Summary
Despite its plethora of bars, bustling streets, and crowded canals, Venice, Italy, offers a surprisingly relaxed nightlife scene. Unlike cities such as Rome, where parties continue through the night, Venice tends to wind down early, with most visitors returning to their hotels after a day full of sightseeing. However, for those looking for post-dinner drinks, live music, or the opportunity to socialize with locals, Venice remains vibrant long after sunset.
Here are iBestTravel’s top recommendations for the best bars and clubs in Venice, along with areas ideal for bar-hopping.
Campo Santa Margherita
Address: Campo Santa Margherita, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
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Located near Università Ca’ Foscari and approximately 2 kilometers from Piazza San Marco, this lively square is one of the largest in Venice. It attracts a younger, local crowd late at night. You can choose from around ten different bars lining the square, with popular choices including Margaret DuChamp and Caffe Rosso. Most bars are open until 1 or 2 a.m.
Cannaregio’s Canalfront
Address: Cannaregio Canal, 30121 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
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Cannaregio is the most populated sestiere in Venice, resulting in bars along its fondamenta being affordable, welcoming, and full of life. This area is excellent for enjoying dinner, followed by a fun post-dinner bar crawl with several venues open until 1 a.m. Popular picks include Il Paradiso Perduto, Al Timon, and Vino Vero.
Cafè Noir
Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3805, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
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Phone: +39 041 200 7893
Located in Dorsoduro, near the university, Cafè Noir offers innovative cocktails and remains open late every night. They also have an extensive wine and beer selection, alongside delicious bar snacks and cicchetti for those wanting a light bite.
Venice Jazz Club
Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3102, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
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Phone: +39 340 150 4985
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With live music most nights from either its resident quartet or guest artists, Venice Jazz Club is an excellent spot for enjoying concerts while sipping cocktails, wine, or beer. The ambiance is chic and bohemian, perfectly encapsulating the essence of a jazz club, with performances starting at 9 p.m. and finishing at 11 p.m.
American Bar Tarnowska’s
Address: Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 2494, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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Phone: +39 041 520 8333
This hotel bar features a cheerful atmosphere catering to locals and tourists alike. With friendly bartenders, tasty snacks, and unique decor, it stands out in an area that tends to close early, remaining open until midnight. Live music is often part of the experience throughout the week.
Il Mercante
Address: Fondamenta Frari, 2564, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
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Phone: +39 347 829 3158
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Patrons flock to Il Mercante for its expertly crafted cocktails and trendy atmosphere, reminiscent of a sophisticated friend’s living room. The bar’s decor features antique maps and vintage furnishings, reflecting Venice’s rich history as a spice trading hub.
Skyline Rooftop Bar
Address: Giudecca, 810, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy
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Phone: +39 041 272 3316
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The Skyline Rooftop Bar, located atop the Hilton Molino Stucky on Giudecca Island, is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Venice skyline. The venue also offers a stylish atmosphere for enjoying martinis and signature cocktails, with summer events often featuring jazz concerts or DJ performances.
Harry’s Bar
Address: Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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Phone: +39 041 528 5777
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Harry’s Bar is a quintessential Venice experience, historically frequented by famous figures like Hemingway. While it has become a tourist hotspot, enjoying a Bellini cocktail here is a memorable indulgence, despite the higher price point associated with its storied past.
Caffè Florian
Address: P.za San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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Phone: +39 041 520 5641
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Caffè Florian, established in 1720, proudly claims to be the oldest café in Europe, boasting an extraordinary position in St. Mark’s Square. Whether dining in its opulent rooms or enjoying the ambiance on the terrace, it provides a luxurious experience with drinks that are as memorable as the setting.
Casinò di Venezia
Address: C. Seconda del Cristo, 2040, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
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Phone: +39 041 529 7111
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For those drawn to excitement, the Casinò di Venezia is a historic location for gaming enthusiasts. Operated since 1638, the formal atmosphere and elegant setting in a 15th-century palazzo provide a distinctive experience. The casino is open until 2:45 a.m., making it a perfect late-night venue.
Rialto/Fondamenta Vin Castello
Address: Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
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This vibrant area offers a series of restaurants situated along the Fondamenta Vin Castello. Although only a few stay open past 11 p.m., it’s an excellent place to enjoy after-dinner drinks while observing the bustling boat traffic of the Grand Canal.
Nightclubs of Mestre
Address: Mestre, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
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If you seek vibrant nightlife, dark discos, and dancing into the early morning, consider traveling to Mestre. Its spacious venues and affordable setting allow for parties that last until dawn. Notable spots like Molocinque remain popular in this ever-evolving nightlife scene, while Berry Juice offers a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community.
Summer Clubs of Lido and Jesolo
Address: Lido di Jesolo, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
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During the warmer months, young Venetians flock to Lido or Jesolo, two beach towns that separate the Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Here, beach bars transform from day lounges into energetic nightclubs. Aurora Beach Club is a particularly stylish option, perfect for experiencing authentic Italian nightlife.