Venice: 17-18th Century Dress-Up Experience

Thinking about adding a touch of regal flair to your Venice trip? This dress-up experience offers a playful way to step back in time without the hassle of long tours or complicated schedules. While it’s only an hour, it’s packed with plenty of costume fun, beautiful settings, and opportunities for unforgettable photos. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this activity promises a delightful escape into Venice’s glamorous past.

What we really love about this experience is how accessible and well-organized it is — it’s a straightforward, enjoyable activity that doesn’t demand a huge time commitment. Plus, the variety of costumes and props makes each visit unique, ensuring your photos come out looking fabulous. On the flip side, keep in mind that it’s a pretty niche activity, so if you’re after a cultural or historical tour, this might not hit all those marks. But for those wanting fun photos and a brief break from sightseeing, it’s a great choice. It’s especially suited for anyone interested in fashion, costume history, or just wanting to feel like royalty for a little while.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: One hour is enough for a fun and memorable dress-up session without taking over your day.
• High-quality costumes and props: A wide selection of authentic-looking 17th/18th-century costumes, masks, hats, and feathers.
• Photo opportunities galore: Multiple settings and backgrounds, plus the chance to take your own photos, ensure plenty of memory-makers.
• Personalized experience: Small group sizes (limited to 4 participants) mean more attention and personalized service.
• Location convenience: Close to the Canal Grande and Strada Nova makes this easy to fit into your day.
• Family-friendly? Not suitable for children under 18, but perfect for adults, couples, and solo travelers looking for a fun, interactive activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Venetian Dress-Up Adventure

The Venue and Atmosphere

Imagine stepping into a spacious, well-kept venue just a short walk from Venice’s main sights — the Canal Grande and Strada Nova are your landmarks. Once inside, you’ll be greeted warmly by hosts who clearly love what they do. It’s a relaxed environment, designed to make you feel comfortable whether you’re there for a solo adventure or a small group. The setting feels exclusive but welcoming, with multiple rooms and backdrops that resemble a Venetian palazzo, perfect for feeling transported back to the 17th or 18th century.

The Costumes and Accessories

The real highlight is in the costumes. We’ve seen reviews that praise the “high-quality dresses and suits,” with plenty of variety to choose from. The costumes are described as authentic, detailed, and well-maintained, allowing you to truly feel like a prince, princess, or noble of Venice. After selecting your gown or suit, you can then browse masks, hats, feathers, and other accessories to personalize your look. Reviewers loved being able to try on multiple accessories, which adds fun and variety to your photos.

The Settings and Backgrounds

Once dressed, you’re invited to explore the different backgrounds, which are designed to evoke Venice’s historic charm. Six different settings are available — from regal palace rooms to outdoor-inspired scenes — giving you a variety of backdrops for your photos. Some reviews mention outdoor shots near the water or in beautiful garden-like areas, which add a special touch to your images. The host helps with posing and lighting, making sure you look your best, and takes professional shots that turn out to be more than just snapshots.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Photo Session

A key part of this experience is capturing your moment. The host is praised for her “competence, friendliness, and helpfulness,” making participants feel at ease and helping them pose naturally. Many reviews mention that she takes dozens of photos both with a professional camera and on personal devices, giving you a broad selection to choose from later. You’ll also have the opportunity to take selfies and experiment with different angles.

The Souvenir Photos

Your hour will end with a couple of printed photos as keepsakes — reviews consistently highlight how well these photos turn out. Some reviewers received dozens of images via email afterward, ensuring you leave with plenty of memories. The photos are described as “awesome,” “beautiful,” and capturing the fun and fantasy of the moment.

The Experience Overall

While the tour is only an hour long, people agree that it’s “worth every penny” given the variety of costumes, the professional service, and the fun of dressing up in Venice’s historic fashion. It’s a playful yet glamorous activity suited for those who want to channel their inner royalty, take fun photos, and create a story to tell back home.

Practical Details and Considerations

Location and Accessibility

The venue is conveniently located in Venice, within walking distance of key sights. It’s wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs. Planning your visit around other nearby attractions makes sense since it only takes an hour.

Group Size and Personalization

Limited to 4 participants, the small group setting ensures personalized attention. This is especially appreciated by solo travelers or couples, as reviews mention the host’s friendly demeanor and individual guidance. Larger groups might find it a bit cramped or less intimate, but for most, this is a bonus rather than a downside.

Duration and Flexibility

The activity lasts about 1 hour, which fits nicely into a busy sightseeing day. You can check availability for different start times, and the booking process offers “reserve now & pay later” options, giving you flexibility. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior, so plans can be adjusted if needed.

Cost and Value

While prices aren’t explicitly stated in the overview, reviews suggest that many consider it “great value for money,” especially considering the high-quality costumes, professional photos, and personalized experience. It’s an activity that provides souvenirs — both photos and memories — that many travelers cherish.

Who Should Do This?

This experience is best suited for adults, especially those who enjoy dressing up, photography, or unique cultural activities. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, solo travelers looking for fun photos, or friends wanting a lighthearted Venetian adventure. Not suitable for children under 18, but for everyone else, it’s a joyful and memorable activity.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

What really sets this apart is the combination of authentic costumes, attentive service, and multiple photo opportunities. Several reviews highlight that the host is friendly, helpful, and passionate about her work, which makes the activity feel special. Participants appreciate the variety of settings and accessories, which means every photo session feels fresh.

On top of that, the location’s closeness to major sights makes it easy to combine with other sightseeing or even photo walks in Venice. The fact that you can take your own photos alongside professional shots is a big plus, giving you the freedom to experiment and get the perfect shot.

Some reviews mention that they were surprised at the “beautiful outdoor settings,” like near the water or in gardens, which add a touch of authenticity and romance to the photos. The option to print some photos on-site is a nice touch, giving you tangible souvenirs, while the rest are emailed afterward for easy sharing.

The Sum Up

This dress-up experience offers a playful, stylish, and surprisingly rich activity that adds a touch of glamour to your Venice trip. It’s especially ideal if you love costumes, photography, or just want a fun break from more traditional sightseeing. The professional service and high-quality costumes ensure that your photos will turn out beautifully, and the small group size keeps the experience intimate and personalized.

If you’re seeking a lighthearted activity that creates lasting memories and allows you to feel like Venetian royalty for a little while, this is a fantastic choice. It’s well-suited for couples, solo travelers, or friends who want a unique story to tell. Just remember, it’s not aimed at children or large groups, but for those looking for a special, one-hour escape into Venice’s glamorous past, it’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers? Yes, many reviews mention doing it alone and having a fantastic time. The host is very friendly, and the private setting makes solo guests feel comfortable.

How long does the activity last? The entire session takes about 1 hour, including costume selection, photos, and receiving your images.

Can I bring my own camera or phone? Absolutely. Many reviewers took selfies and photos with their own devices alongside the professional shots, making it easy to capture different angles.

Is it family-friendly? No, the activity isn’t suitable for children under 18, but it’s perfect for adults, couples, and friends.

Is the location easy to find? Yes, it’s close to the Canal Grande and Strada Nova, within walking distance from main Venice sights.

What is included in the price? While detailed pricing isn’t provided, reviews suggest great value considering costumes, accessories, multiple backgrounds, professional photos, and the personalized service.

If you’re after a fun, stylish, and memorable way to enjoy Venice’s historical charm — and love striking a pose — this costume experience is a solid pick. It’s a chance to step into Venice’s past, feel like royalty, and leave with photos that will bring smiles long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: