City Tours in Venice

The canal-lined city of Venice has drawn tourists from all over the world for decades; they come in search of the romance, heritage and architecture of the city, but they stay for the surprising diversity of attractions that line the waterways through the six sestieri (districts).

From San Mark's Square and Basilica to the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, the city is littered with fascinating historical monuments, making a city tour in Venice an unmissable experience!

Our guide that follows covers all the details on city tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Venice.

What are the most popular city tours in Venice?

When it comes to city tours in Venice, there's no shortage of options. Whether you're looking for a guided small-group tour, something more private, or a themed excursion, there's a tour that can meet your needs.

Let's take a look at the most popular options:

Guided Venice City Highlights and Street Food Tour

A great option for foodies, this Venice food tour focuses on the city's vibrant culinary scene.

It not only introduces you to locally loved eateries where you can sample cicchetti, Venetian tapas, gelato and fresh produce (usually at the Rialto Market), but it also takes you past some of the city's most iconic sights, such as St Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal.

Small-group Ghosts and Legends City Walking Tour

Starting in Campo San Bartolomeo, this two-hour walking tour takes you through some of the city's most haunted spots, focusing on the Cannaregio and Castello districts. Led by a local Venetian guide, you'll hear eerie tales of ghosts, murders and more as you wander through some of the city’s spookiest areas.

It's a great way to see the underbelly of the city, away from the tourist crowds.

Private off-the-beaten-path Venice City Tour

A chance to experience the authentic side of the Floating City, this private excursion takes you through the Dorsoduro district, where you'll find luxurious palaces and hole-in-the-wall eateries.

While you'll still pass by quintessential landmarks (like Saint Mark's Square and the Grand Canal), you'll also get to check out lesser-known gems — such as the Mercati di Rialto (Rialto Street Market) and Santa Maria della Salute Church.

As a private city tour, you can customize your tour itinerary too.

Are there any Venice city tour combos available?

Yes, there is a handful of combo tours available in Venice. Two of the most popular options are listed below. Several tours offer the option to add a gondola ride to your experience as well, for an extra cost.

City tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica Visit

In addition to walking around the city, ticking off a slew of top attractions, including St Mark's Square, this combo tour allows you to enter two of Venice’s most popular sites - Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica – with skip-the-line access.

You can also visit the Correr Museum in your own time after the tour, at no extra charge.

Venice City tour and Murano Glass Experience

Beyond its canals, Venice is most famous for its wonderful artisanal glasswork. This combo tour lets you explore Venice’s main sights on foot, as well as take a boat ride to the nearby island of Murano where you'll tour a traditional glass factory.

What will I see on a Venice city tour?

Every Venice walking tour is different, however, you can usually expect to see at least a handful of the following main attractions as you make your way around the city.

St Mark's Square

One of Venice's most popular attractions, St Mark’s Square is a vast public space located right in the heart of the city. Here you'll find the iconic bell tower and basilica, as well as the Doge's Palace (which is home to the world's largest oil painting, by Tintoretto).

Campo San Bartolomeo

A lively square near the famous Rialto Bridge, Campo San Bartolomeo is a great place to people-watch, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the local atmosphere in its open-air cafes.

Rialto Bridge

The iconic 16th-century bridge is one of Venice’s most spectacular sights. It is also lined with shops, often specializing in jewelry and glasswork.

Murano

The small island of Murano is home to several glass-making workshops that are open to visitors. This is a common stop on combination tours.

How much do city tours in Venice cost?

Prices for city tours in Venice vary depending on the length and type of tour you choose but start from as little as €20 per person.

A small-group food-themed walking tour will cost around €20 per person, while a ghost and legends-theme tour will set you back closer to €30 per participant.

Private tours are more expensive, however, they can be tailored to your individual tastes. A private off-the-beaten-path Venice city tour usually costs around €115 per person but can vary depending on group size.

Combination tours are generally pricier, however, include multiple attractions. A city tour that includes the Doge's Palace costs about €125 per person, while a Venice and Murano glass experience can cost around €400 per group of up to 6 people.

What do Venice city tours include?

Every Venice city tour package includes a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide and a walk around town to see some of the main attractions.

Depending on your particular tour of choice, you might also have food tastings included, or even a boat ride to Murano.

Hotel pickup and gratuities are usually not included unless you book a private tour.

Where do they start?

Most city tours in Venice typically start at a popular landmark, such as Piazza San Marco, Campo San Bartolomeo, or the fountain at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto.

If you opt for a private tour, hotel pickups are usually available. It is important to confirm the exact meeting point when booking, as every tour is different.

How long do they last?

Generally speaking, most city tours in Venice last between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the type of tour you choose.

If you book a private tour, it is typically possible to extend the length of the trip if you want to squeeze in more attractions – simply organize this ahead of time when booking.

Are city tours in Venice wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, the majority of Venice city tours are not wheelchair accessible. However, if you choose a private tour and contact the operator ahead of time, it may be possible to make the necessary arrangements.

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

The best time for a city tour in Venice is from April to June, and September to October. During these months, temperatures are pleasant and with little rain.

July and August can be very hot and humid, making it uncomfortable to explore the city on foot. By avoiding these months, you also evade the peak tourist season crowds and make your experience more enjoyable.

If you want to witness Venice's Carnival spectacle, plan your city tour for February. However, keep in mind that the city will be more crowded during this time.

To beat the daily crowds, consider starting your day early for a quieter, more serene experience. Late afternoons and evenings can also be lovely, especially with the sunset over the city.

Travel tips

• Venice is a popular tourist destination, so book your tour and make restaurant reservations well in advance.
• Venice is known for its churches and you will need to dress respectfully to enter them (no bare shoulders or shorts/skirts above the knee).
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you'll be on your feet most of the day.
• Carry a bottle of water with you to avoid dehidration.
• Don't forget to apply sunblock regularly if you’re visiting during the summer months.
• Start your day early to visit popular sights like St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace before they become crowded.
• Try local dishes like cicchetti (Venetian tapas), sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), and fresh seafood.
• If you’re visiting in late autumn or winter, be aware of acqua alta, a phenomenon where parts of Venice flood due to high tides.
• Respect local customs and rules: don't litter, and keep noise levels down, and do not feed the pigeons in St. Mark’s Square.