Tour guides Italy > Venice

5 ideas for guided tours in Venice

• San Marco District

  

  Step back in time in the heart of San Marco, the most iconic district of the City of the Doges. Wander through its narrow streets, follow the Grand Canal, and let yourself be captivated by the Rialto Bridge, Venice’s oldest and still one of its most majestic.

  Along the quays, you’ll come to the Doge’s Palace, a Gothic masterpiece of both beauty and intrigue. Once home to the rulers and courts of Venice, it carries memories of power and judgment. Nearby, the Bridge of Sighs, suspended between the palace and the old prisons, recalls the silent glances of those condemned.

  Then there is St. Mark’s Square, alive with pigeons, musicians, and the historic Caffè Florian, open since 1720. Finally, the St. Mark’s Basilica and its campanile invite you to climb up and take in the whole city at a single glance.

• Cannaregio

  

  Cannaregio shows another side of Venice. Less touristy, more authentic, this is where the daily life of locals truly beats. This northern district, crossed by the Strada Nuova, buzzes with small shops, lively bars, and conversations spilling out onto the street.

  But Cannaregio is also a place of memory. It was here, in 1516, that the very first Jewish ghetto was created. The buildings are taller, the streets narrower. You can still visit active synagogues such as the elegant Scuola Spagnola and Levantina. And just a short walk away, the Ca’ d’Oro Palace, now a museum, houses priceless works of art.

  The straight canals, the timeworn facades, the gondolas gliding quietly by—all of it invites you to slow down and absorb this simpler, more genuine Venice.

• Burano Island

  

  North of the lagoon, Burano feels like a burst of color. Reached by Vaporetto, this small fishing village is instantly recognizable by its vibrant houses. Each facade is painted in its own shade, a tradition dating back to when fishermen needed to spot their homes through the fog.

  But Burano is also about lace—a rare craft passed down for centuries. Though you’ll see few lace-makers at work outdoors today, their artistry is celebrated in a dedicated museum, with pieces dating back to the 16th century.

  Take your time here. Enjoy grilled fish on a terrace, watch the boats tied up along the canal, let the atmosphere sink in. Burano isn’t just visited—it’s savored.

• Murano

  

  On the island of Murano, glass becomes magic. In 1291, Venice’s glassmakers were ordered to move here, as the city was considered too vulnerable to fires. Since then, Murano has shone with its unmatched craftsmanship.

  With your guide, step inside the workshops. Watch molten glass transform through precise movements, taking shape in the hands of master artisans. Blown, colored, and entirely unique pieces—perfect inspirations for souvenirs.

  After the visit, take time to wander. The island is calm, dotted with old palaces and small gardens. With a gelato in hand by the canal, Murano shows itself at its very best.

• Stroll between San Polo and Santa Croce

  

  Cross the Rialto Bridge and let your senses guide you through San Polo. In the morning, the market comes alive—silver fish, colorful fruit, the fresh smell of the lagoon. By evening, glasses clink and cicchetti line the counters. The atmosphere is cheerful, local, and genuine.

  Just a few steps away, Santa Croce reveals its quieter treasures. Museums like Ca’ Pesaro and Palazzo Mocenigo tell Venice’s story through art, textiles, and perfume. Around a quiet corner, the church of San Cassiano opens its doors onto a golden silence.

  Here, getting lost is part of the pleasure. No map needed—just the sound of water, the shadow of a bridge, and the quiet charm of a city that reveals itself only to those who take their time.