Venice’s unique charm isn’t just in its winding canals and stunning architecture—it’s in the way the city invites you to explore its layered streets, hidden corners, and lively piazzas. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, a good city tour can transform your experience from simply sightseeing to truly enjoying Venice’s soul. We love the walking tour of Venice’s must-see sites for its lively storytelling and efficient route that hits all the highlights. For those wanting a blend of history, local color, and a chance to explore Venice from the water, a gondola ride combined with a city walk offers an iconic experience. Our list features a variety of options—guided walks, private tours, food tastings, and even family-friendly adventures—all designed to help you see Venice in a way that suits your interests and pace.
Venice excels at offering guided walking tours, private explorations, and culinary experiences. These options range from quick highlights to immersive journeys into lesser-known neighborhoods, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveler. To give you a clear picture, below is a curated list of the best city tours in Venice, with detailed insights to help you pick the right one.
1. Venice: Walking Guided Tour of the City Must-See Sites
At number 1 on our list, this guided walking tour offers a quick but rundown of Venice’s absolute highlights. Starting at Campo San Pantalon, you’ll stroll through the city center, passing iconic landmarks like Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. Your small group ensures plenty of personal attention from a knowledgeable local guide who shares fascinating stories and insider tips. Guests love the pace and depth—”Julia was so knowledgeable! It was a great way to see different parts of Venice,” one reviewer notes. With just 2 hours, it’s perfect for first-timers or those limited on time. The tour covers core sights and offers a lively, engaging introduction, making it ideal for travelers who want a solid overview without the fuss.
Bottom line: An energetic, informative tour perfect for a first glimpse of Venice’s most famous sites.
2. Venice: City Center Historical Guided Walking Tour
Next up, the City Center Historical Guided Walking Tour scores high for its deeper dive into Venice’s vibrant past. At around 2 to 2.5 hours, it explores St. Mark’s Square, Rialto, and hidden corners. The guide’s enthusiasm shines through as they narrate tales of Venice’s powerful merchant families and architectural marvels like Teatro La Fenice. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides—“Valentina brought Venice alive with her stories.” The tour also offers an optional gondola ride, adding a water perspective to your city experience. It’s a good fit for travelers seeking a mix of history and local flavor, especially if they want to see Venice’s famous sights with added personal insights.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, engaging walk that balances major sights and local stories, with options for extra water views.
3. Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Private City Tour
For those wanting a more intimate, personalized experience, this private tour offers a chance to escape the crowds. Led by a local insider, you’ll visit quieter neighborhoods like Dorsoduro and discover hidden gems such as lesser-known churches and local eateries. The tour includes highlights like Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, which provides stunning views of the city, and the Campo Santa Margherita, a favorite spot for locals. Guests rave about the guide’s deep knowledge and friendly approach—”Roberto grew up in Venice. It was fantastic hearing the history from a local.” This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed pace and authentic encounters away from tourist hotspots.
Bottom line: The perfect choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, customizable exploration with a local guide.
4. A must-have City Portrait Session
Capture your Venetian memories with a professional city portrait. This private photoshoot session is tailored to couples, families, or solo travelers looking for high-quality keepsakes. The experience lasts about an hour, with a skilled photographer guiding you through Venice’s most photogenic spots. Options include a standard city shoot or an added gondola ride (payable on the day). Reviewers love how Osvaldo, the photographer, “knows all the best spots” and helps with natural posing. It’s a fantastic way to get timeless photos, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want professional images of your trip.
Bottom line: A valuable investment for those who want beautiful, lasting memories of their Venice visit.
5. Venice: Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour
If your aim is to taste Venice’s culinary traditions while seeing its main sights, this Street Food and City Highlights Tour hits the spot. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll sample classic Venetian dishes like cicchetti along with seeing notable landmarks such as the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco. Your local guide shares flavor stories behind each dish, making the food part of Venice’s cultural fabric. Reviewers rave about chef-like insights—”Ana is an exceptional guide with a great knowledge of Venice, its cuisine, and its people.” This tour is ideal for food lovers who want a quick but flavorful introduction to Venetian gastronomy.
Bottom line: An excellent way to explore Venice’s food scene and main sights in one go.
6. Venice: City Center Walking Tour & Iconic Gondola Ride
This combo tour blends a guided walk with a classic gondola ride, creating a perfect Venice experience. Starting at the Venice Tours Desk, you’ll explore historic sites like Santa Maria dei Miracoli and enjoy a quick Spritz in a local bacaro—authentic and refreshing. Then, the highlight is a 30-minute gondola ride passing under bridges and along canals, giving you a water perspective that photos just can’t match. Reviewers mention how well-organized and enjoyable the experience is. It’s suitable for those seeking both land and water views, especially if time is limited but you want the full Venice flavor.
Bottom line: A balanced, fun itinerary for first-time visitors who want a taste of Venice on land and water.
7. Another Side of the City: Discovering Authentic Venice
If you’re tired of the crowds, this private tour takes you to Venice’s quieter spots. Led by a local host who grew up in the city, you’ll visit Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, stroll along the Zattere promenade, and see the still-active squero (gondola yard). The guide, Elisabetta, is praised for her deep knowledge and friendly manner—“She made us see Venice through a local’s eyes.” This tour is perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, peaceful experience with tailored insights.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a relaxed, personal glimpse of Venice away from tourist hubs.
8. Private City Kickstart Tour: Venice
For travelers with limited time but a desire for a rundown, this Private City Kickstart Tour delivers. Led by a local guide, you’ll hit Ponte di Rialto, Basilica di San Marco, and other key sites in just 2 hours. The guide’s flexible approach means your experience is personalized, focusing on your interests. Guests mention how helpful the tips were—”We learned so much about Venice in such a short time.” It’s suited for first-time visitors or those with a tight schedule who still want to see the essentials.
Bottom line: An efficient, personalized introduction ideal for busy travelers.
9. Family Friendly Venice Private City Tour
Traveling with kids? This family-focused tour makes sightseeing fun and engaging for children of all ages. Led by a friendly local, it includes activities like a treasure hunt and visits to Marco Polo’s House and the Rialto Bridge. Reviewers rave about how well it keeps children entertained—”She created a treasure hunt that kept the kids engaged and happy.” The private format means you can tailor it to your family’s pace and interests, making Venice accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Bottom line: The best choice for families wanting a lively, tailored experience that captures Venice’s magic for kids and adults alike.
10. Venice: St. Mark’s City Pass with Doge’s Palace Entry
If your goal is to maximize sightseeing with minimal hassle, this City Pass is a smart buy. It grants skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, and other top museums on St. Mark’s Square. Reviewers appreciate the value—”Great deal with BIG saving on water bus and entrance tickets.” It suits travelers who want a comprehensive experience without waiting in long lines, especially when visiting during peak times.
Bottom line: Excellent value for those wanting to see Venice’s main attractions efficiently.
11. Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties
For food lovers, this street food tour offers a real taste of Venice’s culinary scene. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll taste cicchetti, small Venetian snacks, while exploring bustling markets and scenic alleyways. Your guide shares stories behind each dish, making the tasting more meaningful. Reviewers mention how full they felt—”You’ll definitely need to come hungry.” It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with authentic local flavors, perfect for travelers who want a food-focused experience.
Bottom line: A flavorful, fun introduction to Venice’s food scene—and a delicious way to see the city.
12. Venice: Shared Gondola Ride through the Lagoon City
No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride, and this shared gondola experience offers a convenient, budget-friendly way to enjoy it. Lasting 30 minutes, the ride passes iconic sights like Santa Maria della Salute and La Fenice Theater. Guests love the smooth organization—“It was wonderful to go past other gondolas, some with singers on board.” The ride is ideal if you want a classic Venice moment without the hefty price tag of a private gondola.
Bottom line: A memorable, affordable way to enjoy Venice’s canals.
13. Verona City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Must-See Sites with Local Guide
If extending your trip to nearby Verona appeals, this Verona walking tour offers a brief but comprehensive look at the city’s highlights. You’ll see Piazza Bra, Juliet’s Balcony, and the Roman amphitheater. The guide shares stories often missed by guidebooks—“She gave us a good introduction to Verona’s fascinating history.” It’s perfect for those wanting a quick cultural fix in a charming Italian city.
Bottom line: A short, insightful tour for lovers of Shakespeare, ancient ruins, and Italian squares.
14. Luxury transfers to and from Venice city
For ultimate comfort, this luxury transfer service ensures smooth, stylish transportation to and from Venice. It’s perfect for travelers arriving or departing by private jet or cruise, wanting a seamless experience. Rated 5 stars, this service is all about attentive, full assistance and comfort. It’s less about sightseeing and more about arriving relaxed and ready to enjoy Venice.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers valuing comfort and convenience over sightseeing.
15. Venice: City Tour & Skip the Line for St. Mark’s Basilica
Finally, this city tour with skip-the-line combines a walk through Venice’s main sights with direct access to the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica. In about 1.5 hours, you’ll see Doge’s Palace, Scuole Grandi, and more, with a knowledgeable guide. Guests appreciate avoiding long lines—“Great organisation and a fabulous guide made this a highlight.” It’s perfect if your priority is touring the basilica without wait times.
Bottom line: A practical choice for travelers eager to see Venice’s art and architecture efficiently.
How to Choose the Best Venice Tour for You
Choosing the right tour depends on your schedule, interests, and budget. For a quick overview, the Venice: Walking Guided Tour of the City Must-See Sites offers an excellent introduction. If you want to combine food and sights, consider the Street Food Tour. Families should look at the Family Private Tour, while those seeking a romantic photo session will find the portrait experience perfect. Budget travelers may prefer the City Pass, which combines multiple attractions. For water lovers or panoramas, the Gondola Ride is a timeless addition.
Timing your tours early in the day or during shoulder seasons can help you avoid crowds, especially for popular experiences like St. Mark’s Basilica or Doge’s Palace. Booking in advance ensures you secure your preferred times, especially for private or small-group options.
Final Thoughts
Venice offers a stunning array of ways to see its streets, canals, and hidden corners. Whether you opt for a quick guided walk, a private exploration, or a culinary adventure, each tour provides a chance to see this city through different eyes. For first-timers, the must-see guided tour is a great starting point. For those looking for a more relaxed, authentic experience, the private tour or family-friendly options are ideal. Remember to book early, especially in peak season, to ensure your favorite tour is available. Venice’s magic isn’t just in its sights but in how you experience it—so pick the one that best fits your style and get ready to fall in love.
