Free walking tour of Venice – Free Tour Venice
These free tours, which are now offered in many European cities, are among my favorite things to do during a city trip. Yes, you heard that right: the concept involves taking free tours that usually last between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. Of course, the guides are always happy to receive a small tip at the end of the tour.
Benefits: First of all, you learn a lot about the city from a local guide. Culture, history, gastronomy or other interesting facts about Venice. The guides try to cover as many topics as possible so that the tour participants go home satisfied with many interesting impressions.
The city guides naturally want to receive a decent tip at the end of the tour, because that is, after all, their income. They will try to provide the best possible tour, which is of course a win-win situation, as the participant gets a great tour and the guide receives a few euros in tips at the end.
What is a free guided tour?
It is a guided tour of the city, where first-time visitors in particular learn the most important information about the respective location in a short and sweet format of an average of 2 hours.
Of course, returning visitors can also take part in these tours and still learn something new.
Instead of charging a fixed fee, these tours are conducted on a tip-based or “pay what you want” basis.
This low barrier to entry welcomes everyone from students to seniors. Such a mix in the group adds to the charm of these tours.
These tours have become very popular because they are mostly conducted by locals. The guides share knowledge that is not always easy to come by. It is also important that the guides do a good job so that their tours get good reviews and are recommended to others.
Benefits: The city guides know the city beyond the clichés from travel literature. In a short time, you get a good crash course on the area and also suggestions for other worthwhile activities in the city.
How can you book the tour?
The system is actually quite simple: since these are free tours, you can also book them for free on various websites. I have listed two options to choose from below.
The procedure is as usual: You enter your personal details and receive a confirmation email with the relevant meeting point.
The tour guides live from these free tours, so remember to tip them.
So please be fair: if you don’t want to take part in the tour because you have changed your mind or have decided on a different activity instead, cancel the booking on the platform.
Please book tours in advance. In summer, when tourism is at its peak, tours can sell out quickly.
Information about the tour
Exciting stories about Venice: Do you know everything about St. Mark’s Basilica or why the Bridge of Sighs is called that way? Do you know that there is a Jewish Ghetto called Cannaregio? Get ready for some very interesting stories!
Languages: That’s tricky. Of course, someone might want to support a tour in their own language. This is easier because it allows you to understand all the details that the tour guide provides. But it’s worth knowing that some tours in English have been around for many years, have been improved, and have received many good reviews. If you want to be sure of a great tour, you should book the best tour in English, otherwise there are also some tours in German available!
Restrooms: There is no scheduled bathroom break. But of course you can always ask for a small break. There are plenty of public toilets in Venice. If needed, the guide will point out the nearest location. Perhaps other participants will also thank you for asking!
Price: This is always a bit tricky. Although it is a free tour, the idea is, of course, to leave a tip at the end of the tour. But you also have to be fair! On every single tour I have been on, the guide was great and I was happy to give a few euros. If you are not so satisfied, you can of course give as much as you think the tour was worth. Remember that some of these guides make a living from this!
Wheelchair: That depends very much on the particular tour. I recommend taking a close look at the tour description before booking. In particular, the many bridges in Venice and the ubiquitous cobblestones make the tours seem rather unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Duration: That depends on the free tour you choose. The duration of the tour is usually indicated in the description. In my opinion, the ideal duration for a tour is about 2 hours.
Meeting point: The meeting point for the start of the tour will be communicated directly in the confirmation email from the tour operator. Sometimes the meeting point is also mentioned on the tour’s booking page. When you arrive at the starting point, the guide will be wearing a sign so that you can recognize him immediately.
What can you see on a tour like this in Venice?
The largest part of the tour and also the recommended tour for first-time visitors is the guided tour of the San Marco district.
This way, you get to see the most famous sights, such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. You also learn a lot about the Bridge of Sighs and why it is called that. It really is quite terrifying. During the tour, you will also learn why there is a campanile next to St. Mark’s Basilica.
Continue on to the Rialto Bridge, the most famous bridge in Venice. Here you will learn everything you need to know, including about the famous kiss under the bridge!
The Teatro La Fenice is also located in the St. Mark’s district of Venice.
Of course, there are no gondola rides during the tours. However, you will get tips on locations from which you can take the best gondola rides. You will also get plenty of explanations about the tradition of gondolas in Venice.
However, the tour does not only consist of Venice’s main attractions. The tour guide also leads the group to quieter alleys, over small bridges and to secret corners, telling exciting stories along the way.
Here is a brief summary of the highlights of the tour:
> Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
> Doge’s Palace
> Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal
> Hidden canals and quiet corners
> Stories from Venetian life
> Cultural highlights
Are St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace included in the tour?
Most of the most popular tours include explanations of Venice’s two main attractions: St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Please note that entry to these monuments is not included when you book a tour with the providers mentioned above.
Since most visitors are interested in these two monuments, I could also suggest asking before the tour begins whether the guide will be covering these monuments in more detail. Please keep in mind that this is a free tour and that you can still leave the tour at the beginning, instead of being completely disappointed at the end of the tour because the guide did not cover the topics you were most expecting!
Guided tours of the San Marcos neighborhood usually cover these two main monuments.
Burano, Murano and Torcello with a free guided tour?
Some tours include a visit to the islands around Venice: Murano, Burano and Torcello! Is this recommended? Is it a good idea to include a visit to these islands in the free tour?
That’s entirely up to you! Personally, I would prefer a two-hour guided tour of Venice city center. This means that you will have an exciting group experience for this selected period of time. It is also easier for the tour guides to make the tour of the historic center of Venice more lively and varied in these two hours.
Tours that include a visit to Burano, Murano and Torcello take considerably longer, partly because of the crossing. Personally, I prefer to visit these beautiful islands independently. So I’d rather go without a group! It’s definitely worth a visit.
How much should you tip?
A good question: one idea of the tour is that you tip the guide according to the quality of their service. If they do a good job, you will most likely be satisfied with the tour.
I have often seen that the amounts are between 10 and 20 euros. Of course, you can also give generous tips. Whatever you like!
Hint: Of course, you can leave the tour earlier if you wish. Nevertheless, I think it is appropriate to respectfully say goodbye to the tour guide and perhaps give only a minimal tip.
More free things to do in Venice
A city break or sightseeing doesn’t have to be expensive.
The flight and accommodation in Venice already swallow up a large part of the risk budget. This is another reason why it is a good idea to book these free city tours, as they are usually cheaper than conventional city tours.
And there are many things to do in Venice that don’t cost a thing. That’s why I’ve put together a list of activities that you can do in Venice for free.
Again, it is sometimes better to start at the beginning of the trip with a free tour like this. The tour guide can also help you find free activities. Please remember that the tour guides are there to help you and that you can also ask them about the best free things to do in Venice.
What can you do after a free tour?
The tour is over. You have learned a lot about Venice and received a lot of new information. It may also have been exhausting, as you have been walking through the city for about two hours or more without a break. Especially in the hot months, be sure to bring enough to drink. Otherwise, you can quickly buy a bottle of water at a minimarket or a refreshing ice cream on the next street corner. After the tour, however, it’s time for a break!
Hard Rock Café – Located right next to St. Mark’s Church, it is a nice place to relax. Food and drinks are served at all times of the day. How about a little break with a delicious cocktail?
☕︎ Café and restaurants – It is touristy everywhere and will tend to be a bit more expensive. The service is not always top-notch – traditionally, service in Venice is reserved towards tourists at the main attractions. But if you are looking for a nice place to relax, you are more likely to find some cafes on the Riva degli Schiavoni.
Recommendation: Restaurant Bellavista 1976 – Riva degli Schiavoni, 4157, 30122 Venezia.
As you can see, this restaurant has more than 4 stars on Google. Always be careful in this tourist hotspot and always check the reviews. The restaurant right next to it – Riviera del Leon – has little more than 2 points. Tourist traps are of course widespread in Venice with so many visitors.
Coffee break at San Marcos Square – WHY NOT! You are tourists, you will feel like tourists and you will be treated like tourists. Your coffee will be overpriced and the waiters will immediately address you in English because they know that no local would come here for a coffee, but overall I would say: WHY NOT! You only visit Venice once in your lifetime and it is also an experience to sit in Piazza San Marcos, the most famous square in Venice, sipping your coffee and watching the tourists pass by. I mean, if the coffee is overpriced, then make the most of it and take the opportunity to take a few selfies enjoying your own coffee.
