Venice Neighborhood Guide
For more than 1,000 years, Venice has been divided into six key districts (sestieri): San Marco, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Castello, Cannaregio, and Santa Croce. But among these are a wealth of smaller neighborhoods and islands. Here are six areas every traveler needs to know.
Murano
One of a cluster of islands to the north of the city proper, Murano is actually a series of smaller islands linked by bridges. Artisans have hand-blown glass here since the 13th century, and you can still watch craftsmen in action to this day.
Burano
Still farther to the north of Venice, Burano is famous for its artisan lace—and an Instagram must-visit for its candy-colored houses. Shopping and photos are the main attractions here.
Venice Jewish Ghetto
Between the 16th and 19th century, a section of Cannaregio was reserved for Jewish people. Despite the devastation of the Nazi occupation, it’s still home to historic synagogues, pawn shops, and more, as well as kosher restaurants and eateries serving Venetian Jewish favorites.
San Marco
The beating heart of Venice, San Marco is home to the city’s top sights: St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, La Fenice Theater, and much, much more. It’s also the city’s shopping capital, with local crafts and international brand names sitting side by side on its charismatic streets.
San Polo
The smallest of the city’s sestieri, San Polo runs along the Grand Canal. Highlights here include the Rialto Bridge, the Frari Church, and the historic Rialto Market.
Cannaregio
The biggest and most populated of Venice’s neighborhoods, Cannaregio houses the train station, the Venice Jewish Ghetto, and a wealth of backstreets and squares. Less crowded than the more central districts, it’s an excellent foodie destination.
12 Tours and Activities | All Venice Tours
Sort by:Featured
Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
5014
Visit Torcello, Murano, and Burano—three islands in the Venetian Lagoon—on this tour from Venice by motorboat. With a guide, watch glass being blown at a Murano glass factory, see historical cathedrals on Torcello, and admire exquisite handmade lace on Burano. This is a great way to see more than just the central sights of Venice and enjoy a cruise on the water. Select a departure time when booking.
…More
From
$24.73
From
$24.73
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More
Murano & Burano Islands Half Day Guided Tour by Private Boat
1231
Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts with a day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano, and marvel at the detailed stitches of exquisite Burano lace. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of these two artisan islands while you visit local workshops and wander the picturesque streets.
…More
From
$48.23
Price varies by group size
From
$48.23
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Jewish Ghetto Food Tour in Venice: Pasta Wine Gelato And Much More!
150
Eat and drink your way through one of Venice’s most distinctive neighborhoods on a walking food tour through the Cannaregio district, also known as the former Jewish ghetto. Learn about the area’s rich history and culture from a local guide as you stroll through its narrow winding streets, stopping to sample some of the best and most authentic delicacies around, from traditional kosher dishes and wine to creamy risotto and fresh-baked goods. Buon appetito!
…More
From
$136.03
From
$136.03
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff
Learn More
Murano Glass Factory Experience: Factory Tour and Workshop
160
Get an inside peek into the world-famous glassblowing factories of Murano on a 2-hour escorted tour. Meet your guide in central Venice, and ride a water bus across the Venetian Lagoon to the colorful island of Murano. Get a private glassmaking demonstration from a master craftsman, and enjoy time to browse the factory showroom featuring finished works of art. Finally, attend your choice of hands-on workshop to create a take-home piece of jewelry or mosaic using authentic Murano glass.
…More
From
$37.10
From
$37.10
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More
Venice Must-Sees: St Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Fast Track Tour
529
See two of Venice's top sights in one tour of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Enjoy skip-the-line access to avoid the long lines that typically form outside these important attractions. Marvel at the golden mosaics that adorn the interior of St. Mark's Basilica, one of the finest masterpiece of Byzantine art. Walk through the ornately-decorated halls of the Doge's Palace and imagine life during the Venetian golden age. Immerse yourself in the history of Venice through two of its most important buildings.
…More
From
$97.69
From
$97.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Murano by Private Watertaxi Including Glass Blowing Demo with Hotel Pickup
22
Visit the famed glassblowing island of Murano via private water taxi, and watch glass artisans at work. Explore the seventh century cathedral in Murano's historical center before learning about the skill required to blow glass. Step inside a traditional glass factory for a full demonstration, peruse showrooms, take advantage of discounts on glassware, and slip your foot into a glass slipper. If it's your size, you'll walk away with a specially made souvenir crafted from Venetian glass.
…More
From
$55.65
From
$55.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Venice Jewish Ghetto small group tour with SPRITZ and CICCHETTI tasting
10
Explore Venice’s Cannaregio district on a 2-hour small-group walking tour. Listen to informative commentary from your guide about the old Jewish district and how the word ‘ghetto’ originated in Venice in the 16th century. Visit key landmarks such as Mary Magdalene Church, Ponto Chiodo, old synagogues, and more and finish off the tour with a delicious gelato tasting at a gourmet Italian gelateria.
…More
From
$80.38
From
$80.38
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff
Learn More
Off The Beaten Track Tour Of Venice: Jewish Ghetto And Cannaregio
See a different side of Venice with this off the beaten path walking tour, including the Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio. Follow your private guide to these two lesser-known neighborhoods away from the city center crowds. Learn about the area’s history and hear stories about how Venetians live today. This private tour can be customized according to your interests.
…More
From
$212.65
Price varies by group size
From
$212.65
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Walking Tour: Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto
5
Explore the unique history of the fascinating Cannaregio district in Venice, home to the Jewish Ghetto, during this private 2-hour walking tour.
…More
From
$194.77
Price varies by group size
From
$194.77
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Learn More
The Secret Corners of Burano
10
Get a local’s perspective on one of the Venetian Lagoon’s most enchanting islands with a one-hour tour of Burano. Learn the history and unique customs of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed locale from a guide born and raised on the island. Admire colorful fishermen’s homes, visit landmarks like a leaning church bell tower, and see how famous Burano lace is made with a live demonstration. After the tour, linger as long as you like with recommendations from your guide on the best places to shop, dine, and explore.
…More
From
$30.92
From
$30.92
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Cruise: San Giorgio Maggiore and San Lazzaro degli Armeni Island
Explore beyond the usual tourist attractions in Venice with this private boat tour to two islands in the Venetian Lagoon, San Lazzaro degli Armeni and San Giorgio Maggiore.
…More
From
$494.65
From
$494.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Learn More
Private Walking Tour: Dorsoduro and San Polo Districts in Venice
With so much to see and do in Venice, it can be time-consuming to shortlist top sites and plan an itinerary. This action-packed walking tour will save you hours researching where to visit, and instead, take you on a comprehensive exploration of two fascinating districts—Dorsoduro and San Polo. You’ll see many top Venice attractions as well as local secrets. Highlights included San Trovaso Square, San Nicolò dei Mendicoli Church, and Campo Santa Margherita.
…More
From
$166.94
Price varies by group size
From
$166.94
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Learn More