In and Around St. Mark‘s Square: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Active
1h - 1h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore St Mark‘s Square and its surroundings on this affordable self-guided walking tour with Dr Susan Steer, an art historian who specializes in Medieval and Renaissance Venice.
• Learn a bit about the 3000+ year history of power and wealth of Venice as a merchant city
• Hear from producer, Dr Susan Stee, one of Context Travel's local expert tour guides
• Do it all in 75 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Available options
In and Around St. Mark‘s Square: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Dive into the history of Venice on this walking tour of Piazza San Marco (St. Mark‘s Square) and its surroundings with Context Travel expert Dr Susan Steer, an art historian who specializes in Medieval and Renaissance Venice.
2
Our walk starts at St. Mark’s Square, “the most beautiful drawing room in the world”, as Napoleon called it, and one of several historically significant landmarks you‘ll visit on this tour. You‘ll gain an understanding of the important role Venice played in merging the Eastern and Western worlds during the Medieval and Renaissance eras.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll explore the outside of the Doge’s Palace
4
Take in St Mark’s Square‘s sights, including the Clock Tower, Saint Mark‘s Basilica, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (Marciana library), the Zecca (the State Mint), and the many museums in the square
5
Take in St Mark’s Square‘s sights, including the Clock Tower, Saint Mark‘s Basilica, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (Marciana library), the Zecca (the State Mint), and the many museums in the square
6
Stop 6
Pass by
You'll see the two columns, Colonna di San Marco and San Teodoro as you walk
7
Observe the ornate arches, stunning buildings, picturesque bridges and windy canals that make Venice the most romantic city in the world, including Bridge of Sighs and Ponte della Paglia
8
You'll pass by and hear about the Palazzo delle Prigioni, once a prison
9
Take in St Mark’s Square‘s sights, including the Clock Tower, Saint Mark‘s Basilica, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (Marciana library), the Zecca (the State Mint), and the many museums in the square
10
Stop 10
Pass by
Take in St Mark’s Square‘s sights, including the Clock Tower, Saint Mark‘s Basilica, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (Marciana library), the Zecca (the State Mint), and the many museums in the square
11
Stop 11
Pass by
You'll pass by Teatro la Fenice and hear its history while you walk
12
Gaze upon Ateneo Veneto and hear its history while you walk through the streets of Venice
13
Travel through time with a visit to Harry‘s Bar, an old coffee bar and a former haunt for literary greats like Ernest Hemingway
14
Along the way, Susan Steer will share Venice’s history while providing recommendations, context, and must-sees. You‘ll also discover off the beaten path gems like Giardini Reali Park, where our tour ends.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Food and drink
Entry fees to museum or attractions mentioned en route
Transportation
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VoiceMap Code
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
Download Instructions
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
Support
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Venice
Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.
Top Attractions
St. Mark's Basilica
A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury
Doge's Palace
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour
Rialto Bridge
The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.
Architecture
30 minutes
Free
Grand Canal
The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.
Nature/Scenic
30-60 minutes
€7.50 for a vaporetto ticket
Murano
An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day
Free to explore, €10 for museum
Burano
A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.
Cultural/Scenic
Half-day
Free to explore, €5 for lace museum
Must-Try Local Dishes
Risotto al Nero di Seppia
A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.
Main Course
Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.
Sarde in Saor
Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.
Appetizer
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.
Bigoli in Salsa
Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.
Main Course
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.
Frito Misto
A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.
Appetizer
Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.
Popular Activities
Kayaking in the canals
Cycling on Lido di Venezia
Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon
Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia
Enjoying a gondola ride
Visiting a spa or wellness center
Attending a concert or opera
Visiting museums and galleries
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Use official taxis and ticket vendors
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
Getting there
By air
- Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Santa Lucia Railway Station
By bus
Piazzale Roma
Getting around
Public transport
The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps
Rentals
Neighborhoods
San Marco
Dorsoduro
Cannaregio
Castello
Day trips
Burano and Murano
10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day
Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.
Lido di Venezia
20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day
A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Padua (Padova)
40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day
A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.
Festivals
Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary)
Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September
Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
- Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
- Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
- Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
