Best Tours in Venice
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Venice
All self-guided activities
Twiddle your beards, both real and fake as you peruse one of the most important museums for 20th-century art. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice boasts works by Picasso, de Chirico, Dalí, Pollock, Kandinsky and Magritte, amongst others.
Travel back in time and uncover the history and culture of La Serenissima with a visit to the imposing, yet elegant, **Doge's Palace** in **Venice**. The exterior hints at its beauty, and inside – with a **golden staircase, triumphal arches**, and **frescoed walls** – you'll get a complete sense of its splendor. Inside this Gothic structure, you'll find fantastically ornate rooms, decorated by artists such as **Titian, Veronese, Tiepolo,** and **Tintoretto**. The Doge's Palace also served as a prison in its storied lifetime. Don't skip the notorious **Bridge of Sighs** – so named for the laments of the convicted criminals as they made their way to the New Prisons.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores Venice beyond the busiest postcard sights, focusing on Cannaregio’s layered history, artisan traditions, and quieter canals. It will appeal to first-time visitors who want a more intimate side of the city, especially travelers interested in Jewish heritage, sacred art, local crafts, and everyday Venetian life. The route begins in the Jewish Quarter, one of the most historically significant areas in Venice, where synagogues and the Jewish Museum preserve the memory of a centuries-old community. From there, you continue through Cannaregio past rowing landmarks and traditional boat culture, then on to Associazione Arzanà, Campo dei Mori, and the Church of Madonna dell'Orto, known for its Gothic beauty and strong connection to Tintoretto. The walk then leads south and east to the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, the handcrafted masks of La Bottega Dei Mascareri, and the grand Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, burial place of many Venetian doges. Near the end, you pass Squero Vecio, linked to the city’s boatbuilding heritage, before finishing at San Michele Cemetery, the serene island burial ground just beyond the main urban fabric. Along the way, the most memorable experiences include standing in the historic Ghetto, discovering hidden courtyards and canals, seeing master mask-making up close, stepping into monumental churches, and ending with the unusual calm of Venice’s cemetery island.
This in-app audio tour with a ticket will guide you through top Venice's landmarks by public water bus aka Vaporetto. The tour includes a ticket valid for 75 minutes from validation. (!) Convert your voucher on a regular ticket through ACTV AUTOMATIC TICKET MACHINE at Ferrovia C: enter your PNR booking code. Or present your PNR code at VENEZIA UNICA TICKET POINT. Then go to Ferrovia Compartimentale (ex F30) and take Line #1 of the water bus. Venice's wide boulevard of water, the Grand Canal, is a sight in itself, and the only way to see the magnificent palaces of the island city. Take this nautical joyride down the Canal as it snakes through the heart of Venice, and learn what makes this city so unique. The tour starts at the main station, Santa Lucia, where you will catch Vaporetto #1 and start cruising past the moody Riva de Biasio quarter, which gave us the English word "ghetto." Spot Venice's Casinò securing the story of the infamous Italian mafia as you pass by colorful facades of the city's "Ca's", or palace-looking houses. Get to the commercial Rialto district with its market, gondoliers, and iconic Rialto Bridge. On your way, you will learn the city's history and local life hacks on how to navigate through its cozy canals. Sailing through the San Marco district, you will see the art museums and hotels frequented by celebs, the fascinating La Salute church, and the pearl of the city, San Marco Square with the lacy pink Doge's Palace.
Discover the enchanting La Fenice Theatre in Venice with this self-guided audio tour! Whether you're a lover of opera or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of one of Italy's most celebrated theaters, this official tour is sure to leave you captivated and inspired. Experience the magic of one of the most renowned opera houses in the world at your own pace, with an expertly crafted commentary that takes you on a journey through the history and artistry of this iconic venue. With this easy-to-use audio guide, you'll explore the stunning architecture and ornate interiors of La Fenice, learning about its rich history and the incredible performances that have taken place within its walls. You'll discover fascinating stories about the theatre's founding, its tumultuous past, and its triumphant rebirth after devastating fires. This tour also offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at La Fenice, taking you to areas typically overlooked by the public, such as the Royal Box and the Apollo Rooms. You'll spot some magnificent details of the Baroque interiors and learn about historical events witnessed by the theatre. WeGoTrip is an authorized reseller of Venezia Unica services.
With this combo ticket you'll get skip-the-line access to two of Venice's most interesting museums! Explore the art of Venetian lace-making from the 16th to the 20th centuries at the Lace Museum, then check out the largest collection of Murano glass in history at the Glass Museum.
Today Venice is known as one of the most romantic places on Earth, but It hasn’t always been so peaceful. On this in-app audio tour, you’ll learn about the horrible events that are believed to have taken place in Venice and find places inhabited by ghosts. Start the tour at St.Mark’s Square, the principal square of Venice. There, you’ll learn about the secrets and spine-chilling stories about the place that attracts millions of tourists each year. Then you’ll go to the Church of San Zaccaria where a couple of doges were violently murdered. While strolling through the narrow winding streets you’ll listen to the stories of the Venetian Butcher who made human-meat sausages and the boy who tore out his own mother’s heart. See the famous House of Spirits and get to know why the Venetian fishermen refuse to fish in front of it. Afterward, you’ll learn the story of the House of the Mysterious Statues. The tour finishes with a legend of the miraculous sculpture of Madonna dell’Orto in a church of the same name.
From the perspective of a local, this walking tour explores Venice's past and present. You will see all the main attractions that the city has to offer. It starts with a visit to the Riva degli Schiavoni embankment. Here you will discover the story behind the creation of Venice. You will also learn why the water is so dangerous for the city and why locals flee from it. Passing by the famous Bridge of Singhs, you will learn why it's not so romantic as you think. On that pass, you will find information on cruel Venetian prisons and the only person who escaped them. You will first walk to the sea gates and after that you will be taken to the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco. This is going to be the most intense part of the tour. Here you will be able to see all the major attractions and get all the information you need about Venice's history. Additionally, you will find a spot where you can hide from the crowds of tourists. The tour will end with an opportunity for you to stroll around the Rialto Market- There you can experience the most authentic Venetian food. Get ready for your journey!
You must try the local cuisine to truly understand a city! If you wish to learn more about Venice and experience its taste, this tour is for you. Your tour will begin at Santa Lucia railway station, where you will enjoy a marvelous view of the Grand Canal and discover why Venice's names often refer to past events. In close proximity to the ancient church of Tolentini, famous for being a big part of local wine tradition, you will discover the authentic culture of Venetian bacaki. Near Palazzo Medicci dei Leoni, a wonderful palace built at the beginning of the XV century, you will learn how Venetian noble houses were built. In Campo San Pantalon, you will see the vault famous all around the world and learn how to get the maximum by visiting the churches of the city. Your tour will finish at the main square of Venice and the place for the most important celebrations and ceremonies, Piazza San Marco. There you will find the first coffee shop women could visit in Venice. Discover lifehacks to truly understand the menu in local restaurants and learn why you should follow gondoliers to choose the best spot to eat. Get ready for your journey through Venitian cuisine and traditions!
Start with a tour guide at the Gondola Yard Gallery. Learn about Venice's past with a fun virtual reality experience. See Piazza San Marco and the Doge's Palace as they were in medieval times. Next, skip the line at St. Mark's Bell Tower with fast-track tickets. Take a quick elevator ride to the top, standing 98 meters high. Enjoy views of Venice's famous sights, including St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the iconic lagoon. Get the chance to take photos from this high viewpoint and capture Venice's architecture and lively atmosphere from above.
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About Venice
The best tours to do in Venice with kids are:
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Insider tips for visiting Venice
Alina Carini is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2022 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Venice on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Venice.
When I’m in Venice, I always start early in Cannaregio, when the canals are still quiet and locals are out buying bread. For me, the most rewarding attractions in Venice are not just the big sights but the small moments: climbing San Giorgio Maggiore’s bell tower for the cleanest lagoon view, then walking Dorsoduro until I reach Squero di San Trovaso to watch gondolas being repaired. If friends ask me what to see in Venice, I tell them to cross to Torcello in the late afternoon, when it feels almost abandoned. I also like small food-focused tours in Venice, especially around Rialto, where cicchetti bars are busiest just before dinner.
On a first trip to Venice, I recommend getting up early and walking from Rialto to St. Mark’s before 8 a.m., when Venice still feels like itself. One of my favorite things to do in Venice is to slip into Castello after the square, where laundry hangs over narrow canals and you hear more Venetian than camera shutters. For classic attractions in Venice, I’d choose the Doge’s Palace, then balance it with a vaporetto ride to San Giorgio Maggiore for the view. When friends ask me what to see in Venice, I also suggest the Rialto market at lunchtime and, later, bacari in Cannaregio instead of standard tours in Venice.
When I visit Venice for shopping, I split my time by neighborhood. For handmade masks and small ateliers, I go to San Polo and the lanes just off Campo San Tomà, where Venice still feels intimate. If you plan to visit Venice for textiles, stationery, or beautifully curated home goods, I recommend Dorsoduro around Campo Santa Margherita and Calle Lunga San Barnaba. Locals know Cannaregio is better for everyday artisan food shops than flashy windows; I often stop there for biscuits, wine, and kitchen items. In any travel guide Venice usually points to Mercerie, but for me the real things to do in Venice include wandering one canal back from the main streets, where the most interesting shops hide.
In my travel guide Venice always depends on how you want to feel at night. When I visit Venice for a first stay, I usually suggest Cannaregio: you can walk to the station, eat well near Fondamenta della Misericordia, and still slip into quieter lanes after dinner. If you want museums and elegant evenings, I prefer Dorsoduro, especially around Campo Santa Margherita or the Zattere. Locals know San Marco is beautiful but tiring once day-trippers fill it. For me, the best things to do in Venice start early, so I like staying somewhere that lets me reach Rialto or St. Mark’s before breakfast crowds. If you visit Venice for atmosphere, Castello is another excellent choice.
When I’m showing friends Venice, I rarely keep them only around San Marco. For me, the most memorable attractions in Venice are spread across neighborhoods with very different moods. I love Cannaregio for its evening life along Fondamenta della Misericordia, Castello for quiet residential lanes behind Arsenale, and Dorsoduro for art, long waterfront walks, and the view from Punta della Dogana. If someone asks me what to see in Venice, I always add San Polo in the morning, when the Rialto market is still full of fishmongers shouting. I’m not big on standard tours in Venice, but wandering these areas on foot gives the best sense of how Venice actually lives.
When I’m in Venice with children, I usually head to the Natural History Museum in Santa Croce, then let the day unfold along the Grand Canal. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Venice because kids get space to move, and the dinosaur skeletons and lagoon exhibits actually keep them engaged. Afterward, I take the vaporetto to Burano, which for me is one of the most cheerful attractions in Venice for families: bright houses, no cars, and plenty of room to wander. If parents ask me what to see in Venice, I also suggest quiet campi in Castello instead of standard tours in Venice, where children can run a little without the usual crowds.
When I visit Venice, I eat the way locals do: standing at a bacaro with a glass of ombra and a few cicchetti. Venice is especially known for baccalà mantecato on bread, sarde in saor with its sweet-sour onion flavor, and little fried moeche when they’re in season. In my travel guide Venice always includes risotto di gò, a lagoon fish risotto visitors often miss, and fegato alla veneziana if you want something more traditional. One of the best things to do in Venice is go near Rialto before lunch, when bars fill with workers ordering small bites. If you visit Venice in winter, don’t skip fritole during Carnival season.
In my travel guide Venice, I usually tell people to stay at least two full days, but three is much better. Venice changes completely between early morning, midday, and late evening, and you only notice that if you sleep there. When I visit Venice, I like having one day for the classic walks around Rialto, San Marco, and Dorsoduro, then another for slower hours in Cannaregio or Castello, where daily life is easier to feel. A third day lets you add Burano, Torcello, or just long meals and aimless wandering. For me, the best things to do in Venice happen before breakfast and after dinner, when Venice finally exhales.