, so holding hands is wise.

Medical help is close at hand (there’s a children’s hospital on the island), tap water is safe to drink, and pharmacies are easy to spot with a green cross. Pickpocketing can happen in busy spots like St. Mark’s or the Rialto, so keep bags zipped and valuables tucked away.

Most of all, Venice runs at a slower pace. Boats are the buses, bridges replace roads, and things take a little more time — but that’s part of the magic. Knowing the basics makes it easy to relax and enjoy the adventure together.

• 👶 Canals & bridges: No railings — keep little ones close and hold hands.
• 🚶 Crowded streets: Stay to the right on narrow alleys and bridges.
• 👛 Pickpockets: Watch valuables in busy spots (St. Mark’s, Rialto, vaporetti).
• 📞 Emergency number: Dial 112 anywhere in Italy for police, ambulance, or fire.
• 💊 Pharmacies & hospital: Marked with a green cross. Children’s hospital: Ospedale Pediatrico di Venezia – Fondamenta Giustinian, Cannaregio.
• 🍼 Strollers: Lightweight or foldable models are easiest (many bridges = steps).
• 👶 Baby changing: Facilities are limited; larger museums and transport hubs usually have them, but carry a portable mat just in case.
• 💧 Tap water: Safe to drink — refill bottles at public fountains.
• ⛅ Weather: Summer can be very hot and sunny — pack hats, refillable bottles, and plenty of suncream.
• 🗣️ Language: Italian is spoken everywhere, but in tourist areas most staff speak good English. A few phrases (grazie, per favore) go a long way.
• ⏳ Go slow: Boats are buses and bridges are roads — allow extra time for getting around.

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♻️ 9. Inclusivity and Accessibility

Venice is enchanting, but it does come with challenges for families, strollers, and anyone needing step-free routes. With a little planning, though, the city can be enjoyed by everyone.

With kids
Many attractions have family trails or activity booklets, and restaurants are welcoming (just ask for a highchair). Trains into Venice usually have space for prams.

Transport
Getting around is mostly on foot, but remember the vaporetto (water bus) is economical and runs across the whole lagoon. Water taxis are faster but pricier. Download an offline map to make navigation easier.

Strollers
Bridges with steps can make pushing a pram tricky. A lightweight foldable stroller or baby carrier is strongly recommended.

Wheelchairs
The vaporetto system is wheelchair accessible, but many bridges are not. If step-free routes are needed, check the ACTV website for accessible stop info and plan journeys by water rather than land.

Neurodiverse travel
Early mornings are quieter, and open spaces like the Giardini Pubblici or less-visited islands (like Sant’Elena) offer calmer breaks from crowds.

Eco-friendly choices
Choose the vaporetto over taxis, and bring a refillable water bottle — there are public fountains with clean, drinkable water all across the city.

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📅 10. climate and Best Time to Visit

• Spring (Apr–Jun): Pleasant, fewer crowds.
• Summer (Jul–Aug): Busy & hot, but great for Lido beach days.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): Cheaper, still warm.
• Winter (Feb): Carnival = costumes & parades kids love.

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🧳 11. Suitcase and Packing Tips (Family-Specific)

• Luggage Storage: We left our luggage here on the last day. Close to the main train station in Venice. This is not a shop, so nobody around, but lockers that you can book and control via your phone. It felt secure and reasonably price too.
• Essentials: Baby carrier instead of stroller.
• Gear: Comfortable shoes, refillable water bottles.
• Adapters: Type C/F plugs.
• Summer: Swimwear & beach toys for Lido.
• Affiliate Tie-Ins: Compact strollers, travel car seats, kids’ headphones.

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🚂 Day Trips from Venice

• Murano & Burano — 30–45 mins by boat bus. 👉 Top family tip: head out before the rush and, if it’s busy, pick up the boat from the ‘Roma’ stop round. You get on the boat ahead of the crowds stepping of the train.
• Verona — 1h by train (The most intact amphitheatre – better than Rome’s. Juliet’s house/balcony.)
• Padua — 30–40 mins by train (markets, science)

FAQ

Are gondola rides suitable for families?

Yes — gondolas are safe for children and can seat the whole family (usually up to 6 passengers). They are a bit pricey, so many families choose a short ride or try the much cheaper traghetto crossings.

Is Venice stroller-friendly?

Not really — the many steps and bridges make it tough. A lightweight, foldable stroller is better, or bring a baby carrier if you can.

Are there kid-friendly restaurants in Venice?

Most restaurants welcome children, and you’ll find pizza, pasta, and gelato everywhere. Venetian portions can be large, so sharing plates works well for kids.

What’s the best area to stay in Venice with a family?

Cannaregio and Dorsoduro are quieter, more affordable, and less crowded than San Marco. They’re still central but easier to manage with children.

Do families need to worry about flooding in Venice?

Flooding (acqua alta) can happen in autumn/winter. Raised walkways are put up, and it usually lasts only a few hours. Waterproof boots or plastic overshoes are easy to find locally.