After your Venice boat tour you can enjoy a typical Venetian aperitivo! Venice, with its labyrinthine alleys and picturesque canals, offers a unique and charming backdrop for enjoying the Italian ritual of aperitivo. The city comes alive in the evening as locals and tourists alike gather in bacari (traditional Venetian taverns) to sip on a spritz or a glass of wine accompanied by cicchetti, small plates of Venetian tapas. Here are some of the best districts in Venice to enjoy this beloved tradition.
Keep reading: Venice by boat – Aperitivo culture in Venice
Cannaregio and Fondamenta Misericordia
Cannaregio, one of Venice’s six sestieri, is a bustling district renowned for its vibrant nightlife. Fondamenta Misericordia, a long, lively street running alongside a canal of the same name, is particularly famous for its plethora of bacari and restaurants.
Highlights:
Paradiso Perduto: A renowned spot in Cannaregio, offering live music and a great selection of seafood dishes. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Al Timon: Known for its delicious cicchetti and the unique experience of dining on a boat moored in the canal.
Il Santo Bevitore and Birreria Zanon: Perfect for beer lovers, these pubs offer a wide variety of brews in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Cicchetteria Venexiana da Luca e Fred: Ideal for a quieter evening with excellent cicchetti.
Oficina Ormesini: Offers a romantic setting for an aperitivo or dinner.
Why Cannaregio?
Cannaregio is the epitome of Venetian nightlife. It is not only the home to numerous popular bars and bacari, but also the historic Venice Casino, open since 1638. This area allows you to mingle with locals, making it a more authentic Venetian experience.
San Polo and Erbaria
San Polo, and particularly the Erbaria area near the Rialto Bridge, is another hotspot for evening socializing. Overlooking the Grand Canal, this area is famous for its lively atmosphere and plethora of outdoor seating.
Highlights:
Bar All’Arco: A historic bacaro known for its exceptional cicchetti and wines.
Cantina do Mori: Venice’s oldest bacaro, dating back to 1462, with a unique, historic ambiance.
Bacarando in Corte dell’Orso: Offers live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Bacaro Jazz: A jazz club perfect for music lovers.
Cantina Do Spade: Offers a more tranquil setting, ideal for a relaxed evening.
Osteria Bancogiro: Located near the Rialto Bridge, perfect for a romantic dinner or aperitivo.
Why San Polo?
San Polo’s Erbaria area is teeming with bars and pubs, making it a central meeting spot for both Venetians and tourists. The location is easily accessible from various parts of Venice, adding to its popularity.
Campo Santa Margherita
Campo Santa Margherita, located in the Dorsoduro district, is a favorite among Venice’s younger crowd, including university students from nearby Ca’ Foscari University.
Highlights:
Piccolo Mondo: A disco club offering lively nightlife.
Caffè Rosso: A cozy bar known for its spritz and local ambiance.
Venice Jazz Club: Features live jazz music, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Margaret DuChamp: A trendy spot for cocktails and socializing.
Cafè Noir: Popular for its affordable drinks and laid-back vibe.
Ristorante Oniga: Offers a romantic setting for an aperitivo or dinner.
Why Campo Santa Margherita?
This area is particularly vibrant in the evenings, with a young, energetic atmosphere. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a spritz while soaking up the lively vibe of Venice’s student population.
Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or a quiet evening drink, Venice has something to offer everyone. From the bustling bacari of Cannaregio and San Polo to the youthful energy of Campo Santa Margherita and the tranquil charm of Piazza San Marco, each district provides a unique take on the Venetian aperitivo tradition. So, grab a spritz, savor some cicchetti, and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of this enchanting city.
