20 Things To Do In Venice At Night

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Venice is an ancient city with a rich history, and not many cities can compare to its beauty. When the sun sets and the day trippers leave, the beautiful city of Venice remains one of the best places to explore. Whatever you decide to do in Venice at night will allow you to experience the city’s charm.

Venice’s rich history and diverse cultural traditions provide an outstanding experience. So, this fantastic city has lots to offer, whether you go to the theatre, eat at a fine restaurant, drink at a trendy bar, explore a historic palace, or attend a concert. Here’s a list of 20 things to do in Venice at night.

Venice At Night

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20 Things To Do In Venice At Night

1- View Interesting Exhibits At Doge’s Palace

venice italy gondola at night
The Doge’s Palace in Piazza San Marco in Venice at night.

The Doge’s Palace, a sizable, majestic structure, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice, built in the Venetian Gothic style.

For centuries, the Doge’s Palace served as the home of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic.

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During a tour of the palace, you will be amazed by its artistic treasures, such as the beautiful gold staircase and other stunning works of art.

You can walk across the infamous Bridge of Sighs that connects the palace to the state prison.

It was from this bridge that prisoners got their final glimpse of Venice before they were taken to their cells.

You can also see a few old prison cells within the palace walls, including the one where Casanova was held until his legendary escape.

The palace is open every day until 7 pm at Piazza San Marco 1, 30124 Venice. Skip the line and reserve an entry to this famous museum here.

2- Take a Nighttime Gondola Ride

venice carnival at night
Going on a gondola ride is one of the most romantic things to do in Venice at night.

Venice is known worldwide for its gondolas, and there’s no better way to see the city at night than from a gondola cruising along its famous waterways.

As your gondola slowly moves through the canals of Venice, you’ll enjoy the sound of silence and the gentle evening breeze and admire the beautiful city coloured by the sunset and the reflections from the water.

While on a gondola ride, you will also have the opportunity to view some exquisite palaces and renowned theatres.

Take advantage of a private nighttime gondola ride when visiting Venice, and share the thrilling adventure with your partner, family, or friends. Book your tickets in advance here.

3- Explore Art At Palazzo Venier Dei Leoni

where to go at night in venice
The Doge’s Palace is next to the San Marco bell tower in Venice at night.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a modern art museum in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal and is one of many great museums in Venice.

The museum was founded by Peggy Guggenheim, a famous American art collector, and features her collection of 20th-century American and European art.

You will be amazed by rare works by avant-garde artists like Miro, Magritte, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and many others.

Even though the museum is usually busy during the day, it is also open for private viewings and guided tours nearly every evening, offering visitors the chance to see both the permanent and changing exhibitions that are kept there.

Purchase a ticket here to visit one of Italy’s most significant cultural landmarks. The museum is open daily until 6 pm except on Tuesdays at Dorsoduro, 701-704, 30123, Venice.

4- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica After Dark

venice boardwalk at night
San Marco square with Campanile and Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Located in Venice’s famous St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most popular tourist spots.

It’s one of the world’s most beautiful churches and looks especially beautiful when lit up at night.

Inside St. Mark’s Basilica, you’ll discover some incredible works of Byzantine art, and the marble floor inlays and golden mosaics are second to none.

The church can get crowded during the day, so after-hours is a great time to visit.

Also, the church is surrounded by bars, cafes, and street musicians offering late-night classical music performances, all of which bring the area to life at night.

Discover the beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice with this skip-the-line ticket.

5- Watch a Show at La Fenice Opera House

things to do at night in venice Interior of La Fenice Theatre.
La Fenice Theatre (The Phoenix) is an opera house and one of the most famous and renowned landmarks in the history of Italian theatre.

The La Fenice Opera House is right in the middle of Venice, not far from St. Mark’s Square.

Built in 1790, the La Fenice is now considered one of the best theatres in Europe and has hosted performances from renowned Italian composers like Verdi, Rossini, and Bellini.

The theatre was last restored in the 1800s after being destroyed by a fire, earning it the nickname “La Fenice,” which means “The Phoenix.”

Each year, La Fenice hosts more than 100 opera performances, dance shows, live orchestra performances, and other cultural events.

Since most performances usually start in the evening, you can see one after dinner.

Even if you don’t have time to watch the show, the beautiful setting is just as fascinating as the great music. Skip the lines to visit Venice’s La Fenice Opera House.

6- Go On A Sunset Dinner Cruise

gondola ride in venice at night
Gondolas in Venice at night are a beautiful sight.

Another way to discover the magic of Venice as night sets is to take a fantastic sunset dinner cruise on a Venetian boat.

On a sunset dinner cruise, you can take in Venice’s views, charm and beauty while admiring the stately palaces that line the canals and distinctive bridges.

Soak up the magical atmosphere that you can find only in Venice.

You’ll get a feel for the serenity of the beautiful city of Venice by taking a dinner cruise aboard a Venetian boat.

While you take in the fantastic views of the city from the water, an onboard chef prepares a range of dishes you can enjoy while you are on the boat.

Book your tickets in advance here to enjoy a sunset dinner cruise through the Venetian Lagoon.

7- Tour The Leonardo Da Vinci Museum 

venice at night painting
Leonardo Da Vinci: Annunciation, 1475 – oil on wood.

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Venice places emphasis on the life and work of one of the world’s greatest artists and inventors.

In the four sections of the museum (earth, water, air, and fire), you can get a close look at an intriguing collection of machines built based on Da Vinci’s original plans.

Some of the models can be tested because they were made to match the proportions and, in some cases, even the sizes of the drawings in the Da Vinci Code.

You can also see illuminated, high-resolution copies of some of Leonardo’s most famous works of art and some of his most important studies of the human body.

Explore both his medical work and artistic accomplishments to build a better understanding of Da Vinci by getting an entrance ticket to the museum.

The museum is open daily until 6 pm at Campo S. Rocco, 3052, 30125, Venice.

8- Explore The National History Museum Venice

gondolas in venice at night
The Grand Canal at sunset in Venice, Italy.

The Natural History Museum of Venice is located in the popular 13th-century Fondaco dei Turchi, which overlooks the Grand Canal.

You’ll be drawn to the interesting things on display as soon as you walk in.

On the first floor of the building, the fossils of a young cachalot and a 20m finback whale can be seen.

The most popular section is upstairs, where you can see two extraordinary dinosaur fossils, prehistoric crocodiles, and a number of other interesting displays.

In addition to the show, the museum has a vast collection of more than two million pieces, including plant, insect, and animal specimens, as well as fossils and ethnographic collections.

This excellent Natural History Museum is a must-see when you’re in Venice.

With an entrance ticket, you can spend time in this beautiful building and look at the many collections and exhibits it houses.

The museum is open Monday until 6 pm at Salizada del Fontego dei Turchi, 1730, 30135, Venice. 

9- Go On An Evening Tour

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Venice at night is illuminated by street lights.

Very few experiences compare to walking around Venice and taking in the beautiful atmosphere, especially at night.

This allows you to learn more about the city and have a deeper understanding of its history, culture, and lifestyle.

Enjoy a night in Venice like a local, go on a street food tour, a food and wine tour and stop at some of the best restaurants and wine bars.

Try popular Cicchetti dishes, drink Italian wines and local drinks, and learn about the unique culinary traditions of Venice. Or go on a guided tour beneath Venice’s palaces and churches to explore underground crypts and hidden tombs.

Going on a tour with a local will help you learn more about the city and get a better idea of what makes it unique.

10- Explore Campo Santa Margherita

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Piazza San Marco in Venice at night.

Campo Santa Margherita is a busy public square in the Dorsoduro district of Venice.

During the day, locals and tourists love to visit this beautiful area, while this Venetian piazza has an electric atmosphere at night.

It is a fabulous place with buildings that showcase traditional Venetian design from the 14th and 15th centuries, and because students from the nearby University of Venice are always there, the area is constantly busy and full of life.

Around the square are cafes and restaurants, as well as benches and trees where you may unwind and enjoy the pleasant Venetian atmosphere.

In addition, the Piazzale Roma, which is the entrance to the city, is close by, as are a few other important landmarks.

11- Have A Drink At Harry’s Bar

romantic venice at night Bellini champagne cocktail isolated on white background.
Drinking Bellini is one of the iconic things to do in Venice at night.

Harry’s Bar is a popular bar and restaurant in Venice that lives up to its name as a fun place to go after dark.

It was founded by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1931 and has hosted many famous people over the years, including Ernest Hemingway, Frank Lloyd Wright, Jimmy Stewart and Charlie Chaplin.

One of the specialties served at this bar is the Carpaccio, which is thinly sliced or pounded raw meat or fish that can be eaten as an appetiser or for dinner.

In addition to serving traditional Italian food, Harry’s Bar is known for serving enticing cocktails like the dry martini and the Bellini drink, which is made with Prosecco and peach purée or nectar.

As it’s close to the centre, finding Harry’s Bar at night when visiting Venice won’t be a challenge.

Harry’s Bar is at Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 Venezia VE.

12- Listen To Live Music At Venice Jazz Club

venice things to do at night A guitar and piano jass style background for a poster.
Listing to jazz is one of the cool things to do in Venice at night.

If you’re a fan of Jazz music, going to the Venice Jazz Club at night is a great thing to do in Venice.

Located close to Campo Santa Margherita, the Venice Jazz Club is, without a doubt, a hidden gem that not many people get to see.

The Venice Jazz Club is housed in a small, cozy space that can accommodate about 50 people in a friendly atmosphere.

Jazz is played here in various styles, and many talented musicians will captivate you with their musical prowess, including the bar owner who plays the piano.

The club hosts performances by famous and emerging musicians, but whenever you visit, you’ll listen to great jazz in an intimate environment over drinks and dinner.

Venice Jazz Club is at Dorsoduro, 3102, 30123 Venezia VE.

13- Have Drinks At The Caffé Florian

what to do in venice at night
Caffe Florian in St. Marks Square is a top spot for a drink in Venice at night.

Caffè Florian on Piazza San Marco has been open since 1720 and is one of Italy’s oldest and most beautiful cafes.

Today, the cafe is popular with tourists to visit, and a trip there would be well worth it, given its charm and beauty.

Since its inception, The Florian has marketed itself as a place where you can get only the finest modern and traditional drinks.

Early patrons have included Henry James, Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, and Casanova, and people from far and wide still flock here daily.

Recently, celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been spotted there.

Your chances of snaring a table are higher in the evening and the café offers live music after dark, making it a fantastic place to relax.

Caffé Florian is at P.za San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE. This guided walking tour stops at Caffe Florian.

14- Read Books At Libreria Acqua Alta

venice italy carnival at night
Looking for old books in Acqua Alta bookstore is one of the things to do in Venice at night. This is one of the most famous used bookstores in the entire world.

Libreria Acqua Alta is a unique bookstore on an island in the Castello neighbourhood of Venice.

It features many crowded rooms with many books, most of which are used or out of print.

There are also books about Venice and the things that make it a special place.

What makes this bookstore stand out is how the books are set up.

When the canals near Libreria Acqu fill rise, the bookstore becomes flooded, which could destroy the beautiful stacks of books.

To prevent the books from being destroyed, the collections are all kept in waterproof basins, waterproof bins, and in one area, a full-size gondola.

If you love cats, you’ll be surprised how many of them have made this store their home.

They escape the rising tides by sitting atop the stack of books, from where they stare at visitors.

Libreria Acqua Alta is open until 7.30 pm at C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE.

15- Watch Shows At The Musica A Palazzo

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A view of canal in Venice at night.

Musica a Palazzo is a beautiful 17th-century palace that faces the Grand Canal and is home to a unique opera experience.

The palace itself is imposing as it was built in the Venetian Gothic style, with rooms decorated with works of art by well-known artists from the 1700s.

A novel approach to opera has been developed inside these spectacular rooms, with a methodology that emphasises the connection between the performers, musicians and audience.

Here, you can watch dramatic operas like “Rigoletto” and “La Traviata” in a cosy setting.

The audience follows the actors as they perform each act of the show in a different room of the palace.

This is the place to be if you want to have fun in the evening.

Musica A Palazzo is at Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto, Fondamenta Duodo o Barbarigo, 2504, 30124 Venezia VE.

16- Walk Around Venice And Get Lost

walking around venice at night
Wandering around Venice in the evening is a relaxing way to explore at your own pace.

In the evening, the city’s rich history and beautiful mix of charm, culture, and romance combine to produce a unique experience.

The historic centre of Venice is full of fascinating streets where you will discover historical monuments, elegant palaces and imposing churches.

There are welcoming bars, cafes and great restaurants.

Venice is not famous for its known for raucous nightlife or nightclubs, so no matter how busy the city is during the day, the charming streets can be surprisingly quiet once the sun goes down.

Venice is a safe city to explore at night, and most of it is well-lit at night.

It’s lovely to stroll through quaint alleyways, along attractive canals, and in picturesque squares while capturing fantastic photos.

17- Try Your Luck At The Casino Of Venice

beautiful venice at night
The medieval building is home to the Municipal Casino overlooking the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district of Venice.

Located on the Grand Canal, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi is a 15th-century palace in Venice that houses the Casino Of Venice and the Wagner Museum.

Casino Of Venice is the oldest casino in the world, opened in 1638 and was originally a theatre that hosted gambling during intermissions.

This event caused a boom in casinos in Venice, and by 1744, there were 120 of them.

This casino now contains more than 600 slot machines and a wide variety of table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Poker.

The interior is a work of art, mixing the well-preserved opulence of an ancient palace with more modern décor.

The Wagner Museum at the palace honours the achievements of the renowned German composer Richard Wagner, who frequented the casino from 1858 until his death in 1883.

All these put together makes it a great destination for those who love not just casino games and gambling but also music and history.

Casino Of Venice is at Cannaregio, 2040, 30121 Venezia VE.

18- Have A Drink At Skyline Rooftop Bar

venice at night
Venice city at night is a majestic cityscape, with glowing lights reflecting in the Grand Canal.

Skyline Rooftop Bar is a top spot to hang out in Venice at night for its wonderful views of the city’s canals and streets.

The bar on the 8th floor of the Hilton Hotel is a sophisticated and stylish cocktail lounge with a mix of comfortable lounge chairs, bar stools and tables.

The drinks menu has a wide range of cocktails that go well with the view.

Italian classics like Negronis and the local drinks Bellini and Spritz are also popular.

On certain summer nights, there is live music and DJs on the terrace, which also has a world-class rooftop infinity pool.

A romantic thing to do in Venice at night is enjoying a great view with a well-made classic cocktail or good food.

Skyline Rooftop Bar is at Giudecca, 810, 30133 Venezia VE.

19- Take A Walk On Rialto Bridge

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The Rialto bridge is one of the icons to see at night in Venice.

The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s oldest bridges, first built as a pontoon in the 12th century.

It has been altered several times; today, the bridge is one of the city’s most visited attractions.

Tourists and locals use it to cross the canal, and gondolas and vaporetto water buses always pass under it. You can pass under the bridge yourself in a gondola.

The Rialto bridge is beautifully lit at night, and it’s much less crowded than it is during the day.

So it’s just as important to see this unique structure at night as it is during the day.

At each end of the bridge are performers and places to eat, as well as bars and souvenir shops.

The back arches of the stores, visible from the Grand Canal, are also as famous as the view from the bridge.

20- Party At Molocinque

things to do in venice at night
A dish in a restaurant in Venice at night. Sea bass steak in a yellow stew with caramelised onions.

If you like to stay up late and party, the Molocinque club in Venice is the place to go.

This large club occupies a space that used to be a theatre with several bars, a restaurant, and dance floors frequented by locals and tourists.

This club offers a wide variety of entertaining activities.

You can eat traditional Italian food, dance to different music and sip on special drinks or cocktails.

Since the club is one of the few places to party at night in Venice, you can expect to see beautiful young people dancing the night away.

It is a bit far from the city centre, so if you want to leave late at night, be sure to make transportation plans. 

Molocinque is at Via Elettricità, 8, 30175 Venezia VE.

For more exciting cities at night, read:

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Jessica Shaw
Jessica Shaw is a storyteller who has lived in four U.S. states - Missouri, Georgia, Ohio and Illinois - and has visited many others. She loves history and nature and is a big fan of road tripping.