Sometimes difficult to find and it might be different to what you are used to, but there’s lots of things going on at night time in Venice.
Walking around at night the city can seem a little dead and empty but if you know where to look and if you’re prepared to opt for classical music, or settle for what back home would count as a fairly quiet night out – with the amazing scenery and air of romance, it might just be an evening you will always remember.
Late Bars & Pubs
Venetians tend to eat early then head to their favourite bar or pub for a laid back chat with friends. Usually the bars that are open late not in the tourist areas. Campo Santa Margherita in Dorsoduro, or Fondamenta della Misericordia in the northern Cannaregio area will provide you with plenty of night time fun. Campo Santa Margherita is a favourite student haunt and one of the few areas of Venice that stays open late into the night. Here you can find the Rosso, the Bleu, the Noir and the Orange. Locals and students galore flock to the Orange Bar for the friendly vibe and reasonably priced cocktails, there’s a private courtyard with terrace heaters for the smokers too.
Clubbing
When a night of clubbing is required, the locals leave the city behind and head for the mainland towns of Mestre and Marghera, which are just across the lagoon. But the time-honoured dance-till-you-drop mecca during the warmer months is the beach resort of Lido di Jesolo, 50km north east of Venice. From the Pietà vaporetto stop near St Mark’s, take line LN to Punta Sabbioni (note that you’ll have to get a night vaporetto to Lido to pick up this service if you’re travelling between 12.30am and 5am). There’s a bus on from there to Lido di Jesolo, where you’ll be spoilt for dancing choice: just walk the seafront until you find your vibe. Il Muretto is a classic, with local and international DJs playing some serious house. Or bop beneath the palm trees to hip hop and R&B at the Vanilla Club.
