Venice Walking Tour Top Sights and Local Spots

Venice , Italy

Venice Walking Tour Top Sights and Local Spots

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About this experience

A City walking tour of Venice with a local. Get the best of both worlds as your local Guide presents Venice's must-see sights before heading off the tourist track to see the nearby local neighbhood to get an insight into Venetian life.

Your local guide will meet you in the heart of Venice at Saint Mark's Square and present some of the Magnificent must-see Venice attractions such as The Saint Mark's Basilica, Rialto Bridge and the centuries old Rialto market. Learn about how Saint marks square served as a dock for trade ships in the 9th century. Rialto Bridge was the only bridge crossing the grand canal right up until the 1850's. Learn the unique alternative Venetians had to cross the canal. We will visit the Rialto markets which are 1000 years old!
After discovering these iconic Venice landmarks we will make our way to explore the local Venetian neighbourhood in San Polo and Dorsodoro. Here your Guide will give you a unique insight into how the locals live on a floating city.

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Venice Walking Tour Top Sights and Local Spots

What's included

Your personal local, knowledgable Venetian Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This iconic location is full of history and beauty. Your local guide will explain its significance as an important trade port to the City centuries ago. Admire the beautiful Basilica itself which was built to Guard the relics of Saint Mark and has enough mosaic to cover 1.5 American Football fields. Learn some intriguing facts about the history of the Basilica with your local guide.

Stop 2

Your guide will take you over Venice's most famous bridge where you will take in its architectual beauty and learn about its history. Up until the 1850's the Rialto bridge was the only Bridge that crossed the Grand Canal. Prior to that, the only way to cross over was via gondola ferries at various point along the canal. The views from the top of the bridge are breathtaking and we will take the opportunity for some photos.

Stop 3

This beautiful area of Venice has less tourists and more locals! Get a feel for the local Venetian vibe and learn some insights into local Venetian life. Living on a floating city is a unique experience. There are no roads in Venice, so the only way to make your way around the City is by foot. Emergency services, rubbish removal and even large delivery services are all by boat. Your local Guide will share some more interesting details how life differs on the island.

We will make our way through the streets and bridges of Venice admiring the architecture and discovering its history and what its like for locals to live on a floating city. Did you know there are over 400 bridges in Venice connecting 126 smaller islands that make up the city. But in the City's first 500 years there were no bridges at all and the only way to get from one island to the next was by boat. Your local guide will amaze you with some stories on historical Venetian way of life and how it is today as you make your way by foot throughout the city.

Stop 5

Visit one of the oldest markets in Venice which has been a hub for local food trade for centuries. Local restaurants and residents continue to buy fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables from this iconic Venice location. The Rialto market is located in the oldest part of the City and is over 1,000 years old. Your guide will point out some initeresting and very old features of the market which, from Monday to Saturday is bustling with locals purchasing their daily produce.

Available languages

Guide guide

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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

Meeting point

Your Guide will meet you at the tall column with Venice's iconic winged lion on top which sits on the edge of Saint Marks Square infront of the entrance to the Doge's palace.

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