Free tour Guide to Venice
Canals and Gondolas: Venice's Free Guide to Enchanting Discoveries
Welcome to our free tour guide to the floating city of Venice! Where the winding canals outnumber the streets and the sound of water lapping against stone walls echoes through the air.
Here at Wingman, we’re not just your tour guide; we’re your local confidant, the friend who knows exactly where to find the best cicchetti (Venetian tapas) or the most Instagram-worthy bridge.
We’re the whisper in your ear telling you which alley holds the key to hidden art galleries and which canal offers the dreamiest sunset gondola ride.
HUB OF HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE, AND ROMANCE
Carnival Magic: More Than Just Masks
Did you know that Venice's Carnival is one of the world's oldest and most extravagant festivals? Yes, this dazzling celebration of masks and costumes isn't just a party - it's a centuries-old tradition that showcases Venetian culture at its finest.
Top 3 wingman tours in venice
With Wingman’s free tour guide to Venice, it’s less about following the tourist crowds and more about discovering the soul of this enchanting city.
Get Ready! We’re about to turn the dial up on your exploration meter!
Be careful Spooky: Haunted Venice Tour
Jump into Venice’s mystical side, where legends and ghostly tales fill every shadowed corner.
Wander through Grassi Palace and the Rialto Bridge, where stories of haunted ladies and mysterious devils come to life.
From a mermaid’s love to a chilling hospital tale, each stop reveals Venice’s enchanting, eerie past that lingers just beneath the surface.
Yumm: Taste of Venice Tour
Get ready to experience Venice through its flavors, stories, and historic charm!
Start with a rich, aromatic coffee at Torrefazione Cannaregio, stroll through the timeless Jewish Ghetto, and marvel at the iconic Rialto Bridge. Savor fresh finds at the Rialto Market, indulge in local cicchetti and prosecco at Al Mercà, and lose yourself in the splendor of St. Mark’s Square.
From handcrafted gelato at La Mela Verde to hidden gems in Cannaregio’s winding streets, this tour is Venice at its finest.
Venetian Nights: A Starlit Stroll Through History
Step into Venice’s enchanting nights, where the city glows under lamplight, and history whispers through quiet canals.
Start at Campo San Polo, the city’s largest square after St. Mark’s, where lively evenings come alive. Wander over to Teatro La Fenice, Venice’s legendary opera house, where echoes of past performances linger in the air.
Finally, visit Bacari Wine Bar for a taste of Venice’s beloved cicchetti and a glass of local wine, ending your night like a true Venetian.
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tourist traps and scams
to avoid
in venice
We know your vacation time is precious, and nothing grinds gears like falling into a tourist trap. So, buckle up as Wingman navigates you away from the “tourist tax” and guides you through a trap-free travel experience with the following slide show…
The Souvenir Safari
Shops around Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square offer “authentic” Venetian masks and glass for sky-high prices, but most are actually mass-produced. Skip these and head to local artisan shops in quieter areas like Cannaregio, where you’ll find genuine craftsmanship at fairer prices.Get the app! 
Gondola Gouging
Gondola rides are iconic, but they can cost €80-100 for a 30-minute trip in peak hours! Unless you’re set on the gondola experience, consider taking a traghetto (a gondola ferry) across the Grand Canal for just a couple of euros and the same romantic feel.Get the app! 
Pigeon Plaza
St. Mark’s Square is picture-perfect, but food and drink prices here are outrageously high—think €10 for an espresso! Soak up the view and people-watch, but save your appetite for the cafes in nearby streets where prices (and coffee) are far better.Get the app! 
Murano Glass ‘Museums’
Many “free” Murano glass tours lure tourists into overpriced shops disguised as museums, with intense sales pressure. Instead, visit the Murano Glass Museum on Murano island or explore local studios where you can actually watch artisans at work without any obligation to buy.Get the app! 
Dining by the Canal
Canal-side dining looks romantic, but restaurants in these areas tend to be overpriced and serve tourist-friendly (read: bland) menus. For authentic Venetian flavors, venture into local neighborhoods like Santa Croce, where you’ll taste real, delicious food without the tourist markup.Get the app! 
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hidden gems of venice
Discover Venice’s Hidden Gems with Wingman. Embark on a journey to the secret spots and tucked-away treasures of the city that even locals love. (With Coordinates!)
Off the Beaten Path
Libreria Acqua Alta
This quirky bookshop, located in a former boat repair shop, is a true Venetian gem. Stroll through the maze of books, shelved in bathtubs and gondolas, and discover rare, out-of-print titles.
Fun fact: The shop is designed to protect its priceless collection from the city’s frequent floods, with books stacked up to the ceiling.
Coordinates: 45.4334° N, 12.3359° E
Local Flavor, Literally
Osteria Al Squero
A cozy bacaro (traditional Venetian bar) nestled next to a historic gondola workshop, serving up authentic cicchetti and local wines. It’s a favorite haunt of Venetian artisans and in-the-know locals.
Fun fact: The name “Al Squero” refers to the nearby gondola workshop, keeping alive the city’s centuries-old craftsmanship traditions.
Coordinates: 45.4313° N, 12.3212° E
Museums Off the Museum Path
Museo della Musica
This hidden gem showcases Venice’s rich musical heritage, from Vivaldi to modern composers. Explore interactive exhibits on instrument-making and attend intimate concerts in the museum’s beautiful performance hall.
Fun fact: The museum is housed in the 16th-century Scuola di Santa Maria della Pietà, the former music school that Vivaldi directed.
Coordinates: 45.4362° N, 12.3373° E
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Dive into diverse cultures with our expertly crafted tours designed to enlighten and entertain.
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culinary delights of venice
Forget those tourist-trap restaurants with plastic menus and pictures of pasta. Wingman’s Savor Venice section is your insider’s guide to the city’s most authentic flavors, from hidden bacari to family-run trattorias.
Fresh Cicchetti at Cantina Do Spade
Taste Venetian Tradition!
Step into one of Venice’s oldest bacari (wine bars) for the city’s best cicchetti – Venice’s answer to tapas. From creamy baccalà mantecato (whipped salt cod) to perfectly crispy mozzarella in carrozza, each bite tells a story of Venetian cuisine.
Pro Tip: Visit between 11:30-14:00 for the freshest cicchetti selection. Try the house specialty: polpette (meatballs) that have been perfected since 1488!
Coordinates: 45.4375° N, 12.3344° E
Gelato at Suso Gelatoteca
Taste Award-Winning Flavors!
Nestled near the Rialto Bridge, this artisanal gelateria crafts some of Venice’s most innovative and delicious flavors. Their Manet (salted pistachio with orange and dark chocolate) has won international awards.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their seasonal flavors, especially the fig and walnut in late summer. For the best experience, combine one classic and one innovative flavor in your cone.
Coordinates: 45.4371° N, 12.3362° E
Risi e Bisi at Antiche Carampane
Taste Local Luxury!
This family-run trattoria serves the most authentic version of Venice’s beloved spring dish: risi e bisi (rice and peas). Hidden away from the tourist crowds, it’s where Venetians go for special occasions.
Pro Tip: Reservations are essential. Request a table in the small courtyard for the most romantic setting. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Coordinates: 45.4383° N, 12.3334° E
cultural insights of venice
Step into the rhythm of La Serenissima, where every bridge tells a story, and every campo (square) echoes with centuries of history. With Wingman, you’re not just visiting Venice; you’re becoming part of its timeless cultural tapestry.
Teatro La Fenice: Venice's Phoenix of Opera
Experience Musical Excellence!
One of the world’s most famous opera houses, La Fenice lives up to its name (‘The Phoenix’), having risen from fires multiple times. Today, it stands as a testament to Venice’s enduring artistic spirit.
Why Visit: Beyond the spectacular performances, the theater offers excellent guided tours where you can learn about its dramatic history and stunning architecture.
Coordinates: 45.4336° N, 12.3335° E
Carnival Season: Celebrate Like a Venetian
February Magic!
Venice’s Carnival (typically in February) transforms the city into a living theater, where masks tell silent stories and every campo becomes a stage. The 2024 celebration marks a return to the carnival’s full glory.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, attend the Flight of the Angel in St. Mark’s Square on Carnival Sunday, but arrive early! Book mask-making workshops months in advance.
Coordinates: Across Venice, centered at St. Mark’s Square
The Art of Glass: Murano Demonstrations
Witness Living History!
Take a vaporetto to Murano island and watch master craftsmen transform molten glass into delicate works of art, continuing a tradition that’s been alive since 1291.
Good to Know: The best demonstrations happen in the morning when the furnaces are freshly lit. Visit the Museo del Vetro first to understand the historical context of what you’re seeing. Avoid tourist traps by using our verified artisan workshop list in the app.
Coordinates: 45.4583° N, 12.3521° E
user testimonials
These aren’t just reviews; they’re passports to your next great adventure.
LOVED the Haunted Venice tour. a bit spooky but SO cool learning all those ghost stories! Didn't know Venice had such a dark side! definitely makes you see it differently. Highly recommend if you’re into creepy legends!
Sophie from UK 
I always thought I knew Venice, but the Food & Flavors tour showed me new things! The cicchetti, the coffee, everything was PERFECTO. Took my wife and we felt like locals for a day. Tasty and fun.
Amedeo from Italy
Venetian Nights tour was magic, truly. Wandering the streets at night with all those stories was something else. Felt like I stepped back in TIME...can’t wait to bring my friends next trip!
Jade from USA
Venice top sights
Doge’s Palace
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Doge’s Palace was once the political heart of Venice. This stunning palace showcases grand halls, delicate arches, and walls adorned with historical artworks. The famous Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the prison, adding a touch of mystery to its grand elegance.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Known for its shimmering mosaics and Byzantine architecture, St. Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s most iconic church. Each dome and arch is filled with intricate designs and shimmering gold details. Step inside to explore centuries-old relics and art that tell the story of Venice’s deep religious and cultural history.
Rialto Bridge
The oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is an architectural marvel and a vibrant meeting point. Its elegant arches and rows of shops make it a perfect spot to experience Venice’s energy. This iconic structure offers one of the best views of the canal’s bustling life below.
Grand Canal
The main artery of Venice, the Grand Canal winds through the city, lined with elegant palaces, ancient buildings, and beautiful churches. A gondola or vaporetto ride gives you the chance to soak in the architecture from the water. Each building along the canal has its own story, adding to the city’s charm and character.
St. Mark’s Square
The largest and most famous square in Venice, St. Mark’s Square is known for its grand buildings, historic cafes, and lively atmosphere. At the square’s center stands St. Mark’s Basilica, while the iconic Campanile bell tower offers stunning views over the city. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, enjoy live music, and feel the vibrant Venetian spirit.
Murano Island
World-famous for its glassmaking, Murano Island offers visitors a glimpse into the centuries-old art of Venetian glass. Here, you can watch artisans create beautiful glass pieces in their studios. Murano also has a glass museum and several galleries displaying intricate sculptures and jewelry.
Burano Island
Known for its brightly painted houses, Burano is one of Venice’s most colorful and photogenic islands. It’s famous for lace-making, and you can see artisans working on intricate lace designs in shops and galleries. A peaceful walk through Burano’s winding streets gives you a break from the city’s hustle and a taste of local charm.
Teatro La Fenice
One of Italy’s most famous opera houses, Teatro La Fenice has a fascinating history of fires and restorations. Inside, its lavish decorations and gold-accented balconies transport you back to Venice’s golden age of music. Catching a performance here is an unforgettable experience steeped in tradition.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
This grand building is home to an impressive collection of artworks by the famous Venetian painter Tintoretto. The walls and ceilings of Scuola Grande di San Rocco are covered in his powerful, dramatic scenes. The richness of the artwork and the building’s architectural elegance make it a treasure trove for art lovers.
Bridge of Sighs
Connecting the Doge’s Palace to the old prison, the Bridge of Sighs is both beautiful and haunting. Legend has it that prisoners would sigh as they took their last look at freedom through its small windows. Today, it remains one of Venice’s most romantic spots, especially when viewed from the canals below.
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Join the Wingman Adventure Club!
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL, NOT A TOURIST
Never miss the good stuff! Join thousands of savvy travelers who explore confidently with their own pocket guide. No schedules, no groups, no rushing! Just pure discovery at your fingertips.
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