Explore the authentic side of Venice! We’ve carefully curated a selection of activities that we personally love and believe will inspire your curiosity. Many of these unique experiences are not found in standard tourist guides but represent the true soul of the city.
If you’re interested in joining a tour, we recommend booking in advance. Various tour operators offer guided packages lasting 3 days, 2 days, 1 day, or even on a flexible “free” basis. Please note that our recommendations are honest and independent—we are not affiliated with any tour operators. We simply suggest experiences we believe will be most interesting and valuable for our guests.
A glass factory tour in Murano
Discover the timeless art of glassblowing by visiting a factory on the enchanting island of Murano. Here are some of the best options to explore this fascinating craft:
GetYourGuide Tours Flexible and with free cancellation, these tours offer a convenient way to experience Murano’s rich glassblowing heritage www.getyourguide.it/murano-l1582/
Fornace Wave Murano Glass, where you can watch master glassmakers at work, creating exquisite pieces before your eyes www.wavemuranoglass.com
Fabio Fornasier’s Glass Factory For a mix of cutting-edge and classic glass creations known for his innovative and artistic designs www.fornasier.it
Barovier E Toso Murano showroom www.barovier.shop
Explore these unforgettable experiences and immerse yourself in the magic of Murano’s glassblowing tradition.
Gondola Tours
Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of Venice with a classic gondola tour. Gliding through the city’s canals is an iconic experience, offering you the chance to see Venice from its most authentic perspective: the water.
Visit a Gondola Workshop – Squero di San Trovaso Experience something truly unique by exploring the artisanal process behind the construction and repair of gondolas, the undisputed symbols of Venice. The Squero di San Trovaso (www.squerosantrovaso.com) is one of the oldest and most renowned gondola workshops in the city, a place steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi (www.dfs.com/it/venice) located near Rialto, steeped in history. Originally built in the Middle Ages, it served as a warehouse and lodging for foreign merchants. Today, it’s a luxury shopping center. The true gem of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi is its panoramic terrace, offering a free, breathtaking view of Venice. Advance online booking is required www.dfs.com/en/venice/service/rooftop-terrace
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Just a 5-minute walk from your apartment, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is an architectural treasure tucked away in a quiet corner of Venice. Ascending the Scala del Bovolo leads to a breathtaking vantage point
Acqua Alta Bookshop – www.libreriacqualta.it
A magical and absolutely unique place where books are kept in bathtubs, gondolas and canoes to protect them from high tide floading. At the back you will find a staircase made from antique books, while the numerous cats that populate the bookshop contribute to its unmistakable charm.
Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia – Venice Natural History Museum, this fascinating museum showcases an extensive collection of natural specimens, fossils, and artifacts, tracing the evolution of life on Earth. www.visitmuve.it
With these activities, your stay in Venice will be embellished with authentic and unforgettable experiences, allowing you to discover the city in ways that go beyond the usual tourist routes. Get ready to live the magic of Venice in every detail!
Tours with a local guide
Discover Venice through the eyes of someone who knows and loves it. We recommend Mr. David Phillips, a local guide fluent in Italian, English and French. Phone: +39 380 899 4867 / +44 7931 174682 Email: david@davidphillips-promotions.uk
Let Venice surprise you with its secrets, charm, and authenticity!
