Venice Nightlife: magical by day and mysterious by night. As the sun sets, Venice unveils a relaxed yet atmospheric nightlife, characterized by refined wine bars and traditional taverns where you can sip a fine wine or a classic spritz and savory aperitifs. Here's where to go out during your nights in Venice.
Venice Nightlife
Famous throughout the world for its canals and magnificent bridges, Venice is a city worth visiting at least once in your lifetime . Millions of tourists flock here every year to admire this magnificent city with its timeless charm. However, it's at dusk that the city empties out and reveals its intimate, authentic atmosphere, amidst the narrow streets and ancient buildings, almost as if suspended back in time.
Indeed, Venice's nightlife is far removed from the vibrant nightlife of Rimini and the trendy evenings of Milan . Although Venice attracts a huge number of tourists every year, the city isn't well-known as a party destination. Some neighborhoods in Venice may seem quite empty after dark, but its center still offers a few options for entertaining once the sun goes down. In Venice's historic center, there are no real nightclubs , but rather a few disco bars, pubs, and cocktail lounges, where locals and young university students gather in the evenings for a few drinks and live music.
Evenings in Venice begin at 6:00 PM with the ritual of aperitivo . The city's bars and taverns fill up at aperitivo hour, when people gather to enjoy a good wine, a Bellini, or the ever-present Spritz , a cocktail made with white wine, soda water, Aperol, or Campari, and a slice of orange. Aperitivo in Venice is truly a ritual: Venetians love wandering around the numerous "bacari ," traditional taverns where you can accompany your drink with delicious "cicchetti" ! Cicchetti are the Venetian version of Spanish tapas and are presented as tasty small plates of various dishes, ranging from fried vegetables to polenta, to cod and typical cheese crostini.
Among the best-known bacari are Paradiso Perduto , Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi , Enoteca al Volto , located near Piazza San Marco and famous for its mini sandwiches, and many others reviewed below. For Venetian street food, stop by Aqua&Mais (Campiello dei Meloni, 1411-1412, Venice) , where for just €5 you can get a mixed fried fish, shrimp, and calamari, served in a paper cone.
After aperitivo, the evening continues in the various bars scattered around Venice's city center. If you're looking to spend the night at a nightclub, you'll want to head to the nearby city of Mestre or, during the summer, head to the Venice Lido, where there are a few beach clubs, or to Jesolo, a seaside resort on the Venetian Riviera popular with young people.
Venice's neighborhoods and nightlife
Venice's nightlife is concentrated in three distinct areas of the historic center.
Erbaria
Erbaria area , near Rialto and the fish market, is the ideal place to have a drink outdoors, meet people, and stay out late. Here, you can grab a bite to eat and mingle with locals and tourists who gather here to enjoy the city's nightlife (especially on summer weekends). The area is populated with both traditional and more modern bars.
Cannaregio:
To the northwest, towards the Cannaregio neighborhood, also known as Fondamenta Misericordia , you'll find a series of wine bars and restaurants on the north side of the canal's main walkway. This area is full of bacari (typical Venetian taverns) and is frequented mostly by locals, with a trendy, vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere. Most of the venues are small, with plenty of seating on the canal where you can watch the boats go by.
Campo Santa Margherita.
A Venetian nightlife institution, Campo Santa Margherita is a popular square among young Venetians thanks to its strategic location, less than 10 minutes from Piazzale Roma and close to Ca' Foscari University, and its high concentration of good bars and bacari where you can eat and drink inexpensively. During the warm season, many people gather here for a Spritz or a beer and to spend a pleasant evening outdoors. There are many small bars and cafes frequented by a young crowd of university students and travelers: the ideal place to socialize with the locals and listen to live music and DJ sets.
St. Mark's Square
If you'd like to spend a quieter evening and soak up the atmosphere of ancient Venice, head to St. Mark's Square and sit at the tables of the various historic cafés dotted around the square. You can enjoy a traditional Venetian aperitif or coffee while sitting comfortably in these elegant lounges, accompanied by the sounds of classical music.
Festivals and events in Venice
Venice is famous for two major events that fill the city with tourists and celebrities: the Carnival and the Film Festival.
Famous for its traditional masks, the Venice Carnival begins the Saturday before Fat Thursday and ends on Shrove Tuesday. During these eleven days, numerous events, parades, and concerts take place throughout the city.
Film buffs shouldn't miss the Venice Film Festival . The event, which runs from late August to mid-September, attracts all the greatest international directors and actors. You can access the festival and see film previews by purchasing tickets.
Classical music lovers won't be disappointed either. The city is renowned for its numerous classical music and opera concerts , performed by important musical groups such as the Musici Veneziani and the Virtuosi di Venezia . The concerts take place in many churches and palaces in the historic center: you can find further information on times and prices on the Music in Venice website .
Theater enthusiasts, however, should head to Venice's most important theaters, including the Teatro La Fenice and the Teatro Malibran. Both offer a rich program of plays, ballet, and opera, with performances by internationally renowned artists.
Finally, an interesting idea might be to spend the evening at the Venice Casino , located in the Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, one of the most fascinating and aristocratic buildings in the city. You'll need to show your ID and pay a 10 euro entry fee, which you can use as a chip. There's also a bar and a high-class restaurant, for those who want to feel like James Bond, despite the cost. Smart attire is required.
Clubs and discos in Venice
Piccolo Mondo 
(Dorsoduro, 1056A, Venice) Open Friday and Saturday from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
Open since 1963 and located a short distance from the university district, Piccolo Mondo is the longest-running nightclub in Venice and the only one in the historic center. Located in what was once an art gallery, the place is a small disco-bar frequented primarily by students who gather here to drink and dance until late at night.
Molocinque
(Via Elettricità, 10, Venice) Located in the former Porto Marghera theater, Molocinque is one of the most popular nightclubs in Venice and the surrounding province . Open year-round, the club features several bars and dance floors and offers a music selection ranging from house, techno, and pop to Latin rhythms and hits from the '70s and '80s. The average age ranges from 20 to 40.
Area Venice
(Via Don Federico Tosatto, 9, Mestre, Venice) Located in the Mestre area, Area Venice is one of Venice's most popular nightclubs . The club hosts events and house music nights with famous Italian DJs on the decks.
Tag Club
(Via Giustizia, 19, Mestre, Venice) Located in Mestre, Tag Club is a small underground nightclub frequented by a young, party-loving crowd. The club offers electronic music evenings alternating with live jazz performances, as well as various events and themed nights. The club's parties always draw a large crowd and often feature famous DJs.
Aurora Beach Club
(Lungomare Gabriele D'Annunzio, Lido, Venice) Located on the beach of Venice's Lido, this club is a key destination for Venice's summer nightlife . With its spectacular lighting, famous DJs on the decks, and delicious fruit cocktails, the Aurora Beach Club is a must-visit for your summer nights in Venice.
Porta Gialla
(San Giuliano Park, Mestre, Venice) Open Tuesday to Friday from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Located in Venice Mestre within San Giuliano Park, Porta Gialla is a popular summer nightclub in Venice. A hub of Venetian nightlife during the summer months, this club combines music, entertainment, and nature in one location.
Pachuka Beach
(Via Ing. Klinger, 1, San Nicolò, Venice) Located right on Lido Beach, Pachuka is the perfect place to escape the city crowds and relax on the beach with delicious seafood, pizza, and pasta. Pachuka transforms from a relaxed beach restaurant during the day to a dance club during the summer evenings, with live music and DJ sets.
Venice Jazz Club
(Dorsoduro 3102, Venice) The only jazz club in Venice dedicated to showcasing local jazz musicians, this romantic, dimly lit venue attracts jazz fans from around the world. Shows at the Venice Jazz Club begin around 9:00 PM, with live concerts five nights a week. Admission is generally €20, which includes a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail.
The bars and pubs of Venice
Paradiso Perduto
(Cannaregio, Fondamenta della Misericordia, 2540, Venice) Open Thursday to Monday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am.
Between art exhibitions and live music, this typical Venetian tavern offers a fantastic atmosphere. Live bands play everything from jazz to rock 'n' roll, and you can enjoy dinner or a glass of wine with some appetizers while listening to the music. This is one of the most popular nightlife spots in Venice . Locals flock here for the great live jazz music on Mondays and, above all, for the incredible food: the chef offers only traditional dishes and changes the menu based on local market availability. Be sure to reserve a table, as the tavern is very popular among Venetians.
Hard Rock Café
(Bacino Orseolo, 1192, Venice) Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The famous Hard Rock Café is also in Venice, located just steps from Piazza San Marco. Housed in a historic building decorated with Murano chandeliers and Venetian floors, the Hard Rock Café Venice is the smallest Hard Rock in Europe . Like other bars in the same chain, here you can enjoy a good drink while listening to great music and enjoying an enchanting view of the Venice canals.
Skyline Rooftop Bar
(Via Giudecca, 810, Venice) Open daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Located on the top floor of the Molino Stucky Hilton , an elegant hotel built in a former mill on Giudecca Island, Skyline is a beautiful rooftop bar offering extraordinary panoramic views of the city of Venice. The spot is perfect for an aperitivo or after-dinner drink, thanks in part to the reasonable prices given the class of the place. The terrace is open to all, and there are many events with live music or DJ sets, even in the summer, when the action moves to the deck and pool. Come here at sunset for a postcard-perfect view.
Il Santo Bevitore
(Fondamenta Diedo, Venice) Open daily from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Located in the Cannaregio area and open late, Il Santo Bevitore is popular with locals and tourists for its wide selection of beers and live music. Choose from over 20 beers on tap, including Trappist beers and seasonal beers, as well as a wide selection of gins, whiskies, and vodkas. Football fans can watch major matches live.
Cafè Noir
(Dorsoduro, Venice) Open Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am, Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am.
With an amazing selection of reasonably priced drinks, this is one of the best pre-club bars in Venice or just a place to relax and chat with friends. Cafè Noir fills up around midnight and is very popular with students and creative types. There are always many Venetian university students, and the bar has a nice, relaxed atmosphere. If you happen to be there around 6:00 pm for an aperitivo, order a glass of Prosecco or spritz and get some appetizers and slices of pizza to accompany your drink.
Harry's Bar
(Calle Vallaresso 1323, Venice) Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
This historic Venetian bar is the original model for all the other Harry's Bars you'll find around the world. The Bellini, a cocktail made with prosecco and white peach pulp, was invented here. Over the course of its history, this bar has been visited by many famous patrons, including Hemingway himself.
The Irish Pub Venezia
(Corte dei Pali, 3847, Venice) Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
An Irish-style bar with a lively atmosphere and a wide selection of excellent beers. The ideal place to spend an evening drinking beer with friends and chatting.
Devil's Forest Pub
(Calle dei Stagneri O de la Fava, Venice) Open daily from 11:00 am to midnight.
Decorated simply like an English pub, but with a pleasant atmosphere, this is a great place to bring a group of friends for a good time. The music is good, and you can watch live sports. While it doesn't have the style of a typical Venetian bar, this place is very popular among locals due to the good drinks at reasonable prices and the friendly bartenders. It's also frequented by many American and British tourists.
Chet Bar
(Dorsoduro 3684, Venice) Open daily from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Always crowded with university students, this small bar offers excellent drinks and a constantly updated cocktail menu. It's also a good stop during the day for a sandwich or one of their seasonal appetizers.
Osteria Ai Pugni
(Fondamenta Gherardini, 2836, Venice) Open daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Locals love the festive atmosphere and young, friendly staff at Osteria Ai Pugni , located in the Dorsoduro area near the university. The crowd is a mix of all ages, and prices are low by Venetian standards. The creative spirit shines through in the playful decor of wine bottle chandeliers and local artwork, along with monthly DJ nights. The bar frequently hosts wine tastings and other not-to-be-missed events.
Bar Dandolo
(Calle Seconda de la Fava, 4196, Venice) Open daily from 9:30 am to 1:00 am.
Located in the luxurious 14th-century Hotel Danieli , Bar Dandolo pampers its guests with its stunning setting, featuring Murano chandeliers, silk furnishings, and elegant staff. Cocktails are crafted to perfection, and there are also live music performances. Without a doubt, one of the most elegant bars in Venice .
Margaret Duchamp
(Campo Santa Margherita, 3019, Venice) Open daily from 9:00 am to 2:00 am.
This Venice bar is popular with young people and fills up after midnight. There's an extensive menu of cocktails, wines, and beers, as well as a good selection of pub food, such as sandwiches, burgers, and piadinas.
LondraBar
(Riva degli Schiavoni, 4171, Venice) Located on the 4th floor of the Londra Palace hotel, LondraBar is an international cocktail bar with a beautiful terrace offering a splendid view of the canals of Venice.
AquAlta
(Piazza 27 Ottobre, 37, Mestre, Venice) Open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm, and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Located in Mestre and featuring modern, trendy decor, AquAlta is one of the best bars to start the night before heading to the club. Here you can enjoy a glass of wine or prosecco, accompanied by excellent appetizers, including various cheeses and cured meats.
El Refolo
(Sestiere Castello, 1580, Venice) Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight.
A welcoming wine bar popular with locals. Enjoy a Spritz or a good glass of wine while sampling the cheese and cured meat appetizers.
El Sbarlefo
(Calle S. Pantalon, 3757, Venice) Open daily from 10:00 am to midnight.
If you want to escape the lively student scene of Campo Santa Margherita, head to this laid-back wine bar with its industrial chic, sophisticated rock and blues soundtrack, and live music on weekends. The place is popular for its extensive regional wine list and excellent appetizers, such as robiola cheese wrapped in smoked swordfish and polenta with herring.
Al Timon
(Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754, Venice) Open daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Located in Canareggio along a quiet canal frequented by trendy Venetians, Al Timon is a dining osteria offering excellent wines and delicious Venetian cicchetti. You can even enjoy an aperitivo on the boat docked right in front of the bar, where you can sip your drink and chat with others on board right on the water. There's often live music.
Skillà Bar
(Dorsoduro 2995/2996, Venice) Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 am, Sunday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Located in Campo Santa Margherita, one of Venice's most authentic neighborhoods, this bar is every student's first stop on a night out in Venice. Low prices and friendly bartenders.
Osteria Da Filo
(Santa Croce, 1539, Venice) Open Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
This osteria is also known as “Osteria alla Poppa .” A lovely bacaro where you can enjoy a reasonably priced glass of wine and a bite to eat during the day, and a place to hang out with friends at night. They play live music once a week. This bar is very popular with young people, mostly students, and fills up with locals and visitors until everyone spills out into the open air. Wednesday nights feature live music ranging from rock to folk and jazz. Expect a hipster atmosphere, cheap and tasty cocktails—try the house specialty “Zaza,” a potent rum and fresh ginger punch.
Caffè Rosso
(Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2963, Venice) Open Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 1:00 am.
Founded in the late 1800s, Caffè Rosso is a historic Venetian café located in Campo Santa Margherita. It shares a peculiar history with the "Ostaria al Capon" across the street. In the 19th century, these two establishments hosted two opposing political viewpoints and were a hub for debates and battles of words. Today, it's popular with students and Venetians, and is a great place to enjoy a spritz accompanied by a tasty tramezzino. In the evenings and nights, it's packed with young people.
Caffe Florian
(Piazza San Marco, 57, Venice) Open daily from 9:00 am to midnight.
Founded in 1720 and located in Piazza San Marco, the Florian is the oldest café in Italy and one of the most popular coffeehouses in Venice , beloved by locals and tourists alike. Throughout its history, the Florian has been visited by figures such as Dickens, Lord Byron, Silvio Pellico, Carlo Goldoni, Foscolo, Goethe, Proust, and many others. A piece of Venetian nightlife history .
Vino Vero
(Fondamenta Misericordia, 2497, Venice) Open Monday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to midnight.
This wine bar with exposed brick walls offers interesting small-scale wines, including a wide selection of natural and biodynamic labels. Their cicchetti selection is also impressive, drawing a large crowd every evening that spills out onto the canal.
Iguana
(Calle Aseo, 1885, Venice) Open Wednesday to Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
One of the few Mexican restaurants in Venice. The restaurant is worth a visit for the mojitos they make. It's always busy on weekends, not only for food but also for drinks. This lovely place is located on the lively Fondamenta della Misericordia. Reservations are recommended.
Al Parlamento
(Sestiere Cannaregio, 511, Venice) Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
This popular Venice bar offers delicious aperitifs accompanied by tasty tramezzini. Draped ship ropes accentuate the canal view from the large front windows. Live music or DJ sets are available on some evenings.
Il Mercante Venezia
(Fondamenta Frari, 2564, Venice) Open Tuesday to Thursday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, and Sunday from 6:00 PM to midnight.
Elegant and playful, Il Mercante aims to take cocktail lovers on a journey. Located near Campo de Frari in San Polo, this bar tells stories of world exploration through expertly crafted cocktails with exotic spices and flavors like The Captain's Death, a dangerous blend of pepper gin. One sip and you'll understand why this place was named one of Italy's best bars by the prestigious Gambero Rosso .
Estro
(Dorsoduro 3778 Crosera, Calle S. Pantalon, Venice) Open Wednesday to Monday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
This artsy wine bar in Dorsoduro lives up to its name. Local artwork, artisanal glassware, and a recycled wood bar serve as a backdrop to the selection of wine bottles lining the walls. This is the place to experience a breath of fresh, modern Venice while sampling wines from small regional producers and organic wines.
Birreria Zanon
(Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2735, Venice) Open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
A cool neighborhood vibe permeates this small bar on the Cannaregio canal, offering a glimpse of local life away from the tourist trail. Young Venetians flock to the fondamenta from early afternoon until the wee hours, sipping Spritz or sampling craft beers while devouring tasty cicchetti.
Cantina Arnaldi
(Santa Croce, 35, Venice) Open Thursday to Tuesday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am.
With exposed brick walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and an interesting wine selection, this Santa Croce wine bar exudes old-world charm. The friendly owners are always behind the counter, happy to guide you through the wines of the Tri-Veneto region. The charcuterie and cheese platter is also excellent.
Taverna al Remer
(Cannaregio, 5701, Venice) Open daily from 12:00 noon to midnight.
For a unique view of the Rialto Bridge, head to Taverna al Remer : in a small, hidden square near the bridge, this location offers fantastic photos of the Rialto from the Grand Canal. The taverna offers an excellent happy hour menu with a wide selection of cicchetti, including warm bruschetta topped with a delicate cod cream and olives, or delicious rosemary-infused baked potatoes. Plus, every Wednesday there's live jazz and blues music.
