free walking tour venice today

Free Walking Tour Venice

General information.

Starting time

11:00 am / 6:00 pm

Tip only basis

Free walking tour Venice guides you through the city of Venice like no other, built on a network of canals and linked by bridges. The city is famous for its beautiful architecture, including the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, and its picturesque gondolas that navigate the canals. Visitors can also explore the Doge’s Palace and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which houses works by many famous artists, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Strolling through the narrow streets and discovering hidden squares and gardens is a must, as well as taking a trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, known for their glass and lace making respectively.

Meet your guide at the St. Mark’s Square.

Tip only basis. You must tip your guide at the end of the tour. It is recommended to tip from 10 to 20 euros per person.

Free walking tour Venice begins in St. Mark’s Square, one of the most famous public spaces in the world. Surrounded by historic buildings, including the beautiful St. Mark’s Basilica, this bustling square is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Venice.  

Next, head to the Doge’s Palace, a stunning Gothic building that was once the home of the city’s ruling dukes. Today, it is a museum that showcases the rich history of Venice, including its political and cultural heritage. Be sure to visit the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the nearby prison.

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From the Doge’s Palace, make your way to the Rialto Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. This beautiful bridge crosses the Grand Canal and provides stunning views of the city and its surroundings. Take a stroll along the bridge and admire the busy water traffic below.  

As you continue your tour, be sure to stop by the colorful Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Venice. This lively space is surrounded by historic buildings, including the church of Santa Maria Formosa, and is a great place to relax and people-watch.  

Next, visit the stunning Church of San Giovanni e Paolo, a Gothic masterpiece that is one of the largest churches in Venice. Inside, you will find beautiful frescoes, intricate altarpieces, and an impressive collection of Renaissance art.  

Finally, end your tour at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum that is housed in a beautiful palazzo along the Grand Canal. This museum showcases works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th century, including Picasso, Dalí, and Magritte, making it a must-see for art lovers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum of participants.

The maximum of participants is 15 people.

Can I book a private walking tour?

Yes, you can book a private walking tour by contacting us straight via email.

Can I bring my children?

Yes, in Free Tour Venice everyone is welcome.

What should I bring?

Check out the weather on the day of the tour to make sure you bring an umbrella in case it’s raining. Bring comfortable shoes, cash and a big smile 🙂

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Free Venice Walking Tours

We provide both introductory tours and outings covering the sesterces (districts) of Dorsoduro, the Jewish Ghetto, St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), and more.

We are a group of local tour guides offering daily walking tours

Venice might not be one of the bigger cities in Italy like Rome, but there’s still a lot to see in the area, and the tours listed in this post will make it easier to discover some of the most notable locations.

Overview + Schedule

• Introduction to Venice
• Dorsoduro (South Venice)
• Jewish Ghetto + Cannaregio
• St. Mark’s Square
• Murano and Burano Islands
• Gondola Rides
• Grand Canal

There are tours covering Northern Venice, Southern Venice, the Jewish Ghetto, Cannaregio, and many smaller neighborhoods and locations in the city. 

You may also want to consider a tour of specific locations and sites like St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco).

There is even a free audio tour designed to be used while riding a boat down the Grand Canal.

The tours listed below are run through us. More tours are available in the following sections.

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Here is a calendar with more of the best free walking tours in Venice.

As you explore the city with a tour guide, you’ll learn about Venetian history, fun facts, legends, and the mysteries of Venice.

You'll also discover the most important sites, and even receive tips and tricks about the best cuisine and great ways to save both money and time.

Most free Venice walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, which means that at the end of the tour, you can pay your guide however much you want, even nothing if you weren’t impressed.

Most people really enjoy these types of walking tours and tip their guides an average of €10-€15 for the experience.

Although these tours can be fun, they are usually open to larger group sizes, so if you’d rather take a walking tour with small group sizes, consider going on a paid tour of Venice instead.

Some of the paid options also focus on special subjects that the free tours won’t always cover, so depending on what you want to learn about, it may be worth the extra money.

You may also want to think about experiencing Venice from one of the gondolas that float down the canals of this city.

We also offer tours throughout Europe, including:

INTRODUCTION TO VENICE TOURS

If you’re interested in learning about and discovering some of the most notable sites in the historic centre of Venice, these free walking tours will introduce you to the city.

You can expect to see incredible monuments and beautiful architecture along the way.

You’ll also get tips and tricks to avoid tourist traps and get the most out of your time and experience what life is like for Venetians.

Here are a few of the locations you will likely visit on an introductory tour:

• Santa Maria della Fava
• The Grand Canal
• San Salvador
• Rialto Bridge

Northern Venice Tou r

This pay-what-you-wish tour is approximately 2 ½ hours in duration and it’s currently available at 16:30 (4:30 pm) every day. They also have plans to offer a daily 10:30 am tour in the near future.

Tour itineraries can change depending on your guide, and they will often personalize the tour based on what you want to see. 

Learn more or book this tour.

DORSODURO TOURS (SOUTH VENICE)

Aside from the Introductory tour, there are also outings in the Southern District of Dorsoduro which cover a variety of interesting locations.

This is considered a more “artsy” part of the city, with many student inhabitants, but there’s still plenty of history to learn about and notable sites to see in Southern Venice.

Here are a few of the stops you’ll most likely make while on one of the following free Venice walking tours:

• Campo della Carità
• Punta della Dogana
• Campo Santo Stefano
• Accademia Galleries
• Zattere Fondamenta
• Basilica della Salute

While on these tours, you may also hear stories about subjects as varied as the Napoleonic invasion, Peggy Guggenheim, the plague epidemics of the past, and much more.

Southern Venice Tour

Once again provided by Touring Different, the duration of this tour is quite extensive at around 2 ½ hours in length and it’s available daily at 10 am.

Learn about notable art in the area, interesting traditions, and even details about what is said to be the most haunted palace in Venice.

Book this tour or find out more .

JEWISH GHETTO + CANNAREGIO

Although there aren’t as many companies offering free Venice walking tours of this part of the city, there are a few options you may want to consider.

Did you know that Venice is actually home to the first Jewish Ghetto in the world?

Get lost (with a local guide) in the narrow streets of Cannaregio.

You can learn more about the Venetian history of this area and see the most notable sites in the Cannaregio district on one of the following tours.

It's also a great area to bump into resident Venetians.

While traveling around these 2 neighborhoods of Venice, you can expect to see some of the following sites:

• Jewish Ghetto
• Ponte Chiodo
• Ponte Borgoloco
• Campo San Zanipolo
• Campo Santa Maria Formosa

If you’re interested in discovering or learning more about any of these attractions, please consider one of the free Venice walking tours below.

Cannaregio: The Local Venice + Jewish Ghetto

The company Free Walk in Venice currently offers the only pay-what-you-wish tour in this district, and it’s a pretty good one to take.

Guides promise to show you the secret corners of the city, historic locations, panoramic views, and even tips on some of the best places to eat.

The duration of this free Venice walking tour is approximately 2 ½ hours long and it’s available on Thursdays at 15:00 (3 pm) and Mondays at 10:30 am.

Check our calendar for more information .

Other Cannaregio + Jewish Ghetto Tours

When it comes to free tours of the area, there aren’t many other options.

Alternatively, if you don’t mind spending a bit of money, there are some interesting paid tours you may want to consider, including a privately led service and even a ghost tour.

Check this list of paid Cannaregio + Jewish Quarter tours to find an outing you’ll enjoy.

ST. MARK'S SQUARE TOURS

Piazza San Marco is one of the most interesting and historic public squares in all of Venice, and there are a lot of things to see in the area.

So, it makes sense that there would be tours devoted to St. Mark’s Square.

We have our own free, self-guided tour for you.

If you don’t want to miss anything in this part of the city and you want to learn as much as possible about all of the historic sites, consider one of these free Venice walking tours.

While in St. Mark’s Square, you’ll likely see the exterior and learn about some of the following locations:

• The Basilica of St. Mark
• St. Mark’s Bell Tower
• St. Mark's Basilica
• Doge’s Palace
• The Paper Door
• Correr Museum
• Bridge of Sighs

Venice Free Walking Tour

This tour is run by one tour guide, David. He calls his tour the Secret and Mysterious Venice: St. Mark's and the Silk Road.

In addition to seeing a side of the city most tourists don't visit, you'll also learn about some of the most notable legends and stories from throughout the history of Venice.

Their tour is available daily at 10 am.

Book this tour here .

Rick Steves

If you’re visiting out of season or you can’t make it to the other service, this company actually offers two audio tours which cover both the St. Mark's Basilica and St. Mark’s Square.

The nice thing about these options is that you can take an audio tour anytime you want, day or night.

That said, there is a small section of the St. Mark’s Square tour focusing on Venice after dark, so you might want to consider using that one in the evening.

Download the Basilica of St. Mark audio tour .

Download the St. Mark’s Square audio tour .

GRAND CANAL TOURS

Although there aren’t currently any pay-what-you-wish tours that cover this attraction, there is one free audio tour offered by Rick Steves that you may want to consider.

The Grand Canal curves its way through the entire city almost like a main street — but instead of cars and buses, you'll see gondolas and tour boats!

And there are a lot of interesting attractions to see along the water as it stretches from Santa Lucia Station to St. Mark’s Square, passing by the Jewish Ghetto, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and San Marco.

Here are some of the sites you can expect to see and learn about on this audio tour:

• Ca’ Rezzonico
• Accademia Gallery
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

If you’re interested in discovering more about these locations and seeing everything of interest in this area, download the Grand Canal audio tour .

You might also want to consider crossing the canals of Venice on one of the many gondolas in Venice .

MURANO AND BURANO ISLANDS

There are even free tours on the islands of Murano and Burano.

Blowing glass is a specialty of the island of Murano, and on this tour, you can visit the Canal dei Vetrai and visit a glass factory to witness a glass-blowing demonstration by a master glassmaker.

Murano is also home to the Basilica of Santa Maria and San Donato, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque, and the Church of San Pedro Martir, known for its blown glass lights.

ITAKA Tours

This company is currently offering one of the only free tours of Murano and Burano from Venice.

It's important to note that transport is not included, and entrance to the glass factory will cost an additional €3 per person.

The tour provided by your tour guide will be pay-what-you-wish, and most visitors will tip at least €10-€15 if they enjoyed their experience.

You can expect this tour to last for 4 hours and 30 minutes, and it is available to take every Wednesday - Sunday in Spanish.

Book this tour or learn more .

OTHER TOURS IN ITALY:

• Free Florence Walking Tours
• Hop-on Hop-off Florence Bus Tours
• Rome to Florence by Train
• Free Rome Walking Tours
• Hop-on Hop-off Rome Bus Tours
• Best Rome Bike Tours
• Best Rome Segway Tours

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

for more dates : [email protected]

DISCOVER VENICE WITH A LOCAL, LICENSED FRIEND Book your Free Walk in Venice tour! The date you're looking for is not available on the booking page? Don't hesitate to contact me: [email protected]

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1- Kickstart Venice free tour 

2-    San Marco free tour

3 - Secr ets of th e Jewish Ghetto (prepaid - August 23rd )

What Makes Me Special

Local Expert Guide

Hi! I am a local licensed guide deeply in love with Venice. I am not a big company, but I put love into every tour I run.

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Hidden Gems and the Real Venice

I love help travellers to discover my Venice, you can start with my kickstart tour and why not maybe ask for a deeper discover of Venice with my other small group or private tours

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Free Walking Tour Venice

Discover the authentic venice with venice free walking tour, free  venice walking tour.

Venice Free Walking Tours is operating several free and paid tours in Venice. The tours usually do not cover the touristy sites of Venice in order to let you enjoy its most authentic side instead! Wandering through the alleys of the local neighborhoods where Venetians still live today with our well trained and passionate guides, you will both see some highlights and hidden gems and learn about the city’s history, culture and traditions.

Our mission is not only to provide insiders’ tips to make your stay unforgettable, but also to make you feel like a local, experiencing the city and its culture by a local point of view. 

VFWT is run by local licensed guides who really want to show their Venice to travelers since 2015 and providing the best experience in town!

Pictures from our walks

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People walking in the romantic streets of Venice

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Frequently asked questions about the tour

Does the tour cover touristy spots such as the rialto bridge or st.mark’s square, how long does the tour last, is there any break during the tour, do i need to make a reservation to take part to the tour, what if i changed my mind or if i cannot make it on time, get inspired by the free tour community blog.

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Walking Tours

Privacy overview.

Information about a Free walking tour in Venice:

What makes a free walking tour in venice a unique experience.

Venice is a city like no other, with its labyrinth of canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. A free walking tour in Venice offers a unique way to explore this magical city, allowing you to experience its beauty up close. From the iconic Rialto Bridge to the majestic Ducal Palace , a walking tour provides intimate access to Venice’s most famous sites, as well as hidden gems that you might miss on your own.

Which iconic landmarks can I expect to see on a Venice free walking tour?

During a Venice free walking tour , you'll visit some of the city's most renowned landmarks. These typically include San Marcos Square , with its stunning Basilica and Campanile , the picturesque Grand Canal , and the charming islands of Murano and Burano . You’ll also explore historic sites like the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the Ca' Rezzonico , which offers a glimpse into Venice’s rich artistic heritage.

How do local guides enhance the experience of a walking tour in Venice?

Local guides, often referred to as gurus, play a crucial role in making your Venice walking tour truly memorable. These experts bring the city’s history and culture to life, sharing stories and insights that you wouldn’t find in guidebooks. They also know the best routes to take, helping you avoid the crowds and discover the quieter, more authentic parts of Venice. With their knowledge, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present.

What are some of the lesser-known areas of Venice explored on a walking tour?

A walking tour in Venice not only covers the major sights but also takes you through lesser-known neighborhoods that reveal the city’s hidden charm. You might explore the narrow alleys of Castello , the artistic heart of Dorsoduro , or the quiet canals of San Polo . These areas offer a more intimate look at Venetian life, far from the tourist crowds, allowing you to see the city as locals do.

Can I customize my Venice walking tour to focus on specific themes?

Yes, one of the great advantages of a free walking tour in Venice is its flexibility. You can choose a general tour that covers all the key sights or opt for a themed tour that focuses on specific aspects of Venice, such as its art, architecture, or history. Whether you’re interested in exploring the legacy of the Venetian Republic or the city’s famous glassmaking on Murano, there’s a tour to suit your interests.

What is the best way to experience Venice’s famous canals during a walking tour?

While a walking tour in Venice primarily takes you through the city’s streets and squares, many tours include opportunities to explore the canals as well. You might cross the iconic Rialto Bridge or walk along the Grand Canal , where you can observe the daily life of Venetians on the water. Some tours even offer optional add-ons like a gondola ride or a vaporetto trip, providing a perfect blend of land and water experiences.

Why should I consider a free walking tour in Venice over other types of tours?

A free tour in Venice offers a more personal and immersive experience compared to bus or boat tours. On foot, you can access places that are inaccessible by vehicle, such as narrow alleys and hidden courtyards. Walking also allows you to take in the city’s atmosphere at a slower pace, giving you time to appreciate the details of Venice’s architecture and daily life. Plus, with the guidance of a local expert, you’ll gain a deeper connection to the city.

What other Italian cities offer free walking tours similar to Venice?

If you enjoy the Venice free walking tours , you might want to explore other cities in Italy that offer similar experiences. Cities like Rome , with its ancient ruins and vibrant history, Turin , known for its elegant architecture and rich cultural scene, and Milan , the fashion capital with its stunning cathedral and world-class art, all offer free walking tours that allow you to discover the unique charm of each destination.

Others cities to visit after Venice

Free walking tour near venice.

• Free walking tour in Budapest
• Free walking tour in Tirana
• Free walking tour in Kraków
• Free walking tour in Berlin
• Free walking tour in Brussels
• Free walking tour in Verona
• Free walking tour in Bologna
• Free walking tour in Pula

Find other guruwalks in Venice

Free Walking Tour Venice

What’s the best season to book a venice free walking tour.

Venice, oh Venice! The most romantic city in the world, meaning that if you haven’t found the love of your life yet, well, it will make you understand what being in love means. Book a free walking tour in Venice if you want to find out what’s the life link in a floating city. If you wanna enjoy the city in the best way possible come in autumn or winter time when the big tourist crowd has already left: join a Venice free walking tour is the best options so far! In high season (spring-summer) the visit of the city can get pretty tough. However, the tourist crowd always move around the San Marco district and the train station area, leaving other sestiere for the locals to drink and chillout in peace. Venice is unique, there is no city in the world like Venice and there will never been: so beautiful, so fragile.

What’s the role of our local guide during the free Venice city tour?

Local Venetian guides can make a big difference for your travel experience. They know the right side alleys, the ones you would never walk in, the alleys that hide real soul of the city that you’ll discover during our free Venice city tour .  The city is divided in 6 quarters called “sestieri”. The passage between a sestiere and another is invisible. Venice is made of an intricate labyrinth of alleys and bridges, there is no corner where you wouldn’t stop and stand there forever admiring the architecture and wondering how this could have been done! Venice is made of little details and big question marks: what do Venetians when the high tide kicks in? How can they predict it? How do Venetians enjoy their free time and where? What actually stands below your feet? Venice wasn’t built in one day, however, local guides can reveal all its secret in less than one day! A free walking tour of Venice is what you need! By the way, there is something that Venetians can’t resist from doing after office time…getting into wine bars and having few toasts! If you wanna try a foodie experience, check our partner’s Streaty’s Venice street food tour ! Our favorite areas are without any doubts the sestiere of Dorsoduro, San Polo and Cannareggio. However, during a Venice free walking tour, you can’t but go take a selfie in piazza San Marco , step up the Ponte di Rialto and most important thing go explore the Rialto fish market, where you will breath history and smell good food!

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Venice Free Tour

• 9.20 / 10 11,708 reviews | 123,628 travellers Carla was a very good guide, she explained everything to us very professionally and clearly. Thank you. 10 Carlos Zarazola
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See Venice through the eyes of a true Venetian! On this 2-hour free tour of Venice, we'll walk the city's streets and see the most important landmark s of the City of Canals.

The tour group will meet right in the centre of Venice to begin this free tour of Venice and its canals . Ready to go? Come on!

During the tour, we'll delve into the history of this beautiful city, which is known by many as the Queen of the Adriatic. We'll stroll through the streets, admire its canals, and look up at the façades of its most symbolic buildings, among which the famous Teatro La Fenice will feature. Did you know that it's one of the oldest opera houses in the world ?

We'll make our way towards the world-famous St Mark's Square . Here, we'll pay close attention to the architectural details of St Mark's Basilica, which dates back to the 12th century. We'll see the bell tower , which is 323 feet high (almost 100 metres), and discuss the different uses of the Doge's Palace, as well as Venice's doges. 

We'll also stroll along Venice's Grand Canal and admire the palaces and churches that line its banks, including the majestic baroque Basilica of Santa María della Salute .

After 2 hours of walking, we'll finish our tour. Naturally, if you're interested, we'll give you some top tips for restaurants and other must-see spots for the rest of your time in the city. 

What will we see on this free tour?

Our free tour of Venice is the most comprehensive that you'll find. We'll cover the following landmarks in the City of Canals:

• Teatro La Fenice
• St. Mark's Square
• Doge's Palace
• Bridge of Sighs
• Grand Canal
• Rialto Bridge

It isn't possible to participate in this tour if you are a group of more than 6 people , even if they are made via different bookings. If you're in a large group, or you'd like an exclusive tour for you, your family and friends, try our private tour of Venice .

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.

English speaking guide, expert in the history of Venice.

Not included

When to book.

You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Vivaldi Tours Show more

Corporate name: MARIA CONCEPCIÓN LÓPEZ SASTRE

Frequently asked questions

Q - Are there any requirements for tour?

A - Yes, you have to download the LiveVoice mobile app and bring your own earphones.

Q - Can I bring a buggy on this free tour?

A - You can bring a buggy, but we would like to advise customers that Venice is a city full of bridges and it may be uncomfortable to carry the buggy at every bridge.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 6 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point, where does the activity end.

Gallerie dell'Accademia.

St Marks Square

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La mejor selección de actividades y  visitas gratuitas en Venecia*  en español 🇪🇦

Enjoy the city with activities, day trips and top quality  free walking tour in Venice * 🇬🇧

Free walking tour a Firenze in Italiano* 🟩⬜🟥non disponibile

Venecia Tour gratis (todos los días) 🇪🇦

10:00 Centro de Venecia Free Tour

10:00 Venecia Desconocida y Tradicional Free tour

10:30 Excursión a Murano y Burano ($)

10:45 Visita guiada + Basílica + Palacio Ducal ($)

11:30 Excursión en barco: Murano, Torcello y Burano

12:30 EL CORAZON DE VENECIA Free Tour

13:30 Centro de Venecia Free Tour

14:00 Excursión en barco: Murano, Torcello y Burano

16:00 Centro de Venecia Free Tour

18:30 Venecia Secreta y Misteriosa free tour

Free Tour Venice (every day ) 🇬🇧

10:00 Unexpected Venice Free Tour: the soul of the city  

10:00 Secret and mystery Free tour

10:30 Boat Trip: Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands ($)

11:30 Boat Trip: Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands ($)

12:30 THE HEART OF VENICE Free Tour

2:00pm Boat Trip: Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands ($)

2:45pm St. Mark’s Basilica + Doge’s Palace Tour ($)

3:30pm Afternoon in Venice: Free tour on and off the beaten track

4:00pm THE HEART OF VENICE Free Tour

4:30pm Northern Venice free tour: the local side of the city

2024 Free Tour Venecia (todos los días) click aqui 🇪🇦

2024 Free Tour Venice (every day ) click to book 🇬🇧

La mejor selección de free tour por Florencia en español

The best selection of free walking tours in Venice in English

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WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN VENICE

Free Tour of Venice City Center

Discover Venice's city center main attractions on this 2-hour free walking tour

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Discover Venice with the best local guides

Tours in Venice are offered by our partners, Ítaka Tours.

Venice is considered by many of those who visit it as the most beautiful city in the world, a place full of history and that managed in the Middle Ages to become the most important commercial port of the Mediterranean, being the point of union between East and West, and filling its famous canals with wonderful palaces that recall the golden age of Venice without forgetting its most important jewel, the Basilica of St. Mark.

In our tours we offer a complete vision of the city, its history, art, architecture and its most influential people. We start with the Free Tour of St. Mark’s Quarter , which covers the most important and monumental part of the city, we travel through its history from the year 421 when its first inhabitants took refuge in these islands fleeing from the feared Attila, until the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1864, passing through important moments such as the IV Crusade, the Sack of Constantinople or the Napoleonic Invasion. We will visit the most important monuments of the city such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, the Fenice Theater and the main street of Venice which is the Grand Canal, where the most beautiful palaces of the city are located.

To complete the Venetian history, our Free Tour of the Unknown Venice is a must, where we will walk through the streets of the Venetian Jewish quarter, considered the oldest ghetto in the world and where still today lives a Jewish community that fills this neighborhood with kosher restaurants, Hebrew art stores, bookstores and its five synagogues. On this tour we will also walk through the streets of the old Misericordia neighborhood, which is the place where the few Venetians still live in Venice, being the most traditional and charming place in the city.

A different vision of the city can be found in our tour of the Alternative Venice: Prostitutes, Merchants and Pirates, where we will tour the red light district of Venice visiting some of the old brothels of the city, and also knowing what was for a long time the economic engine of Venice: the Rialto Market, the current fish market that claims to be the most atmospheric place in the city, full of small baccarettos where you can enjoy the typical Venetian skewers accompanied by the famous Venetian spritz.

And finally, a good way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Venice, our Free Tour of Murano and Burano, offers a different view of the city through these peculiar islands, the first dedicated to the manufacture of blown glass, where we can see through their stores authentic works of art made by master glassmakers; and the second, a small island of fishermen, where its inhabitants have the habit of painting the facades of their houses in bright colors, giving Burano that peculiar appearance that has made it one of the most picturesque places in the world.

Our tours will include gastronomic, cultural and other recommendations to make your experience in Venice unforgettable.

What is the SANDEMANs Partner Network?

Tours in Venice are offered by a partner, not SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

We only work with partners we know, trust, and who have been vetted by us to ensure they meet the same standards you are used to enjoying in SANDEMANs’ own cities.

We are proud to partner with Ítaka Tours and are sure you’ll love their tours as much as we do.

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Free Murano & Burano Tour Venice

Free murano & burano tour venice.

• Unlock the allure of the Venetian lagoon's vibrant islands — Murano and Burano —on this exhilarating tour.
• Explore Burano's colorful houses and intricate 'merletti' lace with a professional guide.
• Witness Murano's glass masters craft exquisite art right before your eyes.

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• 11AM – Campo SS Apostoli – Venice through the centuries North
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Venice Free Walking Tours are organized by professionals who encourages sustainable tourism, supports local businesses, local culture and traditions. Venice free Walking Tour is a local network of independent guides and tour leaders and was created with the purpose of supporting authentic and local Venice, the one that we sincerely love. We are not a part of a big multinational company, but members of Free Walking Tours By Locals. All of the tours we provide are entirely prepared by our guides and they are the result of their hard work and study, instead of being a standard script prepared by a big multinational company.

Each tour is both fun and educational, the perfect introduction to the city and its thousands of years of history. A good tour guide is far more than just a part of the tourism market. A good tour guide is a friendly greeter and an ambassador of the city. We all live in Venice and we will tell you things about Venice that you cannot find in the most common travel book. All our guides have a degree in different disciplines – Art History, Architecture, Sociology, Economics, Foreign Languages and each of us has a different perspective, different guiding style, different route and personality! One thing that we have in common – passion for this special place and willingness to share it with you. We know plenty about Venice history, culture, local traditions and we can help you with any general or practical questions you have regarding your stay in our city. We have decided to become Venice Free Walking Tour guides because we believe it’s a great contribution to Venice and its visitors to offer everybody a chance to attend a 5 star tour leaving to your free decision to set the price according to your possibilities and satisfaction instead of setting a fix price. This way thanks to your generous donations we can keep guaranteeing these tours also to those who couldn’t normally afford a pre-payed tour.

Our goals are:

• Encouraging sustainable tourism Maintaining and promoting traditions and Venetian culture while nurturing cultural development
• Supporting local activities

We are working to perform these tasks by:

• Providing the highest quality tours Educational activities in the field
• Broadcasting of knowledge about the Venetian heritage, remembering that it’s one of the sites on the UNESCO Heritage List Supporting active tourism

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24 Hours in Venice: Your Perfect One Day Itinerary in the Floating City

Mon 09 Sep 2024

We love Venice, and think that the more time you can spend here the better. Although the city is more compact than Italy’s other must-see metropolises like Rome, Florence and Naples, Venice fits so much into its moderate size that you could easily spend weeks wandering amongst its labyrinth of canals and alleys without seeing the half of it. Ideally, you’d spend several days exploring this extraordinary city. 

But what if you don’t have that long, and are only making a one-day visit?

Well, don’t let a tight schedule put you off! With a bit of smart planning it’s certainly possible to experience the essence of this magical city in a short time. But in order to do so, you’ll really need to do your homework. That’s where we come in! 

We’ve created this one day self-guided itinerary of Venice based on many of our own whirlwind visits to the city. You’ll be able to hit the highlights, soak up the atmosphere, and create memories that will last a lifetime - without changing your travel plans. So, whether this will be the first of many visits to the Serenissima (we hope so!) or a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Venice, read on to discover how to make the most of every minute you’ve got in the Floating City. 

MORNING 

08:30 - breakfast.

Regardless of how many days you are planning to spend in Venice, the city tends to be at its best in the morning, so we recommend making an early start! Breakfast in Venice means the normal Italian fare - freshly baked croissants (known as cornetti ) alongside a milky coffee like a cappuccino or a caffe latte . 

Where you go will depend on what neighborhood you’re staying in - more on the best areas to stay in Venice here - but if you’re in the area we recommend you stop at Pasticceria Bar Rosa Salva, located on the picturesque Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo. If you’re coming to Venice at Carnival time, you’ll be able to sample sweet seasonal treats like castagnole and frittelle - a house specialty.

09:00 - Saint Mark’s Square 

With only limited time in Venice, you need to hit the ground running. And so what better place to begin our day of sightseeing in the Serenissima than St. Mark’s? Located right in the heart of Venice, St. Mark’s Square is the largest and most important public space in the city - and arguably Italy’s most iconic piazza. 

Napoleon called it ‘the drawing room of Europe,’ and nowhere better encapsulates the unique blend of high art, beautiful architecture and vibrant street culture that’s the calling card of Venice. Lined on each side by elegant arcaded buildings, the square is dominated by important monuments: the imposing 99-meter high campanile, or bell tower, and magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica itself. 

The square is typically lovely at this time of the morning: the day-tripping tourists have yet to arrive, the air is fresh, and the only sounds puncturing the silence are the peels of the campanile’s bells and the screech of seagulls overhead. 

09:30 - Saint Mark’s Basilica

After exploring the square, it’s time to enter the fabulous church of San Marco itself. In the 9th century, Venetian sailors daringly smuggled the relics of Saint Mark from Egypt, sparking the creation of a church grand enough for the city's new patron saint. 

The resulting structure is breathtaking—its domes, spires, arches, and intricate details merge Eastern and Western styles, reflecting Venice's cosmopolitan past.

Inside, over 4,000 square meters of mosaics glitter across the walls and ceilings, casting the church in a golden glow that has earned it the nickname "chiesa d’oro" (church of gold). It’s these mosaics, crafted over centuries from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, that make St. Mark's such a must-see. 

While it's free to visit the church, lines to get in are often long. It makes sense to book your timed entrance in advance, or join a tour of St. Mark’s that includes expedited entrance. It’s also more than worth it to buy a ticket that includes the Pala d’Oro, a stunning Byzantine altar adorned with precious gems, and a climb up to the terrace, where the basilica’s iconic horses preside over great views of Venice. 

10:30 - The Doge’s Palace 

The next stop on our day in Venice is only a hop, skip and jump away from St. Mark’s - and it’s scarcely less important in the history of the city. You’ll hear a lot about the doges when in Venice, and for good reason.

These fearsome potentates ruled over Venice for 1,000 years, and for most of that period they called this opulent marble palace located on a sweeping curve of the city’s southern bank home. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see a stunning arcade of Gothic arches tinged in pink marble.

You really feel as if you’re walking in the footsteps of history when you explore the sweeping Doge’s Palace complex: a series of fabulously decorated chambers seemingly frozen in time were once home not only to the Doge but also the massive government and bureaucracy of Venice: running one of the world’s most fearsome city states required a lot of manpower! 

The palace is seriously impressive inside; every wall and surface seems to be covered with frescoes glorifying the power and just rule of the Doges, painted by great artists like Titian and Verones. The Doge’s private apartments, meanwhile, are reached via a spectacular decorated staircase. 

When visiting the Doge’s Palace, you’ll also get a glimpse of the darker side of Venetian history: the dark warren of tunnels and cells that make up the squalid prisons jail where prisoners of the republic (like Cassanova) were held. The prisons lead us to the next stop on our whirlwind day in Venice.

12:00 - The Bridge of Sighs

Also part of the Doge’s Palace complex is what might just be the world’s most famous bridge. The stunning Bridge of Sighs was designed at the beginning of the 17th century to connect the dungeon of the Doge’s Palace with a new prison across the canal, and owes its evocative name to the despairing sighs of prisoners as they glimpsed one last slice of Venice’s beauty through the narrow slits in the stone on their way towards confinement in the new prison. 

Thankfully a stretch in the Doge’s slammer is no longer a prerequisite for those wishing to cross the bridge - it’s part of the visitor itinerary at the Doge’s Palace!

After leaving the Doge’s Palace, make sure to walk around the corner to the Ponte della Paglia, just south of Saint Mark’s Square. From here, you’ll be able to admire the Bridge of Sighs from the best angle. 

 MORE FOR YOU: A DAY IN VENICE

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12:15 - Rialto Bridge

As lunchtime approaches, it’s time to head towards another of Venice’s most famous bridges - the Rialto. There are around 400 bridges traversing the waterways of Venice, and the Rialto is probably the most important of the lot. It’s the oldest crossing of the Grand Canal, and the bridge that we see today was built by Antonio da Ponte in 1591. It’s a lovely 10-minute stroll through the historic heart of the city from the Doge’s Palace to the Rialto Bridge. Make sure to stop at the top for a magnificent view down the Grand Canal!

12:30 - Rialto Fish Market

Cross the bridge, and walk straight down the road on the other side for a couple of minutes until you reach the Rialto Fish Market. Picturesquely located beneath the neo-gothic arches of a 19th century arcade that features fish-shaped gargoyles, this bustling market has been the city’s hub for fresh seafood for centuries. Every morning, the air fills with the lively banter of vendors hawking all manner of fishy delights straight from the lagoon. Admire the stalls brimming with the day’s colorful catch, and, appetite whetted, get ready for lunch.

13:00 - Lunch at a Traditional Bacaro

After our busy morning of sightseeing it’s high time we started thinking about our stomachs. Although you could plump for a sit-down restaurant meal, we think you’d be better off heading to a traditional Venetian bar known as a bacaro - traditional hole-in-the-wall wine bars that serve up an array of small-plates piled high with meat, vegetables and all manner of seafood, as well as mini-bruschette known as cicchetti alongside generous pours of local wine. 

The area around the Rialto market is probably the best in the city for superb bacari , so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Three reliable addresses within a 2 minute walk are Osteria all’Arco, Al Mercà and historic Cantina do Mori. Check them out, alongside other top recommendations, with our guide to the best bacari in Venice here.

14:00 - Walk through San Polo

Appropriately fed and watered, it’s time to stretch our legs. Venice is divided into six neighborhoods known as sestieri , and we’re headed to the heart of San Polo district, home to many of Venice’s most important museums and churches. A picturesque 15 minute walk through a tangle of canals, hidden piazzas and bridges (including the Ponte delle Tette, a notorious site of prostitution in the early-modern era) will take us to our next stop, the gargantuan church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. 

14:30 - The Frari

There’s so much to see in this beautiful basilica that it’s hard to know where to start! Look out for neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova’s incredible pyramid tomb, Giovanni Bellini's lovely Madonna and Child triptych, and Baldassare Longhena's grand monument to Doge Baldassare Longhena. The real show-stopper, though, and the reason why you need to visit the Frari even if you only have one day in Venice, is the huge Assumption altarpiece painted by local Renaissance master Titian.  

Commissioned in 1518 by the wealthy Jacopo Pesaro, the painting depicts Jacopo kneeling in profile before the Virgin Mary as St. Peter makes his formal introduction to the mother of God. The action takes place in a spectacular architectural setting, where a banner flutters in the sky decked out with the coats of arms of the Papacy and the Pesaro family. 

15:30 - Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Just two minutes walk from the Frari is another of Venice’s most spectacular artistic treasures. Even if you have only one day in Venice, we think that a visit to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a must.   

Founded by a prosperous confraternity devoted to the plague-busting Saint Roch, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is decorated by a series of more than 60 massive paintings depicting religious themes by local master Tintoretto, each of which shimmers with the unique light effects and dizzying perspectives that made the artist famous. Tintoretto spent more than 20 years decorating the building between 1564 and 1588, and for good reason San Rocco is widely known as Venice’s answer to the Sistine Chapel.

17:00 - Squero San Trovaso

Gondolas are, of course, a quintessential part of any visit to Venice. But before hopping into one of the city’s iconic flat-bottomed boats, why not learn a little bit about how they are made? Gondolas require literally hundreds of hours of labor to create and just as many to maintain over their lifetimes, and the magic happens in workshops known as squeri . 

It’s fast approaching aperitivo time, so our next stop will allow us to kill two birds with one stone. Osteria al Squero is a great spot for a canal-side spritz in its own right; even better, it’s located right across the canal from the Squero San Trovaso - you’ll get to watch the gondola artisans at work whilst you enjoy your drink!

17:45 - Gondola Ride from the Accademia

Make the 5-minute walk from Osteria al Squero to the Ponte de’’Accademia. The Accademia gallery itself is one of Venice’s finest museums, but today you won’t have time to visit - pencil it in for your next trip. Instead, as twilight begins to lengthen it’s time for us to hit the water. Conveniently the Ponte dell'Accademia is one of the best departure points for a gondola ride in Venice. 

Hire a gondolier here and you’ll be able to enjoy a great route down the Grand Canal as well as some more hidden waterways - the perfect way to conclude your one day in the Floating City. After your gondola tour, your gondolier will be able to drop you off back in the heart of the historic center. Head back to your hotel to freshen up, and ready yourself for dinner and the night ahead - where a whole new Venice adventure awaits!

We hope you enjoyed our in-depth guide to visiting Venice in a day! With careful planning and an open mind, discovering the magic of Venice in just one day is entirely doable. If you want to take the stress out of planning your 24 hours in Venice and make the most of your time in the city, consider our Essential Venice tour - the perfect way to explore the city in a limited time with the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide!

MORE GREAT CONTENT FROM THE BLOG:

• Everything You Need to Know to Visit Venice
• Where to Stay in Venice
• What to Do on Your First Trip to Venice
• How to Visit St. Mark's at Night
• 10 Romantic Things to do in Venice
• The Amazing Islands of Venice
• All You Need to Know About Gondolas in Venice
• 10 Dishes You Need to Try in Venice

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