Venice, the city of lovers, with almost more bridges than inhabitants, famous for its hordes of tourists… an incongruous destination with a baby? It can also be a dream getaway, and we’ll explain how!
When to visit Venice with a baby
First of all, you need to avoid the periods when there are the most tourists! Forget about visiting during the Venice Carnival, major events like the Venice Film Festival, or the summer season. The best time is late March/early April. Of course, there’s the risk of bad weather or the famous acqua alta (flooding caused by rising tides). But the advantage is that you won’t have to wait in endless lines under the blazing sun! More seriously, this is Italy, and the weather is generally mild. Just don’t forget sunscreen… and a rain jacket, just in case!
Where to stay in Venice with a baby
It’s best to choose a centrally located hotel equipped with baby-friendly amenities, such as a crib, and one that allows you to easily return for naps or downtime as needed. The Duodo Palace Hotel, in March, is fairly affordable and offers spacious rooms for little ones to roam. Of course, there are plenty of other options nearby to choose from.
Getting around Venice with a baby
Venice is entirely pedestrian, as there are no cars. While this may sound ideal, climbing the bridges every few meters and navigating the narrow alleys crowded with tourists can make things challenging-especially with a stroller. A good baby carrier is the best option, and it’s wise to avoid peak visiting times. After all, who said you could sleep in with a baby anyway?
Venice is also all about its canals and the famous vaporetto, or water buses. If you plan to use them frequently, getting an ACTV pass can be cost-effective. From the airport, you can reach the center of Venice by vaporetto for about €15. Keep in mind, though, that the trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes (with no toilets on board) and that boats depart every 30 minutes. During busy periods, you may need to wait for the next boat, so it’s best to factor this in-especially if you’re catching a flight!
What to do in Venice with a baby
You won’t run out of cultural activities in Venice! The most economical option is to get a pass like the Venice Pass, which grants access to most attractions, including the must-see Doge’s Palace, its famous Bridge of Sighs, and its prisons. The visit to St. Mark’s Basilica isn’t included, but if you’re there on a Sunday, you can always attend a Mass for free.
The pass also gives access to a variety of museums in more authentic Venetian neighborhoods, such as the Palazzo Mocenigo Museum, where you can admire beautiful period costumes and carnival attire. It’s very quiet and even has a changing table.
Our favorite? The Ca’ Rezzonico Museum! While it’s dedicated to 18th-century Venice, it’s the breathtaking palace itself, accessible by water, and the children’s play areas that we loved the most. Other passes, such as the Venice Digital Pass, are also available, and some can be combined with an ACTV transport pass. Finally, depending on your bambino‘s age, they can chase pigeons in St. Mark’s Square or stroll through the Royal Gardens nearby (and the best part is, it’s free!).
Where to eat in Venice with a baby
When it comes to restaurants in Venice, you might hear that they serve frozen pizzas or that prices are exorbitant. It’s true that enjoying a Venetian-style Spritz cocktail and some cichetti (Venetian tapas) at a bar near the Rialto Bridge can be pricey. But what a view!
The best option is La Porta d’Acqua restaurant, offering incomparable quality dishes and a lunch menu at €30. For something more casual but equally practical (and open at any time), the Pizzeria Restaurante al Vaporetto has delicious pizzas and a lovely fresco of Venice.
If the weather’s nice, indulge in a gelato, a cornetto (pastry), or even a takeaway pizza as you wander along the canals!
As you can see, enjoying the dolce vita in Venice with a baby is entirely possible, as long as you prepare well! Plus, it’s only a 1 hour and 25-minute flight from Paris!
*Musique : Eyes without a face Billy Idol*
This has been translated with AI. Original French version : Venise avec un bébé