8 Unusual Things To Do Venice You Never Thought Possible

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Ah, the city built on water, well, the Venetian Lagoon to be exact…

Does anyone remember during Covid when, for the first time in eons, the canals of Venice cleared, and dolphins were spotted swimming through its waters? 

This charming city has always remained one of Italy’s most magical, famously drawing in flocks of tourists because of its unique waterway system. Connected by about 150 canals and more than 400 bridges (!), Venice’s allure is undeniable. The most obvious thing about it is the gondola rides, and couples from around the world travel here for that movie moment, with a gondolier singing sweet nothings. 

Discover: 8 Days in Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Venice: Italian Itinerary Perfect For First-Time Travelers

But, of course, there’s way more to the city than just gondolas. So, we’re going below the surface and showcasing 8 of the most unusual things to do in Venice beyond the typical tourist trail. 

1. Libreria Acqua Alta: Bookstore on the canals 

For this little bookworm over here – who always has a bookstore at the top of my travel list, no matter which city or town I am visiting – the thought of Libreria Acqua Alta literally gives me goosebumps. 

The reason? It’s probably one of the most unique bookstore settings I have ever come across. Hence, it’s right at the top of my list of the must-see unusual things to do in Venice! It’s themed around Venice canals (and yes, the shop does actually flood in certain months). 

Gondolas lie in the center of the store, piled with books. At the back of the bookstore is a staircase of worn-out encyclopedias overlooking the canals. Discover both Italian and English books here. 

Travel tip: Unfortunately, this place is JAM-PACKED in summer, with hardly any room to move, or time to really gander around (which is one of my favorite bits about being in a bookstore). The off-season is more pleasant. 

2. Scala Contarini del Bovolo: The most amazing sunset spot 

I just have one thing to say: WOW! This incredible piece of architecture, which dates to the 15th century, is enough to take anyone’s breath away. 

The anticlockwise turning spiral staircase was constructed in 1499, as part of the  Palazzo Contarini di San Paternian. Built from rough bricks and Istrian stone (which is what gives it its impressive and delicate color), it takes climbing 80 steps to reach the top. 

Standing 26 meters above the ground, you get to the “Belvedere” terrace, and looking out over Venice from up here is spectacular! You do have to purchase tickets to visit Scala Contarini del Bovolo. 

3. Kayaking through the canals: Forget gondolas! 

Most of us picture sailing around Venice’s iconic canals on a gondola, the image of a gondolier in a striped long-sleeve shirt steering the ferro painted in your mind, as he guides you across the waters. 

But this is all about trying out the unusual things to do in Venice, right? I personally never would have thought of kayaking through the Venice canals until I saw it happening. To partake in this super cool activity, you’ll have to book a guided kayaking tour. You can’t exactly just bring along a kayak/canoe and hit the waterways yourselves. Even though it is in water, there is a strategic traffic system to the Venice canals! 

Choose from a plethora of them. For example, certain Venice kayaking expeditions focus on the cultural city sights. Others veer down the lesser-known waterways. Or there’s a romantic sunset option, too. 

4. Prosecco Hills: A dreamy UNESCO day trip  

Alright, I know this is all about exploring the unusual things to do in Venice, but technically, Prosecco Hills (yes, where the official prosecco is cultivated and manufactured) is part of the Veneto region–of which Venice is the capital city! So it is the same region…It’s like visiting Tuscany and checking out all the towns and cities in between. 

Discover more: Speaking of, planning a trip to Toscana? Dive into my Ultimate 5-Day Tuscany Trip Itinerary

Just 35 minutes via train, or a one-hour drive if you want to hire a car, there is so much magic to the Prosecco Hills. Officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the vineyards around here are where the DOCG-certified Italian sparkling wine is produced. It’s like France’s equivalent to the Champagne region. 

Apart from the obvious, like prosecco (and wine) tastings, you can bike around the Prosecco Route, join hikes and day walks, or rent out a vintage car for the day to explore. Pop into incredible delis (like La Bottega di Combai), the restaurants around here are next-level, or if you’re here as a couple, some of the villas have beautiful spas. Or even take a cooking class. 

P.S. One of my favorite spots for a raclette cheese aperitif is PER Bottega & Cheese Bar!

5. Mask-making workshop: A very special keepsake  

Growing up, I took drama classes, and so anything related to theatrical pursuits gets me going! Venetian masks have been a thing in this city since the 13th century, and later associated with the Carnival of Venice. But it certainly wasn’t the Venetians who invented these types of mask disguises, and the tradition dates way back to the Greek and Roman times. 

A mask-making workshop is like paying tribute to not just the city, but ancient traditions. Wandering through the streets, you will notice a handful of Venetian mask shops and even workshops. 

So, why not get your creative hands going and join a mask-making workshop among the unusual things to do in Venice? Guided by a professional artisanal craftsman, you’ll pick your mask shape, colors, and have free rein as to how you’d like to design/decorate yours! 

6. Convent Garden of the Redeemer: On Giudecca Island

When you think of Venice, a monastic garden is probably the last thing you’d imagine the city to hold. What’s so special about the Convent Garden of the Redeemer is that it recently opened up to the public (November 2025) for the first time in over 500 years! That’s wild, right? 

Also, it’s located on Giudecca Island (south of the city center), and requires a water bus ride over (known as a vaporetto) to get here, stopping at the Redentore stop. 

A place for quiet contemplation, you’ll really love this special place if you’re a botanical enthusiast. Spot local fauna and flora, like birds or pomegranate trees. You can also explore old workshops and a greenhouse. 

In front of the gardens, right on the lagoon side, is a cafe. Tickets are required to enter. 

7. Glass blowing in Murano: Something different 

I fell in love with the art of glasswork whilst watching the Netflix Blown Away competition show. Then, I saw Italy’s glassworks in person on the Amalfi Coast for the first time. 

The little Island of Murano is most famously known for its insane glassworks! It has been the hub of Italy’s glassblowing works since the 13th century, and today, is renowned as the WORLD’s historic epicenter of glassblowing. Artisans come from far and wide to learn the traditional trade right here. 

Now, Murano forms part of the Venetian Lagoon (to the north side). There are plenty of tours here, or you can catch a water taxi over to the colorful island and explore on your own after you partake in an epicly unforgettable glass-blowing workshop. You’ll definitely want to pre-book your tickets for this activity. How many times can you say you’ve done something like this? It’s one of the coolest of the unusual things to do in Venice. 

If you’ve never used blowpipes before, don’t stress. There are beginner’s workshops. Or, if you’re not sold on doing the glassblowing yourself, you can visit the Murano Glass Factory, take a tour, and watch the pros in action.

8. Burano: Seafood and photo-taking 

If you’re a tour-type traveler and have scrolled through tour operator pages of unusual things to do in Venice, the vibrant pastel and rainbow-colored houses of Burano might have caught your attention. However, it’s usually included as a three-in-one venture to the Murano and Torcello Islands. 

I’m not the biggest fan of the whole guided tour vibes, and prefer to explore destinations on my own. Not with a whole group of people. I find it a little…cheesy (if I am being totally honest). But each to their own. 

You can also venture to Burano via water bus (about a 40-minute ride). After a couple of hours, your camera roll will become full to the brim with the brightest pictures of all of the buildings lining the canals!

Also, the seafood in Burano is divine. My top choices include OsteriaAl Fureghin, Ristorante Da Forner, and Ai Banky. 

It’s the ultimate spot to sit down, drink, and watch the world float by in a realm of color! 

Oh my goodness, how much I love Italy! I have so many incredible recommendations for you if you’re a first-time traveler (which I’m sure will quickly change after your first visit). Never been to Roma before? Here are the best areas to stay in Rome, including my favorite hotel recs.  

Has Cinque Terre’s coast been calling? Check out my ultimate 5-day Cinque Terre Itinerary. Or, for Florence, here’s how to spend the best one day in the city of the Renaissance. Fashionistas, you’ll surely love Milan, or for something off the beaten track, I highly recommend Bologna! 

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