Venice Like a Local: Jewish Ghetto Food, Wine and Cicchetti

This tour is a journey through flavours, fascinating history, and centuries of Jewish-Venetian life. Come for 15 delicious tastings, and leave with a deeper understanding of one of Venice’s most remarkable neighbourhoods. Learn what everyday life was like for the Jewish families who lived here for centuries. How did they preserve their traditions, practise their religion, and build a vibrant community despite the restrictions placed upon them? Why do some buildings rise unusually high above the surrounding neighbourhood? And what fascinating stories are still hidden behind these historic walls? In Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, discover Banco Rosso, once a Jewish-run pawn bank where Venetians could borrow money against valuables. But why were these banks so important to Venice, and what do they reveal about the relationship between the Jewish community and the Venetian Republic.

1. 1

   Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

   5 min

   Venice’s oldest and most atmospheric squares, tucked beside the famous Rialto Market. Surrounded by centuries of trading history, Campo San Giacomo di Rialto offers a glimpse into the Venice locals have known for generations. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the authentic food, stories and traditions of the Rialto district.

2. 2

   Mercati di Rialto

   5 min

   the centuries-old heart of Venice’s food and trading culture. Discover how this legendary marketplace shaped Venetian cuisine and the city’s love of fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients and local flavors. Surrounded by the Grand Canal and historic Rialto, it’s the perfect setting to uncover the food traditions of Venice beyond the tourist trail.

3. 3

   Campo Di Ghetto Nuovo

   5 min

   one of the city’s most fascinating hidden squares. Discover centuries of Jewish history, distinctive architecture and stories of a community that profoundly shaped this corner of Venice. Along the way, uncover the Jewish-Venetian food traditions that make the Ghetto a unique part of the city’s culinary story.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   5 min

   a remarkable reminder of daily life in Venice’s historic Jewish Ghetto and one of the city’s oldest surviving pawnshops. Hear the stories behind this small but significant site and learn about the rules, trades and traditions that shaped the Jewish community for centuries. It’s a fascinating window into a lesser-known chapter of Venetian history

5. 5

   Calle Varisco

   5 min

   Squeeze through Calle Varisco, Venice’s narrowest street—just 53 cm (21 inches) wide. This quirky hidden passage is one of the city’s most fun photo stops and a side of Venice many visitors never discover.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.