Cicchetti — similar in concept to Spanish tapas — are Italian snacks and side dishes that are usually served alongside small glasses of wine in local bars and restaurants. Some of the most popular cicchetti include fried meatballs, crostini, panini and seafood.

Cicchetti tours in Venice provide you with the opportunity to familiarize yourself with these traditional snacks. Taste a wide range of side dishes and learn which is the best cicchetti to order during the rest of your stay in the city.

Continue reaching our guide to learn more about cicchetti tours, one of the most mouthwatering gastronomic experiences in Venice.

What are the most popular cicchetti tours in Venice?

Five cicchetti and five wines tour in Venice

Spoil your taste buds as you discover some of the very best backstreet bars that the city has to offer with this cicchetti and wine tour in Venice. Avoid the tourist traps and learn where Venetians go to eat and drink.

Enjoy this carbon-neutral experience, which includes a gondola ride through the canals, with a small-group or private tour. At each bar you visit, you’ll savor plates of popular appetizers alongside delicious local wines.

If you want to try more local wines, there are wine tours and tastings in Venice or at vineyards nearby to sample one of the most popular Italian wines in the terroir where it's produced — Prosecco in Valdobbiadene.

Rialto Market with cicchetti and wine tour in Venice

Discover Venetian bar culture and visit some of the city’s best-known bars and restaurants as you’re entertained by enthralling stories from your local guide. Visit the famous Rialto Market, taste a variety of local wines and learn how to order food like a local.

You’ll visit a selection of local wine bars, one of which used to be frequented by Cassanova himself! At this wine bar, you’ll be served a range of tasty cicchetti before having lunch at a top-rated restaurant, known for its delicious seasonal dishes. If you need to decide where to have dinner later that evening, there are plenty of unique dinner experiences in Venice to consider.

Which places are visited in Venice?

Most cicchetti tours in Venice visit a selection of different "entocas" (wine bars) in the city to give you the opportunity to taste different cicchetti at different locations. You may also visit restaurants, eateries, street food vendors and "barcari" (local bars) during your tour.

As you walk through the city, your guide is sure to point out some of the city’s famous landmarks and tell you more about Venetian history and culture. If you want to learn how to make cicchetti and other local dishes, you can book a cooking class in Venice.

How much do cicchetti tours in Venice cost?

Basic cicchetti tours in Venice cost around €40 per person for a group experience, where you’ll enjoy a selection of local appetizers. Tours that offer a more comprehensive experience and that visit a few more locations typically cost upwards of €80 per person.

Small-group cicchetti tours, in which you receive more personal attention from your tour guide, usually cost around €100 per person, with private tours costing €130 per person or more.

Is anything included?

Most cicchetti tours in Venice include several different appetizers, as well as a few glasses of wine. Your transport between the excursion’s different locations is also included in the cost of the tour. While you can walk between locations, you may also enjoy a gondola ride.

Keep in mind that if you want any additional food and drinks, you’ll have to pay for those yourself. It is also a good idea to bring along some extra cash for tipping waiters, as gratuities are not included in the cost of cicchetti tours.

Where is the meeting point for cicchetti tours in Venice?

When participating in a cicchetti tour in Venice, your guide will most likely ask you to meet them at one of the city’s easy-to-find landmarks. Popular meeting points include in front of the Church of the Maddalena or the Church of San Giacomo Di Rialto.

Remember to arrive at least 5 minutes before your tour’s starting time so that you don’t hold up the guide or tour participants.

How long are cicchetti tours in Venice?

The typical duration of a cicchetti tour in Venice is around 2.5 or 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax as you explore the local culinary scene. With that being said, there are plenty of 1-hour and 1.5-hour tours available for those with tight schedules.

If you want to end your evening on a sweet note, consider joining a chocolate tasting in Venice. If you don't have a sweet tooth, there are also plenty of cheese tastings in the countryside surrounding Venice.

When is the best time to go on a cicchetti tour in Venice?

A cicchetti tour in Venice is best enjoyed during the early evening, typically between 5 PM and 8 PM. This time is known as "aperitivo" or pre-dinner time when locals visit "bacari" to unwind after work and enjoy cicchetti, along with a glass of wine or a spritz.

However, you can also enjoy a cicchetti tour during lunchtime, between 12 PM and 2 PM, as some "bacari" will be open and serving food during this time.

To make the most of your cicchetti tour, it's a good idea to visit Venice during the less crowded months of the year, like late fall (October to November) or early spring (March to April). During these periods, you can avoid the peak tourist season while still enjoying pleasant weather, making it easier to truly experience the Venetian culture.

Travel tips

Sample a variety. Cicchetti come in many forms, from seafood to meat and vegetable options. Try a range of dishes to truly appreciate the diverse flavors.
Enjoy a spritz. A cicchetti tour is not complete without sampling a classic Venetian spritz, a refreshing cocktail made with Prosecco, Aperol or Campari, and a splash of soda water.
Take your time. A cicchetti tour is meant to be a leisurely experience, so don't rush from one bacaro to another. Enjoy the atmosphere, savor the food and drinks and immerse yourself in Venetian culture.

Cicchetti in Venice