Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Best Vacation Ever: Venice Carnival 🎭
31
items If you haven't gone to Carnevale di Venezia, you're missing the finest entertainment in the world. I've done everything, and this is by far my best memory.
Sections
4
Costumes & Masks
Balls & Parties
Hotels & Restaurants
Do & Shop
Costumes & Masks
You can (and MUST) rent a costume at a recommended atelier but you have to buy your own mask. Ateliers don't rent masks for safety reasons. Besides, you'll want to keep your mask forever. And rent that costume as early as possible- they're all one of...
Yes, that's me and my husband in costume! We rented our costumes at La Bauta. Coordinate by email about a month ahead of time. Things sell out fast, and all costumes are one of a kind, so they might not have your first choice available or in your siz...
La Bauta - Costume rental
This is also a highly rated costume atelier- my bestie rented her gown from here and she LOVED it!
Nicolao Atelier Venezia
Here's another highly recommended costume atelier. Remember, costs can soar when renting the perfect outfit. Plan for it.
Atelier Tiepolo Costume Rental in Venice
There are plenty of places to get your mask for Carnevale, but don't go to a tourist souvenir stand. Go to a paper mache workshop or mask atelier where real artisans make real masks.
San Marco 596 - Venetian masks
This mask atelier has beautiful options. Remember, you need your own mask- you can't rent one for hygiene reasons.
Bluemoon Venice, venetian masks
This mask shop has a family workshop where you can learn about and make your own mask. You'll need a couple of days for it to settle and pick it up before Carnival though, so watch your timing.
Ca' Macana
Balls & Parties
If you're a high roller, it's definitely the Doge Ball. Just google it and you'll see. If you're doing a once in a lifetime trip, then go to the official ball, which has a different theme (and therefore a different name) each year. And there are a do...
This is the official homepage of the Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venizia). The theme changes every year so the website images will too. The page is in Italian or English.
Carnevale di Venezia - Official site
Il Ballo del Doge is the most lavish costume party of the Venice Carnival. Il Ballo del Doge is a festive masquerade, a refined society gala, an opulent banquet and an astonishing show. And it's very very expensive!
Il Ballo del Doge®
Dancers, jugglers, music, shows, good food and drinks will let you dream your are in Venice at the time of Casanova.
The Ball of Dreams
There are many balls and parties in Venice during Carnival season. This website gives you a good overview. In general- the more expensive, the more elegant. The cheaper, the more like a college party.
Venice Carnival Events
Do not miss the official parade of the crowning of the Maria! As per tradition, on Mardi Gras, the Maria of the Year and the Maria of Il Gazzettino will be officially presented to the public of the Venice Carnival.
Official Parade and Presentation of the Maria of the Venice Carnival
There's a parade for the best mask of Venice. Everyone is so beautiful.
The best mask of the Venice Carnival parade
Hotels & Restaurants
Stay somewhere pretty. Don't skimp on ambiance in Venice. Then get up early one day to beat the crowds to Florian. After 9am, you'll wait an hour in line. Worth it.
THE OLDEST COFFEEHOUSE IN ITALY Caffè Florian opened in St. Mark’s Square, where it still stands today, on December 29, 1720.
Coffee Florian in Venice
We LOVED staying here. Great vibe. Fantastic location on a courtyard with lots of dining options, and big rooms. Get ready for your Carnevale celebrations here!
Hotel Aquarius Venice
This is the best hotel in Venice. It looks out at the water and has a prime location. It's absolutely gorgeous.
Hotel Danieli, Venice
The food her was so great, we went 3 times. Amazing pizza. Pasta to die for.
La Patatina di San Giacomo - Google Maps
Osteria Al Squero is a charming tapas-style restaurant. With a variety of vegetarian options and a cozy outdoor seating area along the canal, it's the perfect spot to enjoy some cichetti and a refreshing Aperol spritz.
Osteria Al Squero: A Venetian Gem for Cicchetti Lovers
Homemade pasta? Delicious. Definitely pop in.
Al Vecio Marangon
Don't trust the rating, this place was friendly and delicious. Definitely recommend popping in for an early dinner.
Aciugheta
Try Frittelle & Galani—The Ultimate Carnevale Treats. These limited-time Venetian pastries are everything. Frittelle are deep-fried, sugar-dusted dough balls (often filled with cream or raisins), and galani are crispy, airy ribbons of sweetness.
Pasticceria Tonolo: The Best Bakery in Venice
We stayed here during another visit to Venice, and although it wasn't for Carnival, the rooms were reminiscent of that festive Venetian vibe.
★★★ Hotel Bridge, Venice, Italy
My bestie stayed here and loved it. A great option if you want to stay over in Murano.
Murano Palace
Do & Shop
Libreria. Photographer. Doge. Enough said.
The bookstore is not just a space dedicated to books but rather an authentic representation of the lagoon city – a microcosm of Venetian suggestions with books of all kinds, unique furnishings, the friendly presence of cats, and, of course, the occas...
Libreria Acqua Alta Venezia
You ABSOLUTELY have to hire a professional photographer for a photo sesh of you in your costume and being chic all over Venice. My friend used this photographer and her photos were stunning.
VENICE PHOTOGRAPHER ITALY Kinga Leftska
1
You just won't understand what all the fuss is about unless you take a tour of Palazzo Ducale, the Doge's Place. Get tickets ahead of time via your favorite ticket outlet.
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
If you do nothing else, please please read this list of events. It will give you the real sense of what the Venice Carnival is all about.
Full list of Carnival events!
Venice has a lot of street shows during Carnival so you can be entertained almost anywhere. Jugglers, fire-breathers, musicians, and actors bring the city alive, with pop-up performances happening all over. Campo San Polo often has some of the best a...
Venice Carnival Street Shows
Definitely take a gondola ride! Here's the history.
The History of the Gondola
Browse the books, have a treat, get a glass of wine… this place is the best!
Sulla Luna bookshop & bistro
You will think about this chocolate shop for the rest of your life.
Nino & Friends Chocolate - Venezia, VE
You need souvenirs. Start here. You'll enjoy browsing the little bit of everything.
La Carta Gift Shop