Self Guided Tour of Venice's Best Kept Secrets

Venice , Italy

Self Guided Tour of Venice's Best Kept Secrets

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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

Discover Venice through our captivating self-guided tour, immersing yourself in its enchanting outdoor wonders. Wander through picturesque canals and discover historical landmarks at your own pace with our informative app. Uncover hidden treasures, admire scenic viewpoints, and delve into the rich history and cultural diversity of this vibrant city.

Historical Insights:
Delve into Venice's intriguing history, uncovering stories behind its iconic landmarks and cultural heritage.

Enhanced Experience:
Our app provides historical insights, navigation assistance, and immersive audio to enrich your journey without the need for paper maps or guidebooks.

Freedom to Explore:
Enjoy the liberty and flexibility of our self-guided tour, exploring Venice at your leisure, in any order and at your own pace.

Offline Access:
Download our app in advance for uninterrupted exploration, ensuring you can enjoy Venice's wonders even without internet access.

Available options

Self Guided Tour of Venice's Best Kept Secrets

What's included

Self-guided walking tour (app)

Detailed itinerary

Marvel at the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica, with its stunning Byzantine architecture and intricate mosaics. Don't miss the bronze horses on the terrace, offering panoramic views of Piazza San Marco.

Stop 2 Pass by

Explore the historic Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture located beside St. Mark's Basilica. Admire its ornate façade adorned with delicate marble tracery and sculptures.

Visit Campo Santo Stefano, a charming square in Venice known for its open space and historic buildings. Admire the elegant Renaissance architecture surrounding the campo, including the beautiful facade of the church of Santo Stefano. Enjoy a peaceful stroll or relax at a café while soaking in the Venetian atmosphere of this picturesque square.

Stop 4 Pass by

Discover the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a hidden gem in Venice renowned for its unique spiral staircase. Marvel at the delicate blend of Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles as you ascend the staircase for panoramic views of Venice's rooftops. This architectural marvel offers a serene escape from the bustling streets, perfect for capturing memorable moments.

Stop 5

Campo Santa Maria Formosa is a picturesque square in Venice, Italy, known for its charming blend of Renaissance architecture and lively atmosphere. Surrounded by historic buildings with intricate facades, it offers a serene retreat from the bustling Venetian streets, inviting visitors to explore its quaint cafes and enjoy views of the iconic church that bears its name. Rich in history and architectural beauty, it epitomizes the timeless allure of Venice's unique urban landscape.

Stop 6

An iconic symbol of Venice spanning the Grand Canal, renowned for its elegant arches, bustling market stalls, and stunning views of Venetian life and architecture.

Stop 7

A historic neighborhood in Venice, Italy, known for its labyrinthine streets, vibrant markets, and notable landmarks like the Rialto Bridge. It offers a glimpse into Venice's rich cultural heritage through its charming squares and bustling canal-side alleys.

Stop 8 Pass by

Basilica S. Maria Gloriosa dei Frari: A magnificent Gothic church renowned for its imposing architecture, adorned with masterpieces by Titian, Bellini, and Donatello, offering a profound glimpse into Venetian art and history.

Stop 9 Pass by

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco: A majestic Renaissance building in Venice, adorned with intricate marble and stunning artworks by Tintoretto, showcasing Venetian artistic brilliance and serving as a cultural beacon in the heart of the city.

Stop 10

A lively square in Venice beloved for its bustling market, vibrant cafes, and relaxed atmosphere, offering a local's perspective with its charming blend of historic buildings and contemporary Venetian life.

A sublime Renaissance masterpiece on an island in Venice's lagoon, designed by Andrea Palladio, celebrated for its harmonious architecture, serene interior, and breathtaking views of Venice's skyline and waterscape from its bell tower.

Isola di San Michele: Venice's historic cemetery island, renowned for its peaceful ambiance, ancient monastery, and resting place of notable figures such as Igor Stravinsky and Ezra Pound, offering a serene retreat from the city's lively streets.

What's not included

No entry fees to any museums or tourist attractions.

Our app-based self-guided tour has no physical guide on-site.

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Connectivity: This activity requires an internet connection for the best experience. However, you can also pre-download the tour guide app to your smartphone or tablet for offline access.

Internet Connection, charged smartphone and headphones are needed.

Meeting point

Please stand by the main entrance of St. Mark's Basilica, facing the grand façade adorned with intricate mosaics and stunning architectural details. Visitors are encouraged to personalize their experience by choosing their own starting point and the order in which they wish to explore.

Important notes

INSTRUCTIONS

1 – Download the CloudGuide App
The first step is to install the CloudGuide app. The app can be found under the name CloudGuide in the app stores (iOS and Android). You can also get our app here: cloudguide.me/get.
Get started by exploring our comprehensive how to use guide: cloudguide.me/l/howtouse_en_web.

2 – Get the guide
Once downloaded, open the app. Click "I HAVE A CODE". Type using the keyboard or paste the code that can be found above your ticket on the left, just below the barcode (a 12-digit number starting with “A”, one code per visitor).

Click "START TOUR". You can pre-download or use your guide in streaming. Once activated on your phone, the guide grants access to content for the following 30 days.

3 - Go to the starting point
When you're ready to start the guide, head to the suggested starting point (or feel free to customize the order of your tour).

4 - Need help?
If you have any issues with access codes or in-app purchases, please contact us at help@cloudguide.me. We have also prepared a list of the most common issues and the ways to solve them: cloudguide.me/l/issues.

5 – Didn’t receive your code?
If you haven’t received your access code (a 12-digit number starting with “A” — one code per visitor), please contact us at help@cloudguide.me. Be sure to include your booking number and the name of the tour, and we’ll assist you as soon as possible.

TIP: Having troubles? Apps and phones aren’t perfect. Sometimes they freeze or crash. If this happens, simply close the app (don’t just minimise it!) and reopen it. In most cases that should help.
We hope you enjoy the visit!

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