Where to Stay in Venice with Kids: An Expert Guide

A dream city break for many, Venice is often called “The City of Love”, as if it only appeals to couples. However, with its beautiful art, scenery, and food, the city is the perfect destination for families – and our expert advice on where to stay in Venice with kids will prove it. Famous all over the world, Venice is incredibly picturesque and charming. The city has a reputation for being the ideal destination for a honeymoon or even Valentine’s Day, but it has much more to offer than a pretty background to a love story. The city has character, art, mouth-watering food and many forms of entertainment, making it the perfect city break for a family.

Your kids will love its enticing history, from the Doge’s Palace’s spooky prisons to the lively Rialto market. Take them on a vaporetto (water bus) tour and Venice’s palazzos will run before their eyes in a kaleidoscope of colours. Here at Plum Guide, we do all the hard work to provide you with the expert advice you need, so let us lead you through where to stay in Venice with kids and prepare yourselves for some great family time.

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One of the six sestieri (districts) of Venice, Santa Croce is an area rife with history. Being the hub of all public transport, Santa Croce is a perfect option when considering where to stay in Venice with kids, especially if you're accompanied by younger children or family members who struggle with walking. If you want to get the most out of this area, take advantage of the vaporetto – the city's public waterbus. Line 1 and 2 will lead you through Venice, sailing along the Grand Canal to jump off St Mark’s Square.

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If you’re looking for a stay with all the comforts of a modern city and the benefit of being extremely close to Venice City Centre, Mestre is your best option. With its beautiful Piazza Ferretto and homely restaurants, Mestre offers a peek into the everyday Italian life away from the touristy spots of Venice. The city is located just a short ride away from the main Venetian landmarks. Jump on a train, bus or tram and you’ll be ready to wander around one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Or, if you want to explore a bit further, Mestre is also a good base to visit other cities, such as Verona, Vicenza, Bologna or areas like the Prosecco region.

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Cannaregio is located just a few minutes from the Venezia Santa Lucia train station. The area is genuinely family-friendly with its wide streets and loads of souvenir stalls where your kids can find the best memory to take home. Staying in Plum Guide’s Cannaregio homes means waking up in a lively and colourful neighbourhood and having the chance to shop in Teatro Italia, a former theatre now converted into a supermarket. Its high ceilings and frescoed walls will surely make for a different grocery shopping experience.

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With its picturesque squares and charming colours, Dorsoduro often tops lists of where to stay in Venice with kids for families searching for a quiet, residential neighbourhood. Children will love the local gelato and the pastries at Pasticceria Tonolo. Remember: if you’re visiting during Carnival time, try its unforgettable frittelle. As for the parents, we recommend spending your evening in Campo Santa Margherita. Heart of student life but also loved by locals, we’re confident that you’ll love its food and drink scene. Last but not least, why not take a scenic stroll all the way to Punta della Dogana? The whole family will love walking alongside the Giudecca Canal. Stop at Gelateria Nico for a quick gianduiotto, a chocolate hazelnut ice cream served with loads of whipped cream – just irresistible.

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Home to the Rialto Bridge, San Polo is one of the most popular (and touristy) neighbourhoods in Venice. The area is perfect if you want to be close to all the city's most famous spots, including Rialto’s Market and Piazza San Marco. Experience the local culture by participating in a mask decoration workshop at Tragicomica Kostume Shop. Your children will be enthusiastic about the idea of making their own Venetian mask, and we reckon so will you. If you don’t feel like decorating masks, why not try their treasure hunt? Or, head to one of this neighbourhood's many museums and picturesque churches when you need a break from the Venetian sun.

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If you’re a family of art buffs, you’ve probably heard of the Venice Biennale and can’t wait to visit. An attraction for thousands of visitors, the exhibition is held in two venues: Arsenale and Giardini, which are both located in the traditional district of Castello. Stay in this off-the-beaten-track area to experience authentic Venetian life. Get lost among its cobbled streets and charming corners. You'll be the first to see the Biennale’s wonders –you won’t need to wake up early.

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Looking for a place just a few steps from all Venice’s most iconic monuments? The sestiere of San Marco is waiting for you with is majestic Piazza San Marco, St Mark's Basilica and Doge’s Palace. This area is particularly handy if you’re afraid of getting lost among the many calli (streets) of Venice, as it's just a short stroll to see the city’s main landmarks and there are plenty of imbarcaderi (water bus stops) to take a vaporetto and reach your destinations. If you want to be in the heart of the action, this is it.

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