Would you like to visit Venice with the family?
I think it's a wonderful idea.
Imagine a child seeing Venice for the first time.
Even as an adult, this incredible city built on water is full of wonder.
Today, I'm going to explain everything you can see.
Venice with the family: article summary
A family visit to Venice: Saint Mark's Square
Piazza San Marco (Place Saint-Marc) is one of the most beautiful places in the world. You can spend a good few hours soaking up the atmosphere and admiring the architecture of the famous Saint Mark's Basilicafrom Campanilethe Torre dell'Orologio and the Palazzo Ducale.
Depending on their age, your children may prefer to chase pigeons or enjoy the antics of street performers.
Older children will be fascinated by the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica.
These two buildings harbor many secrets and intrigues best discovered on a guided tour. You can't help but marvel at the sparkling mosaics inside the basilica and the riches of the palace. But they come alive with the stories a professional guide will tell.
Searching for the winged lion of Venice
Piazza San Marco is also home to one of Venice's most enduring icons, the winged lion. It sits atop a granite column, is located outside the Doge's Palace.
The famous lion is an ancient symbol from what is now Turkey. Originally a pagan symbol, it was later adapted to Christianity to become the symbol of Saint Mark.
The winged lion of Venice can be found throughout the city in every campo (square) and church. Try to spot them on buildings, gates and bridges. a fun way to engage children in the city's history.
Sometimes you'll notice that the Bible under the lion's feet is closed. Where the book is closed, this means that Venice was at war when the statue was made. An open book symbolizes peace in the Republic of Venice.
A family visit to Venice: enjoy a view from San Giorgio Maggiore
Although the Campanile's views of St. Mark's Square are magnificent and iconic, you might not want to attempt this with tired little legs.
If so, go to San Giorgio Maggiore on the other side of the lagoon. Here, you'll take an elevator to the top of the tower for a view of the city and San Marco.
To get here, take the vaporetto line 2 from the San Zaccaria boat stop near San Marco.
Visit the Rialto market
At the RialtoThere's an incredible mix of sights and smells typical of the Veneto region.
From whole squid and a variety of fish from the lagoon to different varieties of mushrooms and cheeses from the mainland, you can discover what's in store for you. the locals prepare for dinner in this famous covered market.
The Rialto market open from 7.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day. The fresh produce market does not open on Sundays, and the fish market closes on Mondays.
A family visit to Venice: discover the gondola workshops
There are around 450 working gondolas in Venice and, like most boats, they need repairs to remain seaworthy. You can watch artisans at work on the gondolas of the Squero San Trovaso in Dorsoduro.
This workshop is one of five gondola workshops in Venice dedicated to preserving the famous boats. Each gondola is crafted according to its gondolier, size and weight, ensuring a detailed and refined manufacturing process.
Play in the Campi
A campo is a small Venetian square, and you'll find hundreds of them around town. Each has an ancient cistern or well where local children run and play hide-and-seek.
Some of the larger campi feature outdoor restaurants so that you can eat and play in the open space, away from the crowds.
I recommend Campo Santa Margherita in the Dorsoduro district for its relaxed atmosphere and exceptional ice cream store.
Finally, at Campo Santi Giovanni e PaoloYou can sit in the shade of the magnificent 15th-century church of the same name, where 25 doges are buried.
Visiting Venice with the family: making a Venetian mask
Visit carnival is a very special time of year when over 3 million people attend balls and parties celebrating the city of Venice. Held in February, Carnival is famous for the elaborate costumes and masks worn by revelers.
The tradition dates back to the 12th century, when citizens celebrated an important victory by the Venetian Republic by dancing in Piazza San Marco.
Creative kids might like to visit a mask-making workshop and make their own carnival mask to take home.
If you don't have the time to make a mask during your stay in Venice, you can buy simple blank masks to decorate at home.
Discovering Venice as a family is a great way to spend some quality time with your children. Once you've explored the city's various streets.., you can relax in one of the family-friendly hotels available in town.
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
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