Self-Guided Venice Walking Tours
Venice is best explored on foot. Our walking tour maps guide you through the city's enchanting streets, over iconic bridges, and past magnificent palaces. Each route is designed to show you the best of Venice while avoiding the most crowded paths.
Walking in Venice Tips
• Wear comfortable shoes - cobblestones and bridges can be tiring
• Follow yellow signs pointing to major landmarks (Per San Marco, Per Rialto)
• Getting lost is part of the experience - you'll always find your way back
• Download offline maps as a backup
Tour 1: Classic Venice Highlights
Duration: 3-4 hours | Distance: 3.5 km | Difficulty: Easy
This essential walking tour covers all of Venice's must-see landmarks, perfect for first-time visitors.
St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)
Start at Venice's magnificent main square, the only piazza in Venice (all others are called "campo"). Admire the stunning architecture and maybe grab a coffee at the historic Caffè Florian.
St. Mark's Basilica
Enter the golden Byzantine cathedral to see over 8,000 square meters of glittering mosaics. Don't miss the bronze horses and the view from the terrace.
Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs
Explore the Gothic palace of Venice's rulers. Cross the famous Bridge of Sighs connecting the palace to the prisons.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Walk through quiet streets to this charming square. Stop for cicchetti at a local bacaro.
Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo
One of Venice's largest squares, home to a Gothic church and the equestrian statue of Colleoni.
Rialto Bridge
End at Venice's most famous bridge. Browse the shops, take photos, and explore the nearby market.
Tour 2: Art & Museums Trail
Duration: 4-5 hours | Distance: 2.5 km | Difficulty: Easy
For art lovers, this route connects Venice's most important museums and galleries.
Gallerie dell'Accademia
Start at Venice's premier art museum with masterpieces spanning 5 centuries of Venetian painting.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Walk along the Grand Canal to this modern art collection in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
Ca' Rezzonico
Cross the canal to explore 18th-century Venice through art and period furnishings.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Marvel at Tintoretto's complete cycle of 60+ paintings covering walls and ceilings.
Basilica dei Frari
End at this Gothic church featuring Titian's magnificent Assumption altarpiece.
Tour 3: Off the Beaten Path
Duration: 2-3 hours | Distance: 2.5 km | Difficulty: Easy
Escape the crowds and discover authentic Venice in the Cannaregio district.
Jewish Ghetto
Start at the world's first ghetto, established in 1516. Visit the synagogues and Jewish Museum.
Madonna dell'Orto
Tintoretto's parish church with his paintings and tomb. Far from the tourist crowds.
Fondamenta della Misericordia
Stroll along this lively canal-side street with excellent bars and restaurants.
Campo dei Mori
Quiet square with medieval statues of Moorish merchants embedded in the walls.
Best Walking Times
• Early morning (7-9am): Empty streets, magical light for photos
• Evening (6-8pm): Golden hour, locals emerging, great atmosphere
• Avoid midday: Crowded and hot in summer