Any family trip to Venice should include at least the first 5 of the following:
Piazza San Marco – St Mark’s Square is the central point of the city, the place all tourists arrive at some point during their stay in Venice and is lined with beautiful outdoor cafes and restaurants and stores beneath the surrounding covered arcades.The square is surrounded by some of the must-see sites of Venice like the Doge’s Palace, where rulers lived and ran their court; the Basilica San Marco; the basilica’s Campanile (bell tower) and St. Mark’s Square Clocktower.
Basilica di San Marco – St. Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s most famous church, known for its art work and history. The church overlooks St. Mark’s Square on the edge of the Grand Canal and is joined to the Doge’s Palace.
Palazzo Ducale – The Doges Palace is a monumental piece of architecture and perhaps the most important site in Venice. The building was originally founded in the 14th and 15th century with other elements being added over the years.
Ponte dei Sospiri – The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace with the Old Prison so that convicts could go straight from being sentenced in the palace courtrooms to their prison cell (or execution) across the bridge. The story goes that it got its name because of the prisoners who crossed the bridge and “sighed” as they had their last glimpse of the free world through the bridge windows before being confined.
Ponte di Rialto – The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful, the most famous and the oldest of the 4 bridges which cross Venice’s Grand Canal. The Rialto Market is on the other side of the bridge and traders needed to be able to cross the water easily.
For those with a little more time on their hands it is certainly worth visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection – is a modern art museum of paintings and sculptures which were collected by Peggy Guggenheim.
Observe glass blowing on Murano. Murano is a series of islands connected by bridges famous for its glass blowers. It is only a mile across, making it quite walkable. You can take a waterbus or water-taxi to get across. You will see several glass blowing studios and you are welcome to go in to see the artists at work. Be aware that there may be a hard sell at the end of the demo.
Cannaregio. Cross the Rialto Bridge and walk north into Cannaregio. This is a more authentic area in Venice and a break from the larger crowds and touristy shops. Dorsoduro is also a charming area, it’s south of the Rialto Bridge.
A gondola ride is an essential part of a trip to Venice. Opt for the evening around sunset and reserve ahead if you want music. Gondola rides start at €80 during the day and €100 after dinner. There are plenty of gondola stations all over town – we like Gondolier Bauer near Hotel Bauer. Take your time and chat with a few gondoliers before you accept a ride to ensure a great overall experience. Many gondoliers provide some narration, so this quick interaction will help you determine if you are pleased with the gondolier’s language skills and personality.
Small tours of Venice’s clock tour are available with a reservation and a ticket to the Correr Museum. This is a fun way to get a sneak peak of something most tourists don’t see. English tours available once a day.
The Campanile (bell tower) is a popular attraction with an elevator that whips you to the top. The lines can be long, but try in the evening (open until 9:00 in the summer) when the crowds diminish.
Tips for Exploring Venice:
Finding an address can be tricky in Venice, as houses are numbered by sestiere and not by street. The easiest way to orient yourself is by proximity to a well-known landmark.
If you plan to visit the Doge’s Palace, museums and churches, consider the Venezia Unica card, which offers one package rate for many top sights. There are also options that include a vaporetti (water bus) pass and there is separate pricing for children and adults.
You have got to taste Cicchetti, these are typically served in bacari (cichetti/wine bars) in Venice. Think of cichetti as Venetian tapas — a great way to try lots of different things without committing to a full meal. Many feature vegetables, seafood and meats atop a piece of bread, but croquettes are always a crowd pleaser. Bacari are often quite small and may be eaten while standing around a bar, so keep that in mind (especially with young kids.) One to try: Al Merca in San Polo, which has an outdoor area that makes it ideal for a quick meal.
