Venice · Italy · Mistakes to avoid
5 mistakes families make in Venice
The five most common mistakes families make in Venice are coming for only a day, eating on St Mark's Square, seeing only St Mark's, skipping Burano, and taking a gondola at midday. Stay at least one night, eat a few streets away from the square, walk the back lanes, take the boat to Burano, and go on the water early or at dusk.
The mistakes, and what to do instead
- 1
Coming only for a day
Day trippers arrive in the morning and leave by evening, so the main routes are at their most crowded between about ten and five. Stay at least one night and Venice changes: the lanes empty out, the light turns soft, and you can walk to a quiet square for dinner. A day-visitor access fee has applied on selected busy days in recent years, so check the current rules, since overnight guests are generally treated differently. Two nights is better still.
- 2
Eating on St Mark's Square
Cafes on St Mark's Square charge much higher prices than the rest of the city, often with a cover charge and extra fees if there is live music. A coffee or drink there is a pricey way to sit down. Walk ten minutes towards Cannaregio, Dorsoduro or Castello for a normal meal. Look for bacari, small bars serving cicchetti, which are small snacks, at the counter, a flexible meal for children. Avoid restaurants with photo menus and staff calling in passers-by.
- 3
Only seeing St Mark's
St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are worth seeing, but most of Venice's character is elsewhere. The back lanes of Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, the Zattere waterfront and the Rialto market in the morning give a calmer view of daily life. Yellow signs on the walls point to St Mark's, Rialto and the station, so getting lost is not a problem. Children enjoy the small bridges and canals. Book the basilica and palace ahead to skip long queues.
- 4
Skipping Burano
Burano is an island in the lagoon known for its brightly painted houses and its lace. The water bus from Fondamente Nove takes roughly forty minutes, with views of the lagoon along the way, and the boat itself is part of the experience. Children like the colours and the leaning bell tower. Combine it with Torcello, a quieter island with a very old cathedral, or with Murano's glass. Go in the morning, before groups arrive.
- 5
A midday gondola
A gondola ride at midday means heat, crowds and canals full of boats, and prices are officially set but high for a short trip. Go in the early morning or around dusk, when the canals are calmer and the light is better. For a cheaper way to feel the water, take a traghetto, a plain gondola that crosses the Grand Canal for a small fare, standing up. Or ride the number 1 water bus along the Grand Canal.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to June and September to October are the best balance of weather and crowds. July and August are hot and crowded. High water, called acqua alta, can flood low areas from autumn to winter, and Carnival in February brings crowds.
- How long
- Two to three nights is comfortable for a family. That allows a day for the main sights, a day for a lagoon island and a slower day for getting lost in the back lanes.
- Getting around
- Venice has no cars. You move on foot and by water bus, called the vaporetto. Bridges have steps, so take a light stroller or a carrier, and pack bags that can be carried. Stay near a water bus stop if you can.
Good to know
- Pack light. Hauling suitcases over bridges is hard work, and porters are expensive.
- Fill a water bottle at the public fountains. The tap water is safe and the fountains are everywhere.
- Wear shoes with grip. Stone paving gets slippery when wet, and flooding can leave puddles.
Frequently asked
Is Venice worth visiting with kids? +
Yes. Boats, bridges and lagoon islands appeal to children, and there are no cars. Crowds, steps and heat in summer are the challenges, so stay at least one night, travel light and plan quiet times.
How many days do you need in Venice? +
Two to three nights is best for families. One day is enough for the main sights, one for Burano and the lagoon islands, and one for relaxed wandering. A single day trip misses the quiet evening and morning city.
Is Burano worth visiting? +
Yes, particularly with children. The island has colourful houses, lace shops and a calm atmosphere, and the boat ride is a highlight. Go in the morning, and combine it with Torcello or Murano.
What is the best time of day for a gondola ride? +
Early morning or around dusk, when the canals are calmer, cooler and less crowded. Midday is hot and busy. For a cheaper option, take a traghetto across the Grand Canal for a short, standing crossing.
