Self guided walking tour Venice - page 2

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1️⃣ The Jewish Quarter of Venice (Ghetto Ebraico)

The Jewish Quarter of Venice, also known as the Ghetto Ebraico, is one of the city’s most historically significant areas. A great spot for our self-guided walking tour in Venice. 

In 1516, the Venetian authorities designated this district as the compulsory place of residence for the Jewish community, making it the world’s first official ghetto. The term “ghetto” originally comes from the iron foundries (geti) that once operated in this area.

What makes this place special?

Historic synagogues:
The quarter is home to five remarkable synagogues, discreetly hidden within residential buildings. The Schola Spagnola and the Schola Grande Tedesca are the best known and offer insight into the rich heritage of Venice’s Jewish community.

Museo Ebraico di Venezia:
The Jewish Museum tells the story of the community and displays religious artifacts and historical documents. Book a guided tour to get in.

Unlike most parts of Venice, the buildings here are noticeably taller. Limited space within the ghetto led to vertical expansion rather than outward growth.

What you’ll find here today:

Ghetto venice

Today, the Jewish Quarter is an authentic neighborhood, far removed from the crowds of Piazza San Marco.

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You’ll find kosher bakeries, traditional restaurants, and small art galleries here. Walking through this area offers a rare glimpse into a lesser-known side of Venice.

📍 Extra tip: Visit in the morning when the atmosphere is still serene, or book a guided tour to access the synagogues and learn more about this remarkable place.

Continue the self guided walking tour Venice:
Cross the bridge (Ponte de Gheto Novo) and turn right immediately. Walk along the waterfront for a short distance until you are no longer following the canal.

Cross Ponte della Misericordia and, just before the small arched bridge, turn right straight away.

Continue along the Fondamenta S. Felice until you reach the small church on your right, Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Felice. Cross the bridge on the left, walk briefly along Strada Nova, then take the alley on the right, Calle Ca’ d’Oro.

Rudmer-2024

VENICE WALKING GUIDE PDF - Download A route straight through Venice.
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2️⃣ Self guided walking tour Venice: Ca’ d’Oro – Venetian splendor on the water- 

Self Guide Walking Tour Venice Golden House Ca-d-oro

Ca’ d’Oro, literally “The Golden House,” is one of the most beautiful palaces along the Grand Canal. Once, the façade of this Gothic masterpiece shimmered with gold leaf and refined marble.

Why this stop is worth it:
Even if you don’t go inside, the view from the narrow alley next to the Ca’ d’Oro Vaporetto stop is well worth the short detour.

Walk all the way to the water’s edge, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful side view of the palace, often without the crowds. It’s one of those moments where you pause and think: yes, this is Venice.

📍 Extra self guided walking tour Venice tip: Early morning or around sunset offers the most beautiful light on the façade.

If you’re with a small group (around 4 people), a private Grand Canal boat tour is a great option. You’ll pass Ca’ d’Oro from the water and learn more about this “Golden House” along the way.

Continue:
 Walk back to Strada Nova, turn right, and continue until you reach the small square Campo S.S. Apostoli. Cross the square and keep to the left. Do not follow the majority of people to the right over the small bridge.

The streets now become narrower. You’ll arrive at the small intermediate square Campo Drio La Chiesa. Cross this square diagonally and keep to the small alley on the right, which leads you to Campiello De La Cason. Cross this square as well and walk over the small bridge.

Continue straight on until you reach the second small square, Campiello S. Maria Nova, with a small well in the center and the square’s name clearly visible.

On the right side of the square, at number 6000, you’ll find the Centro Salute Mentale (mental health center). Turn left just before the wooden doors.

By now you’ll be used to the narrow passages, but at the very end on your left, you’ll see Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

**If you lose the route at any point in this self guided walking tour Venice, feel free to use Google Maps and navigate to the next stop.

3️⃣ Santa Maria dei Miracoli. A hidden gem in this Venice walking guide

Venice walking route – Miracoli

Do step inside if the church is open.

Tucked away in the Cannaregio district, you’ll find the enchanting Santa Maria dei Miracoli, also known as the “Marble Church.”

Built between 1481 and 1489 by Pietro Lombardo, this church was constructed to house a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to have the power to perform wonders.

What makes this church so special in my Venice walking guide is its complete covering of colorful marble. Both inside and out.

The interior features a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a raised altar, reached via a marble staircase, and is adorned with statues of saints.

Continue:
 From the entrance of the church, take the alley directly opposite, called Calle Castelli. At the end, turn right and cross the first small bridge on the left.

Continue until you reach the quay of a wider canal. Walk along the waterfront, and you’ll soon see the imposing Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo.

4️⃣ Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo)

Venice walking map

This imposing Gothic church is one of the largest in Venice and is often referred to as the Pantheon of the Doges. No fewer than 25 Venetian doges are buried here.

Inside, you’ll find monumental tombs, soaring vaults, and Renaissance-era Venetian art.

📍 Extra tip: Take a moment to explore the square in front of the church, home to the equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a masterpiece by Verrocchio.

Continue:
Walk across the square on the right-hand side of the basilica. At the far right, enter the narrow passage called Corte Veniera. This is a covered alleyway.

Follow it all the way through, then turn left. When you reach the small bridge, pause for a moment: on your left, you’ll see one of Venice’s most photographed houses, surrounded by water.

Then continue this self guided Venice walking to the end of the alley, turn left, and immediately turn left again. You’ll find yourself in front of the famous bookstore Libreria Acqua Alta, on the small square Campiello Del Tintor.

5️⃣ Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice’s most eccentric bookstore

Liberia-Acqua-alta

This hidden bookstore is famous for its stacks of books stored in gondolas, bathtubs, and buckets, a creative response to the frequent flooding (acqua alta).

The staircase made of old encyclopedias in the back courtyard is a true Instagram favorite. Inside, you’ll find cats, chaos, and undeniable charm.

📍 Extra tip: Stepping slightly off your route to visit is well worth it. This isn’t just a bookstore, it’s an experience.

Continue:
Exit the bookstore, turn right, and walk straight on until you reach Campo Santa Maria Formosa. This serene square is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or sit down for lunch.

Venice Walking Tour Map

The continuation of this self-guided walking tour of Venice is on the next page. Point 6.

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More details on the Walking Guide pages below:

Rudmer-2024

Hi! I’m Rudmer. As a passionate fan of Venice, I keep discovering this magical city with a smile. My motto? “Keep exploring!” ✨ With my experience, I help travelers and groups make their stay in Venice truly unforgettable.

Looking for unique Venice group tours and private experiences? Get in touch, and I can arrange for your group: I

  • Exclusive hotels in Venice for groups
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  • Restaurants – from fine dining to casual local spots

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