Venice: Hidden Gems Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Venice , Italy

Venice: Hidden Gems Walking Tour with a Local Guide

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About this experience

Explore the San Marco district of Venice with a local tour guide. See unique highlights including the spiralling Scala Contarini del Bovolo, the Teatro La Fenice and more.

With countless hidden gems, beautiful streets and canal views at every turn, this off the beaten path walking tour is the perfect introduction to Venice.

Start by meeting your guide at the Venice Tours office located at campo san gallo. From there, you'll pass by fascinating sights such as Campo Manin and Campo Sant'Angelo. Be ready to take snaps of the San Moisè Church and enjoy its Baroque style architecture, adorned with sculptures.

Afterwards, continue exploring Venice at your own pace with a sightseeing app. From iconic landmarks including St Mark’s Basilica to Doge’s Palace and more, you’ll uncover more of the Floating City.

Available options

Spanish Tour

German Walking Tour

Italian Walking Tour

French Walking Tour

English Tour

What's included

Guided tour available English, German, French, Spanish or Italian

Audio commentary available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and Russian

Vox City sightseeing app, includes 2 self-guided walking tours

Venice guided walking tour

Detailed itinerary

Admire the iconic spiralling staircase, which was famously featured in Orson Welles' 1952 adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello. Built in the 15th century, the staircase's name translates to 'of the snail'.

This courtyard is named after Daniele Manin, who led part of the Risorgimento in the 19th century. The movement aimed to unite Italy against the Austrian Empire.

Enjoy this secret corner of Venice, a charming narrow street filled with apartments and the luxurious Hotel Corte di Gabriela.

Located nearby the famous Rialto Bridge, this fascinating alley's name translates to 'Street of the Blind'.

This square is situated in the heart of the city and lined with several palaces. Its name is taken after a church which was closed and later demolished during the Napoleonic era.

Stop 6 Pass by

This historic opera house is one of the most famous and important theatres in Italy. Composers such as Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi held many operatic premieres at this iconic location.

Constructed in the 7th century, this Baroque style church is well-known for its façade, adorned with intricate statues.

What's not included

Entry to attractions

Public transportation tickets

Headset and mobile device

Available languages

Audio guide

DE CMN EN IT FR ES

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5

13 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.6

11 reviews

5★

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The guided walking tour is approximately 2 hours long. Please arrive 5 minutes early if possible so you do not miss the tour departure

Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes

To access your sightseeing mobile app, scan the QR code on your voucher. Download the app and audio guides prior to arrival

On certain dates, visitors staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a 5€ access fee. Visit the City of Venice website to learn more

Meet your guide at the Venice Tours office, Campo San Gallo, San Marco 1093/B, close to San Marco Square. Your guide will be wearing a dark blue 'Vox City' uniform

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the Venice Tours office, Campo San Gallo, San Marco 1093/B, close to San Marco Square. Your guide will be wearing a dark blue 'Vox City' uniform.

Important notes

Meet your guide at the Venice Tours office, Campo San Gallo, San Marco 1093/B, close to San Marco Square. Your guide will be wearing a dark blue 'Vox City' uniform.

Please arrive 5 minutes early if possible so you do not miss the tour departure.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

To download your audio guide:
• Scan the QR code on your voucher, or head to your mobile app store to download the VoxCity app.
• Open the app, head to the ‘My Tours’ section, click the + icon at the top right.
• Add your purchase by entering your reservation code and travel date.
• Plug in your headset and you’re ready for your next great experience.

If you have any questions, please call the local operator at +39 041 476 1926 or reach out to us at: customer@voxcity.com. Our opening hours are from 7:00am to 7:00pm CET, Monday to Sunday.

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