Best Tours in Venice
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Venice
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The Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square are among the most important symbols of Venice. These are at the heart of this self-guided audio tour that will take you on a journey through the city’s history. NB! Entry tickets to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica are not included and should be purchased independently! Your adventure begins in the iconic St. Mark's Square, the pulsating heart of Venice, where the architectural splendor of St. Mark's Basilica and the lively ambiance of the square envelop you in the city’s vibrant spirit. From there, proceed to the majestic Doge's Palace, an enduring symbol of Venice's illustrious past and its Renaissance grandeur. Step inside to explore the sumptuous halls, each adorned with artistic masterpieces that narrate tales of power, intrigue, and artistry. Continue your tour by immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Venetian history and architecture, adding layers to the narrative of "La Serenissima." This tour not only highlights the historical landmarks but also invites you to uncover the lesser-known tales woven into the very fabric of the city. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica but is provided by an independent creator.
Put your city plans aside and head to the rolling Euganean Hills for a taste of early 16th-century, aristocratic Italian life. The Villa dei Vescovi (Bishops' Villa) was intended as a place for nobleman Alvise Cornaro's intellectual friends to gather and discuss the importance of art and nature. As you do! Explore the fancy rooms and spot the homages to the great outdoors in the frescoes on the walls. The views across the vineyards outside are magical. Why not bring a picnic?
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!
This self-guided audio walk introduces first-time visitors to central Venice through a compact route of landmarks, quiet passages, and lively squares. It will suit travelers who want a clear, engaging look at the city beyond the postcard view, while still seeing some of its most famous sights. The route begins at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, where a striking spiral staircase curls upward like a stone shell above a small courtyard. From there, you head toward Campo Manin and slip into Calle Dei Avvocati, one of the narrow Venetian lanes that reveals the city at eye level: worn paving stones, close walls, and sudden openings into light. The walk continues through Campo Sant'Angelo and on to Teatro La Fenice, Venice's celebrated opera house, before turning toward the Grand Canal at the Rialto Bridge. The tour ends at Chiesa di San Moisè, near the busy heart of San Marco. Along the way, you will experience the contrast that makes Venice unforgettable: a hidden Gothic palace tucked into a tight alley, the broad arch of the Rialto spanning green canal water, elegant squares framed by historic buildings, and the dramatic Baroque front of San Moisè. Expect memorable moments in the city's maze-like calli, grand canal views, and the lingering atmosphere of opera, trade, and old stone shaped by centuries.
Venture into Venice's storied past with this in-app audio tour designed for history enthusiasts and culture seekers. Delve into the San Polo neighborhood and the famous Rialto area while uncovering the tales of the merchants, courtesans, and painters who brought this city to life. This self-paced journey allows for an immersive experience at your own rhythm, bringing Venice's vibrant history to your ears with the tap of a button. The tour begins at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Friars, known for its breathtaking High Renaissance masterpieces, and culminates at the tranquil Campo San Barnaba. Navigate through the city's most captivating locations, including San Polo Square, the buzzing Rialto markets, and the architectural marvel of the Rialto Bridge. Along the way, discover lesser-known gems like the oldest church in Venice, San Giacomo di Rialto, and the impressive Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Memorable experiences await as you listen to the legends that echo through the canals and capture the essence of Venice. From the panoramic views at Ponte dell'Accademia to the poignant Bridge of Sighs, this tour will leave you with lasting impressions of the city’s grandeur. Engage your senses, explore at your pace, and become part of Venice's ongoing story.
Embark on a captivating journey through Venice with a self-guided audio tour crafted for enthusiasts of history and architecture. This tour offers an immersive way to discover the city's iconic must-see sites at your own pace. Tailored for a first-time visitor, it provides insights into the rich cultural tapestry and remarkable heritage of Venice's landmarks. The tour route traces a path from the bustling Rialto Bridge, famous for its historic market and architectural beauty, to the picturesque promenade of Riva degli Schiavoni, known for its breathtaking lagoon views. Notable stops include the grand facades of Santi Giovanni e Paolo church, the exterior splendor of Scuola Grande di San Rocco, the lively scenes of Campo San Polo, and the artistic heartbeat of Dorsoduro district. The journey further leads you to marvel at the wooden Accademia Bridge, the majestic Santa Maria della Salute church, the opulent La Fenice Theater, and the hidden Scala Contarini del Bovolo, ending with a serene stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni. Throughout this adventure, you'll have the opportunity to witness the convergence of Gothic and Renaissance styles, absorb the vibrant local atmosphere, and uncover the lesser-known corners of Venice. Each step unfolds tales that have shaped the city's legacy, providing you with a rich tapestry of sights and sounds to remember long after you leave the winding canals behind.
Embrace the essence of Venice, a city woven with history and art, through this evocative In-App Audio Tour. This engaging experience is geared towards culture enthusiasts and curious minds looking to uncover the rich tapestry of Venice's past and present, from majestic squares to serene canals. Starting at the illustrious Piazza San Marco, the tour takes you on a journey through the quaint Piazzetta dei Leoncini, past the grandeur of Palazzo Cavalli, and concludes on the vibrant Rialto Bridge offering an uninterrupted narrative of the city's heartbeat. The route is designed to guide you through narrow cobblestone streets, over picturesque bridges, and alongside the shimmering Grand Canal, providing a structure to your discovery of Venice. Along the way, immerse yourself in tales of resilience at Campo Manin, brilliance in Venetian shoemaking at Calle dei Fuseri, and the bustling trade of Frezzaria. Each stop weaves a narrative, blending the ancient with the modern, leaving you with a profound sense of place. Memorable experiences abound, from the panoramic views atop the Rialto Bridge, observing the traditional craftsmanship of mask-making, to feeling the pulse of Venice at the historic marketplaces. These vivid encounters await, creating lasting impressions as you navigate the enchanting city. Allow personalized narratives to elevate your walk through Venice, creating a connection with the city that transcends time.
Even someone who has never set foot here knows the places that make Venice world-famous: St. Mark’s Square; the Rialto Bridge; the Grand Canal. But there is more to Venice. There are whole areas of the historic city to be explored, far from the places bound by tradition and the beaten track, where in every corner you can find an unexpected wonder. Through this tour you can discover Dorsoduro, one of the most lively and Venetian districts. As you take in the peaceful vibes, you’ll get a glimpse of day to day Venetian life, before stumbling upon a church that was used as the setting of Indiana Jones. Head towards the canal where locals love to buy their fruits and vegetables straight from a boat. Wander past the small bridges and local corners of this watery city. You will stroll around a hidden 14th century church with a calming ambiance and a very beautiful and richly decorated inside, serene gardens and unique Venetian architecture. The tour will end in the most scenic point of view in Venice, overlooking Doge's Palace & St. Marks' square, Canal Grande, San Giorgio and Giudecca islands.
This intense and cultural walking through Venetian lagoon is aimed to have general knowledge about Venetian indigenous history and art. You'll visit three islands — Murano island famous all over the world for its amazing Murano glass, Burano island famous for its colorful houses, fishing, and lacemaking traditions and Torcello island with its Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta that houses impressive mosaics. You will travel in space and time, visiting the focal points of each island.
Embark on an enchanting journey through Venice's less traveled paths with this in-app audio tour. This adventure is perfect for curious spirits eager to uncover the hidden corners and stories of this iconic city. The tour starts at the historical San Giacomo di Rialto Church and concludes amid the majestic splendor of St Mark's Basilica. As travelers meander from the oldest church of Venice with its striking clock to the grandeur of Piazza San Marco, they'll be guided through the city's byways and secret gems, unraveling the tapestry of Venice's past and present. The route delves into the narrow alleys, revealing sites like Marco Polo's home, the spiral elegance of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, and the lyrical Teatro La Fenice. From the thoughtful Bridge of Sighs to the whimsical Libreria Acqua Alta, each point on the map is a vignette of Venetian charm waiting for discovery. Along the way, travelers will capture the essence of Venice by observing the stunning mosaics at St Mark's Basilica, feeling the stones of ancient bridges under their feet, and envisioning the lives of historical figures who once walked these paths. This self-guided audio tour invites a personal encounter with Venice's most unusual places and their tales, ensuring memories that linger long after the journey ends.
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About Venice
The must-see attractions in Venice for a first visit are:
The best walking tours to do in Venice are:
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.