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Looking for things to do at Venice Italy night? Here are the 10 top experiences like moonlit gondola rides, after-hours tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and live jazz sessions.
Get to know Venice Italy night after dark? Yes, in this post by Bar Do Draghi of Venice, located in Dorsoduro district.
1. Venice Italy night: Take a Gondola Ride
One of the first things to know about Venice Italy night? Absolutely this: as night falls over Venice, start your evening gondola ride along the city’s night time canals.
The water lapping against the boat and the lights from the docks and bridges will create an intimate atmosphere perfect for couples or anyone who wants to experience Night Venice at its best.
As you glide along the Grand Canal you will see:
- illuminated landmarks and historic palaces
- lights reflected on the water, great for photography
- bridges and narrow waterways
- your gondolier might even sing traditional Italian love songs to you, to make the atmosphere even more romantic
To make your experience even more special, consider taking your gondola ride during the blue hour, just after sunset. This is when the sky turns blue and the city’s illuminated buildings will be even more beautiful.
Prices for night rides are slightly higher than daytime ones, but it’s worth it. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket as the evening breeze can be cold on the water.
2. Venice Italy night: St. Mark’s Basilica
Another of the things to do in Venice at night is to visit St. Mark's Square. After your gondola ride, stay on and enjoy an after-hours tour of St. Mark’s Basilica. As the doors close to the public and the crowds go away, a guard will open the basilica for a few privileged ones, a unique chance to see this iconic landmark alone.
Limited to small groups of 25 people, this tour will give you an up close look to one of the most famous landmarks in Venice.
Step inside and you will be immediately struck by the golden mosaics that cover the interior of the basilica. In the evening light they will take on a new dimension, the gold will shimmer with an ethereal glow.
With no daytime crowds you will be able to appreciate the grandeur of the basilica and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
This special tour will give you access to areas of the basilica that are usually closed to the public, including the crypt where St. Mark’s bones are believed to be and the Pala d’Oro, a Byzantine altarpiece with over 1,900 gems, without the daytime crowds.
As you visit these hidden gems your guide will tell you all about the history and art of the basilica, it will be an educational and unforgettable evening.
3. Venice Italy night: Cicchetti and Wine in a Bacaro
Here we are at the third obligatory stage of Venice Italy night.
After the opera, indulge in a Venetian tradition: the aperitif, also known as “spritz hour”. Go to one of the charming bacari - ancient taverns that offer a rustic and authentic dining experience.
These small establishments, often hidden in narrow streets, are characterized by wooden furniture and golden lighting, the perfect setting for a late night snack and drink.
The star of the show in any bacaro is the cicchetti - local specialties to be enjoyed between 6 pm and 9 pm. These small bites, from 1 to a few euros each, are a taste of Venetian food. Some cicchetti options are:
- Sardines in saor (sweet and sour sardines)
- Marinated anchovies
- Venetian liver
- Creamed salt cod on toasted bread
Try your cicchetti with a local wine, an “ombra de vin” in Venetian dialect or with the famous spritz cocktail to really experience the Venetian way. To be like a local drink wine with your cicchetti.
For a special experience join a Bacaro tour. This “aperitif on the go” will allow you to:
- Visit different Venetian districts like San Polo, Castello and Dorsoduro
- Try different cicchetti and wines
- Hop from one bacaro to another and satisfy your taste buds
- Discover hidden corners of the city and mingle with locals and get the inside scoop on the real Venetian nightlife
It’s a tasty and fun way to end the evening or to fuel up for more night time adventures as the night falls with food.
4. Venice Italy night: Ghosts of Venice tour
We have arrived at the fourth stage of Venice Italy night. As the night falls on the city, discover the mysterious history of Venice with a ghostly walking tour. These tours usually take place in the atmospheric Cannaregio district, full of hidden corners and history.
For two hours you will be led by knowledgeable guides through dimly lit alleys and quiet campos, they will tell you myths, legends and ghostly sightings that are part of the Venetian folklore.
The tour is not just about scary stories, it’s a way to explore the less touristy parts of the city and to learn about the darker side of Venice. You will hear dramatic love stories, accounts of crimes that ended in tragedy and legends that have been passed down through the generations.
As you walk in the footsteps of the Venetians of the past the city’s canals and ancient buildings will take on a new, mysterious shape. This tour is a mix of history, culture and entertainment, a different Venice than the one you will find in the guidebooks.
5. Venice Italy night: Live jazz at Venice Jazz Club
Fifth experience on Venice Italy night? Can't miss the Venice Jazz Club. For music lovers an evening in Venice is not complete without a visit to the famous Venice Jazz Club in the Dorsoduro district.
This small club is a lively nightlife experience, live jazz every night. As you enter you will be surrounded by the warm and cozy atmosphere that has made this club a local and tourist favorite.
The club features different kind of jazz, from traditional to modern, local and international musicians.
Before the show you can have dinner at the club, to prepare for an evening of great music.
As the night goes on and the music flows you will be swept away by the performances and the conviviality.
Whether you are a jazz lover or just looking for a special night out in Venice the Venice Jazz Club will give you an experience that will capture the romantic and artistic soul of the city.
6. Venice Italy night: Walk along the canals
For the sixth experience on Venice Italy night, you can aim for a walk along the canals.
After the jazz music is over use the quiet of the night to walk along the canals of Venice, to enjoy the magic of the city at night. A night walk will give you a peaceful and romantic view of the city, away from the daytime crowds.
The area around the Rialto Bridge is particularly beautiful at night, with the ancient buildings lit up and reflected in the water below.
Go to St Mark’s Square, also known as San Marco Square, where the facades of the basilica and the surrounding buildings are lit up.
For a more quiet experience go to the Cannaregio district, famous for its canals and local atmosphere. As you walk stop on the bridges to take great pictures of the light on the water and the shadows on the ancient walls.
Venice is safe at night but always better to be aware of your surroundings. Wear comfortable shoes to walk on the cobblestone streets and bridges.
If you are new to the city consider to start your visit with a street food tour led by a local. This will help you to get your bearings and to discover some of the Venetian cuisine.
As you walk remember that the best view of the Grand Canal at night is from the Rialto Bridge - a great spot to end your night walk.
7. Venice Italy night tour: Bar Do Draghi
During the seventh experience in Venice Italy night tour you have to go to Bar Do Draghi.
Bar Do Draghi in Venice is the perfect mix of intimate atmosphere and fun for your evenings in Venice Italy at night. At night, this venue comes alive with a lively clientele of Venetians and travelers looking for an authentic experience.
Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the more intimate Venice Italy at night, it is the ideal place to sip a glass of Prosecco and all drink typical venetian while the city falls asleep and the canals reflect the lights of lanterns. A place where stories intertwine and the Venetian night becomes pure poetry.
8. Venice night Italy tour: Seafood at a hidden restaurant
A seafood dish at a hidden restaurant is not to be missed during the night tour of Venice Italy.
After your night walk satiate your hunger with a late night dinner at one of the lesser known restaurants of Venice. These hidden gems are often located away from the main tourist areas and will give you a more intimate and authentic dining experience.
These hidden gems are where you will find the freshest seafood in Venice, prepared with traditional recipes and modern twist. Whether you are enjoying grilled fish at Hostaria Castello in Castello or seafood pasta at Trattoria Antica Bessetta in San Polo you will taste the real Venetian cuisine.
The intimate atmosphere of these restaurants, often family run and full of local history, is the perfect setting for a memorable dinner. As you eat surrounded by the soft Venetian conversations and the gentle clinking of the glasses you will feel like you have discovered a secret of Venice known only to the locals.
9. Tour Venice Italy night: Classical music at San Vidal
During this experience-filled tour of Venice Italy by night, classical music could not be missed.
To end your evening in style go to the Church of San Vidal for a classical music concert. At 8:30 pm the church will come alive with Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” performed by the famous Interpreti Veneziani ensemble.
This 90 minutes concert is the perfect mix of music and atmosphere, you will be transported back to the golden age of Venetian classical music.
Before the concert start take some time to admire the interior of the church. San Vidal has a single nave with a vaulted ceiling and beautiful 17th century paintings.
Art lovers will enjoy the works of Pellegrini, Piazzetta and Vittore Carpaccio that are on display. The combination of beautiful art and moving music is an unforgettable experience.
While the Interpreti Veneziani’s “Four Seasons” is the main event, San Vidal hosts classical concerts all year round.
Whether you are a classical music enthusiast or just a casual listener the acoustics and the intimate atmosphere of the church are the perfect setting to enjoy these masterpieces. And as a bonus there is no dress code so you can enjoy the world class music after a long day of walking in Venice.
10. Tour Venice night: Sunset at Giudecca Island
To conclude tour of experience on Venice night, go and watch the sunrise on Giudecca Island in Venice.
To end your Venetian night in style go to Giudecca Island and watch the sunset.
This often forgotten island has some of the best views of Venice so it’s the perfect spot to see the sun go down and the sky turn pink.
The peaceful atmosphere of Giudecca is a nice contrast to the main islands, you can relax and think about your day as you enjoy the views.
For a sunset to remember go to the Skyline rooftop bar famous for its views of the lagoon, the city and the occasional glimpse of a Venetian palace.
Or the Hilton Molino Stucky’s rooftop has another great spot. While you enjoy your aperitivo watch the last sunbeams on the water and the domes and bell towers of Venice will be lit up in gold.
This is the perfect moment to end your Venetian night.
FAQ on Venice night
Is Venice safe at night?
Yes, Venice is safe to walk around at night but be aware of your surroundings, stick to lit areas and keep your belongings safe.
What to wear for a night out in Venice?
Smart casual for most restaurants and bars, slightly more formal for opera or classical concerts but no dress code. Have fun!
How late do restaurants and bars stay open?
Restaurants in Venice close around 10 or 11 pm but bars and bacari can stay open later, some until 1 or 2 am in the main nightlife areas. Enjoy!
Do I need to book gondola rides or concerts in advance?
Yes, it’s better to book popular activities like gondola rides and concerts in advance especially during peak season to avoid availability and disappointment.
Are there night markets or late night shopping in Venice?
No, there is no night shopping or night markets in Venice. Shops close early and only a few around St. Mark’s Square during peak season.