Venezia Autentica

Venezia Autentica is a Venetian initiative that aims to offer an alternative to mass tourism, and its experiences are a good way to meet local people and support small businesses while you visit. The organisation is known for its guides to responsible travel in Venice and its directory of authentic local shops and restaurants, and it also runs a programme of small, private experiences led by licensed local professionals.

The experiences change over time, but they have included a 90-minute private walk through a residential district with a local, focusing on how Venetians live today; a Murano glass bead-making lesson with a glass artist; a Walk and Row experience that combines a walk with a rowing lesson in a traditional Venetian boat; a night photography walk; and a bookbinding lesson in which you make a handmade notebook with an artisan. Because the activities are private, they can be adapted to the interests and pace of your group.

A key part of the approach is that bookings directly support local businesses, associations and entrepreneurs, so the money you spend stays in the city. This matters in Venice, where the resident population has declined sharply and many traditional crafts and shops are under pressure. The experiences are designed to give visitors a more personal and meaningful connection with the city than standard sightseeing.

Booking is done online through the Venezia Autentica experiences site, and it is wise to reserve in advance, as availability depends on the local hosts. Check what each experience includes, how long it lasts and where it starts, as meeting points vary across the city and the islands. Contact the organisation through the form on its website with any questions.

Venezia Autentica suits curious travellers, couples, families and repeat visitors who have seen the main sights and want to go deeper. The artisan workshops are especially good for anyone who wants to take home something they made themselves rather than a mass-produced souvenir. Couples often choose the night photography walk, which shows the city at its quietest, while families tend to enjoy the hands-on workshops. The website is also a useful planning resource in its own right, with advice on how to visit Venice respectfully and recommendations for independent businesses across the sestieri.