One of our favourite holidays was after we took our teenage daughters to Venice. The floating metropolis is usually considered a “city of love” and has a romantic air about it, however you’d be shocked by what number of issues there are to do with youngsters in Venice.
It has the whole lot that youngsters need and wish from a trip vacation spot. It has distinctive experiences that you simply received’t discover wherever else on this planet and loads of alternatives to immerse within the native tradition and lifestyle.
From exploring the meandering canals to getting your buying repair, Venice gives leisure, enrichment, training, and loads of photograph ops that may make your youngsters joyful and reminisce about Venice for years to return.
Why do youngsters love Venice?
Our daughters cherished Venice, and it’s arduous to not see why. It’s a vacation spot that has a number of components that excite and interact teenagers and make them need to come again.
We’ve discovered that our teenagers usually hunt down experiences which can be totally different from their on a regular basis lives, which is obtainable in spades in Venice!
Our teenagers get pleasure from actions which can be memorable and that they’ll share with their associates on social media, equivalent to actions like gondola rides and buying in its vibrant markets. The markets in Venice are a far cry from what they’re used to again residence in Raleigh.
Our teenagers additionally respect studying about new cultures, traditions, histories, and methods of life, and Venice is packed stuffed with immersive sights and cultural experiences the place they’ll try this. They love to participate in cooking courses, for instance, or do strolling meals excursions, the place they’ll study in regards to the native tradition in an lively and hands-on method.
What’s extra, is that Venice is a labyrinth of slender streets and hidden alleys, and round each nook, there’s something new and thrilling to discover, so boredom is rarely a sense that crosses your minds. Our teenagers cherished having the ability to wander via town and uncover lesser-known spots and hidden gems – one among which, we share with you down beneath.
Things to Do in Venice with Teenagers
1. Go on a gondola trip
A gondola trip is maybe probably the most unforgettable expertise that you are able to do in Venice, and youngsters are certain to like exploring the Grand Canal and cruising down the winding, slender canals.
Not solely is the gondola itself an iconic image of Venice, however it’s a good way to see town from a novel perspective. From their seat within the boat, teenagers can expertise the serene ambiance of the canals, and hearken to the echoes of their gondolier serenading them as they cruise previous well-known landmarks just like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square from the water.
Gondola rides are usually not solely an expertise, however a option to join with town’s storied previous. Gondola rides have been used as a major mode of transport within the metropolis because the eleventh century, however the working class used them for commerce.
There had been stated to be 8,000-10,000 gondolas within the seventeenth and 18th centuries, however at present there are lower than 500, and all of them are used for tourism.
That stated, a gondola trip is not only in regards to the journey; it’s in regards to the expertise. While rides could be a bit dear, the expertise of gliding via the historic waterways is effectively price it.
2. Visit the key bookstore
Our daughters found Libreria Acqua Alta after seeing it on TikTookay. I assumed it might be a bit gimmicky after we arrived, however it turned out to be fairly cool, and our teenagers cherished snapping images within the bookstore’s yard which contains a staircase manufactured from books.
The Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore is among the least-touristy issues to do in Venice and is understood for its assortment of vintage and second-hand books, that are stacked in higgledy-piggledy piles, making a labyrinth of leather-bound novels and papers to weave between.
This quirky bookshop doesn’t have a lot in the way in which of English books, however it does have some good postcards and prints you could take residence as souvenirs.
Most individuals go to right here purely for the photograph ops, which after all, is what our teenagers love.
3. Go on a Walking Food Tour
Food is a significant spotlight of any journey for our household, and we’re all huge foodie followers and love attempting new and thrilling dishes.
Venice has a wealthy culinary scene with numerous native eateries and family-run eating places, permitting you to attempt home-cooked and recent Italian meals, in addition to get to know regional dishes that you simply won’t have heard about earlier than going.
One of the most effective methods to find out about regional delicacies is on a strolling meals tour. On a meals tour, you’re led across the metropolis by a neighborhood information, who will take you to a few of Venice’s high cafes, trattorias, and eateries, to pattern native produce and dishes that the locals love.
Generally, you get to pattern wherever from 6-10 foods and drinks objects, and there are sometimes vegetarian and gluten-free choices, which is nice for us as we’re GF.
As effectively as sampling native meals, you additionally get to discover town with a neighborhood, who can take you to hidden staircases, via secret passageways, and to viewpoints to see Venice’s rooftops off the principle vacationer path.
While in Venice, I like to recommend you attempt Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a bacaro (wine bar). You’ll probably go to one on the meals tour, and also you’ll be searching for them on a regular basis afterward!
Food tour corporations we love and belief (With their Venice meals excursions:
4. Shop till you drop
While Venice will not be a buying mecca like Milan, it does have plenty of distinctive boutiques and artisan retailers the place teenagers can discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Unlike typical buying locations, buying in Venice is extra like a treasure hunt. Although largely made up of impartial shops and boutiques, Venice is just not a “bric-à-brac” metropolis.
It has loads of modern shops, largely promoting wares by native designers and craftsmen, showcasing Venice’s fashionable facet.
One of the most effective districts for buying is across the San Marco district and the streets across the Rialto Bridge, that are crammed with boutiques the place teenagers can discover distinctive items that mirror their private model.
Venice doesn’t have huge buying malls, per se, however it does have T Fondaco dei Tedeschi close to the Rialto Bridge, which is a large duty-free buying middle with beautiful structure on the within.
Don’t miss an opportunity to go to the rooftop for some wonderful views of town – it’s free to go up there and has great panoramic views of the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and St Mark’s Campanile.
5. Admire the Rialto Bridge
You can’t miss the Rialto Bridge. In reality, you’ll probably go by it a number of instances in your Venice journey, because it’s the bridge that connects the 2 sides of the Grand Canal.
I like to recommend you go to earlier than 10.00 am earlier than the opposite vacationers get up so you may respect the structure and take all of the images you want with out crowds of individuals.
Dating again to the twelfth century, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge crossing in Venice.
It was initially constructed with wooden however was changed with stone between 1588 and 1591 and was designed by Antonio da Ponte.
As the principle crossing level, it’s not solely a stupendous bridge however bustling with exercise. Today the bridge is dominated by market stalls, road performers, and artists.
6. Visit the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs (Early!)
The Doge’s Palace is maybe some of the lovely buildings in Venice and is well-known for its mix of Venetian-Gothic structure.
As the previous residence of the doges of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic, it’s additionally some of the essential buildings within the metropolis. It was an important a part of the political and social lifetime of town and is the place the doge and his officers made essential choices.
The outdoors of the doge is made up of intricately designed and ornate façades, however it’s the within that basically wows you! You can wander via its grand halls, and see well-known works of paintings, together with masterpieces by famend artists like Tintoretto, Giovanni Bellini, and Titian.
What makes the Doge’s Palace notably thrilling to youngsters is the academic worth it has. It’s an opportunity to study in regards to the energy struggles of the Venetian Republic, the flowery judicial system, and the intriguing tales behind the palace’s many rooms, together with the notorious Hall of the Great Council.
It’s additionally a option to see the long-lasting Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Doge’s Palace to the jail. This iconic bridge is steeped in romantic lore, as it’s stated that prisoners would sigh at their final glimpse of Venice whereas crossing the bridge, earlier than being taken to their cells.
The bridge, like the remainder of the palace, is understood for its lovely structure and poignant historical past.
Tip: When visiting the Doge’s Palace, our high tip is to ensure you ebook the primary tour of the day to keep away from the crowds. You can learn extra about visiting the Doge’s Palace in our full information right here.
7. Admire the paintings and mosaics in St Mark’s Basilica
Another iconic landmark in Venice is St. Mark’s Basilica. This beautiful cathedral is well-known for its intricate mosaics, which depict biblical scenes in shimmering gold leaf. The huge inside is adorned with over 8,000 sq. meters of dazzling mosaics that inform tales of religion and historical past.
The basilica, which was initially constructed within the ninth century to deal with the relics of St. Mark has a number of totally different architectural types, together with Byzantine, Gothic, and Roman influences. It’s not solely dazzling on the within however outdoors as effectively.
With its spectacular domes and ornate particulars, teenagers will love studying in regards to the basilica’s historic significance and marveling at its magnificence.
We visited St Mark’s Basilica as a part of our Venice guided strolling tour! It was a good way to see it because it meant we had a information explaining all the main points and it meant we might skip the road – which was very lengthy!
8. Check out the glass blowing in Murano
Venice was not all the time the romantic cityscape that we see at present. It was as soon as identified for its glass-making and ceramic commerce.
On the small island of Murano, accessible by water taxi from St Mark’s Square, you may expertise glass-blowing demonstrations from centuries-old institutions which have undertaken the custom of glassmaking for hundreds of years.
Murano’s glass-making historical past dates again to the thirteenth century when the Venetian authorities mandated that cup furnaces be moved from Venice to the island to stop fires.
Since then, Murano has turn into synonymous with high-quality glass, and its artisans have developed a spread of methods which can be nonetheless admired worldwide.
This distinctive artwork kind combines ability, creativity, and a contact of magic, and is among the most inspiring creative types to witness. Our teenagers cherished watching the transformation of molten glass into intricate sculptures, delicate vases, and colourful ornaments.
You can even have a go at doing it your self for those who’re feeling courageous sufficient. What higher souvenirs to take residence than some expertise from the craftsmen which have been handed down via generations for greater than 700 years?
Walks of Italy has a Premium Lagoon Excursion the place you may see Murano’s spectacular glassmaking custom come to life at a non-public demonstration in a beautiful outdated church and go to a secret Burano Island winery, at present a part of a Michelin Star restaurant, and luxuriate in an unique wine tasting. Sign me up!!
9. Get misplaced in Dorsoduro, Venice’s pupil district
The Dorsoduro district is the scholar district and is understood for its vibrant ambiance, creative aptitude, and youthful vibes.
Like most elements of Venice, Dorsoduro has picturesque canals, charming streets, and beautiful structure, however has a extra laid-back vibe when in comparison with the bustling vacationer hotspots, making it a super place to only get off the crushed path and wander and uncover.
Dorsoduro can be identified for its genuine Venetian vibe, with native retailers, cafes, and eateries that supply a style of on a regular basis life within the metropolis.
We had a unbelievable dinner right here at Da Fede on the Campo Margherita. It was less expensive than within the vacationer a part of Venice – hi there €5 Aperol spritz for drained dad and mom of teenagers!
The district is residence to the famend Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a museum that homes a powerful array of recent artwork by well-known artists equivalent to Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky.
10. Get an Instagram-worthy gelato!
What journey to Italy can be full with out getting a gelato? It can be like visiting Paris and never getting a croissant.
While you will see that gelaterias everywhere in the metropolis, one that’s extremely standard is Suso, which has wealthy and creamy gelato topped with waffle biscuits and is available in Insta-worthy portion sizes.
They even have vegan gelato and seasonal flavors, from sesame and fig flavors to pistachio flavors. There are a few branches all through town, however we like this retailer close to the Rialto Bridge.
11. Have espresso and pastries on the iconic Caffè Florian
Cafe tradition is huge in Italy, in any case, it’s the birthplace of espresso and cappuccino!
While our youngsters are usually not huge espresso drinkers, they love visiting distinctive cafes and having fun with a pastry or cake, a scorching chocolate, and people-watching.
Venice is just not in need of cafes, most of which have an outside seating space which is a primary spot for individuals watching. But when in Venice, why not go someplace a bit particular?
Caffè Florian is among the oldest espresso homes on this planet, not simply in Italy, however the world.
Established in 1720, this lovely cafe was as soon as a social hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals for hundreds of years, and is notable for its elegant decor, that includes ornate mirrors, frescoes, and plush seating.
It’s not only a cafe, however a museum and piece of historical past, which provides to the attract of any go to.
While a bit dear, you may’t knock the expertise of consuming a cappuccino in the identical place as well-known figures as soon as sat, equivalent to Casanova and Goethe.
Not to say its location within the coronary heart of Piazza San Marco makes it the right refueling station after visiting the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica.
Although you could need to sit outdoors for individuals watching, do ensure you go inside and admire the detailed interiors.
Side word: Italian espressos are STRONG. Even for those who drink 3-4 cups of espresso a day again residence, one espresso could also be sufficient for you in Italy. Just pre-warning you, thank me later!
12. Dine at a standard trattoria
Finding a spot to eat can all the time be a problem when overseas, irrespective of when you have teenagers, children, and even adults in your journey group!
When in Venice, do because the Venetians do, and head to a standard trattoria for genuine delicacies and a neighborhood ambiance.
Trattorias are identified for his or her heat and alluring ambiance and provide hearty, selfmade Italian dishes, from Cicchetti (tapas) to risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), and recent seafood, all made with regionally sourced components.
Many of those trattorias have been family-run for generations and use recipes and cooking methods which have been handed down via the years. We stumbled upon Al Vaporetto Trattoria, a busy Venice lunch spot that served scrumptious pasta and pizza at an inexpensive value.
For teenagers who respect good meals and need to attempt one thing native and conventional, attempting these native dishes is a good way to sink your tooth into the flavors of Venice.
You can discover trattorias everywhere in the metropolis, however our suggestion is to keep away from those within the squares, as they have an inclination to return with vacationer costs.
13. Take a day journey to Verona
While Venice itself is majestic and enchanting, it actually solely takes 2-3 days to see all of the highlights, so when you have extra time in your fingers or you’re touring from Rome to Venice, maybe take a day journey to the romantic city of Verona in the future for a change of surroundings.
Known because the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Verona is steeped in romanticism and has a cuteness about it. You can go to iconic websites like Juliet’s House, the place you may see the well-known balcony from the outdated timeless love story.
As effectively as being steeped in romantic allure, town itself is historic and exquisite. It has a mix of various architectural types, from the Roman, medieval, and Renaissance durations.
Some of our favourite websites in Verona had been the spectacular Arena di Verona, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that also hosts concert events and performances at present, in addition to Castelvecchio, a 14-th century medieval fortress that was constructed by Cangrande II della Scala, a outstanding ruler of the Scaligeri household.
Verona is made up of slender, winding streets and piazzas which can be pleasant to only stroll round and take all of it in.
I fell in love with Verona once I first visited in 1998. I loved it much more this time experiencing it with Craig and our teen daughters, who all cherished it simply as a lot. We really stayed in Verona for 3 nights and visited Venice on a day journey. For me, that was my good option to expertise these two Italian cities.
You can be part of this guided tour from Venice to Verona by practice for those who didn’t need to do it by yourself. It’s straightforward to do by yourself and you should utilize our Verona information that will help you!
14. Discover the flooded crypt of San Zaccaria
Another distinctive attraction that appeals to teenagers in Venice, is the flooded crypt of San Zaccaria.
The crypt, which is situated beneath the gorgeous San Zaccaria Church, is understood for its intriguing ambiance and distinctive phenomenon which occurs when water ranges rise.
During excessive tides, the crypt partially fills with water, creating an otherworldly phantasm of mirrors in opposition to the ambient lighting, with stone arches and sarcophagi reflecting within the watery pool.
The expertise of seeing the crypt partially submerged in water is surreal and makes you notice the distinctive challenges that Venetians have of residing in a metropolis constructed on water, in addition to offering you with some distinctive photograph ops.
Although turning into well-known for the crypt, the church itself is an architectural gem, showcasing a mix of Gothic and Renaissance types.
15. See creative marvels at Gallerie dell’Accademia
Lastly, in case your teen is an artwork lover, don’t miss an opportunity to discover the Gallerie dell’Accademi, which is understood for its spectacular assortment of artwork from the Venetian Renaissance.
As probably the most notable artwork museum in Venice, it homes masterpieces by world-famous artists equivalent to Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese, and has a specific give attention to Venetian artwork, showcasing the evolution of town’s creative heritage from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
Marvel at iconic work, study in regards to the tales behind them and see items that they might have discovered about in class.
The museum itself can be lovely, nestled in a former convent, which makes for a charming setting to discover memorable artwork items.
Right close to right here is the Accademia Bridge, or Ponte dell ‘Accademia (which leads over to Dorsoduro. This was my favourite view in all of Venice and one teenagers will love getting a selfie at to share with their associates on snapchat.
Your household could also be enthusiastic about this non-public tour to see the treasures of the Gallerie dell’Accademi.
Where to Stay in Venice
Venice is a small, walkable metropolis, so it actually doesn’t matter which district you base your self in when reserving lodging.
I like to recommend staying within the Dorsoduro district as a result of it’s much less touristy and has a extra native vibe, so once you’re accomplished sightseeing you may slip in with the locals and have a extra genuine expertise.
One resort to look out for is Hotel Belle Arti, which is situated within the Dorsoduro district and has reasonably priced rooms in a beautiful, genuine Venetian design.
For one thing a bit extra luxurious, take into account Hotel Moresco, which has beautiful Venetian decor, glorious service, and is in location inside strolling distance of the principle sights.
Final Thoughts
Venice is a small metropolis, however it’s packed stuffed with allure and iconic landmarks. No matter how outdated your youngsters are, or how a lot they’ve traveled, there’s something on this metropolis for everybody.
We hope this information helped you intend your Venice itinerary and gave you some sights to take a look at along with your teenagers!