Best Walks in Venice: 6 Unforgettable Itineraries

  • 3 min read

Venice, with its shimmering canals, narrow calli, and charming bridges, is a constant invitation to stroll at a leisurely pace. In this car-free city, over 400 bridges connect the six historic sestieri, offering endless new routes to explore.Here are six walks that will take you from the monumental heart of the city to quiet and picturesque corners, among history, art, and traditions.

Passeggiare a Venezia

St. Mark’s Square

Perfect for admiring Venice’s iconic landmarks

  • Distance: just over 1 km
  • Difficulty: easy, flat route
  • Time from city centre: 1 minute

Start at the Ponte della Paglia to capture the Bridge of Sighs, then step into St. Mark’s Square, dominated by the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Stroll through the Royal Gardens, admire the La Fenice Theatre, and the Baroque façade of Santa Maria del Giglio Church. Finish with a stop at Palazzo Grassi, now hosting contemporary art exhibitions.

  • Starting point: St. Mark’s Square – open 24 hours
  • Best time to visit: between 8:30 and 11:00 am for a calmer atmosphere.

Dorsoduro

For museum and culture lovers

  • Distance: about 1 km
  • Difficulty: easy, flat
  • Time from city centre: 10 minutes by vaporetto

From the Salute pier, reach Punta della Dogana and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, then cross the Accademia Bridge to visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia. Along Fondamenta Nani, you’ll find the historic Squero di San Trovaso gondola boatyard. End with a visit to Ca’ Macana, a traditional mask-making workshop.

  • Starting point: Fondamenta Salute
  • Best day: avoid Tuesday, when some museums are closed.

Rialto and San Polo

Between markets and historic architecture

  • Distance: about 800 metres
  • Difficulty: easy, with steps on the bridge
  • Time from city centre: 7 minutes

Start from Rialto Bridge to admire Palazzo dei Dieci Savi and Palazzo Dolfin Manin. Wander through calli filled with bacari (wine bars) and boutiques until you reach the lively Rialto Markets in the morning. Just steps away is San Giacomo di Rialto, the oldest church in the city, and the quirky “Gobbo di Rialto”.

  • Starting point: Rialto Bridge
  • Best time to visit: early morning, between 7:30 and 9:00 am.

Cannaregio

Discovering Jewish history

  • Distance: just over 1 km
  • Difficulty: easy, with some steps
  • Time from city centre: 23 minutes by ferry

Walk through the Jewish Ghetto, with its historic synagogues and the Jewish Museum of Venice. Taste traditional pastries at local bakeries, admire the Gothic façade of Ca’ d’Oro, and Tintoretto’s paintings in Madonna dell’Orto Church. Don’t miss Ponte Chiodo, one of the few bridges without railings.

  • Starting point: Campo San Geremia
  • Best day: avoid Saturday, when the museum is closed.

Burano Island

A burst of colours and artisan traditions

  • Distance: less than 1 km
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Time from city centre: 1 hour 15 minutes by vaporetto

Burano enchants with its brightly painted houses and the ancient art of lace-making. Visit the Lace Museum and browse artisan shops. Walk to the wooden Wander Bridge and the peaceful Fondamenta Pontinello Destra for picture-perfect views.

  • Starting point: Burano “C”
  • Best time to visit: just before sunset for magical light.

Giudecca

Spectacular views of Venice

  • Distance: almost 5 km
  • Difficulty: easy, with some steps
  • Time from city centre: 21 minutes by ferry

From the Giudecca Palanca “A” stop, explore the Friday Sacca Fisola Market, then walk along the Fondamenta delle Zattere. Visit the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer and enjoy views of St. Mark’s Bell Tower. Finish with a short crossing to San Giorgio Maggiore and climb its bell tower for a 360° panorama of the lagoon.

  • Starting point: Giudecca Palanca “A”
  • Best time to visit: Friday morning for the market.