Cannaregio
Cannaregio has something of a divided personality. You'll see swarms of tourists in the streets around the train station and along the shopping drag of Strada Nova, and then practically no one in the northwestern fondamente (streets that border a canal). Start at the Campo del Ghetto, once the first Jewish ghetto in Europe, and stroll down the Fondamenta della Misericordia, peering into the side courts at residences along the way. Have lunch at a canalside table, then walk to the eastern end and cut through to the Fondamente Nuove to watch a fleet of vaporetti departing for the northern-lagoon islands, including the farming island of Sant'Erasmo, where you can swim and rent bikes.
restaurants
Taverna del Campiello Remer
The 20-euro lunch (enough
food for one kid and one adult) includes a big bowl of pasta and a sampling of meats, cheeses, veggies, soup, and more.
041-522-8789
This centrally-located spot is easy-going and kid-friendly. The proprietor is a father himself, and he's always ready to dish up a plate of gnocchi al ragł for young diners.
041-528-5031
Anice Stellato
This small osteria offers local
specialties like marinated sardines and seafood risotto—but is also happy to prepare simple pasta or a plain cut of meat for kids.
041-720-744
shops
Cenerentola
Find the best Italian children's shoes from brands like Dolce & Gabbana Junior and Il Gufo.
041-522-4090
This lively, well-stocked children's bookstore has some English titles and a nice selection of books about Venice to take home as a souvenir.
041-71-5819
Artist Vittorio Costantini makes incredibly detailed glass miniatures of the local flora and fauna, from lotus flowers to jellyfish.
041-522-2265
activities
Sant'Alvise Pool
The large community pool and kiddie pool are in an 18th-century warehouse with a lagoon view.
041-71-5650
Take a guided tour of the sfmall, richly decorated synagogues hidden away on the top floors of what were once private houses.
041-715-359
Don't miss the view of the Grand Canal from this Gothic palace, which also houses a museum of 15th- and 16th-century art.
041-523-8790
Next Page: Venice Guide: Where to Stay, Venice Hotels
