Venice isn’t just about gondolas and grand sights; it’s a city overflowing with craftsmanship, culinary traditions, and hands-on experiences. What makes Venice truly special is its centuries-old dedication to art and craft, from Murano glass to intricate masks worn during Carnival. We’ve rounded up the top workshops and classes that let you take part in this living heritage. Whether you want to create your own glass artwork, learn Venetian cooking, or craft a mask, Venice offers authentic activities that go beyond sightseeing and deepen your connection to this unique city.
Some of our favorites include the Venice Pasta and Tiramisù Cooking Class with Wine—a delicious way to understand Italian flavors—or the Create Your Glass Artwork: Private Lesson With Local Artisan, which offers a rare chance to learn from a master glassmaker. For those looking to get creative, the Venetian Masks Workshop and Paint Your Own Venetian Mask provide memorable hands-on crafting. For a taste of Venice’s culinary scene, the Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Venetian Chef is a perfect choice. All these options give you a chance to experience Venice’s craftsmanship and cuisine firsthand.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best workshops and classes in Venice, covering everything from glassblowing and cooking to mask-making and art. Each offers a unique slice of Venetian culture, perfect for enriching your visit.
1. Venice: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine
Taking a break from the busy streets of Venice to learn its culinary secrets is a highlight for many travelers. This 3-hour pasta and tiramisu cooking class takes place in a cozy Venetian restaurant in Dorsoduro and includes wine to sip as you cook. You’ll learn to make fresh fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisu, gaining practical skills you can replicate at home. What makes this experience stand out is the convivial atmosphere and the chance to connect with fellow travelers over authentic Venetian recipes.
The high rating of 4.9/5 from over 575 reviews reflects how much people enjoy this class. Guests mention how fun and engaging the instructor Manuela is, and how much they appreciated the value with “plenty of wine and incredible food.” The class is ideal for those who love food and want a relaxed, social experience in the heart of Venice.
Bottom Line: Great for food lovers and small groups, this class offers a genuine taste of Italy in a friendly setting for around $90.74 a person.
2. Create Your Glass Artwork: Private Lesson With Local Artisan
For those fascinated by Venice’s famous Murano glass, this private 75-minute lesson with master artisan Massimiliano Caldarone offers a rare hands-on opportunity. You’ll see the luminous glow of molten glass and get involved in creating your own small glass piece. The experience’s intimacy and focus on personalized craftsmanship make it stand out.
Guests rave about the friendliness of Massimiliano and the quality of the artwork they take home. One reviewer highlights it as “an unmissable opportunity to experience Venice and its culture firsthand.” Whether you’re an art lover or want a unique souvenir, this private lesson allows you to participate directly in the ancient Murano glassmaking tradition.
Bottom Line: At just 75 minutes, this is a memorable, high-quality experience ideal for travelers wanting a personal introduction to Venice’s glassmaking. It’s a perfect gift for art enthusiasts.
3. Create your Glass Artwork: Private Lesson with Local Artisan in Venice
This 1-hour 15-minute private glassmaking workshop is perfect for beginners who want to get their hands dirty in Murano’s glass studios. Guided one-on-one by skilled artists, you’ll learn techniques to shape molten glass and create a unique piece to take home. The class includes all materials, and you’ll leave with a handcrafted artwork.
Reviewers mention how Massimo’s patience and clear instructions make it accessible even for those with no artistic background. Plus, you get a 10% discount on additional glassworks, making it both a fun and cost-effective souvenir. Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to see the craftsmanship behind Venice’s most iconic art form.
Bottom Line: Perfect for art novices, this workshop offers a deep dive into Murano glassmaking with an experienced artist and the chance to keep a special keepsake.
4. Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Venetian Chef
Combine Venice’s vibrant Rialto Market with a hands-on cooking class in this 4-hour experience. Under the guidance of a local chef, you’ll explore the market stalls, learn about fresh seasonal ingredients, then roll up your sleeves in a private kitchen to prepare authentic Venetian dishes. The tour includes all ingredients and drinks, so you only need to concentrate on cooking and enjoying.
Guests particularly love how it offers a full culinary journey—from market stalls to the dining table. One reviewer describes it as “going from market to table, learning with a meal at the end,” which makes it perfect for foodies and those wanting an immersive experience. The class’s focus on local ingredients and regional recipes makes it especially authentic.
Bottom Line: For around $122, you get a comprehensive, fun, and tasty insight into Venetian cuisine—ideal for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with cooking.
5. Venice: Venetian Masks Workshop
In this 1.5-hour mask-making workshop, you’ll craft a traditional Venetian baroque or historic mask in a renowned studio. Guided by expert artisans, you’ll choose from a variety of paper-mâché masks and learn techniques used in Venice’s famous Carnival. After decorating your mask with paints, feathers, and jewels, you’ll take home a custom masterpiece.
The studio’s reputation for making masks for films like “Gossip Girl” and “Spider-Man 2” assures high-quality craftsmanship. Visitors comment on how fun and creative the activity is, with many saying it was their favorite experience in Venice. It’s suited for all ages and artistic levels, making it flexible for families, couples, or solo travelers.
Bottom Line: For a modest price of $67.97, this activity offers a memorable, hands-on introduction to Venice’s mask-making heritage—perfect for a creative break.
6. Venice: Pasta Class with Wine and Gelato
This 3-hour pasta making class is a delightful way to learn Italian culinary secrets in Venice. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll make pasta from scratch, craft authentic sauces, and even whip up gelato. The class includes Tuscan organic wines, which you’ll sample while cooking, and ends with tasting the dishes you prepare.
Guests note how lively and convivial the atmosphere is, with many commenting on the “fun, affordable, and delicious” nature of the experience. The focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes makes it an authentic and practical class for food lovers. It’s suitable for those who want a full culinary immersion in just a few hours.
Bottom Line: For around $90, this hands-on pasta class combines cooking, wine, and gelato for a well-rounded Italian feast.
7. Create Your Own Murano Glass: Beginner’s Glassblowing Class
This 2-hour small-group glassblowing workshop on Murano is perfect for beginners. You’ll watch a live demonstration and then try shaping molten glass yourself, creating an original art piece. The class limits to just 4 participants, ensuring plenty of personalized instruction. You can pick up your creation the next day or opt to ship it home.
Guests praise the friendly, patient instructor and emphasize how accessible this activity is, even for first-timers. Several mention how this is a “fantastic introduction” to Murano’s craft, with some describing it as “one of the best souvenirs” they’ve made in Venice. Its limited size makes it intimate and memorable.
Bottom Line: For $284.90, this immersive experience offers a real taste of Murano glassmaking with professional guidance—ideal for art enthusiasts willing to invest in a memorable keepsake.
8. Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy
Ideal for Carnival fans or anyone curious about Venice’s mask tradition, this 1 hour 15-minute class covers the history and techniques behind Venetian mask-making. You’ll learn about the masks’ role in Venetian culture and decorate a papier-mâché mask with paints, feathers, and embellishments.
Rated 4.9/5 by over 250 reviews, many describe it as “fabulous” and “a fun activity,” perfect for families or couples. The instructor’s expertise and the chance to take home a beautifully decorated mask make it a memorable activity that combines culture and creativity.
Bottom Line: At $79.94, this short class makes for a fun, culturally rich souvenir—great for those with limited time but a love for arts and crafts.
9. Yummy Cooking Class in Venice with Professional Chef
In this 4-hour intimate experience, you’ll cook in the home of a local chef, preparing a traditional Venetian dish paired with regional wines. The class is limited to small groups, ensuring personalized attention, and includes all ingredients and drinks. You’ll leave with a full stomach and new skills.
Guests praise Chef Carolyn’s warmth and expertise, calling it a “remarkable experience” that feels like visiting a friend’s home. The focus on local ingredients and regional recipes makes this class a true culture.
Bottom Line: For around $117, this in-home cooking experience offers authentic Venetian cuisine and a chance to learn from a local chef—ideal for foodies wanting a personal touch.
10. Venice Mask Workshop Class
This private mask-decorating workshop lets you craft a full decorated mask with feathers, sequins, and gold leaf. The instructor shares insights into Venice’s mask-making traditions, and you can choose your design from various mask shapes. The class lasts about a day, giving time to create a detailed masterpiece.
Rated 5.0/5 with excellent reviews, many praise the quality of masks and the personalized guidance. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone interested in a detailed, creative activity that results in a beautiful, handcrafted souvenir.
Bottom Line: At $121.91, this private workshop offers a comprehensive, cultural, and artistic experience, ideal for those wanting to make a memorable keepsake.
11. Rialto Market Tour & Private Cooking Class in the Heart of Venice
This 4-hour private experience combines shopping at the Rialto Market with a home-cooked Venetian meal. Led by the passionate Massimo, you’ll learn about local ingredients, then cook regional dishes like pasta and focaccia in his kitchen.
Reviewers mention how Massimo’s stories and personal touches make it special, with many calling it “well worth the money.” It’s perfect for food lovers eager for a guided, authentic experience that ends with a delicious meal.
Bottom Line: For $149, this personalized culinary experience offers a taste of Venice’s food culture with the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
12. Venice: Paint your own Venetian Mask Workshop
This one-hour mask-painting workshop provides a fun, family-friendly activity. You’ll learn traditional Venetian painting techniques and decorate a blank mask using acrylic paints, ribbons, and sequins. It’s a relaxed, creative activity with a high rating of 4.5/5.
Many reviews mention how fun and engaging it is, with families especially enjoying creating personalized masks. It’s perfect for a quick cultural activity or a family outing.
Bottom Line: For $64.91, this activity offers a quick, creative way to connect with Venice’s mask-making tradition and make a memorable souvenir.
13. Glass Lampwork Workshop and Walking in Murano
On Murano, this small-group glass workshop and walking tour introduces you to traditional glassmaking and landmarks. You’ll see artisans at work, participate in a hands-on lampwork session, and explore Murano’s churches and architecture.
Guests love how engaging and informative the tour is, with many mentioning the chance to make a glass bead or small piece. It’s perfect for those curious about Murano’s heritage who want to see beyond the shops.
Bottom Line: At $80.11, it offers a well-rounded, authentic Murano experience that combines craftsmanship and culture.
14. Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Venice
This 3-hour small-group class teaches you to make two varieties of pasta and authentic tiramisù with a local “Cesarina.” You’ll start with an aperitivo, then roll out pasta dough by hand, and finish with a delicious meal.
Reviewers highlight how fun and interactive it is, describing it as “the favorite activity in Italy.” It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive cooking experience in an intimate setting.
Bottom Line: For $212.10, this class combines pasta, tiramisù, and conviviality in a cozy Venetian home.
15. Market tour and cooking class with a Venetian sailor
This 3-hour experience blends a market tour with a home-cooked meal prepared by a sailor-turned-chef. You’ll explore Rialto Market, learn about local ingredients, then cook seafood and regional dishes in his Venice home.
Guests mention how authentic and personal the experience feels, with many appreciating the storytelling and regional recipes. It’s ideal for travelers interested in Venice’s maritime traditions and cuisine.
Bottom Line: At $137.57, this unique experience offers a genuine connection to Venice’s seafaring culture and culinary heritage.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Venice
When selecting a workshop or class, consider your interests and how much time you want to dedicate. If you’re passionate about Italian cooking, the Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Venetian Chef or the Pasta Class with Wine and Gelato might be your best bet. For art lovers, the Create Your Glass Artwork options or Murano Glass Beginner’s Class are ideal. Families or those seeking a fun, creative activity will enjoy the Mask-Making Workshops.
Budget is also worth considering. For a more affordable, engaging activity, the Venetian Masks Workshop or Paint Your Own Mask offer high-value experiences. If you want something more exclusive, the private lessons in glassmaking or mask decorating provide personalized attention and a more immersive experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons or Carnival, when mask-making and glass workshops fill up fast. Check availability and start planning to ensure you don’t miss out on these unique opportunities.
Venice offers a wonderful variety of workshops that go beyond sightseeing. Whether you want to craft a mask, learn to make pasta, or create glass art, these experiences allow you to participate in the city’s centuries-old traditions firsthand. For a memorable trip, consider balancing a few of these hands-on classes with more traditional sightseeing. You’ll walk away with not only souvenirs but also stories and skills that bring Venice’s culture to life long after your visit.
