Venice is the “Floating City” of Italy and has been regarded as the most beautiful city all over the world built by man. With so many philosophers, artists, photographers, painters, and historical icons hailed and hewn from Venice, it’s downright a mysterious feat how a Floating City can contribute and influence these great minds of people who have made names in history and are known to this day. Did you know that Marco Polo, the famous explorer who compiled and named the original “Wonders of the World,” was born and raised in Venice?
All visitors who have been to Venice say that once you’ve gone to Venice, your life will never be the same again and 100% of them recommend everyone to visit this old-fashioned and charming Italian city. Life in Venice is far different from the other bustling Italian cities. For one thing, the major transportation here is not the typical buses or taxis you normally see and ride everyday. Well, for what its worth, Venice is really an exciting place for your whole family to visit, even the small kids can enjoy every minute of your stay here.
1) Learn some basic Italian language
Although not a requirement since Venice’s major visitor attractions have English speaking citizens, learning a few Italian greetings like Buon giorno (good morning), Bouna sera (good evening), Grazie (thank you) and Ciao (hi or hello) will really make a big difference in your Venetian vacation.
2) Rolling on Wheels
Venice, as mentioned earlier, is far too different from the neighboring cities in Italy and by this we mean you’ll be traveling around the city mostly by floating mode of transportation such as the water buses or vaporetti, water taxis, and the fabled gondolas.
A city with 400 bridges build over 150 canals, a typical Venice travel will have you going up and down these bridges that’s why it is very important to bring suitcases and luggage which can roll on its wheels.
Your kids will definitely enjoy pulling on a small suitcase of their own, perhaps one that carries their toys and clothes for the travel. When you are bringing along a stroller for your trip, make sure that it is light and easy to fold when you’re riding water buses and while going up and down the steps.
3) Traveling Light
When you’re traveling to Venice from another Italian city, it would be best to bring only the things necessary. Traveling light with suitcases on wheels is your best bet to avoid hurling heavy luggage bags into water buses. Well, if you have more bags than you can handle while in Venice, you can check your extra luggage at the train station. They will offer you your own storage locker you can rent at a very affordable price. You can always get your luggage on your trip back home.
4) Getting the cheapest public transportation in Venice for the whole family
Since your whole family is most likely going to ride the water buses every now and then, instead of buying once way tickets why not consider buying the all-day or several days passes for each and every member of your family. If you’re stay is a little longer, we recommend getting the 72-hour passes. These special passes are a lot cheaper than one way tickets.
The vaporetti companies in Venice are also offering huge discounts for small children and students so better ask the ticketing window attendant about specially-marked tickets for your children. You can show them the student IDs of your kids attending school to get these discounted tickets.
5) The Venice Card
The Venice card is a especially intended for visitors who come to the Floating City and you can buy one from neighboring cities in Italy or from the airport or train station upon your arrival to Venice. This card will grant you free access to all museums and casinos for seven days. Aside from this, you can also get free vaporetti services and a boat trip from the airport to your Venice accommodation for free.
Well, your Venice trip won’t be complete without a visit to the famous Piazza San Marco or the St. Mark’s Square. A large haven for pigeons, your kids will definitely enjoy running around, chasing after these magnificent birds, as well as feeding them with bread crumbs. While you’re there, take turns with your spouse to watch over the kids while one of you can go in St. Mark’s Basilica to admire its magnificent view from the inside.
You can also take your kids to the Bell Tower of Piazza San Marco. Take an elevator ride to the top of the tower and have your kids use the binocular seeing stands on each side. This is one of the ways to get them psyched about your Venice vacation. After getting a bird’s eye view of the whole city, they will be more inclined to take the long walks with you on the tour.
Walking around the streets of Venice is one way to immerse your self into the Italian culture while admiring the ancient buildings all around. In every turn, you’ll find small shops and coffee stands where you can buy fabulous trinkets for gifts and souvenirs to your friends on your trip back. Most of the time, the small shops here offer the cheapest price when it comes to souvenirs as compared to the main shops in the major tourist areas.
Well, your kids might not be fond of tagging along for the walk but you can lure them in by taking them for “ice cream walks.” In every corner, you’ll find Gelaterias or Ice cream shops selling Gelatos, otherwise known as the Italian version of ice cream.
The water bus rides are never dull especially for kids. They’d constantly point at something, pull on your shirt, and excitedly scream out “Look Mommy look!!!” Of course, as a parent, you will be more than happy to see your kids smile and have fun while riding the water bus, an amazing experience that they can only get in Venice.
Located on one of Venice’s islands named Murano, the Murano glass making industry is a booming commerce and an attraction for tourists as well. Your kids will find it amazing how glasses can be molded and made into different shapes and sizes.
The Rialto Bridge and marketplace is really worth a visit if you wanted to buy fresh produce from the sea. Kids may not enjoy standing by while you haggle for cheaper prices but they’d definitely have fun going up and down the Rialto Bridge, a magnificent and a beauty on its own right as one of the frequently visited and most photographed bridges in the city.
If you’re eating out, you should definitely dine in one of the restaurants located near the Gondolini Bridge or perhaps just hang out on the bridge for a few minutes. In here, you will find gondolas and the gondoliers passing by and, if you’re lucky, you can even listen to the gondoliers singing to their passengers.
The Key to Italy has a wide choice of Family Apartments in Venice conveniently located in the historical center and walking distance to all top attractions in Venice. Book with us your family accommodation in Venice, feel free to ask for tips and suggestions and get ready to enjoy a unique and memorable experience for your kids.
Posted by TKI on 06/08/2010 00:10:59 1 Comments
