While many visitors choose to explore this city’s alleyways and small piazzas on their own, a guided tour is the best way to take your visit to the next level.
There are several pros of joining a tour: from simply skipping long queues thanks to your guide, to supporting knowledgeable locals who share personal connections, precious advice, and deep knowledge of Venice’s history, culture, and traditions.
The question now is: which guided tours would you like to join in Venice? The options are many, and your choice will depend on your personal interests and style.
From hands-on cooking classes to neighborhood walking tours and street food experiences, Venice has a lot to explore.
Keep reading this post to unlock some of the top-rated guided tours that will make your visit unforgettable!
Best Guided Tours in Venice
Venice is famous for its unique layout, with narrow alleyways, countless bridges, and its network of canals. It’s also dense with attractions and sights at every corner.
If you don’t know where to look, you’ll miss hidden gems especially as a beginner in the city. No worries, I’ve been there too, and that’s why I know the only way to avoid FOMO in Venice is to hire a private guide or join a small group tour.
With a local expert leading the way, not only will you visit popular attractions and discover lesser-known treasures, but you’ll also hear fascinating stories about this extraordinary city. Additionally, many tours offer exclusive access or skip-the-line tickets to Venice’s most popular sites, saving you valuable time.
The most important reason to join a guided tour? It allows you to appreciate Venice more deeply—a city with fragile beauty that is often misunderstood. A guide will help you make Venice “digestible” when it feels overwhelming.
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Continue reading below to learn about some of the best guided tours in Venice that will help you connect with this magical city!
1. Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary
If you’ve always dreamed of riding a gondola but want to avoid spending too much, this Grand Canal by Gondola with App Commentary tour is for you.
A gondola ride is a bucket list activity in Venice, and this tour makes it more accessible. Thanks to the mobile app commentary, you can glide down the Grand Canal while learning about the city’s history and its stunning architecture.
During the ride, you’ll see landmarks such as La Fenice Theatre, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum, Santa Maria della Salute church, and Punta della Dogana. The ride lasts around 35 minutes, and the commentary is available in multiple languages.
2. Yummy Cooking Class In Venice
Want to dive into the secrets of Italian cuisine? Learn from Chef Carolyn in this hands-on cooking class hosted in her Venetian home.
Under Carolyn’s expert guidance, you’ll prepare traditional dishes such as fresh seafood, Venetian-style risotto, or a classic tiramisu. After cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy your delicious meal with a glass of wine. This class is perfect for food lovers who want to replicate Venetian cuisine at home.
3. Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour
No first visit to Venice would be complete without visiting its two most iconic attractions: St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
These two attractions are well-known to have the longest queues in the city, so if you have a limited time in Venice, book this tour now, so you can plan the rest of your time here accordingly.
With this skip-the-line tour, you’ll learn fascinating facts about both the religious and political centers of La Serenissima. Highlights include the opulent Doge’s apartments, the Bridge of Sighs, and the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica.
Bonus: You can opt for an extended visit, which includes the basilica’s museum and terrace.
4. Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands
Visiting the three islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello is a must! This boat trip makes it easy, with transportation sorted out and free time on each island.
In Murano, you’ll witness a glassblowing demonstration; in Burano, you’ll marvel at the colorful houses and visit a lace-making shop; and in Torcello, you’ll discover its ancient churches and serene atmosphere.
If it’s your first time in Venice, you should definitely join this popular Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands boat trip.
Your transport will be sorted out for the whole time and you’ll have the chance to spend some free time in all islands. Included the entrance to a glass factory in Murano and a lace shop in Burano.
5. Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings
I recently joined this Venice street food tour with a local guide and I can definitely recommend it because it’s very insightful and you have a lot of fun!
Your guide is a local that knows the best places to try some local favourites. Along the way, the guide explains what are the most popular street foods in Venice, traditions and costumes.
You’ll most likely kick off with a taste of different cicchetti (small savoury bites), like crostini, mozzarella in carrozza and tramezzini. You’ll also try small portions of sarde en saor and squid in its own ink with polenta. Some fish based foods are not for everyone, but alternative options are available, just make sure to let your guide know or at the time of booking the tour.
You can also get drinks at every stop by paying for them extra. If you’re eager to immerse yourself in Venice’s street food culture, then this tour is perfect for you!
6. Venice Historical Guided Walking Tour
Venice is an open air museum and the best way to enjoy its most iconic sights is by joining a walk tour. There are several tours you can join, but I recommend this City Center Historical Tour, especially if it’s your first time in this city.
The tour starts from st. Mark’s Square and then the guide will guide you through the hidden alleyways and lesser known spots of the city. Along the way, your guide will explain Venice’s history, architecture, and unique way of life.
Highlights include St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the streets of the Castello neighbourhood. You can also book the option that includes the gondola ride or a private tour for a more intimate experience.
7. Guided Tour of the Jewish Ghetto and Synagogue
Venice’s Jewish Ghetto is one of the most historically significant areas in the city and it really deserves being explored with a guide.
I visited the Jewish Ghetto twice with a guide, including the museum and it really enhanced the experience. In fact, I learnt facts I’d never found out about by myself.
With this Guided Tour of the Jewish Ghetto and Synagogue Visit you can learn the history of the oldest ghetto in Europe.
Your guide will lead you through the area’s narrow streets and tell stories of the Jewish community’s resilience and contributions to Venetian society. You’ll also visit the beautiful Levantine Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue and learn about its architecture and rituals.
💡 Maddy’s tip: before or after your tour, aim to take time to explore the alleyways of Cannaregio and have aperitivo or a meal along Fondamenta dei Ormesini.
8. Guided Kayak Tour
If you want to see Venice from a completely unusual perspective, you should do it from the water! Why don’t you give this Guided Kayak Tour?
If you like outdoor sports, then a little adventure around Venetian canals is definitely the right experience for you!
You’ll be led by an experienced guide, paddle past lesser-known canals, historic bridges, and quiet corners of Venice that most tourists never see. This kayak tour is an active and eco-friendly way to experience the city, away from the crowds.
Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, this tour is suitable for all skill levels and it’s a great experience for a small group of friends or a family.
Best Guided Tours in Venice
As you can see, you can really find the best Venetian guided tour to suit your style and interests.
Do you want to glide Venice’s canals on a gondola or with a kayak? Do you want to prepare your own pasta dish and tiramisu or only taste Venice food in the streets?
These guided tours will allow you to explore the city better and connect you with its culture and history in meaningful ways. Which tour will you choose?
If you want, just let me know, or if you need further help with tours in Venice, email me at [email protected] or book a call with me to discuss your ideas.
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