One in every of our favourite holidays was once we took our teenage daughters to Venice. The floating metropolis is commonly considered a “metropolis of affection” and has a romantic air about it, however you’d be shocked by what number of issues there are to do with youngsters in Venice.
It has the whole lot that youngsters need and want from a trip vacation spot. It has distinctive experiences that you simply received’t discover wherever else on this planet and loads of alternatives to immerse within the native tradition and lifestyle.
From exploring the meandering canals to getting your buying repair, Venice offers leisure, enrichment, training, and loads of picture ops that can make your youngsters glad and reminisce about Venice for years to come back.
Why do youngsters love Venice?
Our daughters liked Venice, and it’s arduous to not see why. It’s a vacation spot that has a number of components that excite and have interaction teenagers and make them wish to come again.
We’ve discovered that our teenagers usually hunt down experiences which might be completely different from their on a regular basis lives, which is obtainable in spades in Venice!
Our teenagers take pleasure in actions which might be memorable and that they will share with their mates on social media, akin to actions like gondola rides and buying in its vibrant markets. The markets in Venice are a far cry from what they’re used to again dwelling in Raleigh.
Our teenagers additionally admire studying about new cultures, traditions, histories, and methods of life, and Venice is packed filled with immersive points of interest and cultural experiences the place they will try this. They love to participate in cooking lessons, for instance, or do strolling meals excursions, the place they will study concerning the native tradition in an energetic and hands-on method.
What’s extra, is that Venice is a labyrinth of slim streets and hidden alleys, and round each nook, there’s something new and thrilling to discover, so boredom isn’t a sense that crosses your minds. Our teenagers liked having the ability to wander by town and uncover lesser-known spots and hidden gems – one among which, we share with you down under.
Issues to Do in Venice with Youngsters
1. Go on a gondola journey
A gondola journey is maybe probably the most unforgettable expertise that you are able to do in Venice, and youngsters are certain to like exploring the Grand Canal and cruising down the winding, slim canals.
Not solely is the gondola itself an iconic image of Venice, however it’s a good way to see town from a singular perspective. From their seat within the boat, teenagers can expertise the serene ambiance of the canals, and take heed to the echoes of their gondolier serenading them as they cruise previous well-known landmarks just like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Sq. from the water.
Gondola rides will not be solely an expertise, however a option to join with town’s storied previous. Gondola rides have been used as a main mode of transport within the metropolis because the eleventh century, however the working class used them for commerce.
There have been mentioned to be 8,000-10,000 gondolas within the seventeenth and 18th centuries, however at this time there are lower than 500, and all of them are used for tourism.
That mentioned, a gondola journey is not only concerning the journey; it’s concerning the expertise. Whereas rides generally is a bit dear, the expertise of gliding by the historic waterways is effectively price it.
2. Go to the key bookstore
Our daughters found Libreria Acqua Alta after seeing it on TikTok. I believed it might be a bit gimmicky once we arrived, however it turned out to be fairly cool, and our teenagers liked snapping images within the bookstore’s yard which encompasses a staircase manufactured from books.
The Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore is among the least-touristy issues to do in Venice and is thought for its assortment of vintage and second-hand books, that are stacked in higgledy-piggledy piles, making a labyrinth of leather-bound novels and papers to weave between.
This quirky bookshop doesn’t have a lot in the way in which of English books, however it does have some good postcards and prints which you could take dwelling as souvenirs.
Most individuals go to right here purely for the picture ops, which in fact, is what our teenagers love.
3. Go on a Strolling Meals Tour
Meals is a serious spotlight of any journey for our household, and we’re all large foodie followers and love making an attempt new and thrilling dishes.
Venice has a wealthy culinary scene with a number of native eateries and family-run eating places, permitting you to attempt home-cooked and recent Italian meals, in addition to get to know regional dishes that you simply won’t have heard about earlier than going.
The most effective methods to find out about regional delicacies is on a strolling meals tour. On a meals tour, you might be led across the metropolis by an area information, who will take you to a few of Venice’s high cafes, trattorias, and eateries, to pattern native produce and dishes that the locals love.
Usually, you get to pattern wherever from 6-10 food and drinks gadgets, and there are sometimes vegetarian and gluten-free choices, which is nice for us as we’re GF.
In addition to sampling native meals, you additionally get to discover town with an area, who can take you to hidden staircases, by secret passageways, and to viewpoints to see Venice’s rooftops off the principle vacationer path.
Whereas in Venice, I like to recommend you attempt Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a bacaro (wine bar). You’ll probably go to one on the meals tour, and also you’ll be searching for them on a regular basis afterward!
Meals tour firms we love and belief (With their Venice meals excursions:
4. Store till you drop
Whereas Venice might not be a buying mecca like Milan, it does have plenty of distinctive boutiques and artisan outlets the place teenagers can discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Not like typical buying locations, buying in Venice is extra like a treasure hunt. Though largely made up of impartial shops and boutiques, Venice is just not a “bric-à-brac” metropolis.
It has loads of trendy shops, largely promoting wares by native designers and craftsmen, showcasing Venice’s trendy facet.
The most effective districts for buying is across the San Marco district and the streets across the Rialto Bridge, that are stuffed with boutiques the place teenagers can discover distinctive items that mirror their private model.
Venice doesn’t have large buying malls, per se, however it does have T Fondaco dei Tedeschi close to the Rialto Bridge, which is a large duty-free buying middle with attractive structure on the within.
Don’t miss an opportunity to go to the rooftop for some wonderful views of town – it’s free to go up there and has fantastic panoramic views of the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and St Mark’s Campanile.
5. Admire the Rialto Bridge
You may’t miss the Rialto Bridge. Actually, you’ll probably cross by it a number of occasions in your Venice journey, because it’s the bridge that connects the 2 sides of the Grand Canal.
I like to recommend you go to earlier than 10.00 am earlier than the opposite vacationers get up so you’ll be able to admire the structure and take all of the images you want with out crowds of individuals.
Courting again to the twelfth century, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge crossing in Venice.
It was initially constructed with wooden however was changed with stone between 1588 and 1591 and was designed by Antonio da Ponte.
As the principle crossing level, it’s not solely an exquisite bridge however bustling with exercise. At this time the bridge is dominated by market stalls, road performers, and artists.
6. Go to the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs (Early!)
The Doge’s Palace is maybe one of the lovely buildings in Venice and is well-known for its mix of Venetian-Gothic structure.
As the previous residence of the doges of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic, it’s additionally one of the vital buildings within the metropolis. It was a vital a part of the political and social lifetime of town and is the place the doge and his officers made vital selections.
The surface of the doge is made up of intricately designed and ornate façades, however it’s the within that basically wows you! You may wander by its grand halls, and see well-known works of art work, together with masterpieces by famend artists like Tintoretto, Giovanni Bellini, and Titian.
What makes the Doge’s Palace significantly thrilling to youngsters is the tutorial worth it has. It’s an opportunity to study concerning the energy struggles of the Venetian Republic, the flowery judicial system, and the intriguing tales behind the palace’s many rooms, together with the notorious Corridor of the Nice Council.
It’s additionally a option to see the long-lasting Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Doge’s Palace to the jail. This iconic bridge is steeped in romantic lore, as it’s mentioned that prisoners would sigh at their final glimpse of Venice whereas crossing the bridge, earlier than being taken to their cells.
The bridge, like the remainder of the palace, is thought for its lovely structure and poignant historical past.
Tip: When visiting the Doge’s Palace, our high tip is to be sure you ebook the primary tour of the day to keep away from the crowds. You may learn extra about visiting the Doge’s Palace in our full information right here.
7. Admire the art work and mosaics in St Mark’s Basilica
One other iconic landmark in Venice is St. Mark’s Basilica. This beautiful cathedral is well-known for its intricate mosaics, which depict biblical scenes in shimmering gold leaf. The huge inside is adorned with over 8,000 sq. meters of dazzling mosaics that inform tales of religion and historical past.
The basilica, which was initially constructed within the ninth century to accommodate the relics of St. Mark has a number of completely different architectural types, together with Byzantine, Gothic, and Roman influences. It’s not solely dazzling on the within however outdoors as effectively.
With its spectacular domes and ornate particulars, teenagers will love studying concerning the basilica’s historic significance and marveling at its magnificence.
We visited St Mark’s Basilica as a part of our Venice guided strolling tour! It was a good way to see it because it meant we had a information explaining all the main points and it meant we might skip the road – which was very lengthy!
8. Take a look at the glass blowing in Murano
Venice was not at all times the romantic cityscape that we see at this time. It was as soon as recognized for its glass-making and ceramic commerce.
On the small island of Murano, accessible by water taxi from St Mark’s Sq., you’ll be able to expertise glass-blowing demonstrations from centuries-old institutions which have undertaken the custom of glassmaking for hundreds of years.
Murano’s glass-making historical past dates again to the thirteenth century when the Venetian authorities mandated that cup furnaces be moved from Venice to the island to forestall fires.
Since then, Murano has turn out to be synonymous with high-quality glass, and its artisans have developed a variety of strategies which might be nonetheless admired worldwide.
This distinctive artwork kind combines ability, creativity, and a contact of magic, and is among the most inspiring creative kinds to witness. Our teenagers liked watching the transformation of molten glass into intricate sculptures, delicate vases, and colourful ornaments.
It’s also possible to have a go at doing it your self if you happen to’re feeling courageous sufficient. What higher souvenirs to take dwelling than some abilities from the craftsmen which have been handed down by generations for greater than 700 years?
Walks of Italy has a Premium Lagoon Tour the place you’ll be able to see Murano’s spectacular glassmaking custom come to life at a personal demonstration in a beautiful outdated church and go to a secret Burano Island winery, at this time a part of a Michelin Star restaurant, and luxuriate in an unique wine tasting. Signal me up!!
9. Get misplaced in Dorsoduro, Venice’s scholar district
The Dorsoduro district is the scholar district and is thought for its vibrant ambiance, creative aptitude, and youthful vibes.
Like most elements of Venice, Dorsoduro has picturesque canals, charming streets, and beautiful structure, however has a extra laid-back vibe when in comparison with the bustling vacationer hotspots, making it an excellent place to only get off the overwhelmed path and wander and uncover.
Dorsoduro can also be recognized for its genuine Venetian vibe, with native outlets, cafes, and eateries that provide a style of on a regular basis life within the metropolis.
We had a improbable dinner right here at Da Fede on the Campo Margherita. It was less expensive than within the vacationer a part of Venice – good day €5 Aperol spritz for drained mother and father of teenagers!
The district is dwelling to the famend Peggy Guggenheim Assortment, a museum that homes a powerful array of contemporary artwork by well-known artists akin to Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky.
10. Get an Instagram-worthy gelato!
What journey to Italy could be full with out getting a gelato? It will be like visiting Paris and never getting a croissant.
Whereas you will discover gelaterias all around the metropolis, one that’s extremely fashionable is Suso, which has wealthy and creamy gelato topped with waffle biscuits and is available in Insta-worthy portion sizes.
In addition they have vegan gelato and seasonal flavors, from sesame and fig flavors to pistachio flavors. There are a few branches all through town, however we like this retailer close to the Rialto Bridge.
11. Have espresso and pastries on the iconic Caffè Florian
Cafe tradition is large in Italy, in spite of everything, it’s the birthplace of espresso and cappuccino!
Whereas our youngsters will not be large espresso drinkers, they love visiting distinctive cafes and having fun with a pastry or cake, a sizzling chocolate, and people-watching.
Venice is just not in need of cafes, most of which have an out of doors seating space which is a main spot for individuals watching. However when in Venice, why not go someplace a bit particular?
Caffè Florian is among the oldest espresso homes on this planet, not simply in Italy, however the world.
Established in 1720, this lovely cafe was as soon as a social hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals for hundreds of years, and is notable for its elegant decor, that includes ornate mirrors, frescoes, and plush seating.
It’s not only a cafe, however a museum and piece of historical past, which provides to the attract of any go to.
Whereas a bit dear, you’ll be able to’t knock the expertise of consuming a cappuccino in the identical place as well-known figures as soon as sat, akin to Casanova and Goethe.
To not point out its location within the coronary heart of Piazza San Marco makes it the proper refueling station after visiting the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica.
Though you could wish to sit outdoors for individuals watching, do be sure you go inside and admire the detailed interiors.
Facet observe: Italian espressos are STRONG. Even if you happen to drink 3-4 cups of espresso a day again dwelling, one espresso could also be sufficient for you in Italy. Simply pre-warning you, thank me later!
12. Dine at a conventional trattoria
Discovering a spot to eat can at all times be a problem when overseas, irrespective of you probably have teenagers, children, and even adults in your journey group!
When in Venice, do because the Venetians do, and head to a conventional trattoria for genuine delicacies and an area ambiance.
Trattorias are recognized for his or her heat and welcoming ambiance and supply hearty, selfmade Italian dishes, from Cicchetti (tapas) to risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), and recent seafood, all made with domestically sourced elements.
Many of those trattorias have been family-run for generations and use recipes and cooking strategies which have been handed down by the years. We stumbled upon Al Vaporetto Trattoria, a busy Venice lunch spot that served scrumptious pasta and pizza at an affordable worth.
For teenagers who admire good meals and wish to attempt one thing native and conventional, making an attempt these native dishes is a good way to sink your enamel into the flavors of Venice.
You’ll find trattorias all around the metropolis, however our suggestion is to keep away from those within the squares, as they have a tendency to come back with vacationer costs.
13. Take a day journey to Verona
Whereas Venice itself is majestic and enchanting, it actually solely takes 2-3 days to see all of the highlights, so you probably have extra time in your arms or you might be touring from Rome to Venice, maybe take a day journey to the romantic city of Verona sooner or later for a change of surroundings.
Often known as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona is steeped in romanticism and has a cuteness about it. You may go to iconic websites like Juliet’s Home, the place you’ll be able to see the well-known balcony from the outdated timeless love story.
In addition to being steeped in romantic attraction, town itself is historic and exquisite. It has a combination of various architectural types, from the Roman, medieval, and Renaissance durations.
A few of our favourite websites in Verona have been the spectacular Area di Verona, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that also hosts concert events and performances at this time, in addition to Castelvecchio, a 14-th century medieval fortress that was constructed by Cangrande II della Scala, a outstanding ruler of the Scaligeri household.
Verona is made up of slim, winding streets and piazzas which might be pleasant to only stroll round and take all of it in.
I fell in love with Verona once I first visited in 1998. I loved it much more this time experiencing it with Craig and our teen daughters, who all liked it simply as a lot. We truly stayed in Verona for 3 nights and visited Venice on a day journey. For me, that was my excellent option to expertise these two Italian cities.
You may be a part of this guided tour from Venice to Verona by prepare if you happen to didn’t wish to do it by yourself. It’s straightforward to do by yourself and you should use our Verona information that can assist you!
14. Uncover the flooded crypt of San Zaccaria
One other distinctive attraction that appeals to teenagers in Venice, is the flooded crypt of San Zaccaria.
The crypt, which is positioned beneath the gorgeous San Zaccaria Church, is thought for its intriguing ambiance and distinctive phenomenon which occurs when water ranges rise.
Throughout excessive tides, the crypt partially fills with water, creating an otherworldly phantasm of mirrors towards the ambient lighting, with stone arches and sarcophagi reflecting within the watery pool.
The expertise of seeing the crypt partially submerged in water is surreal and makes you notice the distinctive challenges that Venetians have of dwelling in a metropolis constructed on water, in addition to offering you with some distinctive picture ops.
Though turning into well-known for the crypt, the church itself is an architectural gem, showcasing a mix of Gothic and Renaissance types.
15. See creative marvels at Gallerie dell’Accademia
Lastly, in case your teen is an artwork lover, don’t miss an opportunity to discover the Gallerie dell’Accademi, which is thought for its spectacular assortment of artwork from the Venetian Renaissance.
As probably the most notable artwork museum in Venice, it homes masterpieces by world-famous artists akin to Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese, and has a specific give attention to Venetian artwork, showcasing the evolution of town’s creative heritage from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
Marvel at iconic work, study concerning the tales behind them and see items that they could have discovered about in class.
The museum itself can also be lovely, nestled in a former convent, which makes for a fascinating setting to discover memorable artwork items.
Proper close to right here is the Accademia Bridge, or Ponte dell ‘Accademia (which leads over to Dorsoduro. This was my favourite view in all of Venice and one teenagers will love getting a selfie at to share with their mates on snapchat.
Your loved ones could also be eager about this non-public tour to see the treasures of the Gallerie dell’Accademi.
The place to Keep in Venice
Venice is a small, walkable metropolis, so it actually doesn’t matter which district you base your self in when reserving lodging.
I like to recommend staying within the Dorsoduro district as a result of it’s much less touristy and has a extra native vibe, so whenever you’re completed sightseeing you’ll be able to slip in with the locals and have a extra genuine expertise.
One lodge to look out for is Lodge Belle Arti, which is positioned within the Dorsoduro district and has reasonably priced rooms in a beautiful, genuine Venetian design.
For one thing a bit extra luxurious, think about Lodge Moresco, which has attractive Venetian decor, glorious service, and is in an excellent location inside strolling distance of the principle points of interest.
Ultimate Ideas
Venice is a small metropolis, however it’s packed filled with attraction and iconic landmarks. Irrespective of how outdated your youngsters are, or how a lot they’ve traveled, there’s something on this metropolis for everybody.
We hope this information helped you intend your Venice itinerary and gave you some points of interest to take a look at together with your teenagers!
