Go exploring, or take a guided tour.
In many cases, the best tour of Venice is no tour at all.
Unless you're unable to walk or are pressed for time, we suggest that you simply:
- Buy a good map. (See our recommendations in Venice for Pedestrians.)
- Visit the "must see" sights (Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, and Grand Canal).
- Escape the crowds and go exploring on your own.
Our descriptions of Venice's six sestieri or districts will help you start wandering. If you get lost, no problem: Venice is compact, and every unplanned turn leads to a serendipitous surprise.
If you need (or want) a group tour:
Our tour partner, Viator, offers dozens of tours and activities--everything from a "Cicchetti and wine food tour" and a "Venice ghost walking tour" to regional day trips or a Venice Gondola School rowing lesson. For tour listings, see:
Private tours:
These tend to be more expensive than Viator's tours, but they're also more personal and can be customized to your tastes:
- Walks Inside Venice
- The Venice Experience
- Paola Salvato
- Contemporary Venice Art Tours (art and architecture)
- Venicescapes
- Venetian Vine (wine tastings and tours)
- Venice & Veneto Gourmet (cooking classes and tours)
- Venice Tour Guides Association
On the water or in the air:
- I Battelli del Brenta (Brenta River boats)
- Delta Tour: Brenta Riviera and Venetian Villas
- Eolo (cruising on a bragozzo sailboat)
- Row Venice
- Venice Kayak
- Heliair Venice
