Explore Venice from Piazza San Marco to Rialto Bridge Walk Tour

Venice , Italy

Explore Venice from Piazza San Marco to Rialto Bridge Walk Tour

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About this experience

Discover the beautiful history of La Serenissima in this immersive introduction to Venice! We’ll be exploring this city of no roads, no cars, but well over 400 bridges and at least 150 canals.

Narrated by a local historian, this Venetian walk is all about uncovering the backstories of the most iconic architecture, secret tales and history, as you experience Venice like a local.

We’ll walk through the mesmerising Palazzo Ducale, learn about the Basilica di San Marco, stroll around the Rialto Bridge, browse around the charming Mercato di Rialto, admire the oldest church in Venice in Campo San Giacomo, and visit plenty of other captivating sites.

Venture off the tourist trail and get a local feel for the area as you experience authentic Italian street food and learn about the neighbourhood’s history, cultural and literary influences as you stroll through these picturesque streets.

Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets

Available options

Explore Venice from Piazza San Marco to Rialto Bridge Walk Tour

What's included

Offline Mode: Download tours in advance to listen without WiFi

Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy sites, without getting lost

Access to your self-guided audio tour

Instagram Hotspots: We find the spot for your perfect picture

Audio tour provided by a local or historian

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start the tour next to the Colonna di San Marco e San Teodoro as you look over Venice’s beautiful waterfront. Begin to learn about this strange city's long and complex history, a story that involves the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of the Byzantium, waves of refugees, sea-faring bandits and a whole lot of salt!

Stop 2

Explore the Doge's Palace, or Palazzon Ducale, and learn about Venice's Republic. Admire the stunning architecture that mixes Eastern and Western designs, a combination of Moorish-Spanish, Byzantine influences and Italian gothic styles.

Stop 3

Visit the Basilica di San Marco, a treasure trove of religious and imperial relics. A long time ago, the Venetians had power, trade, but they didn’t have the sacred glory bestowed on their city by an important patron saint. Listen to the story of how they went out to find one…

Take in the atmosphere of Piazza San Marco and marvel at the campanile, or bell tower. Take in the unique atmosphere of grand cafes, the smell of spices brought in along the Silk Road, the merchants hawking, the waltzes from a string quartet. Romance, drama and the opulent fashion of the time!

Poke your head inside the Casino Venier, an inconspicuous building hiding a mischievous history. Gambling, discussions of popular ideas of enlightenment, dancing, drinking, partying, good eating, extravagance… Venice was known around the continent as the most decadent place in Europe.

Stop 6

One of only four ‘inhabited’ bridges left in Europe today, the Rialto Bridge offers the best view of the Grand Canal. Learn how this was originally a wooden bridge and more about how Venice has dealt with its life on the ocean.

Home to the Venetian public bank, Campo San Giacomo is home to the oldest church in Venice. Hear about the legend about the hunchback, Gobbo di Rialto.

Head into Mercato di Rialto, a market where chefs, families and tourists browse shoulder to shoulder. A place where chefs, families and tourists browse shoulder to shoulder through the very best produce the lagoon has to offer, the way it has been since 1097.

Look over the canal at a wonderful art museum with faded frescoes from Titian and works by Carpaccio. This area gives a real sense of the grandeur of my home city back in its golden era. It stands in the sestiere or district of Cannareggio, one of the six districts in Venice. Go and have an explore once this tour has finished.

What's not included

Headphones

Mobile device

Available languages

Audio guide

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

Important notes

This is not your ticket! You will receive a separate email with a link to your tour. From that email, please click 'Download Now', install the Vidi Guides app, create an account within the app and click 'GetMyTour'. The tour will then be ready for download within your profile section. You can start the tour whenever you like!

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