Cafe Culture in Venice

A Free Evening in Venice, Venice

Overview

The evening is one of the best times of day to explore Venice, watching it glow as the sun sets and soft evening light reflects on the city's canals. We recommend starting in the heart of the historic city center at Piazza San Marco and strolling through the lively Cannaregio neighborhood. Here you can experience the Venetian culinary tradition of cichetada, which in the local dialect is the combination of bacaro and cicheto, where you enjoy snacks and drinks. 

Start by soaking up the lively atmosphere in Venice's main square from a table at one of the oldest cafes in Italy. Then, order a locally produced glass of prosecco and enjoy some live music before heading out on your evening stroll. Many points of interest are worth a stop during the walk through the city, including the Rialto Bridge. It can be very busy in the evening as people pause to watch the gondolas on the Grand Canal around sunset.

Rather than crossing the bridge into the Rialto neighborhood, stay on the west side of the canal and explore the quieter Cannaregio district, where you can mingle with the locals at Bacaro bars and avoid the bigger crowds. When you reach Fondamenta della Misericordia, you’ll encounter bar after bar and people sitting alongside the canal with an Aperitivo. This historic area is known as the former Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find the Jewish Museum of Venice and one of the city's synagogues across the canal in the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo

Suggested Points of Interest:
  • Caffe Florian (one of the oldest cafes in Italy)
  • Campo Santa Maria Formosa
  • Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo
  • Casa di Marco Polo
  • Campo del Ghetto Nuovo
Recommended Bars:
  • Caffe Florian is an 18th-century cafe in central Venice. It was the meeting place of artists and poets, including Lord Byron and Casanova. 
  • Paradiso Perduto, along the Fondamenta della Misericordi, is known for amazing Cicchetti (tapas-like snacks) to accompany your Aperitivo. Inside, it feels like a dark jazz bar, where live bands often perform late in the night.
  • Al Timon is popular because of its boat terrace. Thankfully, the Cicchetti and drinks are also both good! It's a memorable place to finish your evening walk as you relax on the water.
Read more about unique and interesting activities in Venice.

Itineraries with A Free Evening in Venice

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 11 Days

Perfect for those looking to explore Northern Italy's range of historical and natural charm, this 11-day trip visits important sites in Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, plus Lake Como and Cinque Terre. Enjoy your trip in style with private guides and transportations ensuring your discovery of museums, art galleries, and monuments, as well as the region's famous prosciutto. Satisfy your bucket list with a gondola ride at sunset, authentic meals in hip neighborhoods, a boat tour of Lake Como's famed mansions, and an incredible hike from one Cinque Terre village to another.

Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast & Rome - 17 Days

Discover Italy's incredible history and beautiful cities on this whirlwind 17-day trip. Explore Venice on foot, try Tuscany's famous gelato and visit art museums in Florence, then check out the turquoise sea and old-timey fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast. Your trip ends in Rome where the ancient Roman Colosseum, world-famous Vatican, and the perfect slice of pizza await.

Veneto and Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Siena & Florence - 14 Days

Families with teens who want to get out and explore (and find the perfect backdrop for their photos) should give this two-week itinerary through the Veneto and Tuscany a try. You'll start in Venice, where you can explore secret passages, craft your own masks, and paddle a gondola. Then head to Verona and Lake Garda, biking through both urban and natural attractions. Wrap up in the Tuscan cities of Siena and Florence with a hot air balloon ride, gelato-making, and more.

Veneto and Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Lake Garda & Siena - 10 Days

Your whole family can fully engage with Italy on this adventurous itinerary, ideally suited for teens with energy to spare. You'll begin in Venice, where you'll craft Carnival masks and explore the secret passages of the city's famous landmarks. After a stop to wander the streets of Verona, you'll head to the park-lined shores of Lake Garda, filled with attractions for all ages. Finish the tour in the Tuscan city of Siena, your base for hot air balloon rides, hikes, and more.