The Best Walking Tours in Venice

Posted: 10/26/2023 | October 26th, 2023

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. With its iconic canals and meandering waterways, it’s also considered one of the most unique cities in the world.

And, while the city struggles with large crowds in the summer, it’s definitely still worth visiting as there is a ton to see and do here (plus lots of amazing things to eat).

Given its popularity, it’s not surprising there’s lots of walking / canal tour companies that aim to show you the best the city has to offer. From visiting historical sights to feasting on local eats, these tours can introduce you to the city and ensure you see all the stunning highlights that have put it on the map.

Here are a few more walking tour options to help you make the most of your time in Venice:

1. Devour

Italy is a foodie’s dream and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t take a food tour in Venice. Devour is my go-to company when it comes to food tours because they visit locally-owned spots and have expert local guides that are super knowledgeable. On their Tastes & Traditions food tour, you’ll visit seven spots and eat some of the best fresh seafood in the city while learning about the region’s culinary past. They also run a Venice at Sunset food and wine tour that focuses on cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods.

Tours from 89 EUR.

2. Venice Tours

If you’ve seen the main sights and want to get off the beaten path, Venice Tours runs a Hidden Venice tour that explores some of Venice’s lesser-known areas. On this three-hour tour, you’ll navigate labyrinthine streets, see the former house of famed explorer Marco Polo, and criss-cross the canals over famous historic bridges. I’m a big fan of this specific tour because it gets you away from the crowds and into more local areas.

If you don’t want to be on your feet for that long, they also have a traditional gondola tour that comes with an audio guide so you can listen to commentary as you explore and take in the views.

Tours from 27 EUR.

3. Raphael Food Tour

If your appetite hasn’t been sated yet, this Rialto Market Food & Wine tour is the perfect way to explore the local market scene. On a four-hour lunchtime tour, you’ll visit local food producers and artisans as you pop into pastry shops, wine bars, and trattorias to sample the typical local fare. The tour includes six mouth-watering stops, while also including some neat historic sights (such as where Casanova used to hang out).

Tours from 89 EUR.

4. Bucintoro Viaggi

For more off-the-beaten-path and unusual sights, take a ghost tour. On this spooky 90-minute tour, you’ll wander Venice after dark and learn about all the city’s mysterious events. From hauntings to unsolved mysteries, this tour covers centuries of eerie history while leading you through some of the city’s lesser-visited neighborhoods. It’s really cool and an interesting look at the city that you don’t normally find on other bigger tours.

Tours from 27 EUR.

Venice is one of the coolest, most iconic cities in the world. It’s also packed with things to see and do. By booking one of the tours above, you’ll be able to have a deeper, more nuanced visit as you explore alongside a local guide who can share their insider tips and advice. I always take a walking tour when I visit Venice. I encourage you to do the same.