Walking Tours in Venice

Get an insider's introduction to the majestic monuments and captivating history of Venice, starting with a guided walking tour around St. Marks Square. Stroll through winding backstreets and charming squares to landmarks like Marco Polo's house, and then skip the long line to enter the magnificent Doge's Palace. Learn about the one-time rulers of the Venetian Republic as you explore ornate halls decked out in Renaissance masterpieces, and imagine the fate of prisoners as you cross the famous Bridge of Sighs into the palace prison.

Discover Venice's hidden neighborhoods and maritime history on a 2-hour Castello and Venetian Ships Pavilion walking tour. With an expert guide, explore the charming Castello district for glimpses into the real city. Learn about everyday life here in the squares and 'calli' (streets) and then visit the Arsenale, Venice's shipbuilding powerhouse during the Middle Ages. Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the Ships Pavilion, the 16th-century oar workshop and storage facilities, and admire the collection of ships, including ceremonial barges and warships. Numbers are limited to 15 for a more intimate atmosphere.

Explore Venice's lesser-known gems on this 3-hour walking tour. Led by a guide, stroll through the stalls of fresh produce at the Rialto Market, stopping at an osteria for a glass of wine and a few cicchetti (Venetian snacks). The head to the historic San Polo and Cannareggio districts, and cross over the Grand Canal on a gondola ride.

If it's your first time in Venice, the Doges Palace is probably top of your must-see list, and this 1-hour Doges Palace tour ensures you make the most of your time. Avoid the queues with skip-the-line entrance, walk across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, marvel at the Golden Staircase, and admire art masterpieces by Tintoretto and Titian.

Discover the awe-inspiring St Mark's Basilica in Venice without the headache of long lines. Head to the front of the queue with your expert guide and step inside to admire the cathedral's glittering gold mosaics and soaring, embellished domes. Explore other architectural highlights of St Mark's Square and learn about Venice's history as a seafaring superpower and Italian cultural capital. On this 2-hour walking tour, you'll also escape to quieter backstreets to visit lesser-known attractions and gain insight into daily Venetian life.

Experience the dark side of Venice on a 1.5-hour evening walking tour, highlighting the 'Floating City's' ghosts and legends. Explore both the Castello and Cannaregio neighborhoods, meandering along dimly-lit alleyways and quiet canals while learning about Venice's more sinister side. Your guide will regale you with stories of the city's most notorious figures, from ancient times through present day, leaving you with a whole new 'appreciation' for this 'Bride of the Sea.'

Get views of Venice's most important landmarks during this 2-hour morning walking tour. As the city and its scenic canals awake for the day, pass Venetian highlights like the Doge's Palace, St Mark's Square and Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Listen to your guide's commentary about these famous locations, as well as little-known facts about some of the city's hidden gems. Use of personal headsets to hear your guide clearly is included.

Discover the mystery and enchantment of Venice at night on this 2-hour evening walking tour. Under the cover of night and the glow of streetlamps, stroll through quiet squares and winding backstreets as a guide recounts tales of terror, intrigue, and unusual events that shocked the city. See landmarks shrouded in urban legends like the Bovolo staircase, Teatro Le Fenice, and Marco Polo's former family home, and listen for the voices of the past along with the sound of lapping water from darkened canals.

Take a look at Renaissance-era Venice, a time of new artistic trends, emerging trade routes, wealth and wonder. Led by a social historian with in-depth knowledge about the Renaissance period, the tour takes in Venice's hidden sights that indicate how life was centuries ago. If time permits, pay a visit to the Museum of Fabric and Costume History at Palazzo Mocenigo for an insight into the clothing fashions and Renaissance style. As this is a private tour, you have the benefit of personalized attention from your guide.

First time in Venice? Maximise your time in the city with a full-day itinerary that ticks off all the most memorable attractions. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal. Next, access St. Mark's Basilica and gaze down over the city from the cathedral's rooftop terrace. Finally, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge's Palace. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people ensuring a personalized experience.

Venture off the beaten track and see the secret side of Venice on this 1.15-hour walking tour. Stroll along the tranquil canal ways and get a glimpse of local life as you explore Venice's vibrant neighborhoods. Along the way, stop to snap photos of the Rialto Bridge, admire the striking Bovolo Staircase and La Fenice Theater, and peek into lively bacaris (local bars).

Explore the seductive side of Venice with a private tour of Casanova sites in this romantic city. Follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous personalities to ever live in Venice. Visit places in the city where real events in his life took place, including the Rialto Market. Learn about 18th century Venetian history from your knowledgeable guide as you go.

Explore the history and legends of St Mark’s Square on a 2-hour walking tour led by a local guide. Known as the cultural and political heart of Venice, the square is home to some of the city’s most dazzling landmarks and architecture, including Italo-Byzantine St Mark’s Basilica and Gothic Doge’s Palace. Upgrade to include a ride on a classic Venetian gondola after the tour — a must-do experience when visiting Venice!   

Step off the well-trodden path in Venice for a peek into the real life of the city. During this 1.5-hour walking tour, your in-the-know guide will show you some of the hidden corners of this famous city and teach you about what life is like for locals. Headsets included to hear your guide clearly.

Short on time but want to learn about Venice? Take an express walking tour of the city and discover its highlights and hidden gems with a local guide. After starting with St. Mark's Square and the basilica, you'll hear tales of the Venetian Republic and Marco Polo as you stroll to the Doge's Palace, Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Teatro Malibran, and Le Mercerie shops.

Explore the hidden corners of Venice on a 2.5-hour walking tour and benefit from local knowledge. You'll stroll with a small group to the city square of Campo Santa Margherita, see the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Then cross the Rialto Bridge and walk past the Marco Polo House to St. Marc's Square. Upgrade for a private tour.

Enjoy the personalized attention of a private guide as you discover Venetian history and highlights on this 2-hour walking tour. Wander through the charming backstreets and squares of the San Polo neighborhood, and step inside the spectacular Gothic Frari Church to admire masterpieces by Renaissance painters Titian and Bellini. Explore the city’s commercial heart with a visit to the open-air Rialto market, where Venetians have been buying fresh fish and fruit for centuries.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening in Venice with a combined aperitivo tour and ghost tour. Visit three different 'bacari' (Venetian wine bars) for a glass of wine and appetizer at each one, experiencing Venice like a local. Then hear some of the city's most alluring ghost stories, legends and mysteries as you walk through a darkened Venice. It's a 3.5-hour tour you won't soon forget.

Explore the narrow streets and top sights of Venice with this 2-hour small-group walking tour including St Mark's Basilica. Marvel at the spectacular mosaics inside St Mark's. Learn about the history of the Rialto Bridge. Wander through the meandering alleys of the canal city with your knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Uncover the secrets of 'Serenissima' on this small-group walking and boat tour of Venice. Break away from crowds to explore the city's charm by land and water, beginning with a stroll through the enchanting squares and sidestreets of the Castello district. Then, board a motorboat for a cruise through the city's famous canals, culminating at the bustling open-air Rialto Market.