A Free Evening in Venice, Venice

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.