Venice is one of those places that rewards walking. Unlike cities that sprawl or rely heavily on buses and metros, Venice’s charm lies in its narrow alleyways, lively piazzas, and silent canals. Exploring on foot lets you soak in the details—faded frescoes, tiny bridges, and local haunts that few travelers notice. We especially love tours like the Venice: San Marco to Rialto Walk & Spritz Like a Local because they combine seeing Venice’s must-sees with authentic local rituals, like sipping a spritz in a traditional bacaro. If you want to go beyond the crowds, a private guided walk such as the Venice: Private Walking Tour with a Local really gets you personalized insights and stories you won’t find in guidebooks. And for food lovers, the Venice Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours offers a delicious journey through Venice’s culinary secrets. Each tour on our list offers a way to experience Venice from a new angle—whether you want history, food, art, or just quiet corners.
1. Venice: San Marco to Rialto Walk & Spritz Like a Local
At number 1, this tour hits the classic highlights from St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, perfect for first-timers wanting a well-rounded introduction. You’ll stroll past Venetian masterpieces and the postcard-perfect Palazzo Soranzo Van Axel, then indulge in the local ritual of sipping a spritz in a traditional bacaro. For an extra touch, you can upgrade to visit the Fortuny Palace or hop onto a gondola—a glimpse of Venice’s romantic side. With a rating of 4.2/5 based on over 3,600 reviews and a price of just $22, this tour offers excellent value for those who want a taste of Venice’s icons coupled with authentic local flavor. Expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring the sights and sampling Venetian life. It’s perfect for travelers who want a quick, fun overview with optional extras to make it special.
Bottom Line: An affordable way to see Venice’s main sights and enjoy a spritz like a local—ideal for a first taste of Venice.
2. Venice: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Number 2 on our list is the Private Walking Tour with a Local, rated 4.6/5 by nearly 750 reviews. For $65 per person, you get a personalized experience tailored to your interests, focusing on hidden corners and real Venice stories. This tour is ideal if you prefer an intimate, flexible approach that goes deeper into local life and secret spots. Your guide will share tips for navigating the city, reveal less-known neighborhoods, and customize your route based on what you want to see. Duration varies from 2 to 6 hours, making it perfect for those who want more time or a more relaxed pace. During your walk, you’ll discover Venice’s everyday side, away from the tourist crowds, and learn stories only a local can tell.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers who want a flexible, personalized tour and authentic encounters with Venice’s hidden life.
3. Venice Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
For food lovers, the Venice Walking Food Tour ranks highest with a perfect 5.0/5 based on 176 reviews. At roughly $121.50, this 3.5-hour walk is a small-group experience that takes you into Venice’s top eateries and secret spots. You’ll start at an ancient café sampling local cookies, then indulge in cicchetti (Venetian tapas), paired with an authentic Select Spritz while overlooking the canals. The tour continues through colorful markets with local meats, Tramezzini, and Venetian Polenta—plus a surprise “Secret Dish” and a sweet finish. Guests rave about the friendly guides and fresh, flavorful food, making this a culinary highlight. It’s ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing with a true taste of Venice’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: A delicious way to explore Venice’s food scene and learn about local life—great for foodies who want a relaxed, tasty experience.
4. Venice: Skip-the-Line Doge’s Palace & Basilica Walking Tour
Number 4 offers an immersive history-focused experience with skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. This 2-hour tour includes sweeping views from the basilica terrace, crossing the Bridge of Sighs, and exploring the Doge’s Palace, where Venice’s rulers once held court. For just over $120, the tour is praised for its detailed storytelling and expert guides who bring Venice’s past alive. It’s perfect for history buffs or anyone wanting to bypass long lines and get straight into Venice’s most famous monuments. The visit includes seeing the famous horses in the basilica museum and learning about the intrigues and power struggles that shaped Venice’s politics.
Bottom Line: An efficient, informative tour that’s ideal if you want to see Venice’s most iconic sites without waiting in line.
5. Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice
Rated 5.0/5, this Jewish Ghetto tour at $67.99 per person dives into one of Venice’s most fascinating neighborhoods. Over 2 hours, you’ll uncover the history of the world’s first Jewish ghetto, admire medieval synagogues, and explore the Cannaregio district. The guide provides insights into the community’s evolution, architecture, and everyday life, making it a meaningful cultural experience. This tour is ideal for travelers interested in Venice’s social history, religious diversity, and architecture. Guests mention the guide’s passion and depth of knowledge, and the tour’s relaxed pace makes it accessible for all.
Bottom Line: A revealing exploration of Venice’s diverse past, recommended for history-minded travelers who want a deeper understanding of the city’s multicultural roots.
6. Off the Beaten Path Walk in Venice
Number 6 is a quiet, authentic walk rated 5.0/5, lasting about 2 hours. Starting in Dorsoduro, you’ll explore lesser-visited squares, churches, and canals far from the tourist hustle. The tour offers a glimpse into Venetian daily life, art, and architecture, with a flexible route that can be tailored to your interests. Highlights include the Ca’ Foscari university building and small squares that are often missed. With only 65 reviews, it’s a newer but highly praised experience suitable for travelers wanting a more relaxed, local perspective.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, genuine Venetian neighborhood away from the crowds.
7. Secret Venice, an Unusual Walk – Private Walking Tour
This private tour at $432.57 for up to 15 people mixes Venetian major sights like San Rocco and Frari Church with hidden treasures. It’s a 2-hour journey through stories of Carnival, masks, and Venice’s red light district. Highlights include exploring the Rialto Market, learning about Venetian food traditions, and discovering artworks by Titian and Tintoretto. This tour’s strength lies in its local storytelling and focus on unusual aspects of Venice’s past and present. Rated 5.0/5, it’s suitable for travelers who enjoy in-depth stories, art, and lively atmosphere. The small group size ensures a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: For those interested in Venice’s fascinating tales and artworks, this private tour provides a comprehensive and lively experience.
8. Venice: Private Walking Tour with Optional Gondola Ride
Number 8 offers a flexible private walking tour of Venice, with the option to include a gondola ride. Starting at the Museo Correr, you visit highlights like La Fenice Theater and Palazzo Contarini. The tour runs 2 to 2.5 hours, with a focus on architecture and hidden corners. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to see Venice at a relaxed pace, away from tourist throngs. The optional gondola adds a romantic touch, perfect for couples or special occasions.
Bottom Line: A versatile private experience that balances sightseeing with optional romance—great for couples and small groups.
9. Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour for Kids and Families
This family-friendly tour at $254.67 per person is designed for kids, with interactive games and treasure hunts. Lasting about 2 hours, it takes families from San Zaccaria to Rialto, engaging children with stories about Casanova, Marco Polo, and Venice’s famous squares and bridges. The guide uses fun tools like pop-up books and trivia, making it lively and informative. It’s perfect for families seeking an engaging, educational experience that keeps kids entertained while seeing the city’s highlights. Reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling and the tour’s ability to appeal to all ages.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for families wanting a lively, kid-friendly introduction to Venice.
10. Venice Photography Walking Tour with Private Guide
Photographers and Instagram lovers will appreciate this 3-hour private photography tour rated 5.0/5. Led by a professional photographer, you’ll explore Venice’s most photogenic spots—St. Mark’s Square, the canals, and hidden backstreets—with tips on lighting, composition, and storytelling. You can choose between a daytime or sunset session, capturing Venice in different lights. The guide caters to all skill levels, helping beginners improve their photos while offering enough challenge for seasoned shooters. The tour’s focus on practical photography skills makes it ideal for travelers wanting to take home memorable photos.
Bottom Line: Perfect for photography enthusiasts wanting personal instruction and stunning shots of Venice’s best angles.
11. Venice: Rialto Offbeat Walk & Blooming Grand Canal Palace
Number 11 explores Rialto’s lesser-known spots and offers optional visits to the Fortuny Palace or a climb of the Bell Tower. The 2-3 hour itinerary is full of stories about Venice’s architecture and fascinating facts, with reviews praising guides for their humor and insight. The tour highlights the Rialto district’s hidden beauty and its vibrant market. Optional visits deepen your understanding of Venice’s art and architecture, and the views from the Bell Tower are a highlight. Ideal for travelers interested in architecture, local stories, and a less touristy route.
Bottom Line: An engaging way to see Venice’s Rialto district beyond the crowds, with optional panoramic views.
12. 3 Hours Private Original Venice Photo Walk
This private photo walk at $174.16 per person is tailored for those who want to combine personalized photography instruction with exploring Venice’s most photogenic, under-the-radar locations. Led by a local photographer, you’ll learn about composition, lighting, and find quiet streets perfect for capturing Venice’s charm. The flexible route focuses on lesser-known neighborhoods, avoiding tourist-heavy spots. Guests mention how Stefano’s expert guidance resulted in incredible photos, with many capturing scenes of Venice that most visitors miss. It’s ideal for photographers of all levels who want to improve their skills while discovering hidden corners.
Bottom Line: A personalized, photography-focused tour that lets you capture Venice’s authentic beauty away from the crowds.
13. Venice Small Group Walking Tour of Most-Famous Sites & Attractions
Finally, the Small Group Walking Tour offers a concise 2-hour exploration of Venice’s top landmarks including San Pantalon, Rialto, and San Marco. Rated 4.5/5, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a quick, well-organized overview without the rush. The guide’s storytelling includes hidden facts and quirky anecdotes, enriching the experience. The comfortable pace and small group size ensure everyone gets attention, and you’ll see the city’s most iconic sights alongside some lesser-known stops. It’s an excellent option for those short on time but eager for a thoughtfully curated experience.
Bottom Line: An efficient and engaging tour for a quick overview of Venice’s highlights, with room for personal questions and local stories.
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in Venice
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and how deep you want to go. If you seek a classic overview with a local twist, the Venice: San Marco to Rialto Walk & Spritz offers great value. For a personalized experience, consider the Private Walking Tour with a Local or the Photography Walk, if capturing Venice is your goal. Food lovers should not miss the Secret Food Tour, which pairs sightseeing with delicious bites. History buffs and art lovers will appreciate the Doge’s Palace or the San Marco to Rialto options, depending on whether skipping lines or exploring art is your priority.
Remember, book early especially for private or small-group tours, and consider your fitness level—some tours involve significant walking, but most are manageable in a few hours. Check the reviews and your interests carefully; Venice offers a tour for every type of traveler.
Final thoughts
Venice’s charm isn’t only in its stunning sights but in its narrow streets, local stories, and hidden corners. Whether you want a quick snapshot tour, a foodie adventure, or an in-depth exploration of neighborhoods, this list covers all bases. For those seeking a well-rounded introduction, the San Marco to Rialto walk is perfect, while foodies will love the Secret Food Tour. Photography enthusiasts should prioritize the private photo walks, and history buffs won’t want to miss the Doge’s Palace tour.
Whatever your style, booking early ensures you get the experience that best suits your trip. Venice is a city best enjoyed on foot—so lace up your shoes and get ready for some unforgettable walks.