Venice · SHOW
Good shows fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 6 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Watch Murano master glassmakers blow a vase and shape a small glass horse in a working furnace. The 15-minute demonstration is offered in English, Italian, or Spanish, followed by time in a 500-square-metre showroom. Your $5 ticket can count toward a purchase over €90.
“access to watch glass blowing then look around the shop. murano town was lovely, much less touristy”
Spend an elegant evening at Avanspettacolo Venezia, a mainland theater about 10 minutes from Piazzale Roma. You’ll receive Prosecco, dine on a five-course choice of meat, seafood, or vegetarian dishes, and watch singers, dancers, musicians, ballet, ballroom, and circus-style acts.
“Amazing place with fantastic performance, however the food could be better.”
Spend about 30 minutes at the Original Murano Glass OMG Factory & Showroom. Sit close to live demonstrations of solid-glass sculpting and glassblowing, hear how the furnace works, meet Murano glassmakers, and browse works ranging from small souvenirs to custom art.
“Fun and very interesting for our whole group to watch the glass making process. It was a great value for the money. No pressure to purchase items in their showroom afterwards, although we did purchase several beautiful jewelry items.”
Spend Saturday night at Avanspettacolo, about 10 minutes from Piazzale Roma. Sip Prosecco to piano music, enjoy a multi-course Landfare, seafood, or vegetarian dinner, then watch singers, dancers, magic, acrobatics, and contortion in an old-style cabaret hall.
“lo spettacolo è stato molto bello e vario.. bravi i ballerini e i cantanti molto disponibili e simpatici. Camerieri gentili e staff grande!”
Meet your Cesarina near Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto for a private-home cooking demonstration and three-course Venetian meal. Expect fresh pasta, local recipes, wine, and a small group of up to 12. Hosts may include warm local cooks such as Barbara, Claudio, Patrizia, or Adriano.
“We had a nice time. A little different than what we expected but a good and person experience none the same.”
Join a Pantakin actor in costume for a 75-minute theatrical walk through Venice during Carnival. Your Codega guide leads you from Calle larga de l'Ascension into quieter streets, sharing tales of Casanova, ghosts, convent bridges, and Venetian daily life. English is offered, though the visit may be bilingual.
“I had the most wonderful historical theatrical walking tour from Francesca! She was brilliant, so many stories come to life from Venice’s history. Very memorable and a perfect activity for your first evening in the beautiful floating city. I saw so much of Venice I don’t think I would have without her. She really takes you off the beaten path, to experience authentic historical Venice. The stories were excellent, Francesca was amazing the city is beautiful. This is a must activity for your visit!”
Pick a monument, a boat or a counter bar.
