The city of Venice, Italy is quaint yet mysterious. Its churches, museums and palaces rise up from the skyline and beg you to visit and the canals gently guide you though places you might have only dreamed of ever being able to visit. Pack your bags and prepare to be amazed – Venice is full of spectacular surprises.

Image Credit:Ron Layters

When to Visit Venice

Anyone planning a trip to Venice should lean towards a staying during either the spring or fall. The weather during this time of year is beautiful and the crowds are not overbearing.

Image Credit:MorBCN

Summer weather in Venice is hot and uncomfortable and winters, while mild, can be very rainy. During the rainy season locals are usually concerned with whether or not there will be an acqua alta – a flood that attacks the low-lying areas of Venice.

Traveling to Venice with Children

Venice is a beautiful city but really isn’t a spectacular vacation choice for families with young children. The sophisticated atmosphere may prove itself to be a bit boring for young children, not to mention challenging for their parents.

Image Credit:vgm8383

Take, for example, meal times. The menus at most Venetian restaurants include fish which, while traditional fare for adults and locals, is not usually a favorite amongst children. Make sure you check with the waiter at the establishment you’ve chosen before you sit down or make a reservation to ensure there are alternatives for your children.

Image Credit:Kevin H.

Your children may feel at home in a trattoria, or a restaurant that is considered to be more casual, but do not expect to find a menu designed for children anywhere. You’ll have to ask for a half portion or a child’s portion of whatever you choose for your child. If you’re still having trouble finding something for your child to eat you may try Venetian pizza but it is really nothing at all like the pizza you eat at home. As a last resort you’ll find a McDonald’s near La Serenissima.

Image Credit:jamesmelzer

There are only two hotels in Venice that have pools and they’re both higher-end hotels, so don’t plan on being able to dip the kids in the pool to distract them from the summer heat unless you’re willing to splurge on a stay at the Cipriano or San Clemente Palace.

Finally, make sure you ask your concierge if they charge extra for children before you book your stay. Some Venice hotels will allow your children to stay but only if they are under a certain young age. Otherwise you can expect to pay fees up to 40% of the cost of your room for adding an extra bed for your child.

Three Venetian Sights You Shouldn’t Miss

Throughout the city of Venice you’ll find an astounding number of incredible sights to explore. If you don’t have much time to explore, make sure you include at least one or two of these sights to your itinerary.

Image Credit:Darren Krape

The Basilica di San Marco was originally built in 828 in order to serve as the mausoleum of St. Mark the Evangelist. The church was completely destroyed by fire in 976 and was not restored and reopened until 1094. The church, an eclectic mix of Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, is laid out in the shape of a Greek cross with four equal arms. Inside you’ll find over 43,000 feet of amazing mosaics and stunning works of art.

Image Credit:wfbakker2

The Gallerie dell’Accademia was founded by Napoleon in 1807 and sits on what used to be a religious compound. Inside you’ll find a spectacular collection of Byzantine artwork, Gothic styles, and pieces displaying spectacularly colorful Venetian artwork. Accademia may not be as alluring as some other popular museums, like the Louvre or Prado, but certainly houses a distinct collection of artwork that a true art lover will surely appreciate.

Image Credit:wallyg

Saint Francis and a group of friars arrived in Venice in 1222 and spent 30 years wandering from place to place until the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari became their permanent home. Doge Tiepolo bestowed upon them an abandoned abbey which they immediately restored. The friars of the Franciscan order were known for poverty and abstinence and those tenants are apparent in the lack of artwork and design you see throughout the buildings. It wasn’t until much later that some of the grand mausoleums and paintings were introduced to the grounds.

Image Credit:AARigo

Throughout the city of Venice you’ll find a number of incredible shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. You’ll also have the chance to ride in the world’s most extravagant public transportation system – the gondola! While not as common as they were years ago, gondola’s still play a major role in Venetian culture. Explore and enjoy!