FriendInVenice: Experience the True Venice with a Private Tour

Venice , Italy

FriendInVenice: Experience the True Venice with a Private Tour

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(103 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The best parts of Venice are always the secret and inespected ones.

In my opinion in fact, "traveling" means "discovering". Travelers should therefore feel a constant urge to learn new things and see ... "more". In Venice, they would try to discover the whole city and live it at fullest. They would have to look at customs and traditions, support the arts and crafts, taste the local food ... in short, they would have fun. And in doing so, but also the emotions felt (and the eyes of those who led them). I would like to show you off-the-beaten-path, discovering the mysterious, the hidden corners of Venice which is not JUST St. Mark's Square: it's ALSO St. Mark's Square

. I look forward to meeting you!

Nadia, your "Friend in Venice"

Available options

English

Pickup included

What's included

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Open the secret door to Venice with a native Venetian guide. Learn to navigate like a local, visiting the markets, learning how to order a glass of wine or an espresso, and seeing some of the most famous sites in the city. Discover Venice with a native Venetian guide! This 2 hours private walk of Venice is the perfect walk to take upon arrival in Venice. After this tour, you'll have a good feel for the city and be able to navigate Venice like a local for the remainder of your holiday. Your guide will introduce you to this special place, its layout and history, with an insider's perspective, to make the most of your first step onto this amazing city made up of hundreds of tiny islands joined by an equally dizzying number of bridges. During your tour you'll get a good feel for how genuine Venetians used to live and how they live today in this unique city. Visit markets including the beautiful fish market, learn how to order a glass of wine or an espresso in a bar, stop for cicchetti (appetizers) or a sandwich in a local bacaro. This tour allows you to see the most famous sites in Venice but also how to enjoy its authentic places that are easy to reach but often hidden from outsiders. Let us open the Secret Door for you! We believe that this is the key to visiting this amazing city and we want to share our knowledge with you. The walk includes many of the most famous sights such as St. Mark's Square, the Frari, San Marco and Rialto as well as very interesting off-the-beaten-path sites. You will stop for a cappuccino along the way at a charming cafe and from a ferry landing learn to cross the Grand Canal standing up in a gondola as the Venetians do! You will also visit some of the less-traveled areas of Venice where Venetians live and which are away from the congestion of the St Mark's area, discussing the treasures, oddities and artistic and architectural heritage of this unique city. During this tour your guide will suggest additional itineraries for you to see the best works of art, restaurants and other notable or hidden Venetian sights.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

14 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

89 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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 Rialto Hotel

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