Venice: Jewish Ghetto Private Walking Tour

Venice , Italy

Venice: Jewish Ghetto Private Walking Tour

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About this experience

Take advantage of the expertise of your specialized local guide on this private walking tour in Venice. Discover the Jewish Ghetto and learn about its rich history. See surprising landmarks that few visitors ever discover. Walk the streets of the ghetto to understand the Jewish presence in Venice. See the Deportation Memorial, the Levantine Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum of Venice (from the outside).

Available options

Private Tour in English

What's included

Expert local guide with insider's knowledge

Private tour for a customised experience

Walking tour at a relaxed pace

Detailed itinerary

Your local guide will carefully plan your private Jewish Ghetto Venice tour so that you don’t miss anything important as you navigate through this beautiful and often-missed area of Venice.

Stop 2 Pass by

Explore Jewish Venice and the Cannaregio district on a guided walking tour and discover what most visitors miss. Stroll through charming streets, uncover centuries of Jewish history, and taste the local culture. Visit Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, founded in 1516 as a fortified island. Learn how Venetian Jews were confined here and how the community solved overcrowding by building tenement blocks up to six stories high — an innovation in 16th-century Europe. Along the way, enjoy stories, landmarks, and hidden corners that bring Jewish Venice to life.

Continue to the 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, where yellow signs in Hebrew and Italian direct you towards the Synagogue. This charming Ghetto Vecchio (Old Ghetto) teems with artisan workshops, galleries, shops, and delis and is best explored at a leisurely pace.

Stroll by the Deportation Memorial, the Levantine Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum of Venice during your small-group Jewish Ghetto tour. Browse the renowned Antichità al Ghetto antique store, then enter the Levantine and Spanish Synagogues with special access arranged by the Jewish Museum. While the Museum remains closed for restoration, the synagogues welcome visitors, offering an authentic insight into Venice’s Jewish heritage. Hear the story of how Napoleon removed the ghetto gates, allowing Jews to live freely throughout Venice. Immerse yourself in a lively district filled with Jewish bakeries, restaurants, and artisanal shops. End your tour surrounded by the Ghetto’s historic buildings and centuries-old landmarks, where distinctive architecture reflects a legacy of resilience, tradition, and cultural identity.

What's not included

Interior visit of the synagogue or the museum

Levantine Synagogue on Fridays

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The Jewish Museum is under restoration and is closed for visits.

The Synagogue tour is delivered by the Jewish Museum. Your guide will provide the synagogue tickets.

Both men and women must wear clothing that covers the belly, shoulders, and knees in Synagogues.

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

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

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 reads, "Walks in Europe."

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