After two peaceful, meandering weeks exploring Slovenia, we wrapped up our European trip with four days in Venice. It sounded dreamy on paper, ending our adventure in one of the most iconic cities in the world. But Venice is a place that gives as much as it takes. It’s beautiful, chaotic, crowded, surprising, and unlike anywhere else.
For our group of six, four adults, two kids, and more luggage than we care to admit, it became a destination full of both mishaps and magic. And by the end, we really had to ask ourselves: Was four days the perfect amount or a little too much?
DAY 1: A TOUGH ARRIVAL
Within our first hour in Venice, reality hit us like a rogue gondola.
While leaning over the Rialto Bridge to snap a photo with my purse open, learn from me, I was pickpocketed. My wallet disappeared faster than I could even register what had happened. After Slovenia’s gentle pace, the crush of Venice’s weekend crowds felt overwhelming. Walking was a single file conveyor belt of people squeezed into narrow passageways.
Dinner brought its own surprises, being upcharged for a group of six and learning the hard way that in Venice, it seemed you’re supposed to tell the server when you want them to bring out your meal. Although we’d ordered, we received our drinks and then waited over an hour with nothing. Not exactly the welcome we hoped for.
But we got through it. We walked it out, ate something, and went to bed hoping Day 2 would be better.
Attractions We Saw
• Rialto Bridge
• Grand Canal views, mostly from inside crowds of people
• Local alleys and markets near our apartment
Key Learning of the Day
Weekend crowds are no joke. If you’re only in Venice a short time, choose weekdays, not a Friday evening arrival, especially with kids and luggage. And for the love of all things holy: zip your purse.
DAY 2: SHAKING IT OFF AND FINDING THE MAGIC
Determined to reset, we began with strong coffee and pastries, then wandered through the lively fish market near our apartment. Venice’s charm slowly worked its way in as we let ourselves get lost in the narrow streets.
Every turn felt like walking into a painting. We paused at tiny bridges, stumbled upon the TikTok famous sunken bookstore, counted lions on buildings and statues, visited Piazza San Marco, and ended the day by the canal with a Bellini (Coke for the kids) as the sun dipped behind the rooftops. Dinner was simple street vendor pizza, exactly the level of effort we had left.
Attractions We Saw
• Rialto Fish Market
• Libreria Acqua Alta, the sunken bookstore
• Piazza San Marco
• Canal side strolls and sunset
Key Learning of the Day
Wander, don’t plan. Venice is best experienced by simply turning corners and following the mood. Also, when in doubt, find wine and sit down.
DAY 3: CULTURE, COLOR AND MUCH NEEDED DOWNTIME
We began at Doge’s Palace, a hit for adults, a mixed bag for kids. The palace rooms and ornate murals didn’t hold their attention, but the prison cells and armor displays saved the day. There are also very few places to sit, so your legs just accept that.
In the afternoon, we took a water bus to Murano, famous for glassmaking. The glass blowing demo was mesmerizing, the colorful streets were beautiful, and the gelato was essential. Back on the main island, the kids and grandpa rested while the “big kids” snuck off for a much needed relaxing canal side Happy Hour at Al Timon, our accidental favorite restaurant of the trip.
Attractions We Saw
• Doge’s Palace
• Bridge of Sighs
• Water bus ride, a fun experience in itself
• Murano Island for a glass demo, colorful streets, and gelato
• Al Timon canal seating, highly recommend
Key Learning of the Day
Allow downtime. Venice is overstimulating; kids and adults need breaks. Build quiet moments into the day or they will be forced upon you.
DAY 4: A GENTLER DAY AND A GOOD FAREWELL
On our last day, the kids were definitely hitting their limit, so we headed somewhere with actual space to move: the Giardini della Biennale. After days of weaving through tight passageways, the gardens felt like a gift. From there, we went on a mission to find famous bridges, enjoy one last wander, and pick up Venetian masks as souvenirs.
And yes, we ate at Al Timon again. When you’re tired and something is good, you stick with it.
Attractions We Saw
• Giardini della Biennale
• Several famous bridges
• Mask shops for souvenirs
• Our final dinner at Al Timon
Key Learning of the Day
When you find a win, repeat it. With kids, a multigenerational group, and end of trip exhaustion, simplicity is the secret.
DEPARTURE DAY: BYE, BOATS
We took a water taxi back to the airport, a splurge, but the only sane way to leave with our group and luggage. Arrange it in advance, we went through our Airbnb host, and bring cash. While waiting, we watched delivery boats load and unload everything from groceries to building supplies. It struck us just how fascinating and inconvenient life on a floating city must be.
SO WAS FOUR DAYS IN VENICE TOO MANY?
Why Four Days Was Great
• We weren’t rushed and could wander and soak in the atmosphere.
• We had time to explore islands like Murano.
• We needed slower mornings after two weeks of travel.
• Venice reveals itself slowly and takes a couple of days to find the quiet corners.
• The kids needed time to adjust to the sensory overload.
Why Four Days Was Too Much
• Venice is intense, crowded, loud, costly, and stimulating.
• After two weeks on the road, our group was running on fumes.
• The weekend crowds made the first half borderline miserable.
• With kids, there are few resting spots compared to other cities.
• By Day 4, everyone was done with winding alleys and ready for home.
Final Verdict
For our family, four days ended up being just right. Had we left after only one or two days I would have had a negative impression. The extra days allowed us to slow down, wander without agendas, and accept that not every day would be smooth. Venice is undeniably beautiful, but it’s a city that takes energy. If you’re traveling with kids or arriving on a weekend, be prepared for intensity and pack your patience.
Would we do it again? Yes, just maybe with fewer bags, a weekday arrival, and a fully zipped purse.
Days With the Mays 
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