Free walking tours in Venice and what to see

Must-sees

Venice is built on more than a hundred islands in the lagoon, linked by bridges and threaded by canals. Its heart is St Mark's Square, with the basilica of golden mosaics, the campanile and the Doge's Palace, seat of the old Republic's government. From the palace, the Bridge of Sighs crosses to the old prisons. The Grand Canal winds through the city in an S and is best seen by vaporetto, past Gothic and Renaissance palazzi to the Rialto Bridge and its market.

Across the canal, in Dorsoduro, are the Gallerie dell'Accademia, with Venetian painting, and the basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. In San Polo, the Frari basilica, with works by Titian, is well worth a visit. Cannaregio is home to the Ghetto, the historic Jewish quarter, with its synagogues. And out in the lagoon lie Murano, known for blown glass, and Burano, with its colourful houses and lace-making tradition.

Free tours and guided visits

Venice has free walking tours, usually of the centre between San Marco and the Rialto, a good way to get your bearings on the first day. There are also guided tours of St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace with tickets included, a tour of the Rialto and the Jewish quarter, gondola rides on the canals near the Bridge of Sighs and boat trips to Murano and Burano with a stop at a glass workshop.

How long to spend

Two full days let you see the essentials: one day for San Marco, the Doge's Palace and the Rialto, and another for Dorsoduro, the Frari and Cannaregio. A third day lets you visit Murano and Burano at a gentle pace. Get up early or go out at dusk: once the day visitors leave, the city changes completely and it is easier to wander the streets without the crowds.

Where to stay

Staying in Venice itself is worth it, because you get to enjoy the city at night and first thing in the morning. Cannaregio and Castello are quieter and more residential, and Dorsoduro has a student feel and good museums. San Marco is close to everything, but it is the busiest area. Mestre, on the mainland, has more choice and fast train or bus links, although you lose the magic of waking up among the canals.