Vicenza, Italy...with a toddler!

5/17/2017

While Vicenza isn’t usually on any tourist’s radar, It turned out to be our favorite part of the trip! There is a US Military Base nearby so you may notice Americans, but it maintains the authentic Italian charm of a smaller city. And it actually has quite a bit to see and enjoy! It was relaxed, calm and a glimpse at “normal” Italian daily life. It made us realize this was the type of locations we want to visit in the future, not the main cities and tourist traps which usually cause us stress.

Accommodations:

We were extremely fortunate to be able to stay with friends in the city center of Vicenza, very close to the Palazzo Chiericati (art museum) and steps from the main strip “Corso Andrea Palladio.” The picture above was actually the view from the guest room that we stayed in.. I mean come on!!! They have a son just two weeks younger than Bram and have an adorable little dog, so it was great to have the comforts of a home while vacationing. I'd recommend staying within the city center so everything is walkable.

Travel to/from:

Our friend picked us up from the airport in her car, the drive was about 40 minutes. We did take the train from Vicenza to Verona for a day trip. And left from the Vicenza train station to go to Venice for our last day. The city center is a ZTL, meaning you can't drive within the city limits without a special permit, so if you're visiting from somewhere else for the day I recommend taking the train and walking into the city center from there.

Spirits & good eats:

Panineria Del Centro, There are tons of little cafés all over the city. We tried out several. This was favorite, great spritz, great cappuccino, and great sandwiches!

We got Chinese delivery twice, which was actually very good! Chinese food in Italy is not your American mall Chinese food, its much healthier and light—you don’t tip in Italy, at all, ever! Even delivery!

The main Palazzo often has street vendors and also has several bars and restaurants with outside seating. We had spritz at this great place (don’t remember the name!) that had seating right in the square (click on the map and spin it around to see the square seating), the kids ran around chasing pigeons, and dogs!
Bar Castello - amazing location, great cappuccino, spritz and sandwiches!
Il Ceppo – We got delicious cheese, and a shrimp dish from here. The owner is very lovely!

Sights to see:

Parco Querini - The day we arrived it was important for us to stay outside and active for as long as possible before going to bed to help with jetlag and adjusting to the time change. This is beautiful park with statues, and is known for having tons of bunnies…unfortunately just before our trip there was a mysterious bunny virus and rumor has it all of the adult bunnies were... ummm exterminated! So we only saw 2 or 3 little bunnies…but knowing bunnies the park will be thriving by the end of summer! We did get to see chickens and other birds, and the kiddos splashed in puddles!

Giardini Salvi - is a beautiful park with a stream, and palace. Lots of people were lounging around in the afternoons, and dog owners frequent it to exercise their dogs.
Palazzo Trissino-Baston – often has street vendors, tons of restaurants, museums, and a great place to let kids run around!

Campo Marzo Right outside the Train Station is Campo Marzo, a very large grassy area/park. They often have street vendors as well, and my friend said there is a free gated kids park within it that you have to be buzzed in by an attendant so its safe (we didn’t get a chance to visit it thought). We did see a fenced section with bounce houses and slides which you could pay to use.

Vicenza is definitely a place we would visit again. We didn't get a chance to visit any of the museums or palaces open to guests, or the theater, there really is so much to see. Its relaxing, beautiful and true Italian. Its also a great hub to take further day trips throughout the Veneto region!