Venice is one of the few places in the world where time seems to move at a different pace, and where cars simply don’t exist. With Top Venice, there are two ways to explore it: by boat or on foot, wandering its maze of narrow streets and hidden squares. If boat tours allow you to admire Venice’s grandeur in a single sweeping view, walking tours give you something even more precious: the chance to savour every detail.
Your private guide reveals stories, corners, and traditions that are easy to miss without a local by your side. What begins as a simple walk turns into a journey through Venetian life, where history and everyday beauty meet at every turn.
Best walking tour in Venice
These are our signature walking tours: fully customizable and designed around your interests, timing, and pace. Whether you want history, food, hidden corners, or iconic landmarks, we’ll create the perfect route for you.
Off the Beaten Tracks Tour in Venice
Step away from the crowded main paths and discover the Venice only Venetians know: quiet churches, artisan shops, tiny squares, and canals where you can walk 15 minutes without meeting a single tourist.
Your journey may include:
Cannaregio Gesuiti, an area rich in baroque grandeur and serene canals Fondamenta della Madonna dell’Orto and the nearby Ghetto, filled with history, culture, and everyday Venetian life
Castello, Venice’s most residential district, dotted with artisans’ workshops and hidden courtyards
Acqua Alta Library, where books become part of the décor
Santi Giovanni e Paolo and the enchanting Chiesa dei Miracoli, a jewel of Renaissance marble
Santa Croce & San Polo, neighborhoods where traditional Venice thrives in small shops, bacari, and peaceful alleys
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: English-speaking guide
Private Tour of Venice Highlights
Ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour covers Venice’s most iconic sights with privileged access options. You will explore:
St. Mark’s Square and its Basilica
Doge’s Palace or the Rialto Bridge, depending on the version selected.
Perfect for travelers who want to understand the symbols of Venice without the stress of navigating lines, crowds, or logistics.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Includes: English-speaking private guide
Cannaregio Private Walking Tour
Explore Cannaregio, Venice’s most authentic and quietly enchanting district: a world away from the classic tourist paths. Your private guide will lead you through its most meaningful landmarks:
Church of Madonna dell’Orto, resting place of Tintoretto
Fondamenta della Misericordia, a picturesque canal-side promenade
Jewish Ghetto, Europe’s first ghetto and a place rich in culture, memory, and history
The Orsoni Mosaic Furnace, where 24k gold and Venetian smalti mosaics have been crafted since 1888
Duration: 3 hours
Includes:
English-speaking private guide
Private boat transfer from your hotel to Cannaregio and back
Available on request:
mosaic workshop
kosher wine tasting with Venetian cicchetti
light lunch with wine pairing
1-hour rowing experience
Murano Private Walking Tour
Murano is synonymous with glassmaking mastery, and this walking tour reveals the island’s artistic legacy. Accompanied by a private guide, you will visit:
The Glass Museum, home to one of the world’s most extensive glass collections
The Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, among the oldest in the lagoon
A historic, family-run glass furnace, where you will meet the master and witness the ancient techniques still used today
Perfect for art lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting to see the true artisanship behind a global icon.
Duration: 4 hours
Includes: guide, private water taxi transfers, visit to furnace, museum & church
Venice Food Tasting Walking Tour
Taste Venice like a local with a guided walk through its traditional bacari: the city’s iconic wine bars. Your guide will introduce you to authentic Venetian flavors while sharing stories and curiosities about the area.
What you’ll enjoy:
Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) in different variations
Seasonal specialties and seafood bites
Local wines, spritz, or a glass of Prosecco
Available formats:
Classic Food Tour (3h): tastings in selected bacari
Premium Version: guaranteed seating in an exclusive venue
Food Tour by Boat: combine walking tastings with transfers on a private boat
Venice is a pedestrian city, and exploring it on foot is one of the best ways to understand its rhythm and uncover places you would never reach by boat. To make the most of your walking tour, keep in mind a few essentials:
Comfortable shoes: Venice is paved with historic stones and bridges, so stilettos are not ideal.
Bridges & steps: expect frequent bridges and uneven paths, allow a relaxed pace.
Weather-ready clothing: Venice can be sunny, humid, or occasionally misty. Bring water in summer and a light jacket in cooler months.
Acqua alta: seasonal high tides may affect certain areas, especially from October to January. Your guide will adapt the route if necessary, turning this phenomenon into a fascinating part of the experience.
With a few simple preparations, your walking tour becomes a smooth, enjoyable immersion into the daily rhythm and charm of the city.
Why choose Top Venice for your walking tour
A walk through Venice is always fascinating, but the right guide transforms it into an experience with depth, context, and meaning. Top Venice elevates your visit with:
Private, tailor-made itineraries: routes designed around your interests, such as art, history, food, hidden Venice, or iconic landmarks, without rigid schedules or crowds.
Local, English-speaking experts: our guides are Venetians who know the city’s stories, habits, legends, and secret corners that rarely appear on maps.
Priority access and curated stops: depending on the tour, we can include exclusive entrances, special tastings, artisan visits, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Smart logistics: meeting points, timing, and routes optimized to avoid bottlenecks and ensure a pleasant pace, away from the busiest areas.
Ready to explore Venice on foot?
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about walking tours in Venice
Some areas of Venice include bridges and uneven pathways, but we offer routes and tours specifically designed for guests with mobility needs. Please inform us of any requirements when booking, and we will suggest the best itinerary and solutions for your comfort.
Choose comfortable shoes and dress according to the season. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, especially in warmer weather, to stay hydrated as you walk and explore.
Walking tours take place in all weather conditions. If rain is forecast, your guide may adjust the itinerary to ensure safety and comfort while still delivering a memorable experience.
Absolutely! We regularly design private tours for families, groups of friends, incentive trips, anniversaries, and romantic escapes. Tell us what you’re celebrating, and we’ll create the ideal experience.
