Venice tours

Things to do in Venice

Venice is a city like no other, where the romance of drifting gondolas meets the vibrant hustle of bustling markets. This floating city dances on the water, offering a mesmerizing blend of history and modern life. With your local guide, Venice tours transform into a tapestry of hidden gems and secret histories. Glide through the Grand Canal, skip the line at St. Mark's Basilica, and wander into quiet alleys on a walking tour. Your private tours in Venice reveal the city’s soul: from the aroma of fresh espresso in tiny cafes to the whispers of ancient trades in artisan workshops. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Venice. Explore Venice your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Venice tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Venice for every interest, including: History tours: Explore St. Mark’s Basilica with your guide timing entry to see the gold mosaics without the worst crowds, then cross the Bridge of Sighs from the Doge’s Palace to the old prisons. Trace the story of the Republic at the Arsenale gates and in the historic Jewish Ghetto around Campo del Ghetto Nuovo. Art and Culture tours: Stand beneath Tintoretto’s ceilings at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and compare them to modern works at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Visit a mask-maker’s workshop in the Cannaregio neighbourhood or stop at the Squero di San Trovaso to see how gondolas are still crafted by hand. Boat tours: Glide along the Grand Canal by private boat with photo stops near Ca’ d’Oro and the Rialto, then head into quiet side canals your captain knows well. Spend an afternoon on the lagoon, watching a glassblowing demo in Murano and wandering Burano’s colourful lanes before a peaceful pause on Torcello. Getting around: The city is very walkable, and vaporetti waterbuses link the main sights and islands. For less walking or longer distances, ask your local guide about chauffeured boat tours or tours with private water transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Venice inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Venice with a private walking tour, diving into the city's unique neighborhoods with a local guide by your side. Discover the best spots and hidden gems, perfect for creating your own unforgettable itinerary. - San Marco: Known for its iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, this neighborhood is a must-visit for cultural tourists and history buffs. Families will enjoy the lively piazzas and the chance to feed the pigeons. - Cannaregio: This area is ideal for those seeking meaningful connections with the local culture. It's home to the Jewish Ghetto and offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Venetians. Art lovers will appreciate the galleries and street art scattered throughout. - Dorsoduro: Perfect for art enthusiasts, Dorsoduro houses the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell'Accademia. The lively squares and charming canals make it a favorite among multi-generational groups looking for a mix of culture and relaxation. - Castello: This expansive neighborhood, with its naval history and local markets, caters to families and those interested in exploring beyond the usual tourist spots. Its proximity to the Biennale Gardens makes it a hit with art fans. - Santa Croce: Ideal for those wanting to experience Venice like a local, Santa Croce offers bustling markets and authentic eateries. It's a less crowded area, making it perfect for families and groups looking for a quieter experience. Day trip ideas from Venice From Venice, nearby islands, historic towns, and wine country sit close by, so you can turn simple train rides or boat hops into easy day trips that fit your style. These day trips pair well with flexible tours, letting you focus on crafts, food, or scenery instead of logistics. Murano and Burano: Watch glass ovens glow, see lace made by hand, and wander quiet canals with bright houses, which suits craft fans, photo lovers, and anyone who likes a slower pace, and your tour can mix workshop visits with time for a long seafood lunch by the water. Padua: A short train ride drops you into arcaded streets, lively markets, and a revered basilica, and with its old university and frescoed chapels, the city hits a nice balance for art, science, and faith interests, while your tour can focus on cafés, gardens, or hidden courtyards near the city centre. Verona: Stone bridges, Roman gates, and riverside walks make it easy to pair history with food, so you can trace lanes to small piazzas, sample local pasta, and climb to a hill viewpoint for broad city views, with your tour adding a stop for a tasting in a tucked away wine bar. Prosecco Hills around Valdobbiadene and Conegliano: Rolling vineyards and small towns link by scenic roads, perfect if you enjoy sparkling wine, farm lunches, and a few short walks between villages, and your tour can set a relaxed loop of cellar tastings and photo stops among the vines. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Venice most travellers miss.