After hours in Venice

‘Venice is notorious for its lack of nightlife’ – Boy did we prove this statement wrong!

You must experience Venice after dark, the city is quiet, calm and minus the masses of tourists. Opening up a whole new world; whilst you’re wandering aimlessly in the dark through the labyrinth of winding streets. It brings a sense of excitement about what you will encounter around the next corner.

Venice has the reputation of being shut down early, with restaurants and bars being closed down as early as 10pm. This is not true at all, we visited in November being classed as a quieter month and this is not the case.

Ideas of what to do/ Where to go: –

• Many opt for a relaxing gondola ride under the moon light sky. Although they cost lots more after dark, this is a must for visiting romantics.
• Experience the splendour of Venice at night with a guided walking tour, learning about the history and top sites. Many companies offer these tours.
• Find little, hidden bars enjoy a local wine and sample cicheti (tapas like bar snacks) like the locals do.
• Enjoy a full Italian candlelight dinner under the stars, move a little away from the famous sights such as St Mark’s square and the Grand Canal and you’ll discover more charming romantic corners.
• Dance until sunrise in a number of wild clubs the city has to offer. Many don’t favour this option, as a full days sightseeing take its toll on you.

Our top recommendations: –

• Bacaro Jazz bar, or should I say ‘bra bar’ from all the women’s bra’s hanging from the ceiling! Conveniently located near the Rialto Bridge this place stays open till as late as 3am. Live Sports, good music and some good food is also found at this fun bar, so whether you choose to wine, or dine, or both, you can’t go wrong! Popular choices are the Scallop kebab with rosemary, bbq chicken wings, and the prosciutto di Parma (dry-cured ham) with warm rosemary focaccia. It has large television screens which show live football (Italian league matches are often shown) and it seems to pull in many people, tourists and non-tourists alike. Great ‘fun’ feature of the bar are the dozens and dozens of bras hanging from the ceiling! Apparently, according to bar staff, all donated!! A great bar / restaurant with a fun, funky atmosphere! Happy hour is popular too – Definitely worth a look…

• We decided to have a crazy night out, visiting the ‘Casino Divenezia’ for a splurge after it had being recommended. The building was beautiful and we were greeted with a smile and no dress code is needed here either! Entrance registration is free because you get back 10 euro to try your luck. Being a total beginner to the gambling world, I had such fun. The main room upstairs had a few tables and there were a few smaller rooms with machines with all sorts on.

• One of our favourite places earlier on in the night was the trendy Hilton hotels ‘Skyline Rooftop Bar’ situated on ‘Giudecca Island’, just 5 minutes away across the water. The bar’s located on the roof top of the hotel, offering breath-taking views of Venice at night. It offers a free shuttle boat to and from Venice. The perfect place to share a bottle of prosecco, whilst gazing out at the night-light sky of Venice.

 

• The best evening we had been walking back from the water front through the winding alleyways and along the quiet canals. Popping in and out of various off licences and bars along the way. This was so much fun! You don’t notice these places in daylight but it all comes alive at night. Drinking local wine, eating cicheti (small bar snacks) and chatting to locals. Our own bars crawl in to the wee hours…

I could not get enough of Venice and loved every moment I was there – exploring the city at night was both exciting and utterly enchanting!