Italy or Bust — Our Post-Pandemic Family Adventure

By 2022, after two years of being stuck at home (with three hormonal teenagers), we were practically vibrating with the need to leave the country. It wasn’t just wanderlust — it was survival. So, after a family brainstorming session that involved snacks, eye rolls, and a little bit of bribery, we took a vote. The result? A rare miracle: a 5–0 unanimous decision for Italy.

Callan technically would’ve been the tiebreaker since this trip was her post–high school graduation gift, but it turns out no tiebreaker was needed. Italy it was.

The country had something for everyone:

Bryan, our resident history buff, was practically giddy at the thought of walking where Roman emperors once ruled.
I couldn’t wait to stroll in the footsteps of the Medici family and finally see the Vatican in person.
Callan was ready to geek out over Renaissance art and all the classics she’d studied in Art History.
Jake was laser-focused on the Colosseum — especially the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals once waited for battle.
And Max? He had his heart set on the sparkling blue waters of the Amalfi Coast and, of course, the mystical Blue Grotto.

And just like that, our Italian adventure began to take shape. After countless hours of online research (and more gelato debates than I’d like to admit), we mapped out our 14-day itinerary:
3 days in Venice, 4 in Florence, 4 in Rome, and 3 in Sorrento.

Instead of renting a car, we decided to travel by train — faster, eco-friendlier, and far less likely to end in tears or arguments over Italian toll booths, nonexistent parking, or the chaotic driving habits that would make even Bryan’s military helicopter days seem tame.

We booked Airbnbs within walking distance of each city’s center and train station, checked flights off the list, and then the real fun began: planning all the activities, excursions, hikes, tours, and delicious stops we could fit in.

So here we are — ready to share the highs, the laughs, the occasional teenage moods, and all the unforgettable moments from our Italian getaway.

Spoiler alert: It was absolutely amazing., even with occasionally moody teens in tow. Italy delivered big time, and we’d 100% recommend it for any family considering an adventure through Italy with their own crew of budding travelers.

Let’s Get Lost in Venice

Italy was full of unforgettable moments—Venice, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento each left its mark on our family adventure. But in this post, we’re diving straight into Venice, a city where history, mystery, and whimsy collide. We’ll wander through labyrinthine alleys and bustling piazzas, hop aboard gondolas gliding under magical bridges, and peek into quirky corners like the Bocca di Leone, where medieval Venetians anonymously tattled on mischief-makers. Along the way, we’ll share family-friendly tips, hidden gems, and the little surprises that made our time here so unforgettable. For the full story of our trip, check out our Italy Travel Overview (under construction), and if you’re curious about the other stops, don’t miss related posts Exploring Florence with Teenagers: Climbing Domes and Chasing Carbs, Exploring Rome with Teenagers: A Family Guide to Surviving (and Loving) the Eternal City, and Exploring Sorrento with Teenagers (under construction).

Destination Snapshot: Venice

Our arrival in Venice set the tone for the entire trip — part fairytale, part “wait, are we seriously doing this?” moment. Instead of piling into a bus from the airport like normal humans, we went full Venetian and arranged for a private vaporetto (water taxi) to pick us up.

As we rolled our jet-lagged selves out of baggage claim, we followed the signs — not to a curb or a parking lot — but to the boat ramp. Yep, the boat ramp at the airport. Only in Venice!

There, waiting in a designated boat slip like something straight out of a movie, was our driver. He hopped out the moment he saw us, loaded all our luggage (and I do mean all — three teenagers, one over-packer, and Bryan’s “just-in-case” duffel), helped us climb aboard, and off we went.

The second we pulled away, the exhaustion from our long flight vanished. We were wide-eyed, grinning, and completely captivated as the skyline of Venice unfolded before us — domes, bell towers, and pastel buildings rising straight out of the water. It was like drifting into a painting — only with the occasional splash and a few very assertive seagulls to remind us it was real. More on the seagulls later . . .

Our first glimpse of this enchanting, historic water world was absolutely unforgettable — and we hadn’t even docked yet.

Pro Tip: You can get from the airport to your accommodation via bus, ferry, or private water taxi. Keep in mind, however, that the bus only takes you to Piazzale Roma - the last place on the mainland where vehicles are allowed. From there, you will need to either walk or take a water taxi to your accommodation. For families traveling with children and luggage, it’s far easier (and more fun) to take the ferry or water taxi.

Where We Stayed in Venice

In Venice, we called the **San Polo district** home — and honestly, it was the perfect spot for our family of five. Venice is made up of six main districts (or *sestieri* if you’re feeling fancy): **San Marco** (tourist central), **Dorsoduro** (artsy and university vibes), **Cannaregio** (laid-back local living), **Castello** (quiet residential), **Santa Croce** (the transit hub), and our very own **San Polo** — the Goldilocks of Venice. Not too busy, not too quiet, *just right.*
Our **three-bedroom Airbnb** sat on a cobblestone lane that felt like a movie set. Each morning, the smell of espresso wafted from the café downstairs, and each evening, we could hear the gentle clink of wine glasses from the tiny trattoria across the street. It was one of those neighborhoods where locals actually *live* — older couples chatting on stoops, kids kicking soccer balls in alleys, laundry fluttering overhead. We felt like temporary Venetians (minus the gondolier skills and effortless fashion).
Location-wise, San Polo was a total win. We were **walking distance to all the major attractions** — a short stroll over a few bridges got us to the **Rialto Bridge**, and **St. Mark’s Square** was close enough for evening gelato runs without needing a map (or a gondola).
Best of all? It was **more affordable** than staying right in Saint Mark’s Square, where prices soar faster than pigeons at feeding time. San Polo gave us the best of both worlds — local charm and easy access to Venice’s highlights — and it made our stay feel wonderfully authentic.

Pro tip: Pack light, or at least lighter than we did. Venice has exactly zero cars, which means every bag must be carried - and every bridge crossed - by hand. Watching Bryan and the kids haul their suitcases over cobblestones and canals was impressive, but not exactly graceful. Consider it your Venetian fitness plan.

Getting Around Venice

Venice is the ultimate city for stretching your legs — literally. With no cars, no buses, no scooters weaving dangerously through alleys, your feet are your primary mode of transportation. And honestly? That’s part of the magic.

The city isn’t that big, but it’s packed with twists, turns, and bridges that make wandering around feel like a daily treasure hunt. We loved getting a little lost in the maze of alleyways, never quite knowing what we’d stumble upon next. Sometimes you think you’ve wandered into a quiet, deserted corner, only to turn one more bend and bam — a bustling street full of tourists, gelato stands, and street vendors selling everything from jewelry to souvenirs. Venice has a way of keeping you on your toes… and your feet moving.

For a little adventure on the water, we hopped a vaporetto ferry to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano’s glassblowing workshops fascinated Callan, while Burano’s rainbow-colored houses had Jake and Max snapping a million photos. Seeing Venice from the ferry gave us a whole new perspective on the city’s canals, bridges, and pastel facades — and it was a nice break for tired feet.

Venice is incredibly safe and walkable, which the teens absolutely loved. Callan, Jake, and Max could wander off to grab a gelato or explore a nearby piazza, then easily find their way back to our Airbnb. We felt completely comfortable letting them spread their wings — as long as they stuck together — while we adults enjoyed the scenery (and the occasional espresso).

By the end of each day, we were all grateful for the simple joy of exploring the city on foot. In Venice, your feet set the course — sometimes leading you to quiet corners, bustling squares, and magical moments you never knew were around the next corner.

Venetian Serenade: Comedy Edition

We did indulge in a **gondola ride**, because, well, you can’t go to Venice without it, right? But it wasn’t about getting anywhere fast. It was more about the experience - and an experience it was.
During our ride it was raining on and off, and the singing gondolier, bless him, sounded more like a cat with a sore throat than a Venetian tenor. The kids couldn’t stop cackling at the whole scene, so much for a swoon-worthy romance - but it made for a hilarious, memorable ride that had all five of us in stitches.
**Moral of the Story:** Sometimes the picture-perfect moments you dream of don’t go exactly as planned — and that’s what makes them unforgettable.

Pro Tip: Gondola rides are a must-do, but they’re pricey - especially in the evening. Daytime rides are cheaper, easier for photos, and less likely to be sold out. Enjoy the ride!

Activities & Excursions in Venice

Venice might be small, but wow, does it pack a cultural punch. Every canal, bridge, and hidden courtyard has a story — and we tried our best to uncover as many as we could. From grand cathedrals to creepy interrogation rooms (yes, really), our days were full, fascinating, and surprisingly teen-approved.

St. Mark’s Basilica & Square: Awe, Incense, and a Little History
The grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica quite literally took our breath away. There’s something about stepping into a cathedral that has stood for centuries — the cool hush of marble floors, the golden mosaics glittering above, the faint scent of incense still lingering in the air. As has become tradition on our travels, I lit a candle for my father — part remembrance, part gratitude for passing down his love of adventure and wonder.
Even the teens — who typically reserve enthusiasm for gelato and Wi-Fi — were impressed. They marveled at the ornate ceilings and the sense of mystery that seemed to hang in the air. The square outside was buzzing with tourists (and pigeons… which we’ll get to later), but inside, time felt still.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Venice’s major attractions — like St. Mark’s Basilica or Doge’s Palace — book your tickets ahead of time. Lines can get epic, especially in high season, and no one wants to waste an hour of their Italian adventure standing in a slow-moving queue.

Doge’s Palace — Part One: Politics, Power, and Psychological Games
When we first read about Doge’s Palace, we weren’t sure if our teenagers would be into it — it sounded a little too “museum-y.” But we were wrong. This one turned out to be a family favorite. The garndeur of the frescoed halls, the over-the-top decor, and the sheer scale of eveything left us all a little awestruck.
We climbed the Scala d’Oro (Golden Staircase, last photo below) — a masterpiece of 24-carat gold leaf and intricate stucco work that feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. The opulence of the surrounding rooms was equally mesmerizing — the Atrio Quadrato (Square Atrium) and Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Hall of the Great Council, pictured below) are the showstoppers, their ceilings framed with gilded gold leaf around magnificant paintings.
Then came the real hook — the interrogation rooms, We learned about the psychological tactics used by the magistrate to rattle the nerves of witnesses. Apparently, detainees waiting to be questioned were held in an antechamber (see photo below). From there they could hear the painful screams of fellow detainees, who were actually actors paid to shriek to terrify the culprit into confessing. It was brilliant and barbaric all at once, and the boys were fascinated. Can you imagine that flying in today’s world? The human rights lawyers would lose their minds!

Doge’s Palace — Part Two: Bridge of Sighs & Prison Cells
After exploring the grandeur and intrigue of the palace chambers, we moved on to the Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice’s most famous (and haunting) landmarks. The bridge gets it’s name from the sighs of prisoners who, while crossing from the courtroom to their cells, took one last look at the sparkling lagoon and the island of San Giorgio through the tiny stone windows. That fleeting glimpse of water and sky was likely their last taste of freedom — and it struck all of us as we silently imagined their final moments.
Walking through the adjoining prison corridors and peeking into the cells made history tangible. You could see the scratchings and carvings left by inmates — names, messages, and desperate marks etched into the stone with fingernails. Jake and Max were fascinated (and a little spooked) imagining what it must have been like to know that this was your future — cold stone walls, nothing more, while Callan reflected on the human stories and resilience etched into the walls. The experience sparked enlightening dinner conversations about courage, hope, and the small freedoms we so often take for granted.

Pro Tip: Opt for the Secret Itineraries Tour if you want to see hidden rooms, interrogation chambers, and secret passageways accessible only through this tour.

The Great Venetian Heist

While waiting for our entry time at Doge’s Palace, Bryan decided to grab a quick sandwich from a café across St. Mark’s Square. The friendly cashier warned him, “Watch out for the pigeons — they’re bold.” Bryan laughed at it. (I mean, really — what could a pigeon possibly do?)
Fast-forward five minutes: Bryan’s halfway through his sandwich, strolling back toward us, when BAM! A rogue pigeon dive-bombed from nowhere, snatched the sandwich right out of his hand, and flew off victorious — leaving Bryan stunned and the rest of us doubled over in laughter.
**Moral of the story:** Never underestimate Venetian pigeons. They’re not just cute — they’re strategic.

Pro Tip: If you’re eating in St. Mark’s Square, hold your food with both hands — and maybe keep your head on a swivel!

Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge was our very first stop on day one in Venice, and what a way to kick off the adventure! Hundreds of people were at the bridge jostling for the best selfie spots (ahem — present company included), vendors shouting about jewelry, souvenirs, and trinkets, and the Grand Canal stretching out in every direction like a glittering highway of boats.
A little history for context: this is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, built in the late 1500s as a bustling hub for merchants. Today, it’s still a hive of commerce, just with more tourists and less silk (unless you count the flashy Venetian masks).
The view from the bridge is unbeatable—you can watch gondolas glide by, vaporettos zip along, and giant supply boats lumber in from the mainland. Literally everything Venice needs comes from elsewhere, which explains the prices on just about everything. Our teens were fascinated by the sheer logistics of it all, pointing out every type of boat and trying to guess what it was carrying.
Our absolute favorite moment? Rialto at night. The crowds thin, the chaos turns into charm, and the canal sparkles with lights reflecting off the water. Twinkling café lights line the banks, gondolas float by quietly, and suddenly the bridge feels like our own little secret slice of Venice. We grabbed some gelato, leaned on the railing, and just watched the city do its magic.

Murano & Burano: Glass, Lace, and a Splash of Color
Our day trip to Murano and Burano turned out to be one of those unexpectedly perfect travel days — colorful, creative, and completely captivating for all of us. On Murano, we watched master glassblowers turn glowing blobs of molten glass into delicate vases, bowls, and chandeliers with jaw-dropping skill. It was like watching art come to life. Of course, we couldn’t leave without picking up a few treasures — souvenirs for us and gifts for family back home. We also wandered into the quiet Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, famous for its ancient Byzantine mosaics, which shimmered softly in the afternoon light — a peaceful contrast to the heat of the furnaces. Callan, who has a real eye for art, loved seeing how traditional Murano glassmakers now collaborate with modern artists, blending centuries-old techniques with contemporary style.
From there, a short vaporetto ride brought us to Burano, where every house looks like it was dipped in a different shade of sunshine. Legend has it fishermen painted their homes in bright colors so they could spot them through the fog after long days at sea — a story that made us love the island even more. We strolled along the canals, admiring the lace makers stitching intricate patterns by hand, their craft passed down for generations. The streets smelled faintly of butter cookies — the island’s famous bussolà, once baked by sailors’ wives for long voyages. We couldn’t resist picking up a bag (or two). Between the colorful facades, the laughter of locals, and the easy rhythm of island life, Burano felt like stepping into a watercolor painting — the kind you never want to leave.

Pro Tip: Many of the glass studios in Murano offer free glassblowing demonstrations. Afterward, they will subtly nudge you toward the gift shop, and honestly, you’ll probably want to buy something. The glass is beautiful!

Bonus: If you’re able to stay for sunset on Burano, the colors reflecting off the water look like someone turned the entire island into a Thomas Kincaid painting. Just lovely.

Hidden Gem: Scala Contarini del Bolvolo

I first discovered the hidden gem that is **Scala Contarini del Bovolo** (or “the Snail”) thanks to a travel blog post — much like this one. I’m so grateful for the recommendation! I wish I could personally thank the blogger, though sadly, her name has slipped my memory. So here’s a virtual shout-out to all you fellow travel journalists out there - thank you for sharing these secret little nuggets that make exploring so much more magical.
Now I’m paying it forward. If you’re a traveler who loves uncovering surprises off the usual tourist path, Scala Contarini del Bolvolo is waiting for you. It’s tucked away in a quiet, unmarked courtyard, so we passed it several times before we found it, even though we were using a GPS! We couldn’t resist climbing “the Snail’s” spiral staircase with its dizzying turns. From the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views of Venice — terracotta rooftops, church domes, and shimmering canals as far as the eye could see. Totally worth the leg workout.
**Moral to the Story:** Sharing is part of the adventure - by passing along your discoveries, you let others experience the magic, too.

Fun Fact: The staircase made a cameo appearance in Orson Welles’ 1952 film Othello. It was the backdrop for Brabantio’s house, adding cinematic flair to it’s already rare architectural beauty.

Food & Dining in Venice with Teens

When it comes to dining, Venice can be both a culinary dream and a wallet’s worst nightmare. Luckily, our Airbnb in San Polo gave us the best of both worlds — a charming neighborhood vibe with delicious food that didn’t require selling a kidney to afford.

We ate most of our meals right on our own little street, which was dotted with cafés, trattorias, and gelaterias that felt like they were straight out of a movie set. It was quiet, personable, and blessedly free of long waits — a welcome change from the packed, tourist-heavy restaurants near St. Mark’s Square. The owners often greeted us with warm smiles and “Ciao, bambini!” before recommending the daily special. We quickly learned that local and low-key is the way to go when dining in Venice.

That said, we did splurge one night on a canal-side dinner along the Grand Canal, and it was every bit as romantic and magical as you’d imagine — twinkling lights, gondolas gliding by, the soft clink of wine glasses, and the hum of laughter drifting through the air. Sure, the bill made Bryan raise an eyebrow, but honestly, it was worth every euro. (It’s the kind of meal you mentally file under “romantic getaway to repeat someday… minus kids.”)

The Art of the Display
One of my favorite parts of the Venetian food scene wasn’t even eating — it was looking. The bakeries, candy shops, and butcher counters had the most beautiful displays — glass cases filled with vibrant pastries, hand-cut meats, and cheeses arranged like artwork. And the best part? Many of these displays faced the street, tempting you as you strolled by. Venice really knows how to turn window shopping into window drooling.
We especially loved wandering through the Jewish Ghetto, where markets and restaurants served traditional dishes made from recipes passed down for generations. It was like walking through a living cookbook.
The Perks of an Airbnb Kitchen
Another big win for us: having a kitchen. With three hungry teenagers — two of whom were “bulking” for weightlifting — we needed carbs, and lots of them. Italian restaurant portions are famously petite (and pricey — €30 for one plate of pasta?!) so we did the sensible thing: we bought our own. Our grocery hauls included mountains of pasta, bread, fruit, cheese, and a few bottles of Prosecco for Mom and Dad’s well-earned terrace happy hour after long walking days.
Cooking at home saved us a small fortune, gave the kids a chance to cook some of their own “Italian creations,” and let us live like locals — if locals eat spaghetti six nights a week, that is.
Final Bite: Venice Served with a Side of Magic
Food in Venice is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. Whether we were twirling pasta in a cozy trattoria, wandering past shop windows filled with edible works of art, or cooking our own carb-fueled feasts back at the Airbnb, every bite had a story. We loved how every café, market, and bakery felt personal — like someone’s grandmother might be stirring the sauce in the back. And while the kids might remember Venice for its pizza and gelato, I’ll remember those twinkling canal-side dinners, the laughter echoing off the water, and the shared joy of good food after a long day of adventure. Bellissimo!

Pro Tip: Those Instagram-famous cafés with €20 cappuccinos? Sure, they make for a cute selfie — but spoiler alert: the coffee tastes exactly the same as the €5 version from the café on the corner. Save the extra euros for another scoop (or three) of gelato.

Tips for Other Families Traveling to Venice With Teenagers

Traveling to Venice with teens can be a magical adventure—if you plan smart, embrace the city’s quirks, and allow a little freedom (and flexibility). Here’s what we learned from our own Venetian misadventures:

Don’t rely solely on GPS – Venice’s narrow streets, bridges, and winding alleys can easily confuse even the best mapping apps. We learned this the hard way on our way from our Airbnb to the train station: spotty GPS and Wi-Fi left us stressed and racing against the clock. Always have a paper map or an offline map as a backup, and allow extra time to get to your destinations—you never know when a “shortcut” might turn into a longer detour.
History is full of quirky surprises – Did you know many Venetian alleyways feature rounded corners? Historically, these pissottes were implemented to discourage public urination and prevent evil-doers from lurking in dark alleys. City planners slanted the surfaces to make it uncomfortable and unsanitary for drunken revelers to relieve themselves in these areas.. Teens love learning these unusual facts—and Venice has no shortage of quirky tales.
Give teens a little freedom – Venice is surprisingly safe if your teens practice the buddy system and check in regularly. This was the first vacation allowing them a bit of independent exploration in 30-minute increments, and our kids thrived. They loved having a little autonomy, and it gave them a sense of responsibility.
Snack smart and hydrate – If you’re traveling with teenage boys (or hungry teens in general), plan to stop every couple of hours for carbs. Pack plenty of snacks, and make each teen responsible for carrying their own refillable water bottle. Italy has public water stations throughout the country—perfect for keeping everyone hydrated during all that walking, especially in the summer heat.
Pack light and wisely – Venice is a city of cobblestone streets and countless bridges. If teens are packing their own suitcases, remind them they’ll likely be hauling them across uneven terrain and up and down bridges. Only pack what they can reasonably carry.
Mix famous spots with hidden gems – Teens appreciate both the must-see landmarks and the surprises. Combine Rialto, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Grand Canal with lesser-known stops like Scala Contarini del Bovolo, quiet artisan workshops, tucked-away gelaterias, and the truly unique Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore. Book lovers beware — this whimsical and unforgettable book shop has books stacked in bathtubs, gondolas, and in every visible corner. Also, very cute for photo op and book club approved!
Make it interactive – Museums and churches are amazing, but can be slow-going for teenagers. Balance history with hands-on experiences: mask-making workshops, glassblowing demos in Murano, or scavenger hunts for unusual statues and doorways. A little play keeps them engaged. Add a little incentive if your kids are competitive (like ours).
Comfortable shoes are essential – Venice is a walking city, and teens (and adults) will appreciate sturdy, comfortable shoes for cobblestones, stairs, and bridges.
Embrace the city’s rhythm – Venice has a pace all its own. Encourage teens to pause, explore, and take photos of quirky details—sometimes the small moments, like a spiral staircase, a quiet campo, or the gargoyles watching over the canals and other easily missed architectural features—make the most memorable stories.

Venetian Family Favorites

“ I really enjoyed the maze-like layout of Venice—never knowing what you might find around the next turn. One minute you’re walking down a quiet alley that suddenly dead-ends into a canal, and the next you take a sharp left and end up on a bustling street full of cafés, shops, and tourists. I was also fascinated by how the city actually runs—how every single thing, from food and furniture to garbage, has to be moved by boat and then carted over bridges on carrellis. Watching all that coordination in action was seriously impressive. Venice might look like a fairytale, but behind the scenes, it’s a well-oiled (and very watery) machine”
- Bryan

“My favorite part of Venice was learning about the city’s delightfully quirky history. Take the Bocca di Leone, for example: a stone lion’s mouth in Doge’s Palace where citizens could anonymously snitch on shady neighbors. It’s like Venice had its own medieval Yelp for tattletales - spicy, secretive, and utterly unforgettable!”
- Heidi

“I really loved the glassmaking demo in Murano. Watching the artisans mix metallic oxides and minerals into molten glass to create those amazing colors was fascinating. My favorite? The rich ruby red, made by adding gold chloride—literally baked into the glass’s DNA! Super cool to see how something so delicate comes to life right before your eyes.”
Callan, 17 yo

“Pulling into Venice by boat was pretty cool—way different from the usual taxi ride from the airport to a hotel. It felt like we were already on vacation, even though we hadn’t even arrived at our Airbnb yet.”
*- Jake, 16 yo*

*“I liked the gondola ride because it was chill. No walking, no crowds - just a solid chance to rest my feet and watch the city float by.”*
- Max, 13 yo

Family Travel Rating for Venice:

🎉 Fun: 3/5
Venice is undeniably unique—no roads, no cars, just boats and bridges galore. It’s fun in that “wow, this is unlike anywhere else on Earth” kind of way… at least for the first couple of days. Our teens loved getting lost in the labyrinth of alleys, spotting quirky details like gargoyles and crooked corners, and soaking up the city’s atmosphere—but after 48 hours, they were ready to move on. Their official verdict? “Cool place, but kind of small.” So while Venice dazzles at first sight, it doesn’t necessarily have that endless thrill factor that keeps teens begging to stay longer. Still, it’s absolutely worth seeing once—because where else can you take a boat instead of an Uber?
🧘‍♀️ Ease: 2/5
Venice is charming, but it’s not easy to get around. There’s no public transportation like buses or taxis, so you’ll be hauling your luggage over bridges, cobblestones, and narrow alleys from the vaporetto stop to your accommodation. Add in spotty GPS and it can make for a stressful day if you’re trying to get somewhere in a rush. Our advice: pack light, plan ahead, and embrace the walk.
💰 Cost: 3/5
Venice can be pricey, especially for families. Gondola rides are a splurge (expect €80–100 for 30 minutes), and meals near major tourist sites can quickly add up. Entry fees to attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace are moderate but multiply quickly for a family. That said, there are plenty of ways to balance the budget: cicchetti bars, takeaway pizza, fresh pasta from local shops, and wandering the canals and alleys are all free (and full of charm). With a little planning, you can keep costs reasonable without missing out on the Venetian experience.
🌴 Relaxation: 2/5
Venice isn’t exactly a “kick-back-and-chill” kind of city. The constant walking over cobblestones, up and down bridges, and weaving through crowded squares can be exhausting, especially for teens. Even leisurely gondola rides or exploring quiet alleys require energy and focus. That said, there are small moments of calm: a serene campo off the beaten path, a canal-side bench with gelato in hand, or a quiet early-morning stroll before the crowds arrive. Venice offers brief pockets of relaxation—but mostly, it’s an energetic city built for adventure, not lounging.

Final Verdict

Venice is one of those cities that everyone should experience at least once—beautiful, strange, and entirely unforgettable. Yes, it’s touristy, yes, it can feel small, and yes, your GPS will betray you—but that’s part of its charm. Between the postcard-perfect canals, moonlit gondola rides, and history that oozes from every alley, Venice delivers big on atmosphere, even if your kids swear they’re “good” after day two. Of the four cities we visited in Italy, Venice was our kids’ least favorite and — and the one they’re likely to return to.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ideal Ages: 10+. Venice is perfect for tweens and teens who appreciate history, art, and exploration. Our kids enjoyed the labyrinth layout of the city, spotting gargoyles peeking over canals, and exploring quirky neighborhoods. Small children might struggle with the amount of walking, bridges, and crowded areas, but teens who enjoy autonomy and curiosity will find Venice intriguing.

🗓️ Ideal trip length: Two to three days with teenagers allows enough time to see major attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto, and the Grand Canal, while still leaving room for wandering alleys, trying cicchetti, and taking short vaporetto rides. Our teens felt like two days covered most highlights, and the extra day gave them time to explore on their own and catch up on sleep, workouts, and social media!
⛔ Skip Venice if you prefer: A totally relaxing vacation with minimal walking; quiet, crowd-free sightseeing; straight-forward, GPS-friendly streets; constant air-conditioned comfort; getting to any destination quickly; or quick meals with no decisions.