If there is one Italian city that is best enjoyed on foot it is Venice which is an open-air museum to be taken at a slow pace. This itinerary is in stages so you can get in all the most beautiful and tranquil corners of the city without neglecting it’s most famous attractions.
The Jewish Ghetto and a morning aperitif in a bacaro tavern
Arriving by train you find yourself in the Santa Lucia railway station in the Cannaregio district,. From here instead of heading towards the beautiful Ponte degli Scalzi, we continue straight on to one of the most beautiful areas in all of Venice: the Jewish Ghetto. We cross the Rio Cannaregio not on the Ponte delle Guglie, which is always packed with tourists, but across the Tre Archi bridge, the only one in Venice to have this unique three-arched structure. After visiting the Jewish Quarter it is a good idea to head for the Fondamenta degli Ormesini and stop in one of the many bacari taverns for a mid-morning aperitif, like any good Venetian!
The narrowest street in Venice and the famous Rialto Bridge
Continuing along the Fondamenta Ormesini and then the Fondamenta Misericordia, we come to the Ponte Chiodo, the only bridge in the city without a parapet. We are now parallel to the always busy Strada Nova, and so we are on less crowded streets up to the Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in Venice, which is a unique attraction. If this is your first time in Venice and you want to cross the Rialto Bridge, it is easy to reach it from here. Those wishing to continue along the less touristy route should continue in the direction of Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo.
A good way to avoid the crowds
This is one of the most beautiful squares in the city, overlooked by two spectacular buildings: the Scuola Grande di San Marco and the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo. From here continue towards the Conzafelzi Bridge from which you can enjoy a unique view of Palazzo Tetta, the only Venetian palace with three sides on the water. The Castello district is the least touristy part of the city and therefore also the most authentic. So get lost in its calli and campielli (little streets and squares) to discover glimpses of everyday life.
Gardens and parks in which to relax
From here head towards the majestic Arsenale complex with two imposing entrance towers. There are many green areas and gardens around here like the Giardini della Biennale, the Giardino della Marinaressa and the Serra dei Giardini so take time to sit down and relax. Resume your itinerary towards Piazza San Marco, enjoying the fabulous view over the lagoon, until you reach the famous Riva degli Schiavoni. From here it is just a short walk to the Doge's Palace.
St. Mark’s is the most famous square in the world
Before heading into St. Mark's Square continue straight on until you reach the beautiful Royal Gardens which reopened at the end of 2019 after a long period of renovation. From here enter St. Mark’s and let yourself be carried away by the wonders of the most famous square in the world. Now its time to head towards the Accademia Bridge and cross the Grand Canal. From here you will have one of the most beautiful views of the canal. After crossing the bridge stroll through the various streets in the area until you reach the majestic Basilica della Salute and Punta della Dogana from which you can admire the entire San Marco basin.
Time for an aperitif or an ice cream
From Punta della Dogana you can now go back along the Fondamenta Zattere, the southern limit of the city, for about one kilometre. Along this Fondamenta you can stop at one of the many terraces to enjoy a sweet aperitif or a tasty ice cream and take in the beautiful sunset view over the lagoon. Once at the Zattere vaporetto water bus stop, continue on to Campo San Trovaso and then to Campo Santa Margherita. You will now find yourself back at the Santa Lucia railway station and ready to return home or head towards your accommodation in the city.
