Imagine solving a thrilling murder mystery set against Venice’s enchanting scenery—all without a guide or fixed schedule. That’s exactly what the Venice Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game offers. While we haven’t personally tried it, the concept is engaging: a puzzle adventure that turns Venice into your detective playground. It’s designed for solo adventurers, families, or small groups of friends who want to combine sightseeing with some lighthearted crime-solving.
What truly appeals to us is how this game encourages teamwork and observation—key skills that make exploring Venice even more memorable. Plus, with the game available in six languages, language barriers are pretty much a non-issue. That said, there’s at least one drawback: a reviewer pointed out that one of the locations in the game is no longer accessible, which could disrupt some of the planned puzzles. This highlights the importance of managing expectations around such digital experiences—some content may change over time.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy interactive activities, a bit of brainteasing, and exploring at their own pace. Whether you’re visiting Venice for a day or staying longer, it offers a different way to see the city beyond the usual routes.
Key Points

- Self-Guided Fun: Play on your own device, with no guide needed.
- Family Friendly: Easy difficulty level makes it suitable for kids and adults alike.
- Flexible Timing: Start whenever you want on your chosen day, and go at your own pace.
- Group Size: Up to four people per device, perfect for small teams.
- Authentic Experience: Use Venice’s scenery as your backdrop while solving puzzles.
- Multiple Languages: Available in six languages to enhance accessibility.
A Closer Look at the Sherlock Holmes Self-Guided Game in Venice
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Venice
What’s Included and How It Works
This is a digital mystery game played on your smartphone or device. After booking, you’ll receive an instructions email with all you need—no physical guide or tour leader involved. You’ll choose your starting time, then begin whenever it suits your schedule, making it a flexible option for busy days or spontaneous adventures.
The game’s core is a murder mystery centered around the death of a character named Balthasar. As you work through clues, you’ll meet digital characters (like virtual suspects or witnesses), solve puzzles, and follow a story with unexpected twists. The goal? Crack the case before time runs out—or at least have fun trying.
Itinerary & Key Stops
The game takes you through various Venice locations, with a story that unfolds as you explore. Expect to perform photo tasks, crack codes, and observe your surroundings carefully. Although no physical transportation is involved, the scenery of Venice itself is the perfect cinematic backdrop, from piazzas to narrow alleys.
One notable review mentioned that one of the locations is no longer accessible, which hints at the importance of being flexible and ready for some surprises. Still, the game’s design encourages you to pay close attention to details, making each stop a chance to sharpen observation skills.
What Makes It Special
The experience’s major draw is the way it blends urban exploration with interactive storytelling. Rather than just walking around, you’re actively engaged—solving puzzles, decoding messages, and meeting digital characters. It turns sightseeing into an adventure that challenges your brain and your powers of observation.
The two-hour duration offers a nicely packed experience, giving you enough time to be immersed without feeling rushed. Plus, the cost of about $31 for a group of four provides good value, especially considering the entertainment and novelty factor.
Challenges & Considerations
One aspect worth noting is that, since the game revolves around digital clues and virtual characters, some travelers might find it less connected to Venice’s physical charm than a guided tour. As one reviewer noted, the game had “no content to do with Venice itself,” which might be a missed opportunity for those hoping for an immersion in local culture.
Plus, since it’s a self-guided activity, there’s no personal interaction with a guide or expert, which some travelers might miss if they prefer learning from knowledgeable locals.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice
- Self-Guided Tour Venice in One Day (Self-Guided Tour)
- Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride With App Commentary
- Venice and Lagoon Islands Tour With Audio Guides (Hop-On Hop-Off 24h)
- Venice: Doges Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide
- Venice and Murano: Panoramic Boat Tour With Audio Guide
- Frari Church in Venice In-App Audio Tour (Eng) (No Tickets)
Who Will Love This?
This experience is ideal for families with kids, groups of friends, or couples who enjoy puzzles, storytelling, and exploring at their own pace. It’s also well-suited for those who want a light, interactive activity that breaks from traditional sightseeing but still keeps them engaged with Venice’s scenery.
The Real Benefits for Travelers

We loved the way this activity encourages teamwork and observation skills, turning Venice into an open-air puzzle. The flexibility of playing at any time makes it a great addition to a day of sightseeing, especially if you’re tired of walking tours or want to mix things up.
The multi-language support broadens its appeal, ensuring that language is less of a barrier for international visitors. Plus, the cost-per-group structure makes it accessible for families or small groups.
However, it’s worth noting that, without a physical guide, you lose some of the storytelling richness you’d get from a traditional tour—so this is best for those comfortable with self-guided adventures.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to explore Venice with a dash of mystery and puzzle-solving, this game offers good value and a memorable experience. Just keep in mind the potential for location updates or accessibility issues, and consider whether a digital mystery suits your style.
FAQs

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the game is rated as easy and designed to be fun for families, making it suitable for kids and adults alike, especially those who enjoy puzzles.
Do I need a guide or tour leader?
No, this is a self-guided activity. Once you have the instructions, you can play independently without any additional assistance.
Can I start the game at any time?
Yes, you can pick any time on your chosen date to begin the game, allowing flexibility to fit into your schedule.
What do I need to participate?
You just need a smartphone or device with internet access. The game is played on your device, and no physical guide or additional equipment is required.
Will this activity take exactly two hours?
The game is estimated to take about 2 hours, but you can play at your own pace, pausing or resuming as you like.
Are there any hidden costs?
The price covers the game for your group. Be aware that depending on your location, some travelers outside Venice might have to pay a 5 access fee on certain dates, which is not included in the ticket price.
In summary, the Venice Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game offers a playful, flexible way to discover Venice’s scenery through puzzles and storytelling. It’s best suited for those who enjoy interactive activities and don’t mind a bit of digital storytelling over traditional guided tours. For a fun, family-friendly activity that combines sightseeing with brainwork, it’s worth considering — just keep expectations aligned with the digital format and potential location changes.
More Self-Guided Tours in Venice
- Self Guided Tour of Venice’s Best Kept Secrets
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- Self Guided Tour of History Highlights of Venice
- Venice Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
- Self-guided Discovery Walk in Venices Centre: a labyrinth of art and history
- Venice St Mark’s Basilica Reserved Access with Audio Guide
More Guided Tours in Venice
- Guided Tour of Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands around Venice with Private Boat
- Shared Gondola Ride with Guided Walking Introduction
- Glass Factory with Exclusive Boat and Private Guide
- Self Guided Tour of Venice’s Best Kept Secrets
- Self Guided Tours Venice With 100 Captivating Audio Stories
- Venice Quick Overview: City Center Walking Tour with Local Guide
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