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2018
24
April
Which Italian city - Florence, Siena, or Venice - is best for a family with a 2.5 year old in just four days?

Question:

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Adriana

Hi guys, we’ll be on a very tight timeline and are deciding which of the three cities are worth visiting - Florence, Siena, or Venice. We only have four days total for Italy. We’ll be with our 2.5 year old.

Humans say...

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Leanne

I’d stay closer to cortona, in the countryside and do a day trip to Florence 1.5 hour drive) and tour around Tuscany for the rest of the time. Gorgeous little towns that are peaceful, ready to explore like pienza. Florence is great, but busy, lots of tourists.

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Tania

We stayed in a 2 bedroom VRBO in Venice, location was good and the host was fantastic. Listing #1097927

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Linda

We have been, several years ago to all three. I would be inclined to visit Venice. Flying in in daylight get window seats

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Lesley

Venice - more compact and you can see more - don’t forget to visit Moreno too

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Jan

Florence. Art, architecture, street markets, culture, gelato...

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Daniela

We’re also going in a few weeks to Italy and are planning Florence and Rome. Also traveling with our almost 3 year old. I’ve been to Florence before and it’s my favourite city in the world! It is very busy but absolutely beautiful and so much to see and do there. I didn’t like Venice as much so I’d either just go for a day or skip it for Siena instead.

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Adriana

Definitely is a different experience with a toddler

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Rae

I think Florence is a beautiful city and I would visit it again in a second. Loved the architecture and art. Personally I’d skip Venice in order to go to Florence. Never been to Siena.

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Susan

Venice

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Anna

Florence. Amazing art, food, beer, wine, culture and history. I’ve not been to Siena but thought Venice was much busier and hurried by comparison.

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Nancy

Venice and Florence

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Keddy

Florence. There’s more diverse things to do. I can’t imagine doing Venice with a 2.5 year old, it’s way too confusing!!

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Adriana

Do you mean because there's too much to see, too much walking?

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Keddy

Adriana too much walking - you can’t not get lost in Venice, or at least that’s what my experience tells me. Plus, it’s so so crowded with tourists. With Lots of slippery and questionable staircases and entryways... And a lot of very fancy buildings/churches/museums that aren’t exactly child friendly either. For me it would be too stressful to have a little one with me there! (It is beautiful though).

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Alyssa

Venice

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Janice

Been to both - with such a young child I would go to Florence. More variety in Florence.

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Steve

Venice hands down.

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Crystal

If you do Venice, make sure to go to Lido. You can take a vaparetto there. It is a little beach town on the Adriatic Sea, it has a nice beach and it would be great for your 2.5 year old.

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Gillian

Definitely Florence especially with a little one.

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Lisa

Florence

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Gabriell

Venice

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Tania

Florence

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Ella

Venice is amazing, Florence second. I haven't been to Siena so can't say there.

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Ella

I think with Venice you get such a unique experience. Maybe more to do in Florence?? Must take a gondola ride!

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Adriana

For sure! Everyone has been telling us to avoid this overpriced tourist trap, but I mean, how can you go to Venice and NOT? lol

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Ella

Haha totally. The last trip to Europe we did we did all the major tourist things and it was great to have those memories. The next time we're going we will see some tourist things but also smaller towns as well since we're going to Ireland and northern France mostly.

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Ceci

There is only ONE Venice - don't miss it. Florence next.

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Daniela

I agree Venice is a must see but with a little one it may be difficult. Just my opinion and that gives you a reason to go back in a few years:)

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Kristie

Florence

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John

Venice

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Rebecca

Florence

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Linda

Venice Venice Venice. wonderful. I must see again.

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Jessica

Siena. Venice and Florence are super busy.

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Kelly

With a small child, I agree! And Sienna was my favourite

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Heather

Venice

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Andrea

I'd happily go back to any of them, but I'd say go to Florence. You can do Siena as a day trip from there if you really want.)

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Donna

Venice definitely

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Sarah

Love Venice! Plus it’s sinking so go while you can

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Ale

Florence over Venice for sure, haven't been to Siena yet.

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Gail

Tough choice. Florence for the art, 2.5 yr old will be in a stroller anyway, Venice because it’s just spectacular. You can tell your grown child they were in a gondola at 2.5.

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Adriana

That's exactly how I feel! She's a pretty good girl and loves walking and exploring so hoping for the best

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Gail

Adriana lots of street sweet treats and masks, and a pretty cool Ferrari shop

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Gail

In Venice I meant

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Christin

100% venice

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Rhonda

Venice

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Lisa

They are all beautiful but Venice is so unique - it's truly magical!

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Shelbi

Florence over Venice definitely. I haven’t been to Siena yet so I’m not sure what it’s like. I wouldn’t go back to Venice but I would go back to Florence in a heartbeat.

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Adriana

Thanks so much for all the feedback everyone. Many seem like they thought Venice was overrated? But it's one of those things, you have to see once right? I have decided on Florence for sure and maybe 1 day in Venice.

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Jas

We totally felt the same..Venice is a place you have to see once especially when in Italy already! We spent a few days in Florence and 1 day in Venice and it was a perfect amount of time!

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Linda

We did the same. So many people told us the Venetians are completely sick of tourists. I wonder how many of the Venice lovers were there years ago. We go next week.


A.I. says...

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Best Cities to Visit in Italy with a Toddler

When traveling with a toddler, it's important to choose destinations that are family-friendly and offer a mix of activities that cater to both adults and children. With only four days to spend in Italy, it can be tough to decide which cities to visit. Here are some insights on Florence, Siena, and Venice:

Florence

Florence is a beautiful city known for its Renaissance art and architecture. While it may not be as stroller-friendly as some other cities, there are plenty of attractions that you and your toddler can enjoy. The Boboli Gardens, with its wide open spaces and playgrounds, is a great place for your little one to run around. The Uffizi Gallery may not be the most exciting for a toddler, but the colorful frescoes and sculptures can still capture their attention. Be sure to try some gelato from one of Florence's many gelaterias!

Siena

Siena is a charming medieval city with a relaxed atmosphere. The Piazza del Campo is a great place for your toddler to play and run around, while you can enjoy a coffee at one of the surrounding cafes. The Duomo di Siena is a stunning cathedral that is worth a visit, but keep in mind that the stairs to the top may be challenging with a toddler. Siena also has a great selection of family-friendly restaurants serving up delicious Tuscan cuisine.

Venice

Venice is a unique city with its canals and gondolas, but it can be a bit overwhelming with a toddler. The city is not very stroller-friendly due to its many bridges and narrow streets. However, a ride on a vaporetto (water bus) can be a fun experience for your little one. St. Mark's Square is a bustling hub with plenty of street performers to entertain your toddler. Don't forget to try some cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a local bacaro!

Ultimately, the best city to visit with a toddler will depend on your preferences and what you think your little one will enjoy the most. All three cities offer unique experiences and attractions that can make your trip to Italy memorable. Just be sure to plan ahead and take breaks when needed to keep everyone happy and comfortable.



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