Updated August 2026: This post has been refreshed with current gondola prices, transportation advice, attraction information, and important Venice visitor updates.
Venice is one of the most beautiful and delightfully unusual cities in the world. There’s something magical about stepping off a plane and realizing that boats, not cars, are waiting to carry you into a maze of canals, bridges, and centuries-old buildings.
Venice was the first stop on the Italian portion of our 22-day European family vacation, and I can’t imagine a more memorable introduction to Italy. We spent three nights exploring the city with our teen and tween, staying beside the Grand Canal, riding boats, eating cicchetti, wandering through Piazza San Marco, and getting wonderfully lost along the way.
These are the experiences our family loved most, along with a few practical tips to help you plan your own family trip to Venice.
Before You Visit Venice
Venice has experimented with an access fee for certain day visitors during busy dates. The 2026 program ended on July 26, but rules may change in future years. Overnight guests have generally been exempt, although registration requirements may still apply during active access-fee periods.
Before your trip, check Venice’s official Access Fee website for current dates, requirements, and exemptions. Don’t rely on older articles or social media posts, because the program continues to evolve.
Venice also involves a tremendous amount of walking. Pack comfortable shoes, travel as lightly as possible, and prepare for stairs whenever you cross one of the city’s hundreds of bridges.
1. Arrive in Venice by Water Taxi
There may be no better introduction to Venice than arriving by boat.
Watching the city appear as our water taxi carried us from the airport into the canals was one of those pinch-me travel moments. It immediately made Venice feel different from anywhere else we had visited.
A private water taxi is a splurge, but it can be worthwhile for families because you won’t need to manage luggage through multiple transfers. Depending on where you’re staying, the trip from Venice Marco Polo Airport generally takes approximately 35 minutes to an hour.
Confirm your route and total price in writing before booking. Ask whether the boat departs directly from the airport docks and whether it can drop you at, or close to, your accommodations. Some transportation packages combine a car transfer with a very short boat ride, which may not be the scenic arrival you’re expecting.
More affordable options include the Alilaguna airport boat and public transportation, although they may involve additional walking and luggage handling.
2. Stay on a Canal
If your budget allows, staying on or near a canal adds something special to the Venice experience.
We stayed at Scalon del Doge, a bed-and-breakfast overlooking the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge. Our family suite had one queen bed, two twin beds, two bathrooms, and enough space for all four of us.
From our windows, we could watch gondolas drift past, sometimes complete with a singing gondolier. The property was also within walking distance of many major attractions, which made exploring much easier with kids.
Scalon del Doge is located inside a beautifully renovated historic palace and includes a wonderful breakfast. The property also offered walking tours exclusively for guests during our stay.
Even if a canal-view room isn’t in your budget, prioritize a central location. Staying within Venice’s historic center makes it easier to explore early in the morning and later in the evening, when many day visitors have left.
3. Ride a Vaporetto Along the Grand Canal
Venice’s public water buses, known as vaporetti, are both transportation and an affordable way to see the city from the water.
A ride along the Grand Canal passes historic palaces, busy docks, churches, and some of Venice’s most famous bridges. It won’t provide the quiet intimacy of a gondola, but it offers a broader view of the city for much less money.
Single tickets are available, but a one-, two-, or three-day transportation pass may offer better value if you expect to ride several times. Families with travelers between ages 6 and 29 should also check the current Rolling Venice options.
Validate your ticket before boarding and expect crowded boats during peak hours. If possible, ride early in the morning or later in the evening for a calmer experience.
4. Visit Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is the heart of Venice and home to several of its most famous landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile.
Visit during the day to explore the major attractions, but return in the evening if you can. After dark, the square feels completely different. Café orchestras play classical music, the buildings glow, and the atmosphere becomes almost cinematic.
Our favorite time to visit was in the evening. You can sit at one of the historic cafés or simply wander through the square and listen from nearby.
Although pigeons have long been associated with Piazza San Marco, feeding them is prohibited. Enjoy them from a distance and save your snacks for the kids.
5. Take a Gondola Ride
Yes, gondola rides are touristy. They’re also one of those iconic Venice experiences that we were glad we did.
A gondola carries you away from the busiest walkways and into quieter canals, where you can see doorways, bridges, and buildings from an entirely different perspective.
The official rate is currently €90 for a 30-minute daytime ride and €110 for a 35-minute evening ride. A standard gondola can carry up to five passengers. Longer or customized rides cost more, so confirm the route, duration, and price before boarding.
You don’t necessarily need to reserve in advance. Gondola stations are located throughout Venice, and choosing one away from the busiest tourist areas may result in a quieter route.
6. Try Venetian Cicchetti
When in Venice, eat like a Venetian.
Cicchetti are small Venetian snacks or finger foods served in traditional wine bars known as bacari. They may include crostini topped with seafood, meats, vegetables, cheese, or other local ingredients.
Cicchetti are especially fun for families because everyone can try several different bites without committing to one large meal. They also make a convenient snack during a busy sightseeing day.
We ate at Osteria Ae Forcoe, a recommendation from our bed-and-breakfast host, and everything we tried was delicious.
Follow the lead of local residents: order a few cicchetti, add a small glass of wine for the adults, and enjoy one of Venice’s most traditional food experiences.
7. Get Lost in Venice
This may be the easiest and most important thing to do in Venice.
The city consists of more than 100 small islands connected by hundreds of bridges, and wandering its narrow streets is an experience in itself. Put away the map for a while and see where the alleys lead.
Some streets end at quiet canals. Others open into small squares, neighborhood bakeries, hidden churches, or shops you would never have found intentionally.
We usually encourage families to plan carefully, but Venice is one place where getting a little lost is part of the fun. Just make sure everyone wears comfortable shoes, and leave extra time to find your way back.
8. Walk Across the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal and one of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks.
Our bed-and-breakfast was nearby, so it was one of the first places we visited. The bridge is lined with small shops selling jewelry, glassware, masks, linens, and other souvenirs.
The top of the bridge offers beautiful views of the Grand Canal, although it becomes especially crowded around sunset. Visit early in the morning if you want more space for photographs and a calmer experience.
After crossing the bridge, wander through the nearby Rialto Market area or stop for cicchetti at one of the neighborhood’s traditional bars.
9. See the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace with the historic prison across the narrow Rio di Palazzo.
According to legend, the bridge earned its name from prisoners sighing as they caught one final glimpse of Venice before entering their cells. Whether that story is entirely accurate or not, it certainly makes the bridge more interesting for kids.
You can photograph the exterior from the Ponte della Paglia near the Doge’s Palace. To walk through the Bridge of Sighs, you’ll need to tour the interior of the Doge’s Palace.
It’s definitely better to visit as a tourist than as a prisoner!
10. Step Inside St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica sits at the eastern end of Piazza San Marco and is one of the city’s most spectacular buildings.
The interior is covered with golden mosaics that seem to shimmer from every direction. Even kids who have reached their limit on churches may be impressed by how different it feels from other European cathedrals.
Lines can be long, so consider reserving a time slot through the basilica’s official ticketing website. Tickets are nonrefundable, and admission options vary depending on whether you want to visit only the basilica or add areas such as the museum, terrace, or Pala d’Oro.
St. Mark’s remains an active church, so dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and large bags may not be permitted inside.
11. Have Coffee at Caffè Florian
After all that walking, treat yourself to an espresso, or something more kid-friendly, at Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco.
Caffè Florian opened in 1720 and is one of the world’s oldest coffeehouses. Its ornate interior feels more like a museum than a café, and musicians often perform outside in the square.
Sitting at a table in Piazza San Marco can be expensive, particularly when a live-music surcharge is added. You’re paying as much for the history, location, and atmosphere as for the coffee.
If a full table-service visit isn’t in the budget, step inside to admire the historic rooms or enjoy the orchestras while walking through the square.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Venice With Kids
- How many days do you need in Venice?
- Two full days—or three nights—gave our family enough time to experience Venice’s major attractions without rushing. It also let us enjoy the city early in the morning, after many day visitors had left.
- Is Venice a good destination for kids?
- Yes, especially for older kids and teens. The boats, canals, gondolas, bridges, masks, and maze-like streets make Venice feel like an adventure. Younger children can enjoy it too, but strollers are difficult because nearly every bridge has stairs.
- Do you need a car in Venice?
- No. Cars are not allowed in Venice’s historic center. Visitors get around on foot or by boat. If you arrive by car, you’ll need to park outside the historic center and continue by public transportation or water taxi.
- Is a gondola ride worth it for families?
- We thought so. It was a memorable way to experience the smaller canals and see Venice from a different perspective. If the price feels steep, a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal offers an excellent, much more affordable alternative.
- Where should families stay in Venice?
- Choose a central location near the attractions you most want to visit. Staying near the Rialto Bridge worked well for us because we could walk to Piazza San Marco and many other major sights. A canal view is wonderful, but convenience matters more.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Venice With Kids
Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world. From arriving by boat and cruising through quiet canals to eating cicchetti and listening to music in Piazza San Marco, the entire city feels like an experience rather than a collection of attractions.
Our family had three nights in Venice, and it was the perfect beginning to our Italian adventure. We saw the famous landmarks, but some of our favorite memories came from simply wandering, getting lost, and watching life unfold along the canals.
If you’re planning a larger family trip, continue with our two-week Italy itinerary, family-friendly Rome itinerary, three-day Cinque Terre itinerary, and Italy carry-on packing guide.
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
Hi there,
Made it to Venice with family! I just wanted to let you know about my experience with the water taxi company you recommended for transportation from the airport to Venice – Venice Dream Water Taxi service. Following your recommendation, we booked a private water transfer, expecting to go directly from the airport to our lodging by boat. However, when we arrived in Venice, this company put us in a car instead. When I asked why, they said they would take us to our boat. After a 15-minute drive, we arrived in Venice and were told to look for their water taxi. They pretended to ride us in a water taxi just three minutes from the parking lot to our place! This service was definitely not worth the €300 we were charged (we are five). And it was in a car not a boat!!
I would not promote this “Dream Water Taxi” company, as they seem to be running a scam, or we were so unlucky. Either way, be careful! We immediately notified the police and our bank, and the company ended up refunding us.
I am very disappointed this company tried to scam us.
After the bad experience, once in the parking lot, we walked to the port and took a private water taxi, which cost us €150 for a 45-minute scenic tour around Venice! The cost of a car taxi from the airport to Venice is only €40. So, we spent a total of €190 (we are five), instead of the €300 we paid for the “Venice Dream Water Taxi” service from that scamming company.
The owner tried to excuse himself by saying we paid for a car, but police told him it was “too much money for a car drive to Venice from airport”.
Best regards.