History of the Jewish Heritage Ghetto
Did you know Venice is home to the world's first ghetto? Established in 1516, the Ghetto Nuovo was an island where the city's Jewish population was compelled to live. Explore this living piece of history.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Jewish Heritage with a private, personalized experience led by a local.




Make your stay in Venice complete with these things to do





Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Our Cannaregio tour with Elena was just perfect! She is brilliant and shared so much history and so many great stories during our walk. She made sure to accommodate all of us, including my small dog. She showed us the best parts of Cannaregio and even found us a quick lunch on the fly. Elena was one of the best guides I’ve ever had and we would love to book her again in the future. I cannot recommend her enough!!"
"Genny was everything we hoped for in a guide. She was so knowledgeable and personable. It felt more like a walking conversation with a friend that included so many interesting facts about the Gheto, the synagogue, the neighborhood, and Venice history. She put everything in context. Absolutely excellent! "
"Lucia Bondetti was an outstanding guide. Her subject matter expertise and explanations of historical and cultural context were highly impressive, and she could not have been more kind or helpful. We are so grateful that she was our tour guide!"
"We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Genny. She was very informative and more importantly she was a pleasure to spend time with."
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Venice with locals







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Step into a world of profound history and discover Venice's unique Jewish Heritage. Wander the world's first ghetto, hear tales of resilience, and feel the past come alive. Your private Jewish Heritage tour awaits.
Did you know Venice is home to the world's first ghetto? Established in 1516, the Ghetto Nuovo was an island where the city's Jewish population was compelled to live. Explore this living piece of history.
The Venetian Ghetto conceals five beautiful, historic synagogues, or 'scole'. Each represents a different community that settled here, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Venice's Jewish Heritage.
Venetian Jewish cuisine offers a delicious fusion of traditions. Try 'Sarde in Saor,' sweet and sour sardines, or the almond-filled 'Bisce' cookies. A local can lead you to the best kosher bakeries.
Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' famously features Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. While fictional, the character reflects the real-life economic role of the Jewish community in the Republic of Venice.
Look up! Buildings in the Ghetto grew vertically because expansion was forbidden. These early 'skyscrapers' tell a powerful story of a resilient community making the most of a confined space.
Don't just see the Venetian Ghetto, experience it. A local guide can unlock hidden courtyards, share personal stories, and bring 500 years of Jewish heritage to life. Book your unique tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"Lucia was a fantastic guide to Cannaregio and the Jewish ghetto. She clearly loves her city and she is extremely knowledgeable. We felt like we were visiting the neighborhood of a friend, getting to meet the people who live and work in the neighborhood and experience a completely different—and quieter!—side of Venice. We learned a lot. Lucia even helped us discover the perfect gift to bring home to our daughter. We will come back to Venice, and we will book with her again. Grazie mille, Lucia! A dopo!"
"We enjoyed our private walking tour with Elena. She is a great storyteller and is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of and current affairs in Venice. Her family has a long history in Venice so she has fascinating personal stories about WWII and other events involving Venice. Elena is also so friendly and warm, and is an absolute pleasure to spend time with. It was great to get the inside scoop from a local! We highly recommend touring Venice with Elena."
"Elena was amazing! Her knowledge of the history of the Jewish people in Venice was superb and she brought the past and present to light with her stories and her personal touch. We were all riveted the entire time. The best guide we could have hoped for (and we are discriminating)!!"
"Elena was knowledgeable, kind and warm and went above and beyond during our tour. She was super well-informed, authentic and clear. A real great find! "
"Adair was a wonderful guide who tailored the tour to our group. She is very insightful and we really liked to get her view on living in Venice. Her unique perspective on Venice greatly contributed to our enjoyment of our stay. Great tips and she hooked us on cicchetti!"


Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.