Due to the endless list of magical things to do, no two days in Venice are ever the same. In fact, it’s pretty easy to get lost in this enchanting destination. To help you get a little out of the ordinary, we’ve created a list of the most original and unique things to do in Venice and its islands. So, put down that map and immerse yourself in a truly fantastic city.
Participate in a mask-making workshop
The Carnival in Venice is one of the ultimate expressions of Venetian art and culture. As we all know, this event is incredibly famous and significant, so participating in a workshop to make unique Venetian masks in an atelier is a fantastic thing to do in Venice.
For this experience, we recommend visiting the wonderful Ca’ del Sol (Fondamenta de l’Osmarin, 4964, 30122 Venezia VE), a small store and atelier with an incredible selection of masks and costumes. In this art studio, you can observe the Venetian art of mask-making or even take a workshop and try your hand at the craft.
Visiting San Trovaso Squero
Riding along the canals of Venice in a gondola is a magical experience. For a unique perspective on the iconic Venetian boat, however, go beyond the canals to see the boat-making process up close. To do just that, we recommend visiting Squero San Trovaso (Dorsoduro, 1097, 30123 Venezia VE).
A visit to Squero San Trovaso is perfect for learning about the characteristics of gondolas and the intricate process that goes into making them. We recommend at least a half hour to soak up this immersive experience.
Take a food tour for authentic experiences
There is no better way to taste a destination than from the hands of those who know. The importance of taking a food tour with locals is to know the ideal places to taste the authentic flavors of Venice. These usually include visits to the best markets in Venice to get to know the great offer of products and ingredients, the perfect bacaros (tapas bar) to taste the delicious cicchetti (Venetian tapas) together with the traditional Venetian cocktail, Spritz.
Enjoy a show at La Fenice theatre
For music and opera lovers, there is no better way to experience a Venetian evening than enjoying a show at La Fenice.
La Fenice Theater is one of the best expressions of lyrical music in the world, being the place to present premiere operas by famous composers such as Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti. If you don’t have the time to see a performance at the theater, the best idea is to book a guided tour to learn about its storied history, splendid architecture, and design.
Wine experience at Venissa on Mazzorbo Island
One of the last things we could imagine doing in Venice is visiting a vineyard. For wine lovers and sybarites, a different way to get to know Venice is through its wines on a guided tour of the Venissa vineyard.
Venissa Estate is a vineyard located on a large part of Mazzorbo Island. It is known for growing the Dorona grape, which is native to Venice. During the harmonious and relaxed tour of the vineyards and the wine tasting, the experiences are enlivened with stories of the project on the island and the winemaking process.
Tour Lido by bike
Besides relaxing on the amazing beaches of Lido, cycling around the island is another great activity. Considering the island’s length, this is the best method for getting around.
On a bike tour of the Lido, you can admire its beaches, the church of San Nicolo al Lido, one of Venice’s most important sites; the Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, home to all the island’s hotels and restaurants; Malamocco, a small island within the Lido; and its natural beauty.
Have a picnic on Sant’Erasmo
A stroll through Sant’ Erasmo (often referred to as the orchard of Venice) is not complete without a picnic on the beach. Picnicking on Sant’Erasmo, especially in summer, is one of the most common activities for Venetians escaping the intense heat of Venice.
If you are in Venice in the summertime, picnics are one of the best options to do during the day to enjoy a relaxing moment and get to know the local part of this incredible destination.
If you’re looking for some of the more unique things to do in Venice, why don’t you check out an exclusive tour where you can take in St. Mark’s Basilica after closing time or spend an evening exploring the always bustling Rialto Market? Our small-group tours (many with exclusive access) will help you see Venice from a different perspective few people get to enjoy.