Reviews

Venice Jewish Ghetto Private Tour: Exploring Cannaregio’s Hidden History

Step away from the crowds and discover the "real" Venice: join our Venice Jewish Ghetto private tour for an intimate walk through the authentic alleys and historic architecture of the Cannaregio district!

Escape the bustling tourist centers and immerse yourself in the quiet, atmospheric beauty of the city’s northernmost district. Our Venice Jewish Ghetto private tour offers a rare look at a side of Venice often missed by first-time visitors. From the soaring buildings of the world’s oldest Ghetto to the charming workshops and osterias of Cannaregio, this two-hour journey reveals the profound cultural layers and captivating legends that shaped the Venetian soul.
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Itinerary Highlights

  • The World’s Oldest Ghetto: Learn the fascinating origins and etymology of the word “Ghetto” while exploring the heart of Europe’s oldest Jewish community.

  • Unique “Skyscraper” Architecture: Witness the tallest buildings in Venice, a unique architectural solution born from the district’s historic confined borders.

  • The Hidden Synagogues: Spot the discreet, beautifully integrated synagogues tucked away between the residential buildings of the district.

  • Legends of Cannaregio: Listen to chilling local lore, including the dark and mysterious tale of the famous painter Tintoretto and the witch.

  • Authentic Venetian Life: Walk past traditional bakers and local osterias where the historic spirit of Venice still thrives today.

Why book this tour

  • Beat the Crowds: Perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic experience far from the packed streets of St. Mark’s.

  • Uncover Hidden Gems: Gain access to the stories and sites that “one-time” tourists usually ignore.

  • Personalized Pace: Being a Venice Jewish Ghetto private tour, you have the flexibility to linger at the sites that intrigue you most and ask your expert guide anything.

  • Local Perspective: Our guides bring the district to life with a mix of historical facts and local anecdotes you won’t find in a guidebook.

Description

Discover a Different Side of the City on our Venice Jewish Ghetto Private Tour

If you want to enjoy a lovely walk in Venice, far from the crowds and daytime heat, then you should join us on our Venice Private Cannaregio District and Jewish Ghetto tour. In just two hours, you’ll visit the one in a kind Cannaregio district, often ignored by the one-time tourist. Home to the oldest Jewish community in Europe, the Cannaregio district is unqiue due to its architecture as well as its traditional shops, bakers, osterias, and much more.  

Even though Venice will astonish you with its grand palaces, it is in the Venetian Ghetto that will leave you breathless, due to its peculiar architecture. In fact, is it here that you’ll see the tallest buildings of Venice. You may even notice a few synagogues squeezed between houses and other buildings. This was the result of the need of confining a large number of Venetians of Jewish faith in one structure.

Listen to the stories and legends run deep in the alleys of Cannaregio, such as the dark and terrible story of Tintoretto and the witch. Learn the etimology of the word GHETTO, and get a deeper feel of how Venice developed throughout the centuries. 

Fall in love with the hidden side of the Floating City—reserve your place on our Venice Jewish Ghetto private tour today and experience the authentic magic of Cannaregio.

Things to know before the tour

  • Comfortable Footwear: You will be navigating the narrow alleys (calli) and crossing several small bridges. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes to best enjoy the two-hour stroll.
  • Photography: While photography is welcomed and encouraged throughout the Cannaregio district, please be mindful of residents’ privacy and follow your guide’s instructions regarding photography near the synagogues.

  • Weather Policy: The tour runs rain or shine. In Venice, a little rain only adds to the atmosphere of the Ghetto, but we recommend bringing an umbrella or a light raincoat just in case.

Important information

  • Synagogue Access: Please note that the interiors of the Synagogues and the Jewish Museum are managed by the Jewish Community of Venice; entry is subject to their specific opening hours and may require an additional fee paid on-site. The visit to the Synagogues is not included as this is an outdoor tour.

  • Respectful Visit: As we are visiting a quiet residential and religious area, we kindly ask our guests to maintain a respectful volume during the tour.

  • Dress Code: While there is no strict dress code for the district itself, if you plan to enter a synagogue afterward, modest attire is required.

 

Cancellation policy

Cancellation policy for Private Tours

Cancellations 4 days or earlier prior to the scheduled tour are subject to a penalty.

Please note Tickets and reservation are strictly not refundable. If you cancel 4 days or earlier prior to the tour we will refund you partially for the price of guide only.

No refund will be provided if you cancel your tour within 4 days prior to the scheduled tour.

Meeting point

Ponte delle Guglie, on the side of Jewish ghetto, 30121 Venezia VE

Included

2 hours private guide

walking tour

Excluded

Tips

Transportation from / to the meeting point

Synagogues’ access

Values

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About the Tour

Offered in English, Spanish, French, Italian or German

Duration

2 hours

Level

Easy

Access

Audio

Private Tour

Dates and departures

Everyday except on Saturdays

— What you won’t miss

You Will See

Venice Jewish Ghetto Square

Venice Jewish Ghetto

The Venice Jewish Ghetto, established in 1516, is the oldest segregated Jewish quarter in the world and the site from which the word "ghetto" originated. Today, it remains a vibrant center of Jewish life, characterized by its unusually tall "skyscraper" buildings and historic hidden synagogues that reflect centuries of resilience and cultural heritage.

— About Us

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