Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice

Venice , Italy

Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice

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(89 reviews)

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About this experience

An historical walk and immersion into the heart of the Jewish ghetto and Cannaregio to discover the secrets of the 1st Jewish Ghetto of the world. We will avoid the tourist trail exploring an authentic, lesser-known, but incredible, well-preserved area of Venice, full of charme, enjoying the secret corners of the three ghettos of Venice.
You will learn why the Serenissima Republic forced the Jewish community to live under strict rules and how they lived for centuries in Cannaregio.
Did you know that the word "ghetto" comes from a local venetian word?
I will help you to recognize the hidden synagogues from outside and I will give you insights into the tragedy of the deportation and how the Holocaust left a deep mark on my beloved Venice. We will explore together the sestier of Cannaregio, with its beautiful streets and the venetian "skyscrapers", we will cross beautiful bridges draped in the locals' laundry, Italian style.

Available options

Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice

What's included

A guide great lover of the area and local expert

Detailed itinerary

You could spend a lifetime exploring Venice, and you'd never stop being surprised. What you'll going to love most about Cannaregio is that it still has quiet, secluded spots overlooking the lagoon, homes to local people and enchanting refuges for visitors: a less well known Venice, but no less fascinating.
We will visit a fascinating green area to discover more about the history of the Venetian Jewish Community and how the district of Cannaregio looked like at the time of the ghetto

We will meet in an authentic Venetian campo. I am a local guide expert of the Jewish Ghetto area. Let's unveil the area to better understand why the Jewish Ghetto is in Cannaregio before entering to it, we will visit a greenish area you can't even imagine.
Together we will discover the history of the Jewish Community of Venice, how the Jews lived before creating a ghetto, why and how Venice created the 1st ghetto of the world.

Stop 3

We will take a relaxing and unique walk through the three Ghettos of Venice (yes, they are three!) at the discovery of the history, curiosities and daily life and of past and the present of this charming area. I'll be sure to show you all of the highlights and hidden gems along the way!
Do you know the origin of the word ghetto ? Why Venice created the first one of the history? Who was the Doge at that time? DO you want to recognize symbols of that time that only an expert knows? Do you want to listen curiosities about the great people lived here ? And maybe do you remember Merchant in Venice by Shaskeare? Jump into the past and fall in love with this historical and rich of memories area of the floating city. We won't visit the sinagogues or the museum inside but I will show you anyway great details and I will explain you how to visit them

Let' end our tour discovering the area from a different point of view and enjoy the local dailylife of Cannaregio off the beaten track.

Stop 5

We will discover the Venetian recipes of the Jewish ghetto, the unique biscuits made in the area and an artistic art gallery

What's not included

This is a walking tour, we won't visit sites inside (no synagogues but I can give you all info)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

27 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

62 reviews

5★

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

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

In front of the San Geremia and Santa Lucia church

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