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Best Tours & activities in Venice (2026)

Venice is a city where a good guide or activity makes a real difference, as so much of its history is hidden in plain sight. For a first day, Venice Free Walking Tour runs two daily English-language walks from Cannaregio that introduce the city's stories and quieter corners; booking online is mandatory. For the great monuments, Walks of Italy offers small-group tours of St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, including the Secret Itineraries and after-hours visits when the basilica is closed to the public.

To experience the city from the water, Row Venice teaches voga alla veneta, the standing Venetian rowing technique, in private lessons run by expert women instructors, with options that include a stop for cicchetti. Venice Kayak runs guided paddles through the canals and a full-day trip across the lagoon to Burano, with equipment supplied. Venezia Autentica offers private experiences with licensed locals, from neighbourhood walks to Murano glass bead making and bookbinding, with bookings supporting local businesses. Book activities in advance, especially from spring to autumn, wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, and check meeting points carefully, as Venetian addresses can be hard to find.

5 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 tours & activities in Venice

  1. Row Venice Venetian rowing lessons, CannaregioA non-profit of expert women instructors teaching voga alla veneta, standing Venetian-style rowing, in traditional boats from Cannaregio, all year round.
  2. Venice Kayak Kayak tours, CannaregioA kayak tour company in Cannaregio, owned by Classic Boats Venice, running guided canal tours, full-day lagoon trips to Burano and private outings.
  3. Venice Free Walking Tour Free walking tours, CannaregioA Venice walking tour group running two free daily English-language walks, Hidden Venice and Venice through the centuries, with mandatory online booking.

Tour operator

1. Row Venice

Venetian rowing lessonsCannaregio

A non-profit of expert women instructors teaching voga alla veneta, standing Venetian-style rowing, in traditional boats from Cannaregio, all year round.

View details — Row Venice

Tour operator

2. Venice Kayak

Kayak toursCannaregio

A kayak tour company in Cannaregio, owned by Classic Boats Venice, running guided canal tours, full-day lagoon trips to Burano and private outings.

View details — Venice Kayak

Tour operator

4. Venezia Autentica

Local experiences and private walksVenice

A Venetian social enterprise offering private walks, rowing, night photography and artisan workshops with licensed locals, as an alternative to mass tourism.

View details — Venezia Autentica

Tour operator

5. Walks of Italy

Guided small-group toursSan Marco

An Italian tour company running small-group and private Venice tours, including St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries, lagoon islands and boat tours.

View details — Walks of Italy