Venice: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour with Synagogues Visit

Venice , Italy

Venice: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour with Synagogues Visit

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About this experience

*Discover a lesser-known side of Venice: Explore the Cannaregio district and the Jewish Ghetto, areas that most visitors to Venice overlook.
*Learn about Venice’s Jewish history: The tour offers a deep understanding of the historic Jewish influence in the city, including stories of past residents, significant landmarks, and cultural traditions.
*Choose to include the Synagogues tour for an extra hour and complete your experience.
*Experience local culture: Walk through charming residential areas, artisan workshops, galleries, shops, and delis, providing a glimpse into local life in Venice.
*Explore a hidden niche of cultural life: The tour showcases the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, a square that was founded as a fortified island in 1516 to confine Venetian Jews. Visitors get to see bas-reliefs, a sight that most visitors to Venice miss, and experience a unique cultural niche of the city.

Available options

Ghetto and Synagogue Tour EN

2 hrs ghetto + 1 hr Synagogues

What's included

Synagogues Tour (led by the Jewish Museum)

Small group tour for a more intimate experience

Professional local guide

2-hour walking tour of the Ghetto

Detailed itinerary

Meet your expert local guide and join a small-group walking tour to explore the rich history of Venice's Jewish Ghetto and the Cannaregio district. Discover fascinating stories, wonderful food, and hidden landmarks that few visitors ever discover in Venice.

Stop 2

Continue to Cannaregio district, now a fascinating residential area in the northern part of the city. You’ll be aware of the historic Jewish influence the minute you enter this area, as yellow signs in Hebrew and Italian will direct you to the Synagogue.

This charming Ghetto Vecchio (Old Ghetto) teems with artisan workshops, galleries, shops, and delis and is best explored at a leisurely pace.

Stop 4

Cross the bridge into Campo del Ghetto Nuovo (New Ghetto Square), founded as a fortified island in 1516. Hear how and why the Venetian Jews were confined to the island, which became densely populated.

One of the most significant highlights of your Jewish Ghetto Venice tour is a series of bas-reliefs in the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo–and your guide will tell you why. Sadly, it’s a sight most visitors to Venice often miss.

Walk past the Deportation Memorial, the Levantine Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum of Venice on this captivating Jewish Ghetto Venice Tour.

Visit the Levantine Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue, where expert guides from the Jewish Museum provide in-depth insight into the rich heritage of Venice’s Jewish community.

Although the museum itself is under restoration and closed to visitors, this exclusive visit offers a rare opportunity to experience the city's Jewish legacy firsthand.

Learn how Napoleon tore down the gates of the Jewish Ghetto, finally granting Jews the right to live anywhere in this grand “Floating City.” Although only a small percentage of present-day residents are Jewish, the district remains rich in Jewish culture, with bakeries, restaurants, and handicraft stores. This hidden cultural niche in Venice will come vividly to life as your local guide leads you from one fascinating corner to the next.

Conclude your journey by exploring the Jewish Ghetto’s historic buildings, centuries-old landmarks, and the unique architecture that tells the story of resilience, tradition, and cultural identity in Venice.

What's not included

Transport to/from the meeting point

Interior visit to the Jewish Museum

Levantine Synagogue on Fridays

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

91 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.4

38 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Both men and women must wear clothing that covers the belly, shoulders and knee in the Synagogue.

Please note that carrying any type of weapon or sharp objects, such as a knife, is not allowed for this tour.

Your guide will provide the synagogue tickets.

We kindly request that you arrive at the designated meeting point 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has started.

Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Meeting point

We meet at Campo di Ghetto Nuovo. You will see a big square, and right in the center of it there is a black drinking fountain.
Your guide will be waiting for you there with a sign that says, "Walks in Europe."

Important notes

Please find your ticket to organize the tickets at the meeting point.
If you choose the Synagogue option: Both men and women must wear clothing that covers the belly, shoulders and knee

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