Venice with a toddler in a stroller:
a practical guide to survive (and enjoy) your holiday!
Venice is a truly unique city, wonderfully complex and unlike any other in the world. If you’re traveling with a family that includes a toddler, you’ll quickly realize that maneuvering a stroller through narrow streets—and lifting it over hundreds of bridges connecting about 120 islands—is not always easy. Even taking a boat with a small child can be challenging. So, is it really possible to visit Venice with a stroller, or is it easier to carry children in your arms or in a backpack/carrier?
Find answers to the most common questions here:
How to Handle the Bridges
We always recommend lifting the stroller with the child inside rather than carrying them in a backpack or carrier. If the child is very small, it’s better to let them take a comfortable nap in the stroller rather than risk them waking up cranky with their head dangling.
Which type of stroller is best for Venice?
it’s better to have a light foldable stroller with large wheels and, if you have twins, you’d better choose a long and narrow stroller instead of one with side-by-side seats!
I Have Twins: Should I Give Up Visiting Venice?
Absolutely not! In this case, a stroller with seats one behind the other is better, as the streets (calli) are narrow and it’s more practical to move around with two children.
Can I Use a Stroller During Guided Tours?
It’s better for your child to stay seated in the stroller rather than being carried in your arms or in a carrier. You’ll be less tired and enjoy the visit more, and it’s easier for the guide to engage the children using visual materials when they are comfortably seated.
Can I Take the Vaporetto with a Stroller?
Yes! The vaporetti—our water “buses”—are quite convenient for strollers. The crew handling docking operations will help you safely board with your stroller. Inside the cabin, there’s a designated space to “park” it.
If you prefer to hold your child in your arms, remember that the front row is reserved for parents with small children and passengers with disabilities. If the seats are occupied, politely ask others to give way or speak to the crew.
⚠️ Important: Do not let children stand on the seats or lean out of the windows.
Children under 6 travel for free.
Can I Take the Stroller on a Gondola?
No, strollers cannot go on gondolas. Normally, however, you can leave it in the gondolier’s designated space during the ride.
Even if your kids like walking, mind that you will be walking A LOT in a city like Venice where the public transport is often crowded and not always convenient. Walking around all day takes a lot of energy!
There are paths along the Fondamenta delle Zattere and the Riva degli Schiavoni with gentle ramps, perfect for walking with a stroller on a sunny day
If your kids get tired, unfortunately there are not many benches in Venice and sitting on the steps of the bridges is not advisable (and not even allowed), so make plans that are feasible, without too much walking and possibly including one or more stops in your hotel or apartment during the day!
With a bit of planning and the right stroller, visiting Venice with children can be a pleasant and unforgettable experience.
Don’t be intimidated by the bridges or the crowds: the city offers quiet corners and moments of wonder, even for the little ones!
If you come on a tour with us, we suggest a family-friendly scavenger hunt: the game activity is mainly designed for children aged 4 and up, but the little ones can join seated in their stroller 😉
book as soon as possible and reading our valuable tips in our post:
“Professional tips to make your family tour a success!”
