10 Best Scenic Walks in Venice

Piazza San Marco, Venice’s main public square, is packed with opportunities for exploration both indoors and outdoors. Begin your walk at St. Mark’s Basilica, the centrepiece of the piazza, to admire its gorgeous mosaics. Then head next door to Doge’s Palace, an ornate gothic-style structure where you’ll find not only dungeons and armouries but also the world’s largest painting.

Take a deep dive into Venetian culture at the Museo Correr before you refuel at one of the coffee shops by the piazza. End your day with a stroll past beautiful clusters of wisteria and begonia at the pristine Royal Venetian Gardens.

The S-shaped Grand Canal stretches about 4 km, linking the gateway of Venice to St. Mark’s Square. While most people choose to traverse the Grand Canal by water transport, it can be interesting to walk alongside it on foot, weaving your way through a maze of narrow alleyways and bridges.

This walk begins at Santa Lucia Railway Station, the entry point to the city. Grab a map and head towards St. Mark’s Square via the iconic Rialto Bridge, passing through the eateries and boutiques that line the quaint alleys. Note that signage is few and far between, which makes the walk even more exhilarating.

Venice’s oldest bridge, the Rialto, also serves as the city’s symbol. It spans the Grand Canal, connecting the districts of San Polo and San Marco. With graceful arches and stone reliefs, the bridge is an architectural marvel. Unlike most bridges, it houses shops selling all kinds of trinkets such as glassware and carnival masks.

Rialto Bridge is a fantastic photo spot. Cross it at different times to see how the city transforms throughout the day. As you walk to the bridge from St. Mark’s Square, you will encounter the vibrant Rialto Market, full of friendly vendors selling fresh produce.

The district of Dorsoduro is a real treat for art lovers. Visitors can peruse everything from Renaissance to contemporary art and observe master artisans at work.

As you wander the streets of Dorsoduro, look out for Banksy’s The Migrant Child mural, snap a photo of the Grand Canal from the Accademia Bridge or drop by one of the many trendy art galleries. A visit to this neighbourhood is incomplete without a look at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, featuring many modern masterpieces from the likes of Jackson Pollock and Salvador Dali.

Set in the eastern part of Venice, Castello is the city’s largest district. Here you can stroll down Via Garibaldi, an eclectic street flanked by boutiques, bars, and cafes. Once a canal, it’s been filled in to become Venice’s widest pedestrian street.

To escape the buzz of central Venice, walk to the charming island of San Pietro, home to a beautiful 16th-century church. For some fresh air, roam the lush, flower-studded gardens of Castello Giardini. Castello is also home to the Arsenale, a former shipyard that now hosts the Venice Biennale.

Wide sidewalks and a grid-like layout make the northern district of Cannaregio relatively easy to navigate. The Strada Nova, Cannargio’s high street, is a great starting point for a walk in this neighbourhood. Discover rows and rows of cafes, gelaterias, boutiques and bars along this stretch located just north of the Grand Canal.

As you wander the colourful streets, pick up a fritoin – fried seafood served in a paper cone. This hearty snack is a great way to refuel on the go. While you’re in Cannaregio, try to find the Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in Venice. Just over 50 cm wide, this alley doesn’t even show up on some maps.

Commissioned by Napoleon, this lush garden is one of the main venues of the Venice Biennale. It sits at the edge of the city, offering serene and secluded walks with views of the Venetian lagoon.

Giardini della Biennale houses 30 permanent pavilions, many of which are striking structures designed by prominent architects. During the biennale, these pavilions serve as exhibition sites. Apart from its art and architecture, Venice’s largest garden is also known for its troupe of felines that roam free within the grounds.

The San Polo district may be Venice’s smallest neighbourhood, but it certainly packs a punch with its concentrations of landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and the Rialto Market. Skip the crowds and head to the west section of the district where you can explore a labyrinth-like network of alleyways and bridges.

San Polo also happens to be one of the oldest parts of Venice, and over the years it has amassed some stunning churches and palaces. Take time to soak in the beauty of the Gothic and Venetian Renaissance-style buildings that flank the streets of San Polo. Highlights include the Palazzo Soranzo and San Polo Church.

Take a walk around the Venetian Ghetto in Cannaregio to familiarise yourself with the history of the Jewish community in Venice. Dating back to the early 1500s, this ancient quarter inspired Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

As you roam the neighbourhood, see if you can spot one of the age-old synagogues, distinguished by their domes and arched windows. Stop by a Jewish bakery to sample kosher delicacies and pay a visit to the Jewish Museum to learn more about the local history. Guided tours are also available.

Santa Croce is a laidback district that gives you a glimpse into local life in Venice. It’s located in the northwest part of the city, away from the hubbub of the tourist centre, so you’ll find plenty of authentic shops and eateries frequented by locals.

Head to the Papadopoli Gardens for some fresh air – its serene paths wind through groves of elm, laurel and maple. Santa Croce is a great place to visit as a first or last stop in Venice as it is located close to the Santa Lucia Railway Station.