I would appreciate some opinions on time better spent. Both options are going to be superb but need some help making up my mind.
i can't decide on whether to stay 4 nights in Malcesine, Lake Garda and 2 nights in Venice
or
3 in Malcesine, Lake Garda and 3 nights in Venice.
It will be my family including 3 children ages 10, 8, and 5.
Two nights is only one full day there, so an extra night in Venice would win my vote.
Absolutely, 3 nights in Venice. That's the bare minimum as far as I'm concerned.
3 nights in Venice
I've heard from a few friends that with children, Venice can seem a little overwhelming with the crowds. It looks like such a beautiful, unique city and definitely want to experience it but given we'll have one younger child a full day in the bustling city may feel adequate.
We stayed 5 nights in Venice last year and have plans booked for 4 this fall. One more if you can -Venice.
Re the water, crowds.
having lived around water with small children
It’s a challenge. The San Marcos area is less crowded early morning and evening. We stayed at cai de dogi which is one or two buildings away from the sq but quiet as it’s down a narrow corridor away from main traffic.
We thoroughly enjoyed the less crowded area of the Castillo(Arsenale) area where we visited a boat museum- not crowded at all. Once you get away from the San Marcos area it’s better. Several piazza’s surrounded by buildings ,not water, and less crowded , Campo San Marco for example.
The direct path from the train station to the Rialto Bridge and on to San Marco is definitely packed with tourists. Those who spend only a day or two in Venice may not have time for much else, and they come away with relatively negative impressions of the city. But if you stay long enough to wander the back canals, it can be a very different experience.
Venice. No question.
Definitely Venice. We stayed in Malcesine last year for 2 days and took the ferry to some neighboring towns but there’s really not much to do unless you’re into water sports which are very popular at the north end of the lake. We enjoyed our time there and are glad we went, but I would definitely add a night to Venice. We have been to Venice 3 times for a combined total of 2+ weeks and still haven’t seen everything I’d like.
By the way, do you have a hotel booked in Malcesine? We stayed at Hotel Vega in a room overlooking the lake and I’ve loved the location and hotel. The room was immaculately clean and spacious.
Definitely Venice. There is a lot to see there. My first visit I only had 2 nights, which is not enough. My second visit I had 4 nights. I still haven't seen everything I want to see.
