AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Things to do in Venice
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Activities led by local experts
Discover unique experiences hosted by inspiring locals.
5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviewsSketch Venice architecture with an illustrator
Observe and decode the city’s building blocks on an insider walk in the sestieri.
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 20 reviewsEat and drink your way through the Jewish Ghetto
Immerse yourself in the history and flavors of Venice, led by a licensed art historian.
4 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviewsLocal veg lunch at NY Times Top Pick
Discover Sant’Erasmo km0 vegs in a curated tasting at Pietra Rossa.
New place to stayFollow Marco Polo’s path through tea
Taste teas from Japan, China, and India while learning brewing and tea pairing.
5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviewsImmerse yourself in Vivaldi’s life at a concert
Uncover the historic Venetian church where the composer lived, taught, and wrote.
5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviewsDiscover fabrics and dye
Be a witness in the experiment of natural dyes between fabrics and plants.
New place to stayEnjoy Prosecco and cicchetti with a top sommelier
Step into the effervescent world of Prosecco, plus pairings with Venetian cicchetti.
5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviewsFeast on grilled fish with Pietra Rossa’s owner
Share a daily catch-inspired meal and hear lore from a second-generation restauranteur.
5 out of 5 average rating, 9 reviewsVisit the Atelier of a contemporary glass artist
Explore contemporary Murano glass in my studio and gallery and see how glass is made live
5 out of 5 average rating, 27 reviewsTake a trip through legends, food, and wine
Uncover Cannaregio’s hidden gems, taste cicchetti, and learn about local wine and spritz.
Top-rated activities
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4.96 out of 5 average rating, 2549 reviewsLegends, Ghosts and Ghouls of Venice
Roam the city's winding streets with a folklore collector
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1719 reviewsVenetian Stories on the Boat
Navigating through the places of the present, we will discover together the stories of the past
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 1133 reviewsHands-on cooking class: tiramisù and fresh pasta
Learn to make Italian classics from chefs in a stunning 16th-century Venetian palace.
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 245 reviewsPhotos in the architecture of Venice by Francesca
I combine the perspective of architecture to portray my subjects.
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 2081 reviewsTasty Street Food Tour of Venice
Taste local and fresh food, visit a local market and the highlights of Venice with locals
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 1702 reviewsMurano Burano Torcello with a Local
Discover the unique charm of Torcello, Burano, and Murano
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviewsExplore Venice by Catamaran
Reach historic sites and hidden islands in Venice’s lagoon.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 1052 reviewsMake Murano glass beads
Create traditional colored beads with a duo of artists skilled in glass.
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviewsCapture authentic moments
Uncover hidden Venetian gems and capture authentic, spontaneous, and romantic photos.
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1253 reviewsSee the beauty of Venice
Discover the magic of Venice aboard a restored historic Venetian boat
Where do locals go in Venice?
In Venice, each district is called a sestiere, split into six areas. The city has been organized this way since the 12th century, and today looks mostly the same as it did in the 1700s. Piazza San Marco is the most recognizable quarter with easy access to the Grand Canal, but hop in a gondola and you can arrive in areas where true Venetians eat, drink, and shop. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.
Cannaregio
This is where many locals live. It shares the same side of the Grand Canal as San Marco, and it is where you can explore the beautiful synagogues and Jewish Museum of Venice in the Venice Ghetto. Take guided tours to learn more of the area’s cultural history with a local historian.
Dorsoduro
This is the largest of the sestieri, and where you’ll find the Peggy Guggenheim and Accademia museums along with lively squares including Campo Santa Margherita. Find low-key restaurants, a gondola boatyard, and other sights on a walking tour to secret art spots.
Castello
Situated just east of Piazza San Marco, expect to find less crowds as you duck into a bacari (bar) for a glass of Prosecco and light tapas, which is called cicchetti here.
Where do locals eat?
Each sestiere has its own personality when it comes to dining, but no matter where you are, you can fulfill cravings for an Italian coffee or pastry from a pasticceria. One common place locals love is the Rialto Market. Here, you can watch fishmongers toss fresh seafood in the air, or shop for fresh ingredients on your way to a cooking class. Street food is a popular choice here, and a local-led food tour could help in the decision-making process.
What are the best day trips from Venice?
A day trip to the Prosecco region is a relaxing way to get out of the action and into the hills for bubbles in a vineyard and a meal at a local osteria. Most day trips can take about eight hours, and a private tour ensures round-trip transportation.