Arriving in Venice at 210 in the afternoon With 8 and 11 year old kids. Everyone will be tired and grumpy after long flight. Staying in the dorsudoro. Any suggestions on what to do that first afternoon/evening? I have always liked ricks suggestion of going for a walk upon arrival. Not looking to cram in any particular event. Restaurant recs near ca’rezzonico?
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
How are you arriving, air or rail? How long are you there?
Posted by
OP
Portland, Oregon
173 posts
Air
Bus to Piazzale Roma and vaparetto 1 to our apt.
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
You could download the RS Grand Canal Tour to your devices and listen to Ricks narration of the sights along the canal as you head to Ca' Rezzonico on the No 1 boat.
http://podcasts.ricksteves.com/walkingtours/GrandCanal.mp3
Kids can get 3-day Rolling Venice Cards for a slightly reduced vaporetto passes.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17580 posts
A walk along the Zattere (wide sidewalk along the Giudecca canal) to San Basilio (small ship dock at the west end) and then nd out to the Punte del Dogana (the eastern tip of Dorsoduro) is good for views (and gelato at Nico).
https://www.facebook.com/Gelateria-Nico-a-Venezia-10150109908155105/
Taverna San Trovaso, on the rio of that name, a bit up from the gondola workshop, is reliable and moderately priced. They open at 7 for dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
451 posts
We took our kids to a park and let them run around and play.
This is not near where you are staying but it is easy enough with the vaporettos. We walked down to Giardini Della Biennale at the end of Castello just walk away from San Marco along the waterfront and you will find it. After they worked up a sweat, they were rewarded with a gelato. We would find parks on our trips to allow our kids to play and burn off energy.
It is easier to visit important places in the morning with kids. Ours get progressively whiny as the day progresses. A walk is a must. Give them a map and let them lead for a while. Get lost.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5653 posts
I'll second the recommendation for Taverna San Trovaso. Great food and wine on a side canal. Definitely try to get a reservation. OR be prepared to stand in line waiting for them to open at 7:00. The best thing to do on arrival day is to walk. Anywhere. Aimlessly, if you want. You can't get lost.