St. Mark's Basilica is a magnificent church with Byzantine architecture, mosaics, and a renowned collection of religious artifacts. Doge's Palace, also known as Palazzo Ducale, is a symbol of Venice's political and cultural heritage, featuring Gothic architecture and priceless artwork. Both landmarks are an absolute must-visit for families visiting Venice.
Cruise along the Grand Canal on a boat tour to admire the splendid palaces, bridges and churches on the water’s edge. You can also head to Rialto Market, a colorful open-air market where you can discover local Venetian delicacies and fresh seafood. Take this opportunity to introduce your family to authentic Venetian cuisine.
Take a vaporetto (water bus) to Lido di Venezia, an island known for its beaches and seaside resorts, and enjoy a swim in the Adriatic Sea. Then, visit Murano, an island famous for its glass-blowing artistry. Head to a studio to witness a glass-blowing demonstration and create your own glass masterpiece with your family.
Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a renowned museum of contemporary art which showcases masterpieces of Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. Afterward, treat your family to a unique and memorable experience with a gondola ride through Venice's picturesque canals. Admire the charming architecture and magical ambiance of this marvelous city.
It is best to use vaporetto (water bus) and gondola rides to get around Venice. A single vaporetto ride costs €7.50, and you can buy a 24-hour vaporetto pass for €20, which will also cover trips to nearby islands. A romantic gondola ride costs €80 for a shared ride of 30 minutes, with a maximum of 6 people in each gondola. However, navigating Venice on foot is also an option, although it can be a bit challenging with kids.
If you have more time, consider visiting other islands near Venice, such as Burano and Torcello. Both offer unique experiences with colorful houses, lace-making, and ancient architecture. On the other hand, if you have less time, shorten your visits to some of the landmarks or decide not to visit some of the attractions that are not of interest to your family. Keep in mind that Venice can be crowded in peak tourist season, so make sure to book tickets to museums and attractions ahead of time to avoid queues and save time.
Venice has an international airport called Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located about 8 km (5 miles) north of Venice. Many airlines from Europe and other continents fly to this airport. You can take a public bus, a taxi or a water taxi to get into the city. Alternatively, there is another airport called Treviso Airport (TSF), located about 25 km (15 miles) away from the city, which serves budget airlines. However, keep in mind that transportation from this airport to the city can take longer.