The city rules
to enjoy and respect Venice on your family-friendly trip
ENJOY VENICE, RESPECT VENICE: LOCAL RULES FOR FAMILIES
Every place you visit has its own rules, traditions and habits — and Venice is no exception.
This extraordinary city is beautiful, unique and extremely fragile, and visiting it with respect is the best way to truly enjoy it.
As local guides specialized in family-friendly tours in Venice, we would like to share our personal list of city rules, seen through the eyes of those who live and work here every day.
OUR CITY RULES FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRIP TO VENICE
- Choose a Family-Friendly Tour with a Local Guide
Start your visit with a family-friendly tour led by our team of local guides. A knowledgeable guide can introduce you and your children to the unique nature of Venice — a city that is fascinating but also delicate — helping you understand how to explore it responsibly.
- Discover Alternative Places Beyond the Crowds
Venice is much more than the main tourist routes. Exploring less crowded, alternative areas makes your experience more enjoyable and respectful.
On our kid-friendly tours we are always happy to suggest quieter neighborhoods and hidden gems that work perfectly for families with kids.
- Walk on the Right and Don’t Stop on Bridges
Venetian streets (calli) are narrow, and bridges are not photo spots or picnic areas.
Always walk on the right and avoid stopping in the middle of the street or on bridges. Remember: Venetians live here and, like residents in any city, need to move around easily during their daily life.
- Dress Like You’re in a City, Not at the Beach
We know it can be hot, but Venice is still a city, and appropriate clothing is always appreciated.
To enter churches, proper attire is required: covered shoulders and shorts at least knee-length (exceptions apply only to very young children).
- Don’t Litter
Public trash bins are limited in Venice, but please never leave rubbish on the ground. Carry your waste with you until you find a bin — it’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.
- Don’t Eat or Sit on the Ground in St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square is a monumental space, not a picnic area. Eating or sitting on the ground is forbidden and may result in a fine.
And trust us — the seagulls are very efficient at enforcing this rule by stealing sandwiches from unsuspecting visitors!
- Try Local Food Instead of Fast-Food Chains
Avoid international fast-food chains and choose local Venetian cuisine instead. It’s more authentic, more sustainable, and often more kid-friendly than you might expect.
We are happy to recommend family-friendly restaurants in Venice where both kids and parents can enjoy a relaxed meal.
- Buy Local and Sustainable
Support Venice by choosing local, sustainable shops and artisan workshops instead of mass-produced souvenirs.
Here you can find a list of our favourite family-friendly shops and local artisans in Venice.
OFFICIAL RULES FOR RESPONSIBLE VISITORS
For the official version of the city guidelines, you can visit the Municipality of Venice website, where the “Good Rules for the Responsible Visitor” are part of the #EnjoyRespectVenezia campaign.
This initiative promotes responsible tourism and helps protect Venice for future generations.
Ultimately, travelling with children means teaching them to respect, protect and love the beautiful places our world has to offer!
