Venice at night: 10 epic adventures after dark

There are plenty of things to do in Venice by day, like admiring the incredible landmarks or spending a few hours exploring some of the best art museums in the city. However, when the sun goes down, the city is transformed. Enjoy delicious food on a terrace, or join the Venetians in a wine bar. You'll never want to go to bed as you explore these top things to do in Venice at night.

Top ranked: Venice at night

Best attractions to visit at night: St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge.

Best neighborhood for nightlife: Cannaregio, with lively bars and local charm.

Best sunset spot: Grand Canal, perfect for a gondola ride.

Best cultural experiences: Evening opera performances or classical concerts.

1. Start your evening with a sunset cruise on the lagoon

What better way to begin your night in Venice than with an aperitivo on the water? You’ll enjoy stunning sunset views and the gentle sounds of ocean waves as you cruise along the shore of this charming and romantic city. There’s nothing better to get you ready for the night ahead.

Why do this at night?

A sunset cruise on the lagoon offers a magical start to your evening in Venice. The warm hues of the setting sun reflecting on the water and the tranquil atmosphere create a serene and romantic experience best enjoyed in the calm of twilight.

2. Take a stroll along the illuminated canals

The street lights reflecting on the canals at night create a truly stunning atmosphere. Venice feels like nowhere else on Earth, and you'll fall in love with the unique magic of the city once the sun goes down. Start your evening in the San Polo district: the area is beautiful and illuminated by lights that lead you into the famous canals.

Why do this at night?

At night, the illuminated canals of Venice take on a dreamlike quality. The soft glow of streetlights reflects on the water, creating a romantic and tranquil ambiance that's perfect for a leisurely stroll.

3. See St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds

By day, St Mark’s Basilica is always packed with tourists. This spectacular church becomes an exclusive venue for a few special individuals when the sun sets. You can be one of them with an after-hours St Mark’s Basilica tour, allowing you to enjoy this iconic space’s serenity. Your tour will include a trip down into the crypts. They may be peaceful by day, but they have a delightfully spooky atmosphere after dark.

Why do this at night?

While typically serene by day, the crypts take on a haunting atmosphere after dark, adding a layer of mystery to your visit. The quieter, more intimate setting at night makes it a memorable exploration of Venice's history and grandeur.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza San Marco, 328, 30124, Venice. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

4. Take a deep dive into Venice’s ghostly past

Learn about the spooky side of Venetian history on an evening tour. You’ll be guided through mysterious spots and hear stories of myths, legends, and ghosts. You might even catch an ancient phantom or two wandering the streets. This might be one of the spookiest things to do at night in Venice.

Why do this at night?

Exploring the Cannaregio neighborhood at night offers a glimpse into Venice’s authentic residential life, away from the tourist crowds. The peaceful atmosphere and narrow alleys, lit by soft streetlights, create a charming, intimate vibe. When you finish, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy some cicchetti (the Venetian version of tapas).

5. Check out Venice's thriving bar scene

Venice is full of quaint cocktail bars, wine cellars, and classic osterias with outdoor seating along the water. Pick your favorite and enjoy a night of Italian wine, negroni, limoncello, and Campari. Popular hangouts include the hip and trendy Birreria Zanon for great beer, or the upmarket Enoteca Mascareta.

Why do this at night?

Venice’s nightlife offers a unique charm, and enjoying a glass of local wine from the Veneto region, as well as local specialties like spritz, grappa, and Prosecco, is the perfect way to unwind..

6. Enjoy the drama of a night at the opera

Immerse yourself in the world of Venice's high culture and feel like a Venetian aristocrat with a night of opera. Many famous operas and plays have been set in Venice, so a look at what’s playing is a must for visitors to the city. Head to the Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto on the Grand Canal for an intimate evening, or the famous La Fenice Opera House for something more traditional.

Why do this at night?

Visiting La Fenice at night allows you to admire its stunning avant-garde decor in a quieter, more atmospheric setting. The theater's elegant architecture is beautifully illuminated: even without a performance, the ambiance is magical.

7. Enjoy an atmospheric concert at the Vivaldi Church

If you’re a music lover, a classical concert at the Vivaldi Church should be on your Venice itinerary. You’ll hear Vivaldi’s classic performed by talented musicians in the church in which it was composed. This experience is spine-tingling stuff for anyone who likes classical music.

Why do this at night?

Visiting La Chiesa di Santa Maria della Visitazione at night offers a serene, peaceful experience, with the church’s stunning architecture illuminated to enhance its beauty.

8. Try Italian and Venetian favorites on a food tour

Are you a foodie at heart? Then, a tour with drinks and bites in Venice is the recipe for a perfect evening. An expert local guide will take you to the best food spots in various neighborhoods, where you can sample a huge range of classic Venetian dishes and drinks.

Why do this at night?

Don’t leave Venice without trying various cicchetti (side dishes), sarde in saor (sardines and sweet onions), and bigoli in salsa (a Venetian pasta dish). Wash it all down with a refreshing Venetian spritz made with Campari, Aperol, or even Limoncello.

9. Take a romantic evening gondola ride

A gondola ride through the iconic Venetian canals is one of the top fun things to do in Venice, but why not up the romance by taking one as the sun sets? Nighttime in Venice becomes even more spectacular as you cruise the canals on a gondola, watching as the ancient buildings are coloured by the sunset and the reflections bounce off the water.

Why do this at night?

The nighttime is the best time to snap a picture of the famous Rialto Bridge and icons of the Grand Canal in the moonlight as you venture along the canal with your loved ones.

10. Find the perfect rooftop terrace for an aperitivo

Watch as the sun sets over Venice while enjoying pre-dinner drinks from one of the city’s rooftop spots. Head to the Rialto or San Marco district to see the church towers rise from the city and watch the boats and gondolas cruise down the canals. Make sure you get there early; these spots are always popular!

Why do this at night?

Visiting T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace at night offers breathtaking views of Venice illuminated under the evening sky. The lights reflecting on the canals and the Rialto Bridge create a magical atmosphere.

FAQs

What are some of the top nighttime attractions in Venice?

You can join the Venetians any night for food and drink, as the city has a great bar culture and its own local version of tapas (cicchetti). Concerts are also great nighttime attractions in Venice, with many focusing on Baroque classics or opera.

What are the best areas for a nighttime stroll in Venice?

Stick close to the Grand Canal to enjoy great views, or wander around St Mark's Square. For something a little livelier, you can head to the Cannareggio neighborhood. This is where you'll find more authentic bars where the locals go in the evenings.

What are some fun activities to do with kids in Venice at night?

Kids are more than welcome well ino the evening in most bars in Venice. Don't be surprised if you see youngsters dining out late. There are also some family-friendly boat tours, and music-loving children may enjoy the city's concerts. They'll appreciate the exciting costumes even if they're not into classical music.

What are the best spots for a romantic night out in Venice?

You can start your romantic night with a cruise around the lagoon. Gondolas, catamarans, and even traditional galleons are available. Afterward, head to the opera for something sophisticated or, if you prefer to keep things more relaxed, go for a delicious dinner in the Cannaregio neighborhood.

What’s the best way to see Venice’s landmarks lit up at night?

A nighttime gondola ride or a walk along the Grand Canal are perfect ways to admire Venice’s landmarks illuminated after dark. Iconic sites like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace look particularly stunning when lit, offering a unique perspective on the city’s beauty.