2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour
Messina, Italy
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the historic city of Messina on a walking tour with a local guide that’s a great overview and orientation for first-time visitors. Learn about Sicily’s Arab-Norman heritage as you make your way from Cathedral Square to a series of churches, landmarks, and artwork, and hear stories from Messina’s fascinating past. Multiple departures are available throughout the day.
- Messina walking tour with a local guide
- Meet your guide at a centrally-located point, or at your hotel
- Learn about local history and culture
- Departures available throughout the day
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Tasting of typical Sicilian products
- Entrance fee to the Museum of Sicilian Puppet Theater
- Food and Drinks
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Itinerary
Make your way to a meeting point or arrange pickup at your accommodation. Join a local guide and group for a tour of the city’s key sites. Starting with Cathedral Square, you see a bell tower with the largest astronomical clock in the world, a complex mechanism built by a pair of brothers from Strasbourg.
Duck into the cathedral to see Byzantine mosaics, then continue to the nearby Annunziata dei Catalani Church, an exquisite example of Norman-Arab architecture. See the Mountain of Mercy and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the oldest churches in Messina, dating back to the year 1254.
Enjoy other stops including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III, the Votive Temple of Christ the King, the Sanctuary of Madonna of Montalto, the Four Fountains.
Your Messina walking tour concludes in the heart of the historic city.
Duck into the cathedral to see Byzantine mosaics, then continue to the nearby Annunziata dei Catalani Church, an exquisite example of Norman-Arab architecture. See the Mountain of Mercy and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the oldest churches in Messina, dating back to the year 1254.
Enjoy other stops including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III, the Votive Temple of Christ the King, the Sanctuary of Madonna of Montalto, the Four Fountains.
Your Messina walking tour concludes in the heart of the historic city.
1
Chiesa Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Municipio di Messina
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Cathedral of Messina
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Campanile del Duomo di Messina
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Museo dell'Opera dei Pupi Rosario Gargano
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A minimum of 1 people per booking is required
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please provide contact details in Special Requirements field at time of booking (e.g. cellular number)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 304 reviews
Keiko_T, May 2026
Absolutely amazing!!
Chiara met us right at the dock and took her time explaining everything about her beautiful city telling us the rich history and ensuring we saw all the main highlights, especially the 12 noon astronomical clock presentation. She even ensured we had a spot in the shade. While I was filming she was explaining everything level as it played and I got it all on my phone.
The trip and tour of the puppet museum and meeting the owners was stunning.
She took us to a small shop for our last spot and we enjoyed some flavorful granita!! So refreshing especially since it was 73 degrees outside.
She also took time to point us to some great places to eat and to shop. As we were walking around we turned down a street and I pointed out to my husband the Discover Messina business and she was there. Her boss called us over and we were able to meet him and thank him for his great guide. He gave us a great souvenir of the area - yummy!!
It was an easy walk for those who might be concerned with mobility issues.
Elizabeth_P, May 2026
The guide was knowledgeable about the itinerary but the sites offered were not interesting except the only cathedral we toured. Very slow paced and not interesting sites. Would definitely choose other options in Messina
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Elizabeth,
We truly appreciate your sincere impressions!
Our team would be happy to share more of Messina's heritage and history despite the dramatic events that affected it throughout the centuries.
With honest modesty, we would be pleased to show you that our town hides small treasures and priceless works of art, as well as monuments, if you ever decide to return here in Sicily!
Michael_D, Apr 2026
This is a very good walking tour of Messina made a terrific walking tour by our guide Mariarita. If you are visiting Messina takes tour and ask for Mariarita!
David_C, Apr 2026
A very good walking tour with a helpful guide. The high point was the clock tower, the visit to the puppet museum perhaps less interesting.
Laura_P, Apr 2026
Fantastic , friendly , they took their time to explain everything and was very sweet . Highly recommend this company
Elizabeth_P, Apr 2026
Our guide, Chiara, was wonderful. Very knowledgeable about Messina. Her pace was good and she made sure we were all with her. We all had earpieces so we could hear her. She was very nice and answered all of our questions. I would definitely take another walking tour in Messina. If you get Chiara, you are lucke.
DavidSimpson, Nov 2025
Chaira gave us a very good tour despite the pouring rain! Throughout the tour she shared a lot of information about Messinas history. We saw the Cathedral, Town Square with Astological clock and animated figures strike noon, a working hand carved puppet business and a family bakery to eat a delicious Cannoli….highly recommend this tour!
Jacinthe_T, Nov 2025
Although it was pouring rain, our guide made the best of it. We really enjoyed being provided with an audio/earphones making it easier to hear the information. We also enjoyed tasting the cannolo. Chiara was very professional.
Diane_M, Nov 2025
Well thought out plan to see the city, except for the very end. The company had two groups out at the same time and they both ended at the same exact spot, which created a little mayhem. But overall it was an enjoyable time, Ciara knew her city well.
Mary_J, Nov 2025
The tour was interesting but to be honest there is not a lot to see (at least of interest in us) in Messina. We did enjoy the noon show of the cathedral bell tower. The guide did a good job with what she had to work with. The cannoli's at the end were delicious. Unfortunately at end of tour most shops and businesses closed for a few hours in the afternoon, so we just returned to the ship.
Barton_G, Oct 2025
A very interesting tour but the tour guide needs to make certain their microphone is always close to their mouth because when they turn their head you lose the sound of their voice
MurielA_C, Oct 2025
First, kudos to our guide who found us while we were wandering around outside the port! Then thanks to her for running an interesting and well organised tour. We covered some very interesting sites and learned so much in the two and a half hours that we got more than our money's worth. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to fellow travellers.
Shelly_C, Oct 2025
Great experience! Knowledgeable and very informative! We did not feel rushed and loved the small group!!
Janet_F, Oct 2025
Great guide who was knowledgeable and friendly. Learned so much about the city and traditions. The puppet theater was a bit odd, but the host was friendly, the cannoli was outstanding-best one I had in Europe!
Camilla_W, Oct 2025
Messina’s cathedral, astrological clock, and puppet museum are highlights of a tour of Old Town, especially with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide like Chiara. She provided interesting insights, and the cannolis at the end were amazing!
Olga_C, Sept 2025
Good walking tour. Our guide, Gabriella, was knowledgeable, humorous and considerate. The group was a. perfect size and we learned lots about Messina and it’s history
Tracy_H, Sept 2025
The tour started out ok but then went in to WAY more historical detail than I needed. Luckily, we got a break from all the facts at noon to watch the bell tower performance. I’m glad I saw some of the statues we saw but a quick walk by would’ve sufficed, I didn’t need a 10 minute lecture on each one.
Akshay_A, Sept 2025
Get a tour around the main business area near the port. Good if you want something short and still want to see something quick. Ends with a sweet treat. For a cheaper option, take a hop on hop off bus; this was at least given by a local.
Jodie_D, Sept 2025
Very personable and knowledgeable guide! She talked about so much we would not have otherwise known! Puppet museum was awesome!
Helene_R, Aug 2025
Our tour with Katia was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and she shared fascinating historical knowledge with us throughout the tour. We ended our tour with a stop at a delicious gelato place where they also serve great cannolis. Highly recommend!
David_L, Jul 2025
Tour is exactly what it says it is. Nice 2,5 hr walking tour around the city. Chiara our guide was very nice and knowledgeable. She was also easy to find right where you exit the ship.
Michael_F, Jul 2025
Fantastic tour. Claudio was knowledgeable and engaging sharing lots about the city. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting.
Chrissy_H, Jul 2025
This was an amazing experience! Our tour guide Claudio was awesome!! He explained & showed us the most amazing points of interest. He took us at the end of the tour for a sweet treat that my family & I truly enjoyed! We definitely recommend this tour to anyone that doesn’t mind walking & see amazing sites.
Scott_G, Jul 2025
We had a great walking tour in Messina with Chiara as our guide. She was knowledgeable and informative, sharing fascinating insights into Messina’s rich history. Highlights included the Neptune Fountain, the beautiful cathedral, and seeing the famous clock tower performance at noon. Chiara made the experience engaging and memorable — highly recommended.
KhaiLing_T, Jul 2025
The meeting instructions could be clearer. Our tour guide was not easy to understand. Unfortunately her screechy high pitch voice was also really hard on the ears. We left the tour half way through.
Kristi_R, Jul 2025
We really enjoyed this tour! We liked that the tour guide timed everything for us to see the bell tower show right on time. The puppet museum was interesting but a little less time there would have been better. The cannoli at the end was amazing!
Paul_K, Jun 2025
Excellent walking of Messina with a fantastic guide. We only booked this tour the day before arriving in Messina at the cruise port. Our previously booked shore excursion was cancelled by our cruise ship leaving us with no booked tour. The highlight of the tour for us really was viewing the Bell Tower at 12 midday when all the figurine move.
Irmgard_B, Jun 2025
Our Guide Cathy was super helpful and very informative. We feel educated about this beautiful place.
Kathleen_S, Jun 2025
Our guide. Katia, was very knowledgeable, comprehensive, and passionate. She was attentive to the little details like ensuring she covered her mouth so we could hear her above the street noise and accommodating two of the group who had mobility challenges. You could tell she very much enjoyed her job! The puppet museum was a definite highlight of the tour.
Ralph_M, Jun 2025
Read description thoroughly. This was more history. Did not get into the side streets of any neighborhood. Nor food tastings other then snack at the end,
From $49.77
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Attractions in Messina, Italy
- Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell'Alcantara) Tours & Tickets
- Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico) Tours & Tickets
- Messina Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Messina) Tours & Tickets
- Fountain of Neptune (Fontana di Nettuno) Tours & Tickets
- Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani (Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Messina, Italy
- Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell'Alcantara) Tours & Tickets
- Messina Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Messina) Tours & Tickets
- Fountain of Neptune (Fontana di Nettuno) Tours & Tickets
- Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico) Tours & Tickets
- Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani (Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani) Tours & Tickets