Birthday Weekend in Venice
When we arrived at the airport we got a taxi to the closest water bus stop, just in time for the boat which took us to Guidecca island where Hilton Molino Stucky is located.
No Dinner at the Hilton Mulino Stucky
Not having had anything for dinner we headed straight up to the rooftop bar for a drink and a bite to eat, meaning something decent to eat but no, the bar doesn’t have any food apart from pieces of pineapple and biscuits. You’d think that a five star hotel with room service would make it possible to get you some food in their own bar.Anyway we went to bed hungry having enjoyed the view over Venice by night and feeling a bit happier thanks to the alcohol…
Downside to Guidecca
Getting up the next morning we had breakfast and headed straight out to explore.
The downside to being on Guidecca is that you have to get a boat to the other side but I guess that’s no diffent to Venicians than to jump onto the tube and go from east to west London.
The upside is the amazing view over to Venice and the local atmosphere.
Taking the Boat to San Marco Square
It took about fifteen minutes to get across to San Marco by boat, we passed some beautiful old buildings and many other boats and gondolieri. Jerome seemed to be excited to travel around like this.
The Busy San Marco Square
We headed straight to the busy San Marco, unfortunately we didn’t book any tickets for either Palazzo Ducal or Basilica de San Marco and the queues were so long that we decided to move on and explore the canals and enjoy the sunny weather instead.
People and Pigeon Watching
Wandering Along the Canals
We loved wandering through the mesmerising maze of alleys, past crumbling palazzos, crossing over little bridges. We got lost in the sheer beauty of the architecture and the canals.
Italian Lunch
Gelato is a Must
Returning to Guidecca
Exploring the Residential Area
Sunset Dinner
Sundays at the Lido
Our original plan for Sunday was to go to Lido and spend the day on the beach as we were blessed with amazing weather. Unfortunately we tried to get onto one of the boats and found it impossible. We already were on at Zattere and decided to stay this side of Venice and do some sightseeing here instead. First we headed along Fondamente Zattera to Punta Della Dogana, where we had a great view over to San Marco and on from there we strolled to Ponte della Academia.
The Famous Ponte Dell’Academuia
We stood on the famous Ponte Dell’Academia, watching the water taxis and gondolas go by underneath.
Religious Venice
It being a Sunday lots of people and some nuns are heading to the many churches. It is visible everywhere how religious these parts of the world still are.
Lunch on the Terrace
There’s no better place to stop for some food than being outside on the terrace by the water. We had a lunch break at Ristorante Alle Zattere enjoying some Pizza but there are plenty of other options close by.
Cruise Ships in Venice
Souvenir Shopping
See You Next Time in Venice…
We definitely had a great time here in Venice and would love to come back sometime a bit earlier in the year when it’s less busy, as there were places we didn’t manage to see, like Lido and Burano. Having stayed at Hilton Molino Stucky and being so disappointed we would consider somewhere in San Marco or Dorsuduro. Jerome loved it, I can understand why some parents might not want to go with small children as it is very difficult if one needs a push chair, also there aren’t many parks or playgrounds and one has to watch little ones the whole time when being near the water.
Waouw the pictures are gorgeous!!
Lovely photos! Cruise ships such as these would be my worst nightmare too! Last went to Venice over 30 years ago so would be interesting to go back there and see what it’s like now 🙂
Thanks, I’m glad to hear you liked the photos. You should go back sometime, I’m sure parts of it have changed and others haven’t. I always like going back to see what has happened to a place, most of the times you get pleasantly surprised at others it can be quite disappointing.
Vanessa
We took our kids when they were 8 and 10 to Venice. They loved itam such a fascinating city. Loved your photos they brought back good memories.
Beautiful photos and an excellent description. I am glad I found you,
Dolly
Hi Dolly,
I’m pleased to hear you liked my post.
Vanessa
🙂
Venice is already a beautiful city. What makes it more wonderful is that you’re with your family. 😀
Family is definitely important, I always feel I see and do different things when I’m with them.
Vanessa
Loved reading this and seeing your pictures! Venice holds a very special place in my heart. I lived in San Marco–very close to Accademia bridge, so I enjoyed those pictures for sure! You might consider Airbnb your next go-around. It worked very well for my family when they came to visit me!
Katherine,
It must be quite an experience to live in a city that is as famous as Venice and visited by so many tourists every year. We will definitely consider Airbnb next time, it is such an easy way to stay somewhere, especially when travelling with kids.
Vanessa
Lovely pictures; different perspective!
Thank you, have you been to Venice?
ya! in 2009. i loved it. i saw many artists painting in the parks and at the squares. i think venice is a very inspiring place.