The Rich History of Piazza San Marco
Once just a small garden in front of the original basilica, Piazza San Marco has been the vibrant center of Venetian life for over a millennium. Napoleon famously called it 'the drawing room of Europe'.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
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.
Make your stay in Venice complete with these things to do




Cancel and get a refund up to 7 days before
Easily reschedule your booking
Fast, secure checkout in your currency
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Matteo was just what we hoped for. He is enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and considerate. He kept me and my two college age granddaughters engaged the entire time. We were full of questions. He answered them all with a smile and extended our time to do so. We highly recommend him. "
"Valentine, was a Great tour guide. She explained the history of the sights that I visited very well. She had a Great personality and seemed to be a very friendly and a good person. It was a pleasure to meet her and to have her as a tour guide. "
"We had a fun filled and very interesting 3 hour tour of Venice with Adair. Adair is an energetic guide and brought us to so many different parts of Venice in a short time while also describing all the wonderful historical details as we walked thru various neighborhoods. We could not have explored as much on our own without her knowledge and experience, her guided tour was perfect for our day trip to Venice. After the tour, we had some free time to explore & shop on our own before heading back to the train station. Just a wonderful day overall for our family. Highly recommend a tour with Adair!"
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Venice with locals










Our locals will give you the best experiences that Venice has to offer




Welcome to the heart of Venice, the magnificent Piazza San Marco! This isn't just a square; it's the soul of the city, full of history and secrets. Your unforgettable private San Marco tour is waiting.
Once just a small garden in front of the original basilica, Piazza San Marco has been the vibrant center of Venetian life for over a millennium. Napoleon famously called it 'the drawing room of Europe'.
Experience true Venetian culture by visiting Caffè Florian in San Marco, Italy's oldest café, which opened in 1720. Imagine sipping an espresso where centuries of artists, writers, and nobles gathered.
The infamous adventurer Giacomo Casanova was imprisoned in the Doge's Palace on San Marco square. He made a legendary and daring escape from its rooftop prison in 1756. Hear the full story with a local!
Nicknamed the 'Church of Gold' for its stunning golden mosaics, St. Mark's Basilica is a masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture. Its treasures tell the story of Venice's power and faith.
Twice a day, the two bronze figures known as the 'Moors' strike the bell atop the San Marco Clock Tower. This mechanical marvel has been telling time for Venetians and visitors for over 500 years.
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.
Don't just see San Marco, truly experience it! Book a private tour with a passionate Venetian local. They'll help you skip the crowds, discover hidden gems, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Your perfect Venice day is just a click away.
"We loved seeing Venice before it got busy. I’m not a morning person, but the experience was worth waking up early for. We made a quick stop for coffee. Simply walking with a local got us oriented and we felt comfortable tackling the city on our own afterwards. "
"We had a fantastic tour with Elisabetta in Venice. She communicated well in advance and took care of getting tickets for us. We loved our tour time with her - she is so knowledgeable and friendly and answered all of our questions. At the end of the tour, she left us with recommendations for dinner and found us a lovely spot for a gondola ride. We highly recommend her!"
"Fiancé and myself had a great time with Daniela. Very easy to talk to and a wealth of knowledge! thank you Daniela! "
"Matteo was so very knowledgeable and added a lot of fun to our tour! Would highly recommend a private tour with him! "
"We had a great tour with Lucia. She captured our son’s attention with scavenger hunt and made him excited to learn about the Doge’s Palace. She was also very helpful with recommendations for other things to do in Venice. "
The best stories aren't found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of San Marco with a private, personalized experience led by a local.




Discover experiences based on your interest