Free Walking Tour in Venice

At a glance

Tip-based price: Pay-what-you-want (no fixed ticket price). You tip the guide at the end based on your experience (tour pages often mention a common range around €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction).

Schedule: Multiple daily departures depending on the tour. Typical start times in Venice include 09:30 / 09:45 (early “must-see” routes), 10:00 (Jewish Ghetto or Dorsoduro routes), 10:30 (kickstart-style tours), 11:00 (classic introduction), 12:30 (historic center), 14:30 (hidden Venice), and 15:00 (northern Venice). Times vary by date.

Meeting point: Varies by tour (always check your booking confirmation). Common meeting points include: Campo Sant’Agnese (Dorsoduro, by the well / Swiss Consulate area), Campo San Geremia (Cannaregio, by the old well/steps of the church), and Campo de la Fava (in front of Hotel Ai Reali).

Venice reality check (what makes this city different)

• No cars: navigation is on foot + bridges + waterbus (vaporetto). A guided walk helps you build a mental map fast.
• Look-alike corners: many squares have “almost identical” wells, churches, and façades—recognition cues matter.
• Detours are normal: closed passages, crowds, and tiny lanes mean a “short line” on a map can become a long route.
• Best moments are off-axis: 3 minutes away from a main route can feel like a different city.

Pick your route by vibe

• First-time “must-see”: San Marco + central highlights for orientation.
• Dorsoduro: a calmer, artsy Venice with a more local rhythm.
• Cannaregio & the Jewish Ghetto: history layers most visitors miss.
• Northern Venice: quiet neighbourhoods and “locals-only” corners.
• Rialto & secret spots: classic icons with hidden details and backstreets.

A simple plan that works

• Day 1: do a central “must-see” route to anchor the map (San Marco/Rialto logic).
• Day 2: choose one “quiet Venice” neighborhood (Dorsoduro or Northern Venice) for atmosphere and artisan corners.
• Day 3: add Cannaregio + Jewish Ghetto to understand Venice’s social history beyond palaces.

Pro move: ask your guide for a “two-hour self-walk” you can repeat later—Venice gets better the second time because you stop getting lost and start noticing details.

Featured tours in Venice (start time + duration + meeting point)

• HIDDEN SECRETS OF VENICE (JEWISH GHETTO)
  Starts at: 10:00
  Duration: 2h 15m
  Meeting point: Campo San Geremia — OLD WELL NEXT TO THE CHURCH ENTRANCE. Guide carries a RED FLAG.
• THE VENICE ONLY THE LOCALS KNOW! (northern Venice)
  Starts at: 15:00
  Duration: 2h
  Meeting point: Campo de la Fava (Calle de la Fava 5525), in front of (not inside) Hotel Ai Reali.
• VENICE HIGHLIGHTS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT!
  Starts at: 10:00
  Duration: 2h
  Meeting point: Campo Sant’Agnese (Dorsoduro 810) — guide will be there with a yellow bag.
• Tour Historic Center Venice
  Starts at: 10:00 / 12:30 (plus an additional time on some days)
  Duration: 1h 30m
  Meeting point: Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, under the equestrian sculpture of Condottiero Colleoni.
• Explore the hidden Venice
  Starts at: 14:30
  Duration: 3h
  Meeting point: Campo San Geremia — find the guide near the old well with an official guide badge.
• Venice Free Walking Tour - The original!
  Starts at: 11:00
  Duration: 2h
  Meeting point: Campo SS. Apostoli — in front of the old well. If you can’t find it, stop in front of “Riccio Peoco”. Nearest waterbus stop: Ca’ D’oro (≈ 3 min walk). GPS: 45.440456, 12.33650.
• Kickstart tour: The heart and soul of Venice, secret spots and Rialto (with a local guide Lucia)
  Starts at: 10:30
  Duration: 2h
  Meeting point: Campo San Polo — next to the fountain in front of the church.
• SECRETS OF THE JEWISH GHETTOS of VENICE (small group)
  Starts at: Check availability (varies by date)
  Duration: 2h
  Meeting point: Campo San Geremia — at the steps of the big church.
• Free tour Wonders of Venice: MUST-SEE center and San Marco
  Starts at: 09:30 / 09:45 (plus more times)
  Duration: 1h 45m
  Meeting point: Campo Sant’Agnese (Dorsoduro 912) — by the well, right in front of the Swiss Consulate. Recognize the guides by their umbrellas and badges.

Small things that make Venice easier

• Shoes first: bridges + cobblestones are non-negotiable. Comfort beats fashion here.
• Water + shade plan: in warm months, you’ll feel the heat while standing still during explanations.
• Cash is handy: useful for quick snacks and small purchases in quieter areas.
• Use “landmarks”, not street names: Venice navigation works better with wells, churches, and squares.
• Ask for cicchetti advice: a good bacaro recommendation can become your best memory of the day.