walking tours in venice

Best things to do and see in Venice

In Venice there are many places to visit as it is one of the most spectacular cities in the world because of everything in it. It is located in northern Italy and is bathed by the Adriatic Sea, like Dubrovnik. Its streets, always accompanied by canals crossed by gondolas, boats or vaporettos, allow you to live a different experience than any other place can offer you. It has a main street that is the Grand Canal that is where they usually circulate (browse rather) a large number of people every day. Doing a free tour is a different way of getting to know Venice . In fact, you have the possibility of doing a more generic tour of 2-3 hours in which you can see the most representative places in the city or choose a guided tour focused on a specific neighborhood or theme. In any case, the places you should visit yes or yes being there are the following: the Ducal Palace, the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, the emblematic San Marcos Square, Burano and Murano, two of the most beautiful islands in the world. archipelago of the lagoon of Venice, the palace Ca 'Rezzonico, the Basilica of San Marcos and that of San Giorgio Maggiore and the Basilica of Santa María de la Salud. All free walking tours of Venice have a local guide (guru) who can show you the least known and most beautiful part of the city. In addition, walkers who make a tour usually leave their opinions and ratings to serve other reference travelers. There are cities like Rome, Turin or Milan are also other similar destinations in this same area of ​​Italy.

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9 Best Walking Tours of Venice Italy

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Venice, Italy , is a city known for its canals, gondolas, and its architecture. However, if you’re looking to see more than just the well-known sights, consider taking one of the best walking tours of Venice . 

While spending a semester abroad, I was able to explore the beautiful city of Venice and see so many of its top spots. So, I can vouch for how great these tours are!

These tours take you around some of the lesser-known neighborhoods, such as Castello and Santa Maria Della Salute, and give you an insider’s look at the city’s history and culture. Some of them even include some tasty food or other treats along the way!

Keep reading to learn more about the best walking tours of Venice!

Table of Contents

Top Picks: Venice Walking Tours

Private 4 hrs Venice Tour: St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Secret Venice

✅ Visit St Mark’s Basilica

✅ Visit Doge’s Palace

✅ See hidden gems

Best of Venice Tour with St Mark’s Basilica and Grand Canal Boat tour

✅ Grand Canal boat tour

✅ Skip the line at St Mark’s Basilica

✅ Stop by many other top landmarks

Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride

✅ Gondola ride

✅ 2.5 hour tour

✅ Walking tour with top landmarks

Best Walking Tours of Venice

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ( 212 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 4 hours | ✅ Includes: Local guide, skip the line at St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace | 🇮🇹 Book now

First up is one of the best Venice walking tours for those interested in history and architecture. It’s about four hours long and allows you to also save money and time by skipping the line at Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica.

The tour includes the skip the line access and a local guide in English. Guests will be provided with headsets depending on the size of the group for the tour so that everyone can hear the guide clearly throughout it.

This tour starts right in Piazza San Marco, and then you go right into Doge’s Palace for a two-hour tour. Then, head to Scaala dei Giganti di Palazza Ducale, Porta Della Carta, Basilica di San Marco, and Campo Sanatta Maria Formosa.

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⭐️ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ( 3324 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | ✅ Includes: Professional guide, Grand Canal boat tour (1 hour), Best of Venice & St Marks Basilica (2 hours), skip the line at St Mark’s Basilica | 🇮🇹 Book now

Let’s be honest; one of the best things to do in Venice is to go on a boat tour, right? So, that’s why this is one of the best walking tours in Venice! It includes a Grand Canal boat tour which is truly an unforgettable experience.

The tour lasts about three hours maximum and includes skip-the-line admission at St Mark’s Basilica. The tour includes a one-hour boat tour, a Venice walking tour with skip-the-line tickets at St Mark’s Basilica, and a guide who speaks English. Depending on the size of your group, you may receive a headset to hear at all times.

This Venice walking tour begins at Piazza San Marco and goes right into Basilica di San Marco. After, other stops or places passed by, including Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Calle del Paradiso, and Ponte di Rialto. It ends with the one-hour group boat tour on the Grand Canal with no more than eight people per boat.

⭐️ Rating : 3.5 out of 5 Stars ( 3142 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | ✅ Includes: Guide, gondola ride | 🇮🇹 Book now

This is one of the most popular Venice Italy walking tours that you won’t want to miss out on! It’s about two and half hours long at most and includes all of the best parts of Venice.

Guests will receive a professional guide and a gondola ride for thirty minutes with the tour price. Usually, a gondola ride can be one hundred euros, so it’s great to book it on this tour. Depending on the time of year you book it, you could have significant savings versus booking a gondola ride on your own.

The tour starts at St Mark’s Square and includes stops along the way at Canal Grande, Ponte di Rialto, Piazza San Marco, and finally at Gondola Bacino Orseolo, where you’ll take your gondola ride near St Mark’s Square.

Morning Walking Tour of Venice Plus Gondola Ride

⭐️ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ( 97 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | ✅ Includes: Tour, gondola ride | 🇮🇹 Book now

Beat the heat and the crowds with this Venice-guided walking tour! So many people visit Venice later in the day, so this is the perfect way to explore the city. Plus, it also includes a gondola ride, which is an absolute must-do in Venice.

This tour, in particular, is three hours long and includes a guided walking tour and a gondola ride. It starts around 9 a.m. and leaves from near the Correr Museum at the TURIVE kiosk. 

This walking in Venice tour starts at the Canal Grande, where you’ll begin to learn about the city’s history. Then, head to Piazza San Marco, Casa di Marco Polo, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Teatro La Fenice, Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, and finally, at Campo Santa Maria Formosa.

Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Local Guide

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ( 664 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | ✅ Includes: Local guide, tour | 🇮🇹 Book now

Another of the excellent tours Venice is this tour with a local guide. Again, it’s a short tour that’s only about two hours long, but that’s perfect for getting acquainted with the city. The tour includes access to a local tour guide who speaks English for the tour.

The tour has quite a few spots along the way. It begins at Piazza San Marco and then continues onto Scuola Grandi di San Rocco. Then, stop at Ponte di Rialto, Casa di Marco Polo, Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Campo Santa Margherita, and the Church of San Pantalon.

Along the way, be sure to ask your tour guide questions because they’re super knowledgeable about the area. Depending on what you ask, you may even learn about some hidden gems in the city!

Unusual Venice Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ( 224 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | ✅ Includes: Tour, guide | 🇮🇹 Book now

Do you want a more quirky walking tour experience in Venice? Then check out this one! It lasts about two hours long and focuses on history but also visits lots of hidden and off-the-beaten-path Venice locations that you may not know about. 

The tour includes access to a guide who will inform you about what you see throughout the tour. Hotel pick-up is not included, so be sure to make it to the departure time at the meeting place near Piazza San Marco.

SSome spots along the way include Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Campo Santti Giovanni e Paolo, Casa di Marco Polo, Ponte di Riaalto, Teatro La Fenice, and of course, Piazza San Marco.

Venice Photography Walking Tour with Private Guide

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( 57 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | ✅ Includes: Photographer guide | 🇮🇹 Book now

If visiting Venice Instagram spots is an absolute must for you, then you should check out this tour. It lasts about three hours long and is perfect if having great photo memories of your trip is essential to you.

The tour includes a professional photographer guide who will give you tips on how to get the best photo throughout the tour. You will have to bring your own camera or your phone for photography. The guide is just there to help you get the perfect shot!

There are two different tour options. You can do the Day in the Life of Venice Daytime Tour, which focuses on movement and photography skills, or there’s the Sunset Tour which is a lot more based on landscape and architecture. Both are great options!

Private Tour: Venice Half-Day Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ( 118 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | ✅ Includes: Guide, tour | 🇮🇹 Book now

Even though it’s a bit pricier, one of the top walking tours of Venice is this one! What makes it so different from other tour options is that it is a private tour, meaning that you’ll have more of an intimate experience throughout the tour.

It’s a three-hour tour that includes some incredible stops. There are also multiple departure times throughout the day, so you can really tailor the tour to your own personal itinerary and schedule if needed.

This tour includes a professional guide, commentary along the way, a walking tour, and even an appetizer and glass of wine at a local bar.

The tour passes by and walks through many attractions and neighborhoods that everyone should visit in Venice. Some spots include Ponte di Rialto, Mercati di Rialto, Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frarai, Campo San Polo, Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto, Cannaregio, Teaatro La Fenice, and more.

Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark’s Basilica

⭐️ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ( 1019 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | ✅ Includes: Tour, guide, skip the line at St Mark’s Basilica | 🇮🇹 Book now

Last but not least is another skip-the-line tour at St Mark’s Basilica! It’s two hours long and is perfect for those who want to learn about hidden Venice and the city’s architecture and history.

The tour includes a walking tour, a guide who’s local and speaks English, skip-the-line tickets to St Mark’s Basilica, and headsets depending on the size of your tour group.

The tour beings right at Piazza Saan Marco and then allows you to skip the line at the basilica, where you’ll spend thirty minutes exploring and learning about the history. Be sure to pay close attention to the interesting architecture. Then, other stops include Campo Santa Maria Formosa and a pass by Calle del Paradiso.

Final Thoughts: Best Venice Walking Tours

Taking one of the top walking tours of Venice is the perfect way to see all the city has to offer. The knowledgeable guides will show you the best places to eat, drink, and shop while also providing historical information about the city.

So if you’re looking for a unique and fascinating travel experience, sign up for a walking tour of Venice!

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More Italy Posts

A trip to Italy is truly unforgettable! We have tons more Italy posts to help you plan your trip. Check them out below!

• Is Venice Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons to Consider Visiting
• Italy Bucket List: 27 Best Things to do in Italy
• Venice Instagram Spots: 15 Best Places to Take a Picture in Venice, Italy

13 Free Things To Do In Venice, Italy

• 16 Best Foods to Eat in Italy
• 14 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
• How to Spend One Day in Venice, Italy

KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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12 Best Walking Tours in Venice

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Are you looking for the best walking tours in Venice ? We’ve rounded up some of the city’s top guided experiences to help you get started.

Below you can discover my top picks . These are the best walking tours in Venice for families, those who want to enhance their photography skills and those who want to know more about the mysterious history of the city. Read on to discover other fun walking tours which will bring you to landmarks and/or hidden gems in Venice .

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• walking tours in Venice

1 – Photography Walking Tour with Private Guide

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 57 reviews )

It is a special experience to have a personal guide who is a native Venetian. Vinicio, who was delightful & knowledgeable, not only helped me with photo tips on perspective, light, telling a story, etc., but gave me a real insight into daily life in Venice. It was my 5th visit to this beautiful city, but I saw neighborhoods I had never seen before! Maureen. Viator

See one of Italy’s prettiest cities through the lens on these photography-themed experiences, one of the most romantic things to do in Venice . If you want to capture Venice’s most atmospheric angles on camera, this is the way to do it.

You’ll be accompanied by an expert local photographer, who knows all the top places for those iconic shots. Famous landmarks and secret streets away from the crowds all feature on these unique itineraries.

Ranked among the best walking tours in Venice, these photography excursions are perfect for beginners. Your guide will give you tips on how to bag the best pictures, teaching you about everything from perspective to light.

Summary of the tour:

• Daytime or sunset photography walking tour with a professional photographer
• Visit landmarks (St Mark’s Square, Rialto Markets, Bridge of Sighs, Venice Lagoon, etc.) and hidden backstreets
• Receive tips on lighting and composition
• Kids aged 13 and older welcome
• book this walking tour

The great thing about these tours is that the itineraries can be customized to your interests. So, if there’s somewhere in particular you’d like to photograph, just ask.

These guides are all professional photographers, so this is a perfect way of snapping some enviable vacation photos. Just make sure your batteries are fully charged!

2 – Kid-friendly Sightseeing Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 52 reviews )

Federica was amazing! Great with the kids and she made the 2.5 hour tour so much fun! I would highly recommend this tour when you visit Venice. Thanks!! Alyssa. Viator

Kids aren’t usually fans of walking, but on these private tours, they’ll soon be converted to the idea. Venice walking trips for families focus on the interests and needs of everyone, from young explorers to older adventurers.

Get your children excited about sightseeing, with stops at engaging landmarks like Marco Polo’s House and St. Mark’s Square. There will be plenty of short breaks along the way for stories, photos and questions.

The guide’s commentary is kid-friendly, with interactive activities and games to hold everyone’s interest. This immersive sightseeing experience is fun and educational at the same time.

• Private tour designed for families
• Visit landmarks such as: Campo San Bartolomeo, Marco Polo House, Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco
• Kid-friendly commentary, iPad games and interactive activities
• check offer

The kids will get such a lot out of these tours, soon forgetting that they’re not fans of walking. Guides are engaging, making sure their younger audience members are captivated from start to finish.

If you want to see your kids excited about history and culture, these experiences are the way to go.

3 – Ghost and Legends Walking Tour by Night

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 3 reviews )

See a different side of Venice on these spooky after-dark walking tours. Keep a wary eye out – you might not be the only ones roaming the streets.

As you delve down hidden alleys and wander beside moonlit canals, your guide will captivate your imagination with tales of ghosts and ghouls. This is a Venice that few visitors get to experience.

Learn about fearsome sea monsters and rat-infested prison cells while exploring the labyrinthine passages and backwater squares. Secret lovers and legends featuring Marco Polo’s wife all play a part in these mystical evening adventures.

• Guided tour by night
• Ghost stories and legends about Venice
• Stroll through the alleyways of Hidden Venice
• Children of all ages welcome

These unique Venice tours are just the thing if you’ve already ticked off the main attractions by day and want to do something different.

The guides are excellent storytellers, drawing you into the tales and making your spine tingle. Go with a friend if you’re easily spooked!

4 – Guided Walking tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1903 reviews )

Discover the highlights of Venice on these locally-led excursions. You’ll wander through the heart of the historic city, taking in many of the iconic sights . The walk begins in St. Mark’s Square where you’ll admire the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Basilica .

Heading further into the maze of narrow Venetian streets, you’ll meander alongside canals, passing churches and traditional markets. Pose for photos beside the Rialto Bridge and check out the former home of explorer Marco Polo. A stop at the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo is also included.

Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour is both comprehensive and heaps of fun. It’s a great way to tick off the main sights in Venice and get to know your way around.

This popular excursion receives rave reviews and operates with trusted local guides to ensure an enjoyable experience.

5 – Hidden Venice: The Unusual Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 ( 19 reviews )

Francesco was a fantastic guide with a wealth of knowledge about parts of Venice that you wouldn’t ordinarily see. He had a great sense of humour and gave us many unique photo ops ⭐️. alan. tiqets

These are some of the best walking tours in Venice if you want to get away from the tourist crowds. You’ll discover a different side of the city, one where centuries of stories will be uncovered.

Hidden gems and ancient legends are the order of the day as you head deep into the warren of alleyways and canals. This is where the locals hang out, so you’ll be in good company.

Check out the “Pantheon of Venice” where many doges – or dukes – are buried. Then admire the spiral staircase of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo – it’s a bit of an insider secret.

• book this tour

The multilingual guides help you get the most out of your experience with their wealth of local knowledge and insider anecdotes. You’ll get to explore places away from the beaten tourist trail with plenty of photo-worthy views to enjoy. Feel free to ask your friendly leader as many questions as you like.

6 – Guided Walking Tour with Gondola Ride

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 967 reviews )

Amazing experience, much much cheaper, Gondola ride was fantastic. Venice town tour was great, lot of nice places visited. Very recommend to everyone. Thank you. Natalja. Headout

These guided walks in Venice whisk you off into the city’s atmospheric back streets , before continuing the journey by water. St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are the main stops on your stroll. After exploring the historic old town, you’ll head to the canal for the ride of your life.

As you glide along the iconic Grand Canal in your gondola , you’ll feel like royalty. Don’t forget to wave to the people on the bridges! Watch as famous attractions pass you by – highlights include Mozart’s House, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Desdemona’s House.

Combining a gondola ride with a walking tour can be a much cheaper way to enjoy a boat trip along the canal. This two-in-one package shows off the best of Venice with all arrangements taken care of by your guide.

The experience represents great value for money, with friendly guides going above and beyond.

7 – Venice in one Day: Grand Canal & St Mark’s Basilica

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 3326 reviews )

Tour guide was so sweet and accommodated us with a private tour of the city and water taxi trip in and out of the grand canal seeing unique spots not listed in this description. St. Mark basilica was special and very sacred. Tom and Tammy. Viator

These popular Venice walking tours tick off many of the city’s main landmarks , making them some of the best tourist attractions in Venice . You’ll be experiencing Venice from the water as well as on foot.

Stroll along the Grand Canal and enjoy being in the heart of bustling Venetian life. You’ll learn about the significance of St. Mark’s Square and be awed by the golden mosaics inside the famous Basilica.

Continue to the Rialto Bridge for photos before swapping the main drag for the backstreets. Here, you’ll be charmed by the maze of canals and colorful Venetian residences. Finish on a high with a water taxi ride on the Grand Canal.

These combination trips rank among the best walking tours in Venice. Not only will you explore some of the city’s most atmospheric streets, but you’ll also enjoy a ride on the iconic Grand Canal.

Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica just sweeten the deal. A great choice for your first day in Venice.

8 – Walking Tour + Guided Tour of Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 642 reviews )

I loved my experience. I believe my tour guide’s name was Katarina. She was fantastic, very knowledgeable, and made sure the group stayed together so no one was left behind. Ciara. Headout

These comprehensive Venice tours combine the city’s major highlights in one easy experience. Popular with first-time visitors, the trips give a great overview of Venice and its famous attractions.

As you stroll along the narrow streets, stop to admire heritage churches, Gothic palaces and tranquil canals. This is the Venice you’ve been dreaming of!

The tour includes guided visits to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica . Two iconic landmarks that epitomize the essence of Venice, with Renaissance paintings and Byzantine art stealing the show. You can add on an optional gondola ride to round off the experience.

The guides have in-depth knowledge of their subject matter which makes these some of the best walking tours in Venice. Your leader will regale you with anecdotes about Venice and its famous landmarks.

You’ll come away knowing far more than you’d get out of a guidebook, with a new appreciation for both art and architecture.

Read more: Best city tours in Venice

9 – 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1384 reviews )

Highly Recommend this tour! Our guide Sara was amazing. We were able to learn as we are and drank like a local around Venice. The portion sizes were more than enough to keep us all satisfied. I was also impressed with the quality of the food and wine at each of the stops. Even made some new friends along the way! christina. Viator

One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food, and Venice is no different. The cuisine here is among the most delectable in Italy.

On these fun foodie experiences , you’ll visit eight restaurants, bars and cafés to discover the delicious underbelly of Venice. Your guide knows all the top spots, so you’re in for a treat.

Tuck into fresh seafood, sweet pastries and cicchetti platters – the latter are similar to tapas in Spain. Homemade gelato is the icing on the cake. Finish up with a few glasses of classic wine from the Venetian region.

Avoid the overpriced tourist restaurants and discover authentic Italian cuisine on these Venice walking excursions. The bars here are where the locals go, and they know best!

This is a fabulously convivial experience – sharing cicchetti with your tour mates is a fun way to spend the evening. You’ll soon become firm friends with your guide too.

10 – Private Tour: Venice Half-Day Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 122 reviews )

An amazing experience! Our guide took us to places off the beaten path and told us amazing history of those places. She was very knowledgeable and personable. Would recommend to everyone!. Trent. Viator

These customizable Venice private tours are perfect if you prefer not to go with the flow. You’ll have a say in the itinerary , so you can focus on visiting the places that interest you the most.

Whether you’re into art or architecture, photography or gastronomy, this is your experience to direct. You’ll be able to tick off top sights like the Rialto Fish Market and the Cannaregio district, as well as discover lesser-known gems .

Finish on a high with wine and cicchetti at a traditional bar – it’s a great way to blend in with the locals.

This is a very personal experience, far removed from the group tours that all follow set routes. On these adventures, you’ll be in charge – if there’s somewhere you’re dying to visit, just ask.

If you’re looking for an authentic Venetian tour with an entertaining guide, this is the answer.

11 – Center of Venice: San Marco Free Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 4228 reviews )

Excellent tour, It was interesting and fun! Jose. Guruwalk

This tour takes you on one of the most popular Venice walking routes and is an excellent choice for your first day in the city. What’s more, the experience is free! This means that there’s no fixed price, you just give the guide a tip at the end.

You’ll be exploring San Marco, stopping at key attractions like the Fenice Opera House and the Contarini del Bovolo Palace. As you wander beside the Grand Canal, watch the gondoliers ferry their guests along the water.

Finish with a flourish in St. Mark’s Square where the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica loom large.

• see price & reviews

These Venice walking excursions are a great introduction to the city and are particularly good for first-time visitors. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, this is a cost-effective way of exploring. Just remember to take some cash so you can leave a tip at the end.

12 – Murano Island: Glass-blowing demonstration + Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 2 reviews )

Venice is famous for its glass-blowing , and there’s nowhere better to see it in action than on the island of Murano . The canals of this heritage district are lined with colorful houses, which makes it a popular destination for photographers.

See glass working in action during a demonstration at the Murano glass factory. This timeless craft requires concentration and precision – it’s a privilege to watch the glass-blowers at work.

After your factory visit, you’ll enjoy a guided tour through the atmospheric streets , learning about Murano’s history. Transport is by water taxi, with a scenic ride across the Venice Lagoon.

• check this offer

Once you’ve ticked off the popular sights of central Venice, Murano should be your next point of call. These tours are an easy way to visit one of Venice’s most iconic islands. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable – they make sure you get the most out of your experience.

How to book walking tours in Venice?

If you want to book some of the best walking tours in Venice, there are several companies to choose from. You’ll also find plenty of travel sites selling these excursions online.

Prices may vary between websites so be sure to do your homework. Use the handy TourScanner search engine to compare rates, check out offers and read tour reviews.

• compare walking tours in Venice

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9 best venice tours: st. mark's basilica & more.

Explore one of the world's most beautiful cities on these top tours.

The Best Venice Tours

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Known for its canals, waterways, bridges and other historic attractions , Venice, Italy, offers travelers everything from centuries-old history to unparalleled beauty. Some of the best Venice tours take you to the quietest areas of the city – away from the crowds – to discover Venice's cuisine, wine and culture, while others showcase the city from the water by gondola or kayak. Consulting both traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News identified the tours below as the best Venice has to offer.

Avventure Bellissime – Venice in 1 Day Tour

Price: Adults from 119 euros (about $129); kids from 104 euros (about $113) Duration: 3 hours

If you're short on time, consider this three-hour tour that hits multiple of Venice's top attractions. You'll enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica , as well as a two-hour walking tour (capped at 20 participants) passing sights like Doge's Palace , St. Mark's Square , the Bridge of Sighs , the Rialto Bridge and more. The final leg of your tour is reserved for exploring Venice's world-famous waterways on a one-hour boat ride down the Grand Canal . This is a great way to see much of Venice in just one day, according to tourgoers. Travelers also say it's a great value.

Complimentary headphones are included. Tours run Monday to Saturday around 2:30 p.m. Note: Your shoulders, stomachs and knees must be covered to enter St. Mark's Basilica; large bags are prohibited inside as well. Know, too, that St. Mark's Basilica only offers skip-the-line tickets from April to October.

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Venice Free Walking Tour – Campo SS Apostoli Venice Through the Centuries: North

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 hours

This tour could be a great way to start your visit to Venice. According to reviewers, valuable information is shared on the walk, including locals' recommendations of the best restaurants and places to visit, which could serve you well during the rest of your trip. Though each guide takes travelers along a slightly different route, you'll likely see some of the city's top attractions, learn about its centuries-old history and see much of its incredible architecture.

Tours depart daily at 11 a.m. from Campo Santi Apostoli in front of the well and travel to the eastern part of the Cannaregio district and the western part of the Castello district. The company asks you to consider donating what you think the tour is worth at its conclusion. Additionally, you must reserve a spot online in advance (there is a booking fee of 3 euros, or about $3, per participant). The company offers a couple of other sightseeing tours throughout Venice, as well.

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Venice Kids Tours – A Thrilling Secret Journey Into the Doge's Palace

Price: From 90 euros (about $97) per hour, per party Duration: 2 hours

Ideal for families with kids ages 7 to 18, this tour explores Doge's Palace. Guides lead families through some of the hidden corridors and secret passages not open to the general public as they share stories about the building's history. Also on the agenda is the attic prison, the former torture chamber and the armory, among other spots. Reviewers say their kids love the tour and recommend it to other families.

Kids must be at least 6 years old to tour; the company does not recommend the tour for pregnant women, or for those who have mobility problems or are claustrophobic. Trips depart in the morning only and are limited to five people. Venice Kids Tours offers other family-focused activities, such as scavenger hunts, walking tours and boat tours.

City Wonders – Murano & Burano Islands Small Group Tour by Private Boat

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $42 Duration: 5 hours

Explore two of Venice's most beautiful islands on this outing. You'll first journey to Murano by boat to see a glassmaking demonstration followed by time to shop and explore on your own. You'll then cruise to Burano, where you'll observe Italian women crafting lace by hand, visit a lace museum and stroll around the island. Travelers say the tour is educational and are pleased with the informative guides. Others wish they were given more time to explore the islands.

Tours run a few times daily, normally between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (and vary by season). City Wonders also operates tours of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, among other Venetian hot spots.

Courtesy of Walks of Italy)

Walks of Italy – Exclusive Alone in St. Mark's Basilica After Hours

Price: Adults from $90; kids from $86 Duration: 1.5 hours

This special tour treats you to an inside look at St. Mark's Basilica after it closes its doors to the general public. Guides lead no more than 25 tourgoers inside the basilica, sharing stories of its history as you explore. In addition, you'll visit the crypt, which is not open to the public during normal visiting hours. The crypt is said to house St. Mark's remains, as well as the Pala d'Oro altarpiece, which is adorned with nearly 2,000 gems. Tour-takers say after-hours is a wonderful time to see the cathedral and that guides are passionate and informed.

Tour times depend on the day, but generally depart between 7 and 9:45 p.m. several times a week. The company also offers a secret passages tour of the Doge's Palace, gondola rides and food tours, among other options.

Raphael Tours & Events – Rialto Food Tour in Venice

Price: From $103 Duration: 4 hours

On this tour, you'll explore Rialto by way of your taste buds as your guide takes you to pastry shops, wine bars, restaurants and markets. Along the way, you'll sample meats, cheeses, wines (including sparkling), polenta, olives and more. Travelers say the tour is wonderful and offers plenty to eat. They also appreciate the stories guides share during the adventure.

The tour operates daily, and start times are customizable. Raphael Tours also operates a walking tour of Venice.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – Cicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice

Price: From $107 Duration: 2.5 hours

Support the local economy on this foodie trip that takes you to locally owned and operated businesses to sample Venetian cuisine. During the tour, you'll eat seven cicchetti dishes (think: polenta, seafood and vegetables), drink five glasses of wine and indulge in one dessert. Though you may pass by some big sights like St. Mark's Square, you'll mostly visit less-touristy spots in the Rialto area of the city. Plus, you'll get to ride in a gondola. Travelers praise the tour guides and compliment the food and wine chosen.

Tours are typically offered Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. While this is the company's sole Venice tour, you can tour with Intrepid Urban Adventures in Florence and Rome , too.

Venice Kayak – Premium Day Kayak Tour

Price: From 110 euros (about $119) Duration: 2.5 hours

Kayak your way through the Venetian lagoon on this trip. You'll immerse yourself in a new perspective as you paddle through canals. The company recommends you have a bit of paddling experience. If you don't, you may be able to ride in a double kayak with a more experienced paddler. Tourgoers say this is a wonderful way to see things you won't see on a regular tour and describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Tickets include the use of all equipment, dry bags and shower facilities after your tour. (You may want to bring a change of clothes). Trips run daily at 5p.m. Venice Kayak offers a nighttime tour as well.

ShowMe Venice – The Secret Venice

Price: From $43 Duration: 2 hours

If you want to experience Venice like a true Venetian, travelers advise you to book this tour. You'll learn plenty about Venice's history – especially the Jewish Ghetto – all while exploring the city away from the busy tourist attractions. Tour-takers also appreciate the personal touches guides add to the tours, such as telling stories about their own life in Venice.

Tours are private, so you have your choice of departure times and days. Ticket fees will vary depending on the number of participants in your tour. ShowMe Venice offers a number of other tours both on land and in the canals via a boat.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Venice Hotels
• The Best Hotels in Italy
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Beaches in Italy
• The Best International Travel Insurance

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World's Best Places To Visit

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A stroll through Venice

The Ultimate Self-Guided Venice Walking Tour [UPDATED 2023]

The city of  Venice   is made up of 118 islands, 400 bridges and 150 canals. But you might be surprised to learn it’s a pretty walkable city. The entire island can be explored in one,  albeit long,  day. No one neighbourhood is ever too far away from another. As such, there is a real connection between all the different parts of the island. Venice had only so much land to grow on before spilling into the ocean. Every brick, every stone and every bridge needed to be made with thoughtful consideration. The city’s architecture needed to be a cohesive part of this great puzzle. And walking around, it feels like entering a living art and history museum.

You could take dozens of walking tours around Venice, specializing in different themes or neighbourhoods. But this walking tour is perfect if you have limited time to see the city. Or you just want a good introductory tour to take you around the iconic places which helped form the history and culture of this city.

Walking Tour Details

How long is this walking tour.

This walking tour takes you around some of the most important landmarks around the island. I recommend leaving a whole day for it since it spans almost the entire city. Or you could break the tour into sections to spread over a few days. This tour serves as a great introduction to the various districts. Giving you a glimpse of where you might like to come back and explore more later.

When Should I do this walk?

Monday  is a great day to do this tour. Most museums are closed on Mondays, yet the churches we will visit will remain open. Mondays are also when people have gone back to work, so you’ll get a better idea of what the neighbourhood looks like when all the shops are open. Businesses are bustling, and the cafes serve their daily customers. You can, of course, for this tour any day of the week, but I always recommend Mondays due to the museum’s closures.

Start the tour early in the morning.  The earlier, the better.  I usually wake up before dawn and go to  St. Mark’s Square.  As the sun rises above the city, the square is almost empty , except for the pigeons . There’s nothing like it. Well worth the sacrifice of a little bit of sleep.

When is the Best Time to Visit Venice

The best time to visit Venice is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, from April to June and September to November, respectively. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer, allowing you to explore the city without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. However, keep in mind that Venice experiences high tides, known as acqua alta, from November to March, which can make certain parts of the city inaccessible.

Venice Tourist Tax

Starting January 1st, 2023, Venice will implement a  Tourist Tax  for anyone staying in the city overnight. This  tassa di soggiorno or tourist tax  will be included in your hotel, B&B and alternative accommodation fee. 

But soon, the city will be implementing a day-visit ticket. This is set to cost anywhere from €3 to €10. Visitors from cruise ships or the mainland must book their tickets to visit Venice in advance. This system has not yet been activated, but once online, day visitors will need to pre-register and select the day on which they plan to visit the city.

This new system is being implemented to help visitors contribute to the protection and safeguarding of Venice. All the money from these taxes goes directly toward improving the quality of public services and museums. As well as maintenance to prevent this historic city from sinking into the ground forever.

Start of the Tour: St. Mark’s Square

The best place to start your tour is   standing in the centre of the  Piazza San Marco  or St. Mark’s Square. Arrive here as early as you can. There is something truly magical about being here as the sun rises on the square. You’ll see the beautiful rose-gold sunlight begin to kiss the cobblestone and bricks around you. The sun seems to bring the square to life as cafe owners take out their colourful chairs and pigeons flock around gawking tourists (but please don’t feed them!)

Standing in the centre of the square, in front of the Basilica, you can turn around 360 degrees and see one spectacular sight on top of another. In this small area, you’ll find the  St Mark’s Basilica , the great  Campanile  (Belltower), the  Procuratie,  the  Piazzetta,   Doge’s Palace ,  Bridge of Sighs  and  Torre dell’ Orologio . There is rarely a time when you’ll visit the square when they aren’t some form of construction or renovation going on. With all these historical sights in one place, something is bound to be falling apart and in need of repair. Try to look past that and don’t let it ruin your experience.

The square is named after the patron saint of Venice,  Saint Mark . In 828, a relic of St. Mark was stolen from  Alexandria  and brought back to Venice by  La Serenissima’s  great naval fleet. The Venetian Doge, awed by the acquisition of this precious relic, adopted Saint Mark as the new patron Saint of Venice (whose honour had previously been given to Saint Theodore).

A city with a saintly relic immediately rose in power and prestige. Relics were the first tourist attraction of the medieval world. Pilgrims would come from all over the world to pray at the churches that preserved these relics. Pilgrims, much like tourists today, needed food and shelter. And therefore, they brought lots of money into the city.

A grand church to house the precious artifact began to be built in 836. Even back then, the church and the nearby Doge’s palace were highlights of the medieval city of Venice. A great square was needed to further showcase the opulence the Doge wanted to project. In 1172, orchards were demolished surrounding this area, and the  Piazza San Marco  was built. It’s been rumoured that upon visiting St. Mark’s square for the first time, Napoleon himself degreed that it was “ the drawing room of Europe .”

The Procuratie

The simplistic yet elegant buildings along the north and south sides of the square are called the  Procuratie.  The Procuratie is most identifiable by the stunning arcade that wraps around this side of the square. The arcade features distinct Byzantine arches that shield visitors from the elements.

The Procuratie once served as the offices of the Venetian Republic, also called  La Serenissima . Today they house the  Correr Museum , the  Museum of the Risorgimento , and the  Archeological Museum . Each one of these is an incredible place to visit. But the  Correr Museum  is my favourite with its collection of art detailing the history of the city of Venice.

The Lion of Venice

Throughout St. Mark’s square, you’ll see various lion sculptures adorning doorways, columns and facades. The official ‘Lion of Venice’ is usually seen with his paw resting upon a bible. And he is not just any lion, but  St. Mark’s  Lion. St. Mark was often referred to as a lion, as he preached the word of the lord so powerfully it almost seemed like a roar. Legend says that when St. Mark was travelling through Europe and arrived in Venice, he was visited by an angel. The angel told him Venice would be where his body would rest for eternity. His remains were originally interred in Alexandra but moved to Venice, where the basilica was built to honour them as the angel had foreseen.

Caffe Florian

Now housed inside one of the old Procuratie is perhaps the most sumptuous cafe in Venice or perhaps Europe itself. Although this cafe is by no means cheap, it’s a splurge that I think is worth it to experience the incredible interiors and history to be found within. The  Caffe Florian  was founded in 1720 and has served patrons like  Charles Dickens  and  Lord Byron . There is a €6 cover charge to even enter the cafe. But along with enjoying the lavish interiors, you’ll also be treated to live music throughout the cafe. Palacial red velvet couches and chairs are spread across the huge cafe, a maze of cozy antechambers. Each room is covered in ornate paintings, large Murano glass mirrors, gold foiled frames and intricate frescos plastered on the ceiling.

To save money, go to the bar and order your food or drinks there. Although you won’t get a seat, the bar menu is vastly cheaper than table service. An espresso at the bar will still run you €5, but again, you’re here for the atmosphere. If you’d rather save your money, you can opt to give this a miss. Instead, grab a coffee on your way toward St. Mark’s square from any local cafe to enjoy while you peruse the sights around you.

The Campanile

Standing guard in the centre of the square is the 323ft tall  Campanile   or Belltower . The low-level buildings throughout Venice are in stark contrast to the towering red brick Campanile. Its little pointed tower pokes out atop the skyline no matter where you end up in Venice. While the original tower was built in 1514, the current one is a reconstruction from 1912 after its collapse in 1902. It’s incredible to imagine that such a tall structure could survive for so long-standing atop the shifting waters below. But it wasn’t actually the water which proved to be the biggest enemy of the tower; it was lightning. Lightning struck the tower multiple times over the years, causing several fires and severe internal damage to the structure.

The Bells of the Campanile

The tall base of the tower is designed with a fluted shaft that reaches up towards the belfry. On each side of the belfry are a series of arched windows looking out over the square. Inside the belfry are five huge bells. Each one was used to call the people of Venice to attention. The bells have their own distinctive name and special significance. The Renghiera bell announced executions. The Mezza Terza would declare that a session of the Senate was taking place. The Nona sounded the midday hour. The Trottiera was used to assemble the Maggiore Consiglio and the Marangoni, the largest of the bells, rang to mark the beginning and end of the working day. Before anyone even had watches to tell time or Twitter to announce the day’s news, these bells were all the public had to get collective, daily information.

Above the arches of the belfry is another level of brickwork decorated with various sculptures on either side. On one farside, you’ll see the Lion of St. Mark and on the other, the female representation of Venice, in the shape of the Lady Justice. The golden weathervane which crowns the tower is sculptured into the angel Gabriel. He stands tall, reaching out toward the citizens below.

Torre Dell’Orologio

Turn to the square’s northeast corner, and look up at the bright blue and gold details decorating the fantastical Torre Dell’Orologio . In the morning light, the sun glints off the golden dials. The clock was built in the 15th century when the possession of a mechanical clock symbolized the wealth and power of a city. The clock was positioned facing out towards the water so that any foreign ships could see the time from the canals as they passed through. With a spyglass, of course, their eyesight wasn’t that good.

Atop the tower containing the clock, you can see two small bronze figures who carry large hammers in their hand. These figures move upon the hour to strike the bell, causing the bells to ring. One of the figures is a young man, and the other is an old man, symbolizing the passage of time. Once more, we see the image of the  Lion of Venice  above the clock, set against a blue sky of golden stars. Below the lion is the figure of the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus wrapped in her arms. On either side of her are two blue panels with the time represented in roman numerals on the left. And on the right in Arabic numerals, as was the tradition during the Byzantine era.

The Clock Face

The most impressive feature of the clock are the blue and gold sculptural engravings set within the numerals. Each one was fantastically carved to represent the signs of the zodiac. The central dial, emblazed with the sun’s image, revolves around the zodiac signs. But rather than showing the time, the sundial marks the date. The smallest dial, closest to the central, holds a tiny orb representing the phase of the moon that changes throughout the year.

St Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica  is one of the most precious treasures from the Byzantine period. Preserved in amber, there are so many aspects of history, art, culture and faith from that era. The most significant elements of the church’s design are the mighty, tiled onion domes that glitter against the sea-blue sky. The bulb-shaped domes with their golden finials lanterns give the church that middle eastern appearance that defined Byzantine art and architecture.

Exterior Design of St. Mark’s

The exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica can be studied by looking at its three distinctive areas; the lower level, upper level, and domes. The lower-level mosaics portray scenes from the life of Saint Mark, for whom the church derives its name. In the central arch where the enormous doorway is located, there is the largest mosaic, which depicts the Last Judgment. The original mosaic would have been made in the 13th century, but this current incarnation is from the 19th century after much-needed restorations. The portals that lead into the church are held up by marble columns in a plethora of colours and patterns. Each one is set inwards, towards the doorway, creating a foreshortening perspective. Giving the viewer the effect of being pulled into the church.

On either side of the central portal, the mosaics depict the life of St. Mark. The mosaic on the left is the only surviving piece from the 13th century. Above these central portals, we can study the arched lunettes. These mosaics depict the life of Christ.

The Balcony

The upper-level balcony is home to four important bronze horses. These are the  Horses of Saint Mark-Lysippos . Originally stolen from Constantinople in 1252. The ones outside the church today are replicas of the original sculptures, as these suffered terribly from the elements. They were brought inside the church museum to ensure they could be preserved for years. The bronze horses date all the way back to classical antiquity. It is rumoured that perhaps they were once a part of the  Arch of Trajan  in  Rome . Positioned pulling an emperor’s chariot. But these horses were one of the many trophies collected during the Crusades, which is how they journeyed to Venice.

Ogee Arches

Arching behind the golden horses and above the second-floor lunettes are a series of ogee arches. Ogee arches are a type of arch with an S-shaped curve consisting of two arcs that meet at a point. Not only do these designs add an aesthetically pleasing element to the building, but they also serve a functional purpose by providing additional support for the structure. Ogee arches have a rich history in architecture and can be traced back to various ancient civilizations, including the Romans and the Greeks. However, the use of ogee arches in Islamic architecture during the 12th and 13th centuries is where they gained prominence and influenced such structures as the basilica we see today. 

Set within the central arch is the gilded and winged lion of Venice. Standing brightly against the blue-tiled sky and golden stars. Saint Mark and his choir of six angels decorated the top of the facade, looking down on the throngs of visitors below. 

Admission & Tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica

If you want to go inside the Basilica, be warned that the queue can get very long. And you need to book your tickets in advance and select the exact arrival time. But even with these timed tickets, you will still need to wait in line. Reserved timed tickets to cost  €20.50  and include an audio guide. There is also an option to purchase a skip-the-line ticket, but this will cost €39. Free cancellation is   included in your ticket, which must be done 24 hours in advance for a full refund. I would choose the earliest reservation time to ensure you are the first in the door, leaving the rest of your day open.

No large bags or backpacks are allowed inside the basilica. If you have one, leave it at the Ateneo San Basso in the Piazzetta dei Leoncini (at the north facade to the left of the main entrance.) Be sure to do this before you get in line as you don’t want to be turned away and have to line up again. Remember that the basilica requires guests to adhere to their  dress code.  No bare shoulders or shorts, and men should wear shirts. 

Interior of St. Mark’s Basilica

Upon entering the church, you’ll first notice the overwhelming amount of golden mosaics covering everything from the floors to the ceiling of the building. There are over 85,000 square feet of mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica. The light reflects off the surface of the glass, and depending on the time of the day, the light can change the effect and the appearance of the interior. There was such a large amount of gold used in the church’s construction that the residents of Venice began to call it the  Chizea d’Oro  or  the Gold Church .

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Because the Basilica was built during the Byzantine age, architectural methods weren’t as advanced as they are now. You’ll notice thick walls, hundreds of columns and the heavy use of marble, which were used as rudimentary supports. They needed to use the strongest of materials to help keep the multi-domed ceiling from caving in.

Inside the church are the treasures of the fourth crusade on the holy land. During the 4th century, Venice deemed itself the holiest place on earth. And therefore, all the treasures crusading armies found were brought to Venice. One such treasure was the  Pala d’Oro . The Pala d’Oro is the frame enclosing the high altar inside the church. It is decorated with panels featuring 1,300 pearls, 300 emeralds, 300 sapphires, 400 garnets, 100 amethysts, rubies, and topazes. A glittering masterpiece.

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Porta Della Carta

When you exit the church, be sure to take a moment to study the  Porta della Carta  on the south side of the church. In 1442, the ceremonial entrance was built to connect the basilica to the  Doge’s Palace . The doorway is dripping in gothic ornamentation, with two tall, thin pinnacles flanking either side of the statue of the  Doge Francesco Foscari.  The statue of the Doge is seen kneeling before the Lion of Saint Mark. Below each pinnacle, we can also spot various statues representing the cardinal virtues.  

Doge’s Palace

A  Venetian Doge  is something that many of you may not have heard of before. A Doge is pretty much like an English Duke; who served as the leader of the Republic of Venice from 726 to 1797. The Doge would rule over Venice from his seat of power inside the incredible  Doge’s Palace . Today the building serves as a public  museum .

The building itself is a wonder to behold. Despite the enormity of the upper structure, it looks almost weightless as it is supported by these delicate pink Verona marble columns. The columns are decorated with a lacy pattern, making them look even more fragile. The top of the building is adorned with spiked merlons that look like meringue frosting atop this architectural cake.

Walk through the arcade under the Doge’s Palace and study the individual capitals atop the exterior columns. Each one features a different set of sculptures with various animals, vegetal designs and more!

Piazzetta 

Past the Basilica, walk south towards the water, where you can find the Piazzetta . The Piazzetta is the smaller square to the south of the main square. In the middle of the square are two large two columns made of red marble. These two columns were where death sentences were announced during the medieval ages.

At the top of the columns are two statues. Each depicts one of the patron saints of Venice, St. Mark and St. Theodore , on the left and right, respectively, if you’re facing the water. St. Mark is depicted as the winged lion of Venice, and St. Theodore can be seen standing atop, of all things, a crocodile . In his hand, he holds a spear which we can assume he used to slay the giant crocodile. Saint Theodore is commonly known for slaying a dragon, not a crocodile. But perhaps the Venetian artists of the time had little knowledge of what a real dragon looked like, so instead, they carved the next best thing, which I guess was a crocodile. Makes sense when you think about it!

The Bridge of Sighs

Walk around the Doge’s Palace until you turn to face the  Bridge of Sighs . The bridge of sighs was created to join the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace to the prison across the canal. If you were found guilty by the Serenissima, you were sent to prison, but upon crossing the bridge, you were allowed to look out at Venice one last time. Two small, square windows on the bridge allowed prisoners this one moment of reflection before facing their possible lifetime of imprisonment. The windows on the bridge are covered in tightly knit wrought iron bars, so no one could make an escape.

Calle de Fabbri

Head back to the area in front of the Basilica, and walk north along the  Calle de Fabbri , crossing over the Ponte dei Dai .  Calle  is the Italian word for a narrow street. Like many streets in Venice, this one is named after the occupation of the people who worked in this area.  Fabbri  means  locksmith , and it was along his street where you’d once have found the city’s locksmiths at work. Head northwest on Calle dei Fabbri and turn left onto Calle S. Gallo until you reach the Ponte Tron .

Due to the proximity to St. Mark’s square, this bridge is often pretty crowded. But its old stone design and views out to the gondola-covered canals aren’t anything to whizz past. If you’re lucky enough to be here when it’s quiet, this is one of the more romantic spots in the city. Even on busy days, I love just standing here just watching the gondola traffic. Sometimes dozens of gondolas get stuck in this narrow canal. See, even Venice has traffic jams!

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Pont dei Fuseri

Continue southwest on Calle Tron, turning right onto Calle Frezzaria as it curves and becomes Calle Barcaroli. Make a right north onto Ramo dei Fuseri to the bridge Ponte Dei Fuseri. There are 400 bridges in Venice which cross 150 canals! Before Venice’s bridges were built, these little islands all acted as their own private communities. These communities needed to be self-serving with their own churches, markets, shops, and micro-culture. Even today, you can still make out the borders of these various micro-neighbourhoods as you cross from one bridge to another. As you reach the Pont dei Fusari , you are finally starting to get away from the tourist crowds, and the real Venice starts to open up for you. 

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Continue along Calle dei Fuseri and turn left onto Calle de la Vida o de le Locande. Then, turn left onto Scala Contarini del Bovolo, where you’ll find the towering Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

This brick Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo has become an iconic viewpoint in Venice. The Palazzo’s incredible, honeycomb-like spiral staircase, with a fantastic balcony at the top, provides one of the most amazing views across the city and over St. Mark’s square. The staircase is called the  “Scala Contarini del Bovolo ” or “the snail.”

Built in the 15th century for the wealthy  Contarini family , the house became notable for its unique outer staircase. In 1952  Orson Welles  also fell in love with the house. He even featured it in his film adaptation of  Shakespeare’s   Othello . The Palazzo was closed for many years, but in 2016 it opened its doors to the public. You can climb the stairs to the top for three euros and get a snap of the skyline.

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Corte Teatro & Teatro Goldoni

Head back to the Calle de la Vida o de le Locande and walk west towards the Calle de la Vida o de le Locande/Campo Manin. Turn right onto Rio Terrà S. Paternian, then make another left onto Calle Minelli. Walk along Minelli until you reach the Corte Teatro. Walking along the Corte Teatro until you come to the square at the end of the street.

This dreamy square, with a lovely nearby cafe, is surrounded by red and yellow-painted buildings. But dominating the square is also a HUGE boring grey wall.  Why are we looking at a large grey wall , you ask? Well, this is the back entrance to the  Teatro Goldoni .  But Why are we looking at the back, not the front?  Well, the front is even less interesting if you can believe it. But the history of this building is such an important part of Venice’s past that it’s worth stopping here for the story!

During the 17th century, trade had begun to twindle in Venice, with other European ports being able to accept larger ships than Venice. Rich families who had made their money in trade needed to suddenly find other means of earning funds. In the 17th century, Opera was quickly becoming the most popular activity for the aristocrats to indulge in. But at the time, it was only performed in private courts. Seeing an opportunity here, rich Venetian families began to invest in building theatres that could bring Opera and music to the public.

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Teatro Vendramin

Suddenly, theatres began to pop up all over Venice, each vying for the most popular singers to draw in the biggest audience. The  Teatro Vendramin  was the original name of the first theatre, which stood here in 1622. It was built by the illustrious  Vendramin family . The theatre was renovated in 1720 and named after the infamous Venetian actor  Carlo Goldoni .

But the renovation of 1720 destroyed all of the original, elaborate Renaissance architecture, and we were left with the boring interior and exterior design you can see today. Luckily, some intelligent historians preserved the archives before the renovation. This included a copy of every play, the list of previous actors and, most importantly, the original architectural drawings was saved as well.

The theatre was kept in the same family for years. And when it came time to restore it in the 19th century, architects could discover precisely what the original theatre looked like inside and restore its interior to its former beauty. Sadly, we are still waiting for the exterior to get the same treatment. Today, the theatre is used by the  Teatro Stabile del Veneto  to put on modern productions and musical performances.

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The Grand Canal

Continue walking north along the  Corte Theatro , through an almost impossibly narrow alley, until you emerge out into the bright light of the  Grand Canal  along the  Riva del Carbon . As this is the first time we are really faced with the view of the Grand Canal, we should talk a little bit about this ever-so-important waterway. The  Venetian Grand Canal  splits the city of Venice in two. 

The original waterway was much narrower and was a branch of the river  Brenta . Ancient Venetian fishermen were once the only ones who lived along its shores in simple stilt houses. Stilt houses ensured the rising tides didn’t wash their houses away.

History of the Grand Canal

It wasn’t until the 9th century, when the Doge moved his palace into the more protected area of what would become St Mark’s square, that the canal was widened. A broader canal was needed to make room for the enormous ships which were brought in and used to bring building materials for the grand palace. The canal soon became less of a fishing spot and more like a luxurious main street, but one made of water. Wealthy families began buying cheap property and building huge manors along the now  Grand  Canal.

The grand canal was now the main entryway into the city, and the Venetian Republic wanted every building lining it to demonstrate the city’s power, wealth and artistic sensibilities. Like a parade of the best architecture Europe had to offer. This huge canal is now flanked by 170 illustrious buildings. Some dating back to as early as the 13th century.

Palazzo Bembo

Turn right and walk along with the  Riva del Carbon  until you reach a stone bridge. Stop just before the bridge to admire the red building to your right. This is the  Palazzo Bembo . This unbelievable building was owned by the Bembo family and was built in the 15th century! Obviously, there has been many renovations and restorations over time, but the original structure shockingly remains much unchanged.

The design of the building encompasses much of what traditional Venetian architecture looked like in the 15th century. The Byzantine influence was still going strong! And you can spot various of their traditional elements fused together here in the polyforms  which cover the facade. A  polyform  is a multi-light window used on the upper floors to bring light into the structure by using wider openings. 

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Pietro Bembo  was born in Venice in 1470 and built the Palazzo Bembo as his lavish residence. Pietro Bembo was one of the most influential Venetian scholars and writers who helped develop the Tuscan language. He also spent much of his life creating and promoting  a madrigal , a secular form of music developed during the Renaissance. He believed that music should be for more than just religious devotion. That music could be used to express everyday human emotion. That seems obvious to us now, but at the time, music was mainly composed for the church. And the subject matter was  exclusively  religious. We have Pietro Bembo to thank, in a small part, for why we have pop and rock music today!

Rialto Bridge

Continue along with the Riva del Carbon as it turns into the  Riva del Ferro , walking along the edge of the Grand Canal. Emerging from the last arcade, you’ll be greeted almost immediately by the sight of the bright white stones of the  Rialto bridge . The Rialto Bridge is the most famous of Venice’s canal bridges. It is also the oldest of the four major bridges connecting the various districts and neighbourhoods. The original bridge built here in 1173 was first made of wood. It went by the name  Ponte Della Moneta , which means “ money bridge .” The name reflected the industry of the area. This was where the largest mint in Venice once stood. People would flood into their area and cross the bridge at all hours of the day to deposit and take out their cash!

The old wooden bridge was split down the center and could be raised on either side to allow tall ships to enter these narrow canals. This was of the utmost importance, especially when the  Rialto Market  opened, as boats would come in mass to deliver fresh fruits, vegetables and fish to the centre of Venice. But as time passed, the old wooden bridge wasn’t up to snuff. After years and years of wear, riots, fires and crowds, eventually, it collapsed.

New Rialto Bridge

The new Rialto bridge design was completed in 1551. The architect who designed it did away with the raised wooden design and favoured stone as it was more durable and could last the test of time. Since the stone bridge couldn’t be raised, he needed to ensure that it was tall enough at its peak to accommodate the galley ships that needed to pass through. The result was this grand arched design that has such a theatrical quality to it.

Atop the stone bridge are a series of covered porticos which contain shops on either side. The addition of shops allowed the bridge to earn rent on the space. The money from this goes towards the maintenance of the bridge. A large arch, like the crown, is set in the center of the porticos atop this stunning structure.

Avoiding the Tourist Traps

Unfortunately, the shops along the bridge are somewhat of a tourist trap, selling tacky souvenirs along the entire walkway. But, if you look at it from afar, you can ignore the tourist tat and focus only on the gorgeous silhouette it forms about the teal waters of the canal.

If you’re looking for a spot to sit to enjoy the view, there are these two little nooks on the bottom of the bridge where you can sit beside the water. This is one of the most amazing places to watch boats and gondolas float by, with stacks of fruits and vegetables coming into the market as the midday sun casts its bright rays down on the city. Once you’ve taken in all, there is to see below, walk up the bridge and make sure to stop in the centre to get that iconic view across Venice and the Grand Canal.

Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

Crossing the bridge and heading to the island on the other side, you’ll walk through the  Campo de San Giacomo di Rialto . This unassuming square is dominated by a rather small, strange-looking church. This is the  Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto , supposedly the oldest church in Venice, consecrated in 421! The most unique aspect of this church is the huge clock set into its 15th-century facade.

This area of Venice, known as  San Silvestro , was where all the wealthy bankers of the city lived. The bankers who lived here funded the church’s renovation, and while construction went on, they added a large clock and bell tower to its design. Being able to tell the time was of the utmost importance for traders and bankers. While clockfaces aren’t that uncommon on buildings around Venice, this one is absurdly large. Those bankers really wanted the most bang for their buck! It’s also interesting to note that the hours aren’t positioned as they are on modern-day clocks. Whereas most clocks now only have 12 number positions, this one displays all 24. Ironically enough, this clock is a notoriously bad timekeeper. So don’t be fooled if you think you’ve lost an hour of your life somewhere in the streets of Venice. 

Venetian Street Names

As we make our way toward the Mercado di Rialto, we walk along the  Ruga Degli Oresi.  Like many streets in Venice, the  Ruga Degli Oresi  gets its name from the professions or trades which once were active in the area.  Orsi  means  goldsmith , as there was once a large faction of gold and jewellery traders working here. Many other notable streets in Venice have the same kind of naming convention. There is the  Calle de la Malvasia,  where you’d find the winemakers.

The  Campiello del Remer  for the rowboats, the  Calle de Forni,  which was where you’d find the bakers, the  Botteri  for the coppers,  Calle de Magazine  for the grocery shops and even the C alle de Fiubera  for the buckle makers! This would have made finding what you were looking to buy so simple! No need for yellow pages or even google! Find the street with the corresponding name, and you’re in the right spot.

Mercado di Rialto

Now that you’ve been introduced to the city’s history, it’s time to meet the people of Venice. And there is no better place to get a peek into the real lives of its residents than to head to the  Rialto Market ! The  Rialto Market  is one of the last remaining fresh food markets in the city and, as such, is a bustling place for locals to come and buy their food. Unlike in North America, where we shop for a week’s worth of food at a large chain grocery store, Italians buy only what they need for that day. And repeat the process every day of the week. While this might sound exhausting, it means fresh food every day and the chance to make lasting relationships with the vendors you buy your food from. Something I dearly long for and admire greatly when visiting cities like Venice.

History of the Rialto Market

But the Rialto Market is much more than just a place to get some of the best food in the city! It is also a place of great historical value. Of all the rich bankers and traders who lived in the region, the most famous were the  Rivoalto  family. The Rivoalto traders were one of the first families to come into the lagoon to set up a trading post. They picked this location because it was well situated along the bend of the canal. This meant it was located on higher ground and therefore was spared from some floodings that other parts of the island suffered through. 

The first known market opened here in 1097. Because the family didn’t have to constantly rebuild their homes, they were in a much better financial position than many other families in the area. There wasn’t home insurance to help you back then. The Rivoaltos grew in prominence and wealth and soon controlled so much of the neighbourhood that the area was named after them.

Layout of the Market

The outdoor portion of the market is where you’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables under brightly coloured awnings. If you’re looking for a snack, there is nothing more refreshing than a basket of fresh fruit!

Opposite the green awning of the outdoor market is the neo-gothic fish hall, or  Pescheria,  built in the early 1900s. Outside the red brick building, there is still a marble plaque which you should study before heading inside. This plaque denotes the different types of fish allowed to be legally sold here when the marketplace was first built. Certain varieties of fish were being overcaught, and laws were set in place to ensure there was a limit on how many a household could buy to prevent their depopulation.

The Fish Hall

The fish hall is a rustic building with dramatic arches surrounding the exterior. Towering columns continue throughout the interior, making a simple stone building feel rich and illustrious. Fresh fish has long been one of the most important resources in Venice. All they have to do is throw out their rod, and the freshest fish comes jumping out of the sea and pouring into the market. It can’t get much more local than that!

The marketplace was facing the chance of being shut down a few years ago due to a possible canal expansion for cruise ships. Thankfully, the citizens convinced the city to put a stop to this, and the market was saved. But as more and more people shop at larger grocery stores on the island, markets like this always face the chance of being closed. So if you visit, buy at least a little something to show your support. We bought some fresh raspberries and cherries, and they were absolutely delicious. The perfect on-the-go treat!

Ca’ d’Oro

Before heading to our next stop, walk to the corner of the Fondamenta de le Prigioni, across from the Campo de la Pescaria. From here, you have a perfect view across the Canal towards the  Ca’ d’Oro . The  Ca’ d’Oro of Palazzo Santa Sofia  was an illustrious palace built along the Grand Canal for the Contarini family in 1428. The Contarini family was responsible for rearing eight different Doges and was one of the wealthiest families in Venice.

To show off their wealth and power, they wanted to create a palace that mirrored the greatness of the  Doge’s Palace  in St. Mark’s square.  Ca’ d’Oro  means the  golden house . When the building was first constructed, the entire facade was covered in gilt polychrome, giving the effect of being made entirely of gold!

Venetian Gothic

The palace’s architecture is one of the best-surviving examples of Venetian Gothic architecture . The iconic elements characteristic of this style are gallery windows with heavy tracery details featuring quatrefoil designs and byzantine-inspired decorations. Ogee arches span the balcony’s facade, each capped with a wonderfully carved relief ornament.

Inside, the lavish details continue. Even the flooring was made into a work of art. Different coloured stones were used to create fanciful patterns. Since 1927, the building has served as the  Galleria Giorgio Franchetti ,  which features a wonderful collection of 15th-century art.

Riding a Traghetto

Instead of backtracking over the Rialto bridge to get to  Cannaregio  island (our next stop), we’re going to opt for a very Venetian method of crossing the canal, a  Traghetto ! You can find the Traghetto ferry dock along the Fondamenta de le Prigioni , across from the Campo de la Pescaria . Walk over to the water’s edge, where you’ll see a small dock and what appears to be a series of black gondolas. “ But gondolas are so expensive! ” you say. And rightly so, they are. But these are not gondolas; they are  traghetti . A  traghetto  (or  traghetti  if you’re referring to them as plural) means  ferry  in Italian. These little ferry boats take passengers across the Grand Canal when there are no nearby bridges.

This is essentially how many Venetians would have made these crossings long ago. A trip on a traghetto costs €2, which might seem a bit pricey for a quick journey, but they save you a ton of time. Plus, it gives you a short but sweet experience on a gondola-type boat. Sure, you might have to share it with a group but it’s the same design, just less romantic. The trip across the water provides a beautiful view of the Ca’ d’Oro from afar, so you can better study all of it in all its glory before getting up close and personal. The Traghetto will let you off at the  Santa Sofia  in the neighbourhood of Cannaregio.

This area of the island is called  Cannaregio . Cannaregio is home to the old  Jewish Quarter  and is where most of Venice’s permanent residents live. This means that you’ll see things more than just tourist attractions. Places like schools, corner stores, and traditional Venetian houses aren’t sprawling palazzos. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Venice, Cannaregio is my favourite spot, as it feels like the community’s beating heart.

Ponte Chiodo

We are going to set off into Cannaregio via the Strada Nova. The Strada Nova a wide pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes. Turn right from the Strada Nova onto Fondamenta S. Felice. This is such a picturesque street and peaceful canal. As you look down along the canal, you can see four different bridges all along one short stretch of water. The most interesting of these bridges is towards the end of the street, called the  Ponte Chiodo.  The Ponte Chiodo dates back to the fifteenth century and is one of the last two bridges that doesn’t have any balustrades to prevent people from falling right into the canal! The city built another bridge just next to it with proper railings but kept the old one as a memory of the past. 

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Scuola Grande della Misericordia

We continue west into Cannaregio across the  Ponte della Misericordia  to the first of two old schools we will look at. The  Scuola Grande della Misericordia  dominates the northern side of the sestiere Cannaregio. The  Scuola Grande della Misericordia  (New School of Mercy) was one of seven  Scuole Grandi  in Venice. These “Scuole Grandi” or “Great Schools” were religious and charitable organizations. Developed in the 13th century, they were the most important social institutions in the Serenissima Republic of Venice. The secular institutions played a crucial role in the fabric of political and religious life. The  Old  School of Mercy was built in 1308 in the typical gothic style (we will see this building at the next stop.) 

But as the organization grew in size, a new building was commissioned to house the growing organization.  Jacopo Sansovino  was brought on to build the “Scuola Nuova,” or  New School.  Built in 1532, the imposing quadrangular structure was strongly influenced by Roman classicism. Building work continued over the next fifty years; unfortunately, Sansovino died before the building was completed. Today the building is used as a gallery and events space, but the exterior architecture has been preserved for us to admire.

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Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia 

Head northeast on Sestiere Cannaregio toward  Campo de l’Abazia . In this small square, you can see the old Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia in one corner and the original  Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia  in the other. The Scuola Vecchia della Misericordia (“Old School of Mercy”) was the first seat of the organization. When they built the new school, this building was sold off to the guild of the silk weavers in 1634.

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Casa del Tintoretto

Continue west along Fondamenta de l’Abazia, across the wooden Ponte dei Muti, then along Corte dei Muti and turn left toward Fondamenta dei Mori. Along this canal-side street is the old Casa del Tintoretto . This crumbling old house bears a small plaque with the bust of a man on the top. This is the  Casa del Tintoretto,  where the artist  Tintoretto  lived from 1574 to 1594. Tintoretto is one of the few artists who lived and worked in Venice but who was also born here . Many artists flocked to Venice during the Renaissance as the art scene exploded, but Tintoretto was the original trendsetter. His great work helped form the  Venetian school of art  and even perhaps the artist style which defined the Renaissance itself.

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Campo dei Mori

Continuing west, you are greeted by the small, peaceful square Campo dei Mori . As you turn into the square, take note of the strange statue on the corner of the Osteria l’Orto dei Mori . This statue looks almost as if it has a beak. Three carvings were made in the 13th century, one in each corner. They represent the three merchant brothers who famously opposed the Republic of Venice. Back then, it was treason to speak up against your government. In reaction to their controversial attitude, these unflattering carvings were made to mark their treason in stone forever. Years later, their bravery in speaking out against injustice is honoured, and the statues are revered. Venetians today are known to hang satirical comments on these statues. Addressing and airing their problems with local politicians.

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Church of Madonna dell’ Orto

Continue north, along the  Campo Dei Mori , and head across the bridge. Here you’ll come face to face with the grand Church of Madonna dell Orto.  Considering this church’s history and beauty, you’d think it would be overrun with tourists. But, since it’s located so far away from the city centre, often you’ll find this square empty and all to yourself!

The church was first constructed in the mid-14th century for the  Humailiati  order. Never heard of them? Not surprising since they were ousted from Italy in 1462. Despite their name  Humiliati , meaning “ humble ,” the pope famously referred to them as  humiliating . He believed them to take part in sacrilegious behaviours, which included gluttony and lust. One of their members even tried to assassinate archbishop  Carlo Borromeo,  whose task was to reform their order. While the order was definitely not the most pious, they were certainly great art lovers, which can be seen in the design and decoration of this great church.

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Church Facade

This church’s facade is one of my favourite pieces of architecture. There are so many tiny details packed into this small space. The current facade dates back to 1460. The sloped sides of the church are lined with a series of twelve niches, where dozens of statues are placed depicting the twelve Apostles. The niches are each framed in bright white columns creating this very visually powerful ribbon effect along the roofline. On either side of the entrance door are two huge quadruple-mullioned windows that allow light to flow into the church’s interior.

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Atop the ornate ogee archway leading into the church is the statue of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travellers. This was the saint the church was initially dedicated to. However, it changed consecration to the Holy Virgin later in the century. On either side of St. Christoper are statues of the Madonna and the Archangel Gabriel. Above St. Christoper, the pointed roof is decorated in small arches and bas-reliefs with geometrical motifs. The large Eastern-style onion-domed bell tower is surrounded by four statues of the Evangelists. And at the very top is a statue of the Redeemer made in white marble.

Church Interior

Enter the church if it’s open, as this church contains some fantastic works of art. As this is the district where Tintoretto lived, this church contains three different pieces from the great artist. Works by Tintoretto in the church include a  Presentation in the Temple ( South aisle, close to the East end),  Adoration of the Golden Calf,   Last Judgement  (both in the apse, either side of the main altar) and the  Four Cardinal Virtues  (in the upper storey of the apse, behind the altar), all from 1562 to 1564. Walk into the apse and find your way to the right Chapel. On the floor is a simple engraved tomb where master Tintoretto is now laid to rest. Happily surrounded by his amazing works of art.

Jewish Quarter

From the Campo della Madonna dell’Orto head southwest along the Fondamenta Madona de l’Orto. Turn left onto Calle Loredan, where you’ll pass over a few little wooden bridges. When you arrive at Ponte del Forno, cross over onto the Calle del Forno. Turn right onto Fondamenta dei Ormesini and walk for a few minutes admiring the many different cafes and restaurants along this street beside the canal. When you spot the gorgeous iron bridge covered in swirling filagree, turn left onto Cl. Ghetto Vecchio into the heart of the Jewish Quarter. Hearing the words  Jewish Ghetto , you might think we are entering an area built during WWII, but this ghetto had nothing to do with the Nazis. This neighbourhood actually area predates WWII by more than 400 years!

History of the Jewish Quarter in Venice

In 1509, a large portion of the Jewish community from Germany fled the mainland and moved to Venice. Venice had agreed to allow these Jewish refugees to live inside a small neighbourhood on the island of Cannaregio. But in that area alone. The area they were segregated inside was no bigger than an acre and contained hundreds of Jewish refugees. The old district had once been the location of the old copper foundries. The word  ghetto  was actually coined in Venice. In Italian, the word  ghetto  or ‘ get’  translates to ‘ foundry’  or ‘ foundries .’ But over time, the word became synonymous with an area where members of a minority group live, as was in the case of the original Jewish ghetto in Venice.

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Although Venice had given them a place to live, that didn’t mean their life was free and easy. Jewish Venetians were forced to make their living only by selling rags and running pawnshops. This was the only type of employment they were allowed to have at the time. The only exception was Jewish doctors and those with skills in the printing press industries. They worked on printing Hebrew texts and keeping their religion and culture alive in the  Ghetto Ebraico or Jewish Ghetto .

Merchant of Venice

In the 16th century, Jewish citizens from Spain fleeing the Spanish inquisition also arrived in the ghetto. These Jewish Spaniards developed the narrative of the “ merchants of Venice .” They were skilled and sought-after traders and merchants. Soon, the Jewish quarter was the centre of foreign trade in Venice. This new industry brought in a substantial amount of money to the Serenissima, allowing them to stay in business despite previous restrictions on this kind of work in the quarter.

Although Venice allowed Jewish people to live and worship in this area, their lives were highly regulated and segregated. As early as the 16th century, Jewish citizens had to wear either yellow hats or yellow badges to distinguish them from Venetian Christians. The ghetto also had a strict curfew which the residents had to follow. Boats filled with members of the Serenissima would circle the canals at night to ensure no one broke curfew. The punishment for doing so was severe. To many residents, this area must have felt more like a prison than an escape from the persecution they had been trying to flee.

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The First Vertical City

Despite these restrictions, the Jewish quarter’s population grew and flourished. More synagogues began to be constructed. But residential development was difficult. Since they were limited to this small island, their only chance for expansion was to go up vertically. The Jewish quarter in Venice was known to be the first real “vertical city.” Even today, walking around this part of Cannaerigio, you’ll see how much taller these buildings are compared to the rest of the city.

In 1797, Napoleon’s entry into Venice freed the Jewish people from their ghetto. Napoleon abolished these divisions. Jewish Venetians were finally free to buy property throughout the rest of the city. Since they were now some of the wealthiest citizens, they were able to buy up some of the most beautiful palazzos on the Grand Canal. Over the years, these Jewish citizens became as much a part of Venice as any other native Italian. Perhaps because they were such an important part of the fabric of Venetian society, their betrayal at the hands of Italian fascists later in WWII was so devastating. And almost led to their extinction.

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World War II in Venice

Jewish people throughout Europe were rounded up and sent to concentration camps during WWII. But, thanks to the sacrifice of  Giuseppe Jona , head of the Jewish Community in Venice, a large portion of Jewish Venetians managed to escape. When the Nazis demanded Jona make a list of Jewish people living in Venice, he agreed but used the time to warn his community. On the day he was told to deliver the list, he burnt the papers and took his own life, fearing he would be murdered for his actions. The Nazis were only able to find 243 Jewish Venetians who were deported. Only eight of them returned home.

Before WWII, Venice had a Jewish population of around 150,000. After the war, little more than 1,200 people returned to their homes. On one side of the Ghetto Nuovo square is a large bronze monument in honour of the victims of the Nazis. It was created in 1980 by artist  Arbit Blata . The seven bronze panels depict several horrific tragedies Jewish people suffered during WWII. Today there are merely 450 Jewish Venetians left in Cannaregio. But they work hard to preserve and share their history with locals and visitors alike.

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Scuola Spagnola

The  Scuola Spagnola , or  Great Spanish Synagogue , is one of the last remaining synagogues in modern Venice. The synagogue was built in 1555, founded by Jewish Venetians who had been expelled from the Iberian peninsula. The great synagogue was built by one of Venice’s most famous architects,  Baldassare Longhena . He is also notable for designing other iconic Venetian buildings, such as; the church of the  Madonna Della Salute, Ca’ Pesaro  and  Ca’ Rezzonico . 

But the exterior of the synagogue isn’t anything like these other buildings. The facade is rather austere, with a plain, four-story cream-coloured finish. But it wasn’t for lack of inspiration, funding or skill that the exterior was so lacklustre. It was a condition of the Venetian state government in the 16th century. Although Jewish citizens were allowed to build their own places of worship, they needed to be concealed within a building that gave no appearance of being a house of worship. Essentially hiding their religion from the eyes of Christian Venetians.

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Inscribed upon the arch on the entrance of the building is a piece of script that reads, “ Blessed are they that dwell in Thy House and continue to praise Thee .” On the side of the building, there is also a stone plaque with the names of all the deported Jewish Venetian families who suffered death at the hands of the Nazis. Take a moment to pay respect as you pass by.

How to Visit a Synagogue?

Although tourists can’t enter the synagogue on their own (unless attending a service), I recommend booking a guided tour through the Jewish Museum of Venice if you are interested. They have a great connection with the local community, and you know this way you are supporting the preservation of their history through your contributions.

If you were to peek inside, you would be amazed at what you’d find. Stepping inside is like walking into a fantastical jewel box. Ornate carved wooden balustrade frames the ceiling in a variety of geometric shapes. Lavish red velvet curtains with golden tassels hand in front of the windows. Giant brass chandeliers drip from the ceiling and illuminate the rest of the room with warm candlelight. The highlight of the interior is the magestic sanctuary lamp known by its Hebrew name,  Ner Tamid . The light inside this holy lamp symbolizes God’s eternal presence, which will never be extinguished.

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Panificio Giovanni Volpe

Just down the street from the old Spanish Synagogue is  Panificio Giovanni Volpe , one of Venice’s last remaining kosher bakeries. While visiting the Jewish quarter, it’s a good tourist practice to patronize their businesses. This is such an easy way to ensure their community continues to flourish. In this bakery, they still make many traditional Venetian desserts and also some unique Jewish recipes. Don’t be shy to ask what they recommend! Everything is delicious though.

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Guglie Bridge

To cross onto the next island of  Santa Croce , we need to pass over the great  Guglie Bridge . This crossing was established in 1285 with an early wooden bridge, but the current stone incarnation was built in 1580. The large balustrades which run over either side of the bridge are inlaid with gargoyles that watch over the canal. It is therefore dubbed the “ bridge of spies .”

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Chiesa di San Geremia

Standing in the centre of the  Campo San Geremia  is the church of the same name. The  Church of San Geremia  has stood here since the 13th century, and the old brickwork on the bell tower is some of the only remaining pieces of the original church. The rest of the edifice dates back to 1753.

While the interior lacks any flashy ornamentation, this church is often seen as a pilgrimage sight because it carries the relics of Saint Lucy   inside. Saint Lucy is the patron saint of eye illnesses. The story goes that she had devoted her virginity to God and would not marry. To make herself less desirable, she tore out her own eyes. When she was buried in the family mausoleum, they discovered her eyes had been miraculously restored, a sign of her martydom. She is seen frequently in paintings holding a golden plate with a pair of eyes laid upon it. Many people make a pilgrimage to this sight to pray for their own eye related illnesses.

Pasticceria Dal Mas

You’ll find my favourite bakery on the charming Rio Terà Lista di Spagna street. The  Pasticceria Dal Mas  has some of the best cream-filled pastries in town! Their bright green pistachio cannolis are a dream. There are a few seats inside where you can sit and order an espresso or even an Aperol spritz to enjoy with your food. If you’d rather just stand at the counter and chat, you can also do that; how very Italian of you.

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Scalzi Bridge

You’ll come upon the  Scalzi Bridge  at the end of this street before reaching the train station. The Scalzi Bridge means “ bridge of the barefoot monks ” in Italian. The first bridge to be built here was right beside the old Carmelite order, also known as the “order of the barefoot monks.” But this current incarnation of the bridge is one of the city’s newest, completed in 1934. While the bridge isn’t as remarkable as some others, its modernity allows it to feel light and airy, almost defying the laws of gravity.

Santa Croce

Walking over the bridge, we are moving into the  Santa Croce  district. Santa Croce is where you’ll find the large train station, which brings people in and out of Venice every day. Leading to this neighbourhood being referred to as the city’s “transport hub.” Being located away from the top attractions, you’ll also find that Santa Croce has the least amount of tourists. This may be one of the reasons I find it the most pleasant to walk around. The people you’ll find on the street are locals, and there is an honest air about this neighbourhood.

Crossing over the bridge, walk southwest on the  Fondamenta del Monastero to tread along water’s edge. This area of the Grand Canal is bustling with action. You’ll find more than just gondolas and vaporettos here. Motorboats carrying fruits and vegetables chug up and down the water, and boats piled with wooden beams and other construction equipment jet over to their various destinations.

Giardini Papadopoli

Turn left down  Fondamenta Papadopoli where you’ll quickly see the bright green trees sticking their heads above a brick wall. This is the  Giardino Papadopoli , a beautifully manicured garden where locals Venetians come to get some shade and enjoy a bit of green space. The park spans more than 8,800 square meters and was built in 1834. While Venice has ample squares and waterways, there is surprisingly little greenery and lush parkland. The  Giardino Papadopoli  is Venice’s version of Central Park .

Among the gravel and stone paths are a variety of different trees like cypress, cedar, different fruits, elm, oleander, mulberries, and laurel. If you are even looking for someplace to come to escape the crowds and the noise, this is the oasis you’ve been looking for!

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Campo San Rocco

Walking through the park, exit at the south end, and cross the bridge over to the Calle dei Amai. Walking along the Calle dei Amai (which turns into the Calle de le Sechere) and turn right onto Ramo Cimesin. Ramo Cimesin veers slightly right and becomes Calle Tintoretto, and passes through Campo San Rocco.

Campo San Rocco is a charming square whose centrepiece is the church of San Rocco, an impressive Renaissance structure adorned with intricate marble carvings and frescoes. The surrounding buildings feature colourful facades and elegant balconies, creating a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a cup of coffee at one of the outdoor cafes.

Basilica dei Frari

From the Campo San Rocco, walk toward Calle Fianco de la Scuola and continue onto Salizada S. Rocco. Turn left onto Campo dei Frari, where you are immediately struck by the towering  Basilica dei Frari  or  Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari . But most people just call it the “ Frari ” for short. The church is the beating heart of this neighbourhood. In 1231 the  Doge Jacopo Tiepolo  donated this land to the Franciscans. The original church he had built was very small. As the Franciscans rose to power, they demolished it in exchange for a larger, more impressive design that better reflected their status in the city. The current version we see today was built in the 14th century in a high Venetian Gothic style.

Looming over church is the great campanile, the second tallest tower in the city. The bell tower was built in 1396 and somehow still stands today! The unassuming facade might fool you into thinking at first blush this church isn’t very important. But in actuality, it is perhaps one of the most significant churches in the entire city.

Entry into the Church

There is a small fee to enter the church (€ 3,00), but it is more than worth it to gaze upon the interior of this church and the famous works of art found inside.

Many Doges were buried here under the watchful eye of masterful works of art by the painter  Titian . Titian, a Venetian himself, painted the great altarpiece inside the church.  The Assumption of the Virgin  by  Titian  is one of the first things your eye is drawn toward as you enter the church. It sits behind the high altar, lit by the glow of the stained glass windows behind it. This piece is perhaps the best example of Titan’s masterful work. Setting the standard for Venetian art during the Renaissance.

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Titian  died of the plague at 94 years old, and a memorial to his life and death stands inside the great Basilica. The monument is gigantic! Looking like a small structure rather than a statue. A version of his famous painting is carved in relief into the stone. The image of the great master himself sitting in front. On either side of the artist are two figures representing  universal nature  and the  genius of knowledge . The other four figures set in between the large columns represent  Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Art  and  Architecture,  each one being a critical force possessed by Titian’s art.

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Campo Santa Margherita

From the church, head south through the Campo dei Frari. Turn right along Salizada San Rocco and left onto Calle S. Rocco. Cross over the Sestiere Dorsoduro and continue south down Calle S. Pantalon as it passes over the bridge, and the street turns into the Sestiere Dorsoduro. Leading you right in the Campo Santa Margherita.

The Campo Santa Margherita is a huge square in  Dorsoduro District . Surrounding this square are houses that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Cafes have a tremendous amount of outdoor space in this large square, so you’ll hear the murmur of people laughing and the clinking of wine glasses at all hours of the day. Lovers lounge on the bright red benches, kissing under the sunlight. If you’re tired, this is a great place to end the tour early if you don’t want to explore the rest of the Dorsoduro District.

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Dorsoduro District

The  Dorsoduro district  is located on the bottom of the Venetian islands. This area borders the Grand Canal and the Venetian Lagoon, making it a prime spot for traders to live. While it’s not as flashy as the other districts, think of this as a blue-collar neighbourhood. I still find it to be one of the most charming areas in Venice. Dorsoduro lacks the pretensions of the other spots. Since it’s home to Venice’s  Ca’ Foscari University , you’ll also find the new blood of Venetian society, its students, who liven up the streets with modern music, food and entertainment.

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Ponte dei Pugni

Head to the southern end of the Campo Santa Margherita and make a sharp left onto the Rio Terà Canal. Turn right to stay on Rio Terà Canal until you reach the  Ponte dei Pugni . I love the view from this bridge. If you look towards the west, you can see the brick bell tower from the church of  Santa Maria del Carmelo  sticking its head up above the other buildings. 

On either side of the bridge are a pair of footsteps marked onto the stones. This marking reveals a strange practice from the 18th century. Whenever two rival families were feuding, they would come here to battle it out with their fists. Unlike gun duals in the United States which were common to settle violent disputes, Venetians would fight each other with their fists. The first one to fall into the canal off this bridge was deemed the loser.

Cantine del Vino già Schiavi

We are approaching the evening by this time, but it’s not time for just yet dinner. Oh no, first we must have an  aperitif ! And one of the best places to get it in Dorsoduro is  Cantine del Vino già Schiavi . This bar sells  Cicchetti  (small snacks), which include Venetian classics like crostini topped with salt cod and wild garlic, pistachio cream or aioli with flower petals. Grab an Aperol spritz to drink while standing at the bar to feel very much like a local.

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Calle Nuova Sant’Agnese

Head northeast until you reach the  Calle Nuova Sant’Agnese . This narrow street is filled with a variety of different shops. Being so far away from the touristy areas, these stores are known to sell authentic Venetian goods but at  reasonable prices . In addition to the tourist shops, you’ll also find unique boutiques, which are a great way to support local businesses.

Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute

If you’re still feeling up for it, continue walking through Dorsoduro, eastwards, along the Calle Nuova Sant’Agnese (which turns into Piscina Forner.) Continue onto Calle de la Chiesa and make a slight left onto Fondamenta Venier dai Leon walking along as it becomes Fondamenta Venier dai Leon. Turns left along Dorsoduro Street and follow the street into the Campiello Barbaro. Walk east along the Calle Barbaro as it becomes Calle San Gregorio and veer onto Calle de l’Abazia.

Stepping onto the stone of the Fondamenta Salute, you find yourself standing in front of the stunning white marble church of  Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute.  Take a moment to both soak in the view of the church but also turn around to look at the great view of Saint Mark’s square across the river. This is where we first started the tour, and it’s amazing to see this spot from another perspective.

The Venetian Plague

In 1630 Venice was being ravaged by the plague. At the time, one of the ways people thought you could stop the plague was by making an offering to God and praying he would send deliverance to the city. So, the Republic of Venice built the church of  Our Lady of Health  as a last resort .  Eventually, the plague period passed, and the city was able to start rebuilding itself. Nearly a third of the population of Venice died during the plague. Those that survived would remember that harrowing experience forever. Since the church was made in honour of stopping the plague, most of the art and symbolism you’ll find throughout the church in some way refers to death or the plague. Making it a very uniquely themed church. 

The church is most notable for its humongous white dome, which dominates the sky. The dome, which almost seems to defy gravity, became a symbol of inspiration for artists in the city. To support the huge dome and weighty marble church,  1 million wooden piles  were used to hold up the floating building.

To finish the evening, walk down south towards the island’s far edge. The stone promenade which flanks the large waterway is called the  Zattere . Zattere in Italian means  rafts . In the 16th century, timber would arrive in the city on large rafts. Timber was not only used to construct the walls of grand palazzos and houses in Venice; it was literally the ground on which the houses were built. Timber was one of the most important imports in the city. It was also used to make gondolas up until the 18th century. Suffice it to say, the city was built around the timber industry, so its importance is not to be ignored. The earliest parts of the Zattere date as far back as 1520. Today the wide promenade is a great place to watch the sunset, reflection down against the mirror like waters of the canals.

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Trattoria San Basilio

If you’re feeling like you would like to dine somewhere close to your accommodation, there are Vaporetto stops all along the  Fondamenta Zattere . But if you’re looking for something special along the water’s edge but away from the touristy hub, you should check out  Trattoria San Basilio .

This down-to-earth restaurant is located inside the corner of one of the older buildings in the Zattere. It barely looks like a restaurant except for the awning and a few tables and chairs out front. But don’t let its modesty fool you; here, you’ll find a relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and traditional Venetian cuisine. Their seafood spaghetti with mussels, clams and squid tastes so fresh you’d swear the food jumped right onto your plate straight from the water. Try to get a spot outside to enjoy the sunset or watch as gondolas paddle past into the moonlight.

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Phew, well, that brings us to the end of this tour. Hopefully, if you packed this all into one day, you found things along the way to return to see tomorrow! Let me know which neighbourhood was your favourite or what you’re most looking forward to visiting!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

Buy the downloadable pdf for this walking tour.

With our downloadable PDF guide, you can take the tour at your own pace, without worrying about schedules or large tour groups. Plus, you can download the PDF to your phone or tablet to use even while offline.

Happy Travels Adventurers!

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12 comments.

My wife and I took this walking tour just last week – June 2022. It was fantastic! We spread it out over two days as we stopped at lots of places to shop, east, and in 2022 there are lots of free art exhibits. Add a night tour of the Palace and the basilica and you will have a great trip!

laura.f.whelan

Thanks for the comment Phil, I’m so happy you and your wife enjoyed yourself on the walking tour. Two days is the perfect leisurely way to spread it out and make your own stops along the way. I’ve never known they had a night tour of the palace and Basilica but I looked it up and it looks incredible! What a special way to spend an evening in Venice!

Hello Laura, thanks so much for putting together these amazing walking tours! I’m heading to Italy next week and would love to do your Venice tour. However, wondering if it is possible to download it into my phone to follow it while I’m in Venice. Do you know if that is possible?

Thanks in advance, Juliana

The Creative Adventurer

Hi Juliana, I’m still working on the downloadable version of this walking tour! But you can always copy and paste the text to you notes app in your phone and download the google map I provided. Google has an offline map option you can download before you leave if you won’t have roaming while you’re in Italy. Hope this helps 🙂

Hi Laura Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful walking tour of Venice. My husband and I are going in April and as the previous commentator wondered if you had managed to complete a downloadable version yet? I am not very techy so not sure I could manage to copy and paste! My thanks in anticipation , Judi

Hi Judy! We finally have the downloadable version of the walking tour available in our store! You can purchase the PDF here to get all the information in this post and more available on your phone, iPad or desktop even when offline!

https://thecreativeadventurer.com/product/self-guided-walking-tour-of-venice-downloadable-pdf/

I hope you have a fantastic time on your vacation to Venice.

All the best, Laura (the Creative Adventurer)

Hi Juliana,

I am going to Venice next year and am so excited to do this walk. The effort and detail you put into this is incredible. What a wonderful person you are to share this. So appreciate. Can’t wait to discover this walk.

Thanks so much Nicole! I hope you have a fantastic time, Venice is spectacular and a true dream of a location.

Amazing, very well done! Anyone that wants to get of feel of venice should read and walk this. You should really make a documentary…..getting to know venice. thank you

Wow! Thanks for the amazing comment Jim!

I purchased the PDF on my computer but trying to figure out how to now open/save it on my phone. There wasn’t a follow up sent to my email with a link or anything. Please let me know how to obtain it, thanks!

Hi Tommy, I just sent you an email but you should receive an email shortly after payment with the link to the download. If you don’t get one shortly just reply to the email I sent and I will email it to you directly.

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• Destinations
• Tours in Venice

The Heart of Venice Free Walking Tour

Overview of the tour in Venice

On this tour, we will get to know the most important thing about the so-called Pearl of the Adriatic, the most photographed city in the world. We are going to know everything essential to organize your visit from its history, to practical details such as transport, where to eat, tricks to save money and get more out of it, etc. We will meet at the entrance of the Galleria dell'Accademia next to the Accademia Vaporetto stop. We will enjoy the Grand Canal of Venice and the palaces on its banks, highlighting the wonderful dome of the Basilica of Santa Maria Della Salute. We will walk to the temple of the most important opera in the world: La Fenice where Maria Callas sang for Onassis. We will discover the most hidden alleys, reaching where no tourist can go alone: ​​the Contarini del Bovolo Palace, one of the most curious buildings in this city and a wonderful example of Venetian Gothic. And of course the Plaza de San Marcos, perhaps the most famous square in the world.

This activity includes:

• Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
• St. Mark's Square
• Ponte dell'Accademia
• Rialto Bridge
• Teatro La Fenice
• Full licensed guide

Meeting point

Galleria della Accademia Venezia

Meet me at the entrance of the Galleria Della Accademia near Vaporetto stop ACCADEMIA in the center of the island of Venice You will recognize me by my identification as a guide and a VIOLET umbrella. It is so easy to find the meeting point, and you can arrive there with vaporetto number 1 or 2 stop is Accademia or walking to the Bridge of ACCADEMIA Please provide a valid WhatsApp number as confirmation of the tour will be through WhatsApp

Things to note

Please do note that the tour is based on donations. If you participate in the tour, the guide expects you to get a donation from you afterwards. Sadly this needs to be reminded, as some people take advantage of the generosity of the guide, and walk away without tipping. Please be kind enough to donate if you join the tour! That's really the only way we could continue doing it. IMPORTANT, Donations based tours are only for groups smaller than 5 pax. Groups bigger than that have a minimum fixed price of 10 euros. In a city like Venice where a coffee cost 5 euros, this is still a bargain!! It's very important that you make a reservation adding your full WhatsApp number, including prefix. Thank you so much! And enjoy! Wonderful Venice Team

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Self-Guided Venice Walking Tour: Explore Venice Off The Beaten Path Like a Local!

Can you really see Venice off-the-beaten-path? Our self-guided Venice Walking Tour will help you do just that!

Venice, Italy is one of the most extraordinary places to visit in northern Italy and goes by many names: "La Serenissima", "City of Water", "City of Masks", "City of Bridges", “City of Canals”, “The Floating City" , and to some “The Sinking City” .

Whatever you call it, Venice may be the most memorable city you’ll ever visit in your lifetime.

You may not think of Venice as a place where you can slow travel , but you absolutely can. It may be one of the most overtouristed destinations in the world , but there are places you can escape the crowds and set your own pace in Venice with this walking tour guide.

This self-guided walking loop takes you through the entire city, on both sides of the Grand Canal, exploring one of the worlds’ most touristed cities on your own — with the confidence of a local.

There's just no other place like Venice in the world, which is why it’s on so many travelers’ bucket list . 

Table of Contents Show

Calle della Toletta, Venice, Italy

But it goes deeper than the famous Venice landmarks and streets of water.

There's enough history and culture that flows through the city streets and canals to keep you busy for years. And we wanted to see the heart of Venice in a few days.

If you’re already in Italy and plan to visit Venice as a day trip, it is an easy day trip from Bologna , Florence, Lombardy, and the Lake District, though it deserves much more.  

How We Developed This Venice Walking Tour

So with help from our friend Lorenzo at Italian Days , and several days on our own spent getting lost down narrow alleyways that seemed like they should bring us around the block but instead pulled us deeper into a maze of canals, over bridges and down streets that all looked the same (take a breath)…

We took so many notes and pictures along the way, it was the perfect start to what we needed in the first place!

About This Tour

This self-guided Venice walking tour loop was created by Travlinmad for those who want to slow travel Venice while staying in the city!

Check out this post on Sant’Erasmo if you want to explore the slow food on a lagoon island next to Venice, or our post on day trips to take when you stay longer in Venice.

Who Is This Venice Walking Tour For?

If you love learning interesting factoids like How many wood pilings are there in Venice? (over 30 million!) , eating your way through the cicchetti bars , shopping for artisan masks, or  dining with locals , a guided walking tour is a great way to discover the highlights of a city like Venice that can be challenging to navigate on your own.

Go with a guide your first time out if you don’t feel comfortable, then go back to the places you loved to explore more on your own. 

CLICK IMAGE BELOW

Interactive and downloadable Venice Walking Tour Route

(NOTE: This image is not a live feed. CLICK IMAGE to go to the interactive and downloadable Venice walking tour route)

Venice Walking Tour

The walking tour route.

This self-guided walking tour loop is 2.8 miles/4.5 km long. The Libreria Acqua Alta is the half-way point of the walk, to the far right of the map.

Walk half the loop or do the full tour. Either way, it’s a great way to spend the day exploring the less-trodden neighborhoods of Venice.

Start/End Point :

The tour begins and ends at the Accademia Bridge near the Gallerie dell'Accademia in the Dorsoduro neighborhood.

However, you can jump in at any point of the route and do as much or as little as you want.

READY? LET’S GO!

Begin at the gondola stand and follow the Calle Contarini Corfu northwest toward the Rio de San Trovaso canal. Cross over the first bridge to the Calle della Toletta.

Follow Calle della Toletta north toward Campo San Toma, stopping for cappuccino along the way

From Campo San Toma head north to Campo San Polo , then to the Campo San Silvestro , and the Rialto Market , the oldest fish and produce market in Venice

From the Rialto Market, cross over the Rialto Bridge for a stop at one of Venice's sweetest pasticcerias, Bar Pasticceria Ballerin .

Walk on Calle Scaleta crossing two bridges to Calle Borgolocco.

Turn left on Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa. At the end to your left you'll find one of the coolest bookstores in the world, Libreria Acqua Alta .

This is the half way point of the walk. Continue on through the heart of San Marco, without hitting the crowds.

Wind your way through interesting historic neighborhoods back to the Accademia Bridge !

Calle della Toletta

Follow the Calle della Toletta past these buildings to the Piazza San Toma . There's an ATM machine right here if you need to pick up cash for the day.

As you walk, you’ll notice small circular reliefs on the sides of buildings, some more weathered than others.

These are patere from the 12th through the 14th centuries — the original street art of Venice. These patere originated from Byzantine culture and are the oldest type of public art.

We didn’t count them all, but there are 482 of them in Venice alone.

The form we saw most often was an eagle eating the head of a rabbit, an interesting but often-seen symbol of good over evil and believed to protect the house from evil spirits.

The eagle was also the traditional symbol of Roman emperors. We just may have to get one for our house!

Campo San Toma, Venice

Campo San Toma

Your first stop is the quiet old neighborhood of Campo San Toma . It may not be on the list of the main things to see in Venice but it’s quite charming.

With the 18th century San Tommaso church and the headquarters for the shoemakers’ guild here which dates to the 15th century, it’s also very historic. 

Along the way to our next stop we passed Carlo Goldoni's House  situated in a small 14th century palace with a beautiful little courtyard behind an iron gate.

Goldoni was a Venetian playwright who lived here in the 18th century. Today It’s a museum and library of theater arts.

 Campo San Polo

Small shops line almost every street and alleyway along with small cafes. Walk too fast and you’ll miss some of the more inviting ones.

The largest campo in Venice is the Campo San Polo , a spacious area with the largest cistern in the city.

Originally used for livestock, it was later used for various games, bull “hunting”, sermons and finally became a poor man’s market.

Campo San Polo

 Campo San Silvestro

Make your way to Campo San Silvestro where you’ll find virtually no tourists at all.

It’s a small local place with residences, a small school and the Chiesa San Silvestro , a church with a tower and some interesting artwork inside.

The church dates to the 16th century and at one time the Venice winemakers’ guild had its headquarters here.

Camp San Silvestro

Cicchetti Bars of Venice

Italians love Aperitivo, their version of Happy Hour, which usually involves wine or cocktails like the ever popular Negroni or Aperol Spritz, while nibbling nuts and olives or sometimes more elaborate small plates.

Not to be outdone, Venice has their cicchietti bars ( pronounced chi-KET-tee ), a time of day where the locals gather after work to relax and enjoy small bites of local food.

Also known as Bacara Bar, you’ll recognize them as you walk around — usually very small dive bars with locals spilling out into the street for a few hours.

Cicchetti bars are a great way to discover the food in Venice , in bite after bite of local specialties.

Stop by in the late afternoon, and order up some goodies on a toothpick. You’re likely to find regional food specialties like olives and cheese to calamari, seafood, and Carciofi Violetto, or violet artichokes, when they’re in season.

All these nibbles pair well with a small glass of local wine. It’s amazing how a few of these light bites will fill you up while you chat with friends, so much so that you could even forego a big dinner.

Travel guru Rick Steves appropriately calls it “The Stand-Up Progressive Venetian Pub-Crawl Dinner” !

Wave to the locals!

The Rialto Market

We love local markets — they’re part of what defines a culture — and the famous Rialto Market more than lived up to this. Situated along the Rialto Canal, it’s the oldest market in Venice.

Wandering through stalls of fresh produce and seeing what’s in season, it’s hard to resist buying a few apricots or plums to snack on. 

Right next store to the produce market is the fish market. Want to know what swims in the local waters?

It’s all right here, and it’s far more than just a place for fish mongers.

Take a closer look. The 19th century neo-gothic design is built like a temple. There’s so much to see here so wander around a while.

Nearby is the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto . Believed to be the oldest church in Venice, it dates to the 5th century and is definitely worth a visit.

Just outside the market near the Rialto Bridge is a small piazza where money-changers did business, each with their own wooden bench called a “banco”.

If they could no longer conduct business, their banco, or bench, would literally be broken into pieces - “banco ruptum”. It's the basis of our contemporary word for “bankrupt”.

In this same plaza there is a statue of a kneeling figure with a large stone on his shoulders.

This is the Lapis Legibus Reip from where the laws of the republic were proclaimed and financial news was announced daily by an Orator. 

Busy morning at the Rialto Bridge

Crossing the Rialto Bridge

From the Rialto Market, cross the Rialto Bridge. It may seem like an easy task, but the Rialto Bridge is usually packed with tourists.

There are also two sides to the bridge with shops in between. So cross over at the top of the bridge and go down the other side. Take an immediate left onto Calle del Fontego . 

Follow the bend on Calle del Fontego   around to the right, then make a left onto Salizzada del Fontego dei Tedeschi .

Continue down the street to Bar Pasticceria Ballarin on the right.

Bar Pasticceria Ballarin

Like many Italian cities, Venice has a sweet tooth. But you'll find all sorts of unique sweet treats here that are a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy.

Sugary marzipan is taken to new heights in shops around Venice and you'll see it in many forms, from fruits and flowers to fruits di mare.

We discovered Bar Pasticceria Ballarin and spent over an hour sampling all sorts of wonderful treats from chocolate creations and cakey napoleans to candied fruit.

Order a cappuccino or espresso and dive in! 

Libreria Acqua Alta

According to the sign out front, the Libreria Acqua Alta is "the Most Beautiful Bookshop in the World", and it really is one of the coolest bookstores you'll ever visit — a true homage to the eclectic history of Venice.

Literally translated to "library of high water", the space (and the neighborhood) occasionally floods, but that just adds to the charm.

The quirky jumble of books, boats, and cats here is the stuff of old movies about Italy — all that's missing is the 12th century scribe lost in thought over a pile of books in the corner.

There are photo ops galore and so many interesting books to peruse, you could easily spend hours right here. 

Don’t forget to look up as you walk!

As you begin your route back, you'll skirt the famous San Marco Square by several blocks.

This is home to St. Mark’s Square, the Doge's Palace , and the Basilica di San Marco — a church so iconic that its design has been emulated around the world including right across the Adriatic from Venice in Rovinj, Croatia .

San Marco is one of the most visited areas of the city, with tons of restaurants and great shopping.

You can spend all day hanging out and people watching or shopping for souvenirs like elegant Venetian masks and hand-blown glass from Murano.

crowds can get crushing (keep an eye out for pick-pockets). But it’s still a part of Venice that should be on any Italy itinerary, especially for first timers.

But if you time it just right (late afternoon), the crowds will begin to subside and it's a good time to see these iconic Venice landmarks if you want (exterior only, tickets may be required to see inside).

If not, the route takes you through the quieter neighborhoods of San Marco and back to the Accademia Bridge where you began.

The architectural detail along Piazza San Marco — and all of Venice — is amazing!

The Accademia Bridge

The Ponte dell'Accademia is one of just four bridges which cross Venice’s Grand Canal.

Located near the southern end of the canal and named for the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia , the Bridge is one of the landmarks in Venice for that iconic photo op of the Grand Canal.

It gets especially crowded at sunset, so find a good spot and plant yourself for a while.

Your self-guided Venice walking tour is behind you for the day and tomorrow can take you back to your favorite spots along the route to explore some more.

View from the Accademia Bridge in Venice

Take the Venice Vaporetto

In Venice, you may quickly tire of walking! There’s no easy way to get around the city. It’s just the way Venice was built.

Thankfully, there’s the Vaporetto — the public transportation of Venice only much more fun! Much like a bus or trolley car operating on a 24-hour schedule, the Vaporetto snakes its way all along the S-curved Grand Canal.

It’s a great way to get around when you don’t feel like walking, and a perfect jumping off point for taking one of our day trips from Venice .

Most busy spots around Venice have a Vaporetto stop nearby. The Vaporetto is slower than a water taxi but prices are also less expensive.

Another advantage is that you can purchase single-fare vaporetto tickets or a multi-day vaporetto pass from vending machines at the docks, for the exact number of days that you need.

We found this to be a convenient way to get around.

TIP: Water Taxis are like calling for a cab.

They operate on a for-hire basis and can be pricey.

Their advantage is they get you somewhere quickly or at a time when the vaporetto may not be convenient. And you can always split the cost with others in your party.

View over canal from the Hotel L'Orologio

Where to Stay in Venice

Luxury hotels venice.

There are three luxury hotels we love in Venice : 

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

The beautiful 4 star Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace has a prime location in Dorsoduro, with exceptional service and luxury amenities. 

Check rates and more details .

Palazzo Veneziano

Palazzo Veneziano sits on the southern lagoon with the most breathtaking views over the Venice lagoon and canals.

Check availability and rates now.

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia

Just steps from the Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal, the luxury suites and apartments at Hotel L'Orologio Venezia  are steeped in Venetian good looks with all the modern conveniences.

We especially love the fresh organic produce at breakfast (and gluten free options too!)

Find the best rates and availabilty .

Moderate Hotels Venice

It isn't always easy to find moderately priced hotels in Venice, but here are three we love:

If you want to be in the center of the San Marco action,  Hotel Ala is the place. They've got uber-fast Wi-Fi and a second-to-none breakfast buffet.

Plus, you have to meet their self-described "wierdest bartender ever", Rey. It's a cool place to be and nicely priced.

Check rates and details .

Hotel Montecarlo

Looking for a prime location for under $150 USD a night? Hotel Montecarlo offers 3 star comfort and is steps from St. Mark's Square. Their adjacent Antico Pignolo Restaurant is excellent! 

Hotel Le Isole

If you want to be close to St. Mark's Square yet just outside the tourist crowds, Hotel Le Isole is a perfect choice. Breakfast is served in their gorgeous indoor courtyard til mid-day.

And we have 3 words for you: FREE Mini-bar !

Check our rates and more details . 

Value Venice Hotels

Al Mascaron Ridente

We give high value marks to Al Mascaron Ridente for exceptional service and very affordable rates.

Plus, — a big bonus — it's located just steps from the ferry to the northern lagoon islands of Murano, Burano, and Santerasmo. 

So if you're planning on visiting these quieter parts of Venice, this hotel is a great place to stay. 

Check out rates and availability .

We've taken several small group tours in Bologna with Italian Days  — from their Italian Days Food Experience  to a Pignoletto wine tour in Bologna — and were happy they could also help us see Venice!

The company specializes in authentic, small group tours of Italy.

Contact Venice manager Lorenzo via the Italian Days website ,  who can help you arrange a walking tour of Venice. 

Private tours of the stunning city of Venice

Walking & boat tours with knowledgeable native guides

What makes us stand out

• Passionate, local expert Storytellers.
• 1000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor  and Google since 2011.
• Tours, customized to your needs.

Highlights of Venice

This walking tour is a perfect introduction to Venice: “grand” Venice and off the beaten paths, Saint Mark’s Square and Rialto. Perfect to be customized adding a boat tour or other extras. 

The best tours of Venice for …

The Main Sights

The special walk&boat tour of venice view tour, the classic walk&boat tour of venice view tour, highlights of venice view tour.

Learning the History

Doge’s palace & st. mark’s basilica view tour, grand tour view tour, off the beaten paths: dorsoduro district view tour.

Frari & San Rocco view tour

Accademia galleries view tour, a palazzo: ca’ rezzonico view tour, you need the best storyteller.

Local and professional Guides, we can share with you our history, culture, legends, anecdotes, with a contemporary and entertaining point of view. Local, certified, 5-stars rated Guides in TripAdvisor and Google .

Still got questions?

Unqualified guiding is not permitted by the Italian Law. Therefore, when booking a local guide in any Italian city, it is your right to ask for proof that he or she holds a license before closing any deal. 

A car and train bridge links Venice to the mainland, but once you arrive at Tronchetto - Piazzale Roma (the bus and cars terminal) or Railway Station, there are only two ways to travel around Venice: on foot or by boat.

The expression “high water” indicates an unusually high tide in Venice. This phenomenon especially affects the lagoon of Venice and can cause flooding in the cities of Venice and Chioggia.

Throughout the years there are many events and festivals in Venice, including Carnival, Vogalonga, Redentore and many others.

Walking in Venice

How to make walking in venice is a fantastic experience..

If you want to do a Venice walking tour all by yourself, there are a few things to consider. These have nothing to do with hazards, or being prepared in any particular way. Walking in Venice is easy, safe, and pleasant. You can’t really fail in any significant way. Still, a little bit of foresight can help you avoid the very few possible false steps. And if you’re well organized, you will make a pleasant stroll into an experience of a lifetime:

• If you want, you can choose a main topic or theme for your tour, such as history, art, culture, or architecture (Like I’ve done below), and focus on that. Or don’t… You know what you’re interested in and maybe you just choose your points of interest based on, well, what you like.
• Get a map and draw the route of your tour (or, if you’re connected to the internet, please use one of my maps below. They are linked from the title.). Mark all stop points and note where to buy tickets and other info.  Be sure to have the latest correct opening hours as these may vary due to season or holidays. Arriving at the museum with high expectations just to see that it’s closed, is not a good feeling.
• Estimate the time and distance between the sites. Add the time required to visit the site, and adjust accordingly. And remember that much of Venice is very beautiful. Calculate an extra ten minutes at the canal bend just to watch the gondolas passing by.

Why Venice is a perfect city for walking on your own.

It is hard to imagine a city more perfect than Venice for walking. There are three reasons for this:

• The absence of cars. This is of course a huge advantage when walking in Venice. No streets to cross, no rumors from the traffic, and no constant worry about where your kids are and if they dare to venture out among the speeding traffic. It is simply very relaxing, especially if you have children.
• The beauty of the city itself. When walking in Benice between this and that, it’s not just a distance to cover to get to the next destination. Often it is the route itself that imprints the strongest memory… The lights and shadows in the tight calli, the palaces, the canals, and all the rest.
• The short distances. Venice walking is shorter than in most cities. Venice is small, and the various attractions are numerous. In the same, limited area, you can choose a whole lot of different highlights depending on your interests, and often you just have to walk from one place to next door to find something that intrigues you.

My own best 5 Venice walks.

Here are 5 good Venice walks, that I’ve put together. The labels reflect some aspects of the attractions, but it’s very subjective. And obviously, you can toss out and pull in stops as you please. See them as a basis for what you can do by yourself if you don’t want to follow a guided tour. At the bottom of the page, I have listed a few agencies that offer Venice walking tours. Some of which are free.

History and Culture Tour (3-4 hours) :

• Start at Piazza San Marco , the main square of Venice, and admire the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica , the Doge’s Palace , and the Clock Tower. If you want you can spend the morning visiting one or all of them but for this walk that is not included. Cross the Ponte della Paglia to get a glimpse of the famous Bridge of Sighs. Walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni and enjoy the views of the lagoon and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. At Giardini “B” take line 4.1 (water bus) around the southern tip, around the city, and back on the northern side all the way to the island of San Michele , the cemetery of Venice. See the tombs of Igor Stravinsky, Esra Pound, and others. Return to Venice with the same line 4.1 and get off at Madonna dell’Orto. Visit the church, then continue to Campo dei Mori and Tintoretto’s Palace . Continue to the Jewish Ghetto and the Museum of Jewish Art and History. End your tour at Ca’ d’Oro , a beautiful Gothic palace on the Grand Canal.

Art and Architecture Tour (4 hours) :

• Start at the Accademia Bridge and visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia , where you can see masterpieces by Venetian painters such as Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto. Calculate at least 60 minutes. Walk to the nearby Peggy Guggenheim Collection , a modern art museum housed in a former palace. Calculate 60 minutes. Continue to the Santa Maria della Salute , a baroque church with a striking dome and a rich collection of paintings. Walk to the Punta della Dogana , a former customs house turned into a contemporary art museum… And that’s another 60 minutes or more. Take a Vaporetto nr. 1 to San Zaccaria, and from there nr. 2 to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and visit the church. You should definitely climb the Bell Tower, it’s a fabulous view. And maybe you should visit also the monastery housing the Giorgio Cini Foundation , and the Borges labyrinth .

Coffè, Snacks, Ice cream, and romantic scenery tour (2 hours) :

• Start at the Rialto Bridge , the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice, and enjoy the views of the Grand Canal . Walk down on the northern side passing the famous Mona and Casso , stop by at Caff è del Doge , and continue to Campo San Polo. This is the largest campo in Venice (still smaller than St Mark’s Square though). Visit the church of San Polo. Continue to Campo dei Frari and Scuola Grande di San Rocco , a confraternity building with impressive frescoes by Tintoretto. Then walk through the narrow calli to Campo Santa Margherita , a lively and charming square with a certain local feel. Sit down at one of the many bars and enjoy a Spritz and a snack. Here you can visit the church Santa Maria dei Carmini and Scuola Grande dei Carmini, with frescoes by Tiepolo. From here, go south to Zattere, turn left, and walk along the waterfront promenade with beautiful views of the Giudecca Canal and the island of Giudecca. Stop at the Gelateria Nico for a delicious ice cream. Walk north on Fondamenta Nani and finish off at the excellent wine bar Enotecha Schiavi . (Or maybe, you want to do these two stops in the reverse order…)

Food and Wine Tour (3 hours) :

• Start at the Rialto Market, where you can see the fresh produce and seafood that are the staples of Venetian cuisine. Learn about the history and culture of the market and taste some local specialties, such as Baccalà Mantecato (creamed salted cod) and Sarde in Saor (sardines with onions and vinegar). Walk over the Rialto bridge, turn left, and visit the Fondaco dei Tedeschi . If you book you may even see the view from the Rooftop Terrace. Sneak through the small streets to Corte dell’Orso and the first stop at I Rusteghi . Close by is our second stop: Rosticeria Gislon . Walk to Campo Manin with the bronze statue of the freedom fighter. A few steps from the Campo, you can visit the Contarini del Bovolo Palace , a hidden gem with a spiral staircase and a lovely view of the rooftops. Continue to Campo Santo Stefano and our third stop: Bacaro da Fiore . Satisfied and full continue to Campo San Samuele and visit the Palazzo Grassi , a neoclassical palace that hosts temporary art exhibitions. Then return to Campo Santo Stefano and end the tour at one of the many bars for a Spritz or two while you rest your tired legs.

Hidden Gems Tour (read Churches) (2 hours) :

• Start at the Campo San Zaccaria and visit the church of San Zaccaria , where you can see the crypt of the doges and a painting by Bellini. Walk to the Campo Santa Maria Formosa and visit the church of Santa Maria Formosa, where you can see the tomb of the doge Francesco Foscari. Nearby, you can visit Palazzo Grimani . Then continue to Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and visit the church of San Giovanni e Paolo, the largest Gothic church in Venice and the burial place of many doges. Continue to Campo Santa Maria dei Miracoli and visit the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli , a jewel of Renaissance architecture with a marble façade and a coffered ceiling. Continue past Campiello Sta Maria Nova, and walk over to the Church of St. Giovanni Crisostomo. See the second Opera house of Venice, Teatro Malibran, and end the walk at the Osteria 6014 with a well-deserved glass of wine with a couple of Cicchetti.

The organized Venice walking tours.

If you, all things considered, still opt for walking in Venice with a guide, then my recommendation would be to use these guys: Venice Free walking tour . These are more or less local professional tour guides. The particular case here though is that they mostly work because they are passionate about Venice and the historical and non-historical facts about her. The guides have a genuine interest in transmitting as many accurate and interesting facts as possible.

The tours are free, but after every walk, the participants are encouraged to value the experience and donate in accordance.

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Venice walking tour

Venice highlights you don't know about, the venice only the local know, private tours, unconventional venice tours, doge’s palace and saint mark’s basilica.

PRIVATE TOURS

2 Amazing Venice Walking Tours You Should Not Miss

J oin me as we tour Venice, one of the great cities of Europe, on foot. Venice walking tours are a fantastic way to explore the city of a thousand canals. Obviously, before we visit, we research by reading, doing internet searches, and talking to others to prepare for our destination. These activities are all worth the effort.

However, there is something to be said for joining a knowledgeable local guide who can bring a place to life. People who have lived in the area, people who have family and friends in the neighborhoods, and people who are part of the soul and energy of a place. Here we present two fabulous Venice walking tours from The Tour Guy that bring the city of Venice to life.

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride

The fantastic six-hour Venice in a Day Combo Tour with Gondola Ride highlights some of the top attractions of Venice and is one of the most popular Venice Walking Tours. This tour took us to St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride, and through some less visited neighborhoods in Venice. Chiara, our excellent guide, added a mix of interesting history and commentary about Venice, giving us a great flavor of the historic city. 

We started our tour at the entrance to Venice from the lagoon, between two towering landmarks. Looking out towards the lagoon from St. Mark’s Square, we have St. Todaro on the left and the winged lion of St. Mark on the right. These marble and granite pillars have marked the main entrance into this great city for centuries.  It is also the spot where public executions were held, so many people avoid walking between the two pillars because of superstition.

The last thing those being executed saw was the Moorish clock tower. With their back to the lagoon, the condemned prisoner had a clear view of the clock. Thus, the popular expression, “Te fasso véder mi, che ora che xe” – I’ll show you what time it is.

St. Mark’s Basilica

The magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica is a prime example of the magnificent Venetian artisanship through the centuries. The current church (the third built on this site) was started around 1063 but has been restored and revised many times over the years. Ceilings, walls, and floors are covered with intricate mosaic tiles, many featuring the glitter of gold. Numerous artworks depicting saints, prophets, and biblical scenes are scattered throughout the basilica.

Legend has it that the body of St. Mark, the basilica’s namesake, was stolen from Alexandria, Egypt, and brought to the basilica. The commonly told story is that the Venetians smuggled his body out by hiding it under layers of pork in barrels to get it past the Muslim guards. In addition, many of the treasures in St. Mark’s came from places like Constantinople (Istanbul).

After the victory by the Venetians in the Fourth Crusade that ended in 1204, a lot of valuable items were shipped to Venice from the conquered territory. Among those treasures are the four bronze horses above the main entrance, parts of the Golden altar, relics, crosses, and other artifacts. 

Doge’s Palace

The opulent Doge’s Palace is connected to the San Marco Basilica facing the lagoon.  This gothic masterpiece was the residence and the seat of the Venetian government for centuries. The walls hold a treasure trove of historical and artistic importance. From the beginning of the tour up the Golden Staircase to the end in the Great Council, the architecture, artwork, and décor are spectacular. The narration from The Tour Guy guide added depth and understanding to our wonderful tour.

Parts of the Doge’s Palace complex was a prison in the past. Some of the prison cells were down in the dank, dark, wet bottom floor and must have made for a miserable experience for prisoners awaiting their fate. It is fascinating to walk above the canal while crossing the infamous Bridge of Sighs, which connects sections of the prison spaces. Prisoners going to their execution made this last long walk, where they could stare out of the windows to gather one last view of the Venetian lagoon before their demise.

The artwork within the Doge Palace is endless and priceless. Paintings, murals, statues, and more from artists like Tintoretto, Titian, Paolo Veronese, Carpaccio, Giovanni Bellini, Gianbattista, and others cover each room. Several fires destroyed some of the masterpieces in the palace over the years but now feature more brilliant artwork. 

The Great Council Chamber was where the Senate met to make decisions about financial and other important local matters. The ceiling is covered with gold and beautiful paintings in one of the largest and most opulent rooms in Europe. On one side of the room, almost an entire wall features Tintoretto’s Paradise. One of the world’s largest oil paintings on canvas, this masterpiece is truly breathtaking, with some 500 characters represented on this canvas.  

Another intriguing space in the Doge’s Palace is the Armory. These four rooms display a vast collection of about 2,000 weapons used throughout the centuries. Medieval suits of armor, swords, bows, arrows, and other weapons of war provide an insightful look at what war has looked like over the years. They even have a miniature suit of armor, most likely made for a child or dwarf, found on the battlefield in Marignano in 1515.

The Scaramouche Mask of the Black Plague

As we walked through some older neighborhoods, our guide showed us pictures of the famous Scaramouche Mask, a traditional Venetian Mask with very large, pronounced noses. During the time of the Black Plague, some doctors believed these masks, which contained protective herbs in the nose, could help filter the poisons and putrid smells in the air. The masks are still popular at masquerade parties and at the festive Carnivale celebrations.

Gondola Ride

I did not go on a gondola ride during my first several visits to Venice. Because we had limited time and so many other priorities, we just never made time for that iconic gondola ride through the canals. We did take the convenient Vaporetto on many trips as well as a private water taxi. However, on this trip, my fourth, we made it a point to experience the gondola.

I must say, my wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed our time floating down the canals. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Only in Venice can you glide along the canals of an ancient city, traveling under the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal, with centuries of intriguing history and beauty all around. This was a fantastic way to end our Venice walking tour. Book your ticket here>>

Venice Local Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio

The Venice Local Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio with The Tour Guy was a wonderful evening.  Nothing tells the story of a place like the everyday food and drink locals enjoy. While I had dined in Venice on numerous occasions, I have never truly felt such a genuine connection to the city as I did on this food tour with The Tour Guy. Our local guide, Juliano, knew all the nooks and crannies and all the best bars and restaurants. And, of course, he always had stories and jokes to make our experience even more enjoyable.

Meeting at the Teatro Italia (a former cinema now turned into a supermarket), our small group of eight people became fast friends. During our three-hour tour, we visited 2 bars, had a sit-down dinner, and made a final stop for dessert. At each bar, we had a drink along with a variety of Cicchetti (small bites) to accompany our beverages. 

Aperitivos & Cicchetti

Our first stop was at Cantina Aziende Agricole, where we enjoyed the Pilla Aperitivo (similar to an Aperol Spritz, but slightly more bitter) and a selection of four Cicchetti . Various cheeses, ham, herbs, and spices made for some very tasty small bites, a perfect start to our evening. They were all flavorful – my favorite was the eggplant and ham. 

After a short walk to the second bar, we were greeted by more Cicchetti accompanied by a crisp glass of white wine. Many people in our group loved the cod appetizer, while my favorite was the delicious fried polpette (meatball). The gorgonzola and ham were also very tasty. The Cicchetti, apertivo , wine, and conversation made the first hour of our tour so much fun. We could have easily made a meal and a night of it just at the bars, but we had more to see and do that evening.

Sit-Down Dinner in Venice

For our sit-down dinner, our group was treated to a variety of traditional Venetian dishes. I had a wonderful lasagna, while others in our group tried the Spaghetti Bolognese or the popular Spaghetti with Black Squid Ink.

Paired with our choice of red or white wine, we enjoyed spending time with our new friends as we filled our bellies. It was so nice to sit and relax after our active evening with the hustle and bustle of the bars and crowds we experienced earlier. We were able to truly relax and spend some quality time with our fun guide and fellow diners. 

Best Gelato in Venice?

After our sit-down dinner, we walked through some of the less visited neighborhoods of Venice and followed Juliano to our final stop for the evening. Of course, we had to finish our night with gelato! I was all set with a scoop of stracciatella and a scoop of pistachio from Maison de la Crepe. Our group gathered on a small bridge overlooking one of the many canals as we enjoyed our gelato and one last joke from Juliano. What a fun evening we had!

Venice is a one-of-a-kind destination. With so much to see and do, I highly recommend taking a Venice walking tour with some locals to get oriented and to get a true feel for the area. Our two Venice walking tours with The Tour Guy greatly added to our experience in Venice. We saw and learned so much more than we would have on our own. We were so glad we got to experience some local neighborhoods, food, drink, and some of the intriguing stories in the wonderful city of Venice.

Thanks to The Tour Guy for hosting us on the wonderful Venice walking tour and the evening food tour. All opinions are my own.

Read Scott’s article, Venice off the Beaten Path , for more great things to do in Venice .

Best Venice Walking Tours – Pin for Later:

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Going to TEFAF New York? Here are 4 Shows You Can Walk to.

These exhibitions are all within a 10-minute walk from the Park Avenue Armory, so you can take your time and enjoy the spring weather.

By Ted Loos

TEFAF New York, the European Fine Art Foundation fair, is not short on artworks to keep a visitor’s attention. But just outside the walls of the Park Avenue Armory , the site again of this year’s event, lie many more options for viewing and buying art at the nearby galleries on the Upper East Side.

Four current exhibitions in particular make a perfect walking tour on the way to the fair or after attending it, and they are all within a 10-minute walk of the armory, and each other. On a nice spring day, strolling these blocks is an extra source of pleasure.

E. 70TH ST.

E. 69TH ST.

David Zwirner

E. 68TH ST.

MADISON AVE.

E. 67TH ST.

E. 66TH ST.

Rosenberg & Co.

Di Donna Galleries

Lévy Gorvy Dayan

LEXINGTON AVE.

E. 65TH ST.

E. 64TH ST.

The shows spotlight artists who exemplified and investigated the complicated currents of the 20th century’s art movements, particularly Modernism.

The fact that three of the four shows take place in townhouses or mansions adds a little frisson: The domestic settings allow you to imagine being the owner of the works, casually hanging your acquisitions on the walls at home.

Françoise Gilot

Rosenberg & Co. , 19 East 66th Street

Françoise Gilot , who died last year at 101, first became renowned for her 1964 memoir “Life with Picasso,” which chronicled her decade-long affair with the older artist; a famous 1948 Robert Capa photograph of Picasso holding a beach umbrella over her as they walked on the sand added to the legend. She went on to write many other books and to marry the creator of the polio vaccine, Jonas Salk.

Gilot was a lifelong artist herself, as seen in the 36 varied works on view through July 3, the first posthumous exhibition of her work in New York. Picasso appears in the graphite and pencil drawing “Pablo with Red Background (Les yeux basilic)” (1944), and his influence comes through in the works — but he held sway over many artists.

The dealer Marianne Rosenberg, who organized the show with several collaborators, explicitly set out to show Gilot’s range. “I hate that she’s only associated with Picasso,” said Rosenberg, who knew Gilot through family ties; her grandfather was Paul Rosenberg, who helped create a market for Picasso’s work and was a powerful art dealer of the early 20th century.

The works on view include a charmingly simple ink portrait, “Paul Éluard” (1951), depicting the French poet, as well as a 1958 oil still life, “Sunflowers.” As her work evolved, Gilot increasingly began to explore abstraction, culminating in works like the painting “August Stillness” (1997), which features large areas of red, a color she frequently favored.

Amadeo Luciano Lorenzato

David Zwirner , 34 East 69th Street

The name Amadeo Luciano Lorenzato (1900-95) will not resonate with most casual art lovers, but the Brazilian painter is a favorite of the influential dealer David Zwirner, which means that attention will be paid.

The gallery first showed Lorenzato’s work in 2019 in London, and now this show features 25 works in what is only the second U.S. exhibition of his art. Notably, a work by Lorzenzato is included in the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale , perhaps the world’s premier art event, which opened last month.

Lorenzato, born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, painted recognizable scenes — largely landscapes — but pared his subjects down to geometric forms. He cited Cézanne as a major influence. In “Nuvem de Gafanhotos (Cloud of Crickets),” the titular insects become simple plus signs, and several of the works depict a sun as a red ball.

The works, on view through May 25, are modestly scaled, and they look at home on the walls of the 1910 townhouse that became a branch of the gallery in 2017. Up close, you can see Lorenzato’s technique: After brushing on paint, he would make crosshatch patterns with a comb, a stick or a fork, giving the works a texture that almost seems to vibrate.

Zwirner praised the “disarming and captivating” effect of Lorenzato’s work. “I bought a couple of his paintings myself,” he said. “We love looking at them every day.”

Lévy Gorvy Dayan , 19 East 64th Street

A male artist who creates work by having nude female models drag each other through paint on a canvas lying on the floor, all while surrounded by onlookers, might not go over well in 2024. But around 1960 it was considered peak avant-garde.

Yves Klein (1928-62) used that unconventional technique — he called it employing “human paintbrushes” — for his “Anthropométries” series. In his “Fire Paintings,” he made art with a huge flamethrower, torching a canvas that, moments before, had a water-soaked nude model on top of it, so that the resulting scorching would retain a bodily outline in the wet areas. Examples of both series are on view in “Yves Klein and the Tangible World,” a show of around 30 works on view in the gallery’s sprawling mansion through May 25.

“This show was 10 years in the making,” said the dealer Dominique Lévy, who has long represented the Klein estate. “Usually, shows of his work focus on his ethereality, like the ‘Monochromes’” — Klein’s single-color canvases — “but his show is anchored in the materiality and the tangible.” She added, “Right now, we need a show with beauty, harmony and aliveness.”

Klein got a patent in France for the process used to create the color he called International Klein Blue, and he was associated with it during his short, acclaimed career.

So there is plenty of blue on display in this show, both in the works on the walls — including “Untitled Anthropometry (ANT 77)” circa 1961 — and in a “pool” of color on the floor, a reinstallation of a 1957 work called “Pure Pigment,” at the bottom of the mansion’s grand staircase.

Paul Klee and Alexander Calder

Di Donna Galleries , 744 Madison Avenue

The Swiss-born German artist Paul Klee (1879-40) drew and painted compositionally sophisticated scenes, sometimes with a childlike whimsical quality, while the American artist Alexander Calder (1898-1976) pioneered three-dimensional work, particularly the kinetic sculptures he called “mobiles” and his large, standing “stabiles.”

The combination of two beloved artists is a surefire crowd-pleaser, but “Enchanted Reverie: Klee and Calder” is also noteworthy for its installation, with dark gray walls and elaborate lighting that enliven the art and cast dramatic shadows. Featuring more than 40 works, it is on view through June 8.

The dealer Emmanuel Di Donna wanted to draw out the connections between the two artists, who both had a talent for concision as well as a playful side. “They had a shared sensitivity,” Di Donna said. “They’re both looking for something beyond nature — all the way to the cosmos.” He added, “They rhyme.”

The show features loans from both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. Originally it was going to have an explicit underwater garden theme, but then Di Donna expanded it to include other works. Traces of that idea remain, with both artists depicting fish as only they could.

In one of Klee’s aquatic-themed works, the watercolor “Fische in der Tiefe (Fish in the Deep)” (1921), multiple fish eyes look out at the viewer. Calder returned to the fish form again and again throughout his career, including in the red mobile “Le Poisson de huit heures” (1965), made of sheet metal and wire.

As he prepared for the show to open in April, Di Donna gently blew on “Poisson” and it performed on cue, doing a delicately turning dance in response — a perfect bit of inspiration for art lovers who want to get in the swim of things this spring.

Art and Museums in New York City

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