Venice, Italy at night is – simply put – magical. There are no other words to express how beautiful and breathtaking it is to see the moon shining in the canal waters. Picture this. You walk along nearly empty alleys and pause to hear whispers and laughs of restaurateurs and cafe clientele. Some musicians are playing their instruments in perfect synchrony. You lean closer to your partner and stare at the black night sky and the moon. It is absolute perfection.
I cannot emphasize this enough! Venice is like two different places. Both are equally alluring but for different reasons. The first one is Venice during the day, sunlight filling all corners, bustling but overcrowded. The other Venice is at night when the moon reflects on the dark canal waters (sigh, so romantic!), devoid of the cacophony of people (read: daytrippers) and water vehicles.
Note: You can absolutely travel to Venice by yourself too. I did, and had the best time! Read about the lessons I learned from traveling by myself to Italy here.
Are you planning your Italy itinerary? Make sure to set aside a couple of days in the Renaissance art capital of Florence! This guide will walk you through everything you need to do there for 24, 48 or 72 hours!
Things to do in Venice, Italy at night
Do you have a packed day, but don’t quite know what to do at night? Here are 25 things to do in Venice, Italy at night that will definitely keep you busy!
1. Cruise the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is at its stunning best as the sun goes down. Join a cruise or simply hop inside a Vaporetto and take in the sights along the way. The lights of the buildings twinkle in the dark waters and overall, the most romantic way to spend an evening.
Note: Instead of getting a one-time ticket for the Vaporetto, buy a full day or multi-day pass instead for the best bang for your buck. Read more about best ways to travel to Venice here.
2. Pop into a store to buy souvenirs
The best time for shopping and bargain-hunting in Venice, Italy is at night. By then, the major attractions have closed, and you are ready to end your day with a delicious dinner. But before doing so, show your support for the local artists and artisans, and buy a little something for yourself or your friends and family back home. I bought a few earrings for myself and my family from an artist who made Venetian glass-blown earrings. Be sure to confirm that they are locally made though.
3. Listen to musicians serenading restaurant patrons
Music at Caffe Florian I remember to this day. This cafe will frequently appear in other blogs too for good reason. You can’t beat the location, the view, and the music. But, be prepared to part with a good chunk of money. It is expensive! They also have a live orchestra each evening! If you eat there, opt for outdoor seating for stunning views of Piazza San Marco and marvel at the breadth of the square all lit up.
4. Explore San Marco Square
Speaking of lit-up squares, you need to visit San Marco Square at night. Not only does it look stunning, but it also sounds exquisite, with live musicians and small groups busking on corners with the lit-up Doge’s Palace and, as a backdrop, the cathedral. If that sounds magical, let me tell you that it really is. 🙂
5. Bridge of Sighs
I returned from Italy with a strange obsession with this bridge lol. Maybe it was imagining the prisoners looking out to the open waters to catch their final glances of Venice as they contemplated their last hours on earth. Maybe it’s the romanticized notion of lovers kissing each other underneath the bridge while on a gondola. To either end, the fact is, the Bridge of Sighs is absolutely worth visiting day and night. For the best view, walk towards Ponte della Paglia and catch the exquisite exterior of the bridge.
6. Walk by the alleys along the canals and stop to view the moon reflected on the water
I know everyone talks about roaming and getting lost around the alleys at night, but there’s a reason for it! The reason is that THIS is what will make you fall in love with Venice and make you remember your trip for years. Sure, you will visit all these places and monuments during the daytime. But Venice at night is downright magical as it quietens after sunset, and the twinkling lights of buildings glisten over the dark canal waters. The moon reflection on the canal waters shines brightly onto every nook and corner and make everything extra beautiful.
7. Gondola ride
Few experiences will be as romantic as a moonlit gondola ride with your loved one. So, if you’re lucky to be traveling in Venice with “the one”, indulge in a private gondola ride. And who knows? Maybe your gondolier will sing a song for you too! Note that the prices are higher after sundown. However, how many chances are you going to get to have such an experience in a place as cool as Venice again?
8. Enjoy dinner in a canal-side cafe
The restaurants get bustling right as the sun starts to set. Particularly, those with a canal-side view pull the most tourists for obvious reasons. Enjoy a dinner of pasta or local fish with Italian wine next to the water. Have fun people-watching. And take in the idyllic waterscape.
Get lulled by the gentle lapping of water against the canal walls, as a boat glides by…
9. Enjoy a nightcap or an aperitivo
An aperitivo is a pre-meal drink to (in literary terms) “open up the stomach” before dinner. And it is a cultural tradition in Italy to partake in one. As you’re exploring the San Marco area, hop into the arguably most famous bar: Harry’s Bar. If the prices are too steep (understandable), check out Cafe Noir.
Originally opened by Cipriani, its popularity in Venice led to the creation of the Harry's Bar franchise all over the world.
10. Food tour in Venice, Italy at night
Any foodies in the house? You’re in for a treat as Venice has sensational food. And what’s a better way to spend an evening in Venice than to indulge in a food-tasting tour replete with wine tastings as well? Eat and drink your way through Venice like a local sampling Cicchetti and gelato. Sounds divine, right?
This one is a food and wine tour in the Cannaregio area. Here’s another one in the Dorsoduro district.
11. People watch
While you’re on a walking tour or just strolling or sitting at a restaurant, try people watching. See if you can distinguish locals from tourists. Check out locals going on about their day. Catch a glimpse of a lovers’ stroll in the alleys. Notice the tourists clicking photos and selfies at every other corner. Listen to that child throwing a tantrum because their parents refused to give them a gelato. Quietly observing people’s lives play out in front of my eyes gives me great joy.
12. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is beautiful at all times of the day. At night, it looks especially striking as a white structure against the inky black sky. You will be treated to extra eye candy if you see it bathed in moonlight.
13. Doge’s Palace at night
The Doge Palace is great any time during the day. However, go off the beaten path by opting for an after-hours private tour of the Doge’s Palace and also avoid the crowds. This one is a guided tour with a small group to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica to learn all about the history and significance of the place. Want to feel like a total VIP? You can even go for a completely private tour for just the folks in your group.
14. Venice Jazz Club
Touted to be the only Jazz club in Venice, the Venice Jazz Club is located in the Dorsoduro area in Venice and has live music every evening. You will need to pay a cover fee that will get you a table, one drink, and a concert! They also serve small plates when the doors open at 7 pm. The music, however, starts only at 9 pm and goes on until 11 pm.
15. Walk along Ponte dell’Accademia bridge
While everyone recommends the Rialto bridge (rightfully so), there is another bridge you need to visit in Venice at night. Ponte dell’Accademia has insane views of the Grand Canal looking out to the open waters beyond the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Plus, it will be less crowded than the Rialto Bridge. Enjoy a quiet romantic stroll across this bridge with your loved one.
Featured in my list of the best viewpoints in Italy is the view of the Venice Grand Canal from the Ponte dell’Accademia!
16. Participate in the Venice Carnival
The Venice Carnival is an annual tradition celebrated in Venice in the month of February. If you travel to Venice in that period, you can take part in the city-wide carnival. Be sure to don epic period pieces and of course, a Venetian mask and you’re all set to blend in! You can even participate in a best mask competition! In the evening and night, you can go to a masquerade ball or pub crawl, and get treated to street performances!
17. Celebrate Festa del Redentore
Celebrated on the third Sunday in July, the Festa del Redentore is an event that was started to give thanks after the end of the devastating plague of the 16th century. This celebration continues to this day, and fireworks are lit on the waters off the San Marco area. If you’re lucky to be in Venice on this night, be sure to book a night dinner cruise so you can get a close-up view of the fireworks and festivities.
18. Scavenger Hunt
Want a fun, off-the-cuff experience while exploring Venice? Go for a scavenger hunt! The scavenger hunts will take you across the city around different locales and places. This scavenger hunt combines exploration and challenges for you to solve in a unique way as you travel in the new city.
19. See the opera
Why not indulge in a classic Italian opera while in Venice, Italy at night? The opera house is an important landmark in Italian theater. Go there for an evening immersed in music and story-telling by booking tickets for Rigoletto or Il trovatore.
20. Visit a church
Are you interested in checking out the unique architecture that Venice has to offer? The churches in Venice have beautiful facades and sculptures that will keep an art enthusiast occupied for days. However, most churches close by sunset. So, if you want to check out the beautifully-intricate exteriors of centuries old churches, add these churches on your path: Santa Maria Assunta detta I Gesuiti, Chiesa di San Zaccaria and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.
21. Musica A Palazzo
For an opera experience with a twist, you can go for Musica A Palazzo, a traveling opera, set in the Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto. They offer the grand opera experience in a unique format of different scenes being played out in different rooms of the palace. It also ends up being a more intimate experience than the traditional opera. Plus, you get to forego the formal outfits of the traditional thing (which I will admit, might feel a teeny bit stuffy).
22. Sunset cruise
If you are interested in something different from a gondola ride, go for a sunset cruise. A sunset cruise is a great way to enjoy an evening in any city with a water body. And as I mentioned above, a ride through the Grand Canal is absolutely a must-do when you’re in Venice. Check out this 2-hour sunset cruise aboard a traditional Venetian boat as you sip on prosecco.
23. Go on a Ghost Tour
You read that right! There are tons of legends and ghost stories that fill the history of Venice. Go for a walking tour to learn of the legends of ghosts that supposedly haunt the royal palaces, cemeteries beneath the city streets and within the canals! Check out one such tour here.
24. Eat gelato
When in Italy, you must eat gelato. Or at least, that’s what I told myself as I unabashedly devoured copious amounts of gelato during my Italy sojourn. Craving a late night sweet treat fix? Pop in to Gelateria il Doge in Dorsoduro or Gelatoteca Suso.
25. Rooftop bar or terrace
Be in Bangkok, Berlin, Jaipur, or Paris, you must include a rooftop experience to take in a cityscape from a different level. For a cool experience, go to Skyline Rooftop Bar or Settimo Cielo Rooftop for some of the most stunning panoramic views of Venice at night.
How to navigate Venice, Italy at night
Navigating in Venice, Italy at night is a bit tricky but easily one of the most exciting experiences of the city. You can catch the Vaporetto along the Grand Canal from 5 am to midnight. Between 11:30 pm to 5 am, there are 3 routes servicing between Piazzale Roma and the Lido. The Vaporetto makes all parts of the city super accessible as Venice is a very small city. As such, you can get off at the nearest Vaporetto stop and walk towards your destination.
If you’re traveling from the Marco Polo airport, take the Alilaguna line to Piazzale Roma. The waterbus runs from 6 am until midnight and takes about an hour.
The second option is to take the ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma that runs all night. The third option is to opt for a water taxi. Note that they are quite expensive though, especially at night.
If you cannot find any other transportation method, you can even hail a gondola and enjoy a romantic time navigating the canal waters at night.
Since Venice is easily covered on foot, after being dropped off by a bus, water bus or taxi, you can walk to your hotel. However, note that the streets are cobbled. So, it is not the easiest to lug your suitcase behind you.
Is Rome on your Italy itinerary? Read my post about 26 wonderful reasons Rome deserves a visit from you here!
What to do if you get lost in Venice, Italy at night
Even though it’s unlikely, you may get lost in the maze of little alleys and canal streets in Venice, Italy at night. Here is what you can do if you do get lost:
- Have the address of the hotel available on paper. You could keep a digital copy on your phone as well, but be sure to have a portable charger in case you run out of battery.
- Speak to a local and ask for directions. They are super helpful and nice.
- Keep a physical map on you at all times.
- Ensure you have downloaded Google Maps on your phone and have a data plan. Mark your hotel in your map and your GPS will help guide you back to your hotel.
Where to stay in Venice
Stay in the main parts of Venice. Do not stay on the mainland of Venice since it will take time away from your short stay in Venice to reach the city center. Even though it will be more expensive, opt to stay in the heart of Venice instead. Also, it only takes about 40 minutes to walk across the city (it is that small!).
Also, staying close to the heart of Venice, say in San Marco or San Polo will help you easily access the main sightseeing spot. Obviously, with this convenience comes high cost though.
Here are some hotels you should check out for your 36 hours in Venice.
- Hotel Bisanzio – Only about an 8 minute walk from St. Mark’s Basilica
- Centauro Hotel – Located next to the Rio di San Luca canal, this hotel boasts amazing views and is only a 7-minute walk from St. Mark’s Basilica
- Ca’ Dei Polo – A more affordable option, close to the Santa Lucia train station. I stayed around this area when I visited and must say that the proximity to the station was a lifesaver. Hint: I was dragging a 45 lbs (~20 kg) suitcase in the middle of the night.
How much time should you spend in Venice?
The ideal amount of time to spend in Venice is two days. One more day is great to take in the sights at a leisurely pace, although two days is plenty of time to visit the major locations at a moderate pace. Avoid a day trip to Venice, as you will miss out on the best time of the day: the night! So, plan on spending at least one night.
If you have 36 hours to spend in Venice, be sure to check out this post so you can optimize your time and make sure to check out the highlights of this lovely city.
When to visit Venice
Venice is great any time from spring to fall, but the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) and fall (September-early October) are the best. I visited Venice in early October and the weather was lovely. In fact, I only needed just a thin layer after sundown. Avoid traveling from late October through November though as there can be flooding in Venice called acqua alta or flooding from high tides.
What to pack for Venice
These are the items you need to pack to be comfortable on your trip to Venice at night.
Comfortable shoes
Always, always a must for all trips in Europe, where cobbled streets make walking in heels next to impossible. However, avoid wearing sneakers to not stick out as a tourist. Go for flat sandals and dressy flats instead for the summer. In the winter, it is best to stick with walkable boots.
Airy dresses (for summer)
For the picture-perfect look, and to stay cool, pack some airy dresses that go below the knee. The below-the-knee hemline is for visiting churches.
Pants and shirts
For men, stick with smart khakis in the summer with lightweight shirts.
A layer or jacket (for fall)
The temperature at night gets cool, but a light jacket or sweater is sufficient.
A scarf
I’ve said this before, and i will say it again. A scarf is a valuable piece of clothing for traveling in Europe, particularly Italy. If you are wearing a sleeveless shirt, you can easily throw on a scarf if you enter a church. Most churches require you to dress conservatively with covered shoulders and knees.
Venice Pass
Check if the value offered makes sense for your travel style and the spots you want to visit.
Cash in euros
For small shops and restaurants, you will need cash.
A phone with GPS and cellular network
Those cobblestoned alleys are easy to get lost in, which is delightful in its own right. However, at the end of the night, you will want to get back to your hotel without too much bother.
Google Maps
Speaking of GPS, make sure to download Google Maps so you can track your own location, even if you don’t have a cellular network. Be extra savvy and save time by marking the locations on your map before the start of your day
A crossbody bag
Since you will be walking a lot, I recommend a crossbody to carry your essentials and be hands-free. A crossbody is always my preferred bag style when traveling.
Bonus style points for carrying a small top handle bag that also has a crossbody strap. This type of bag is genius for going from day to night. In the daytime, you can wear it crossbody as you explore and walk around. At night, remove the crossbody strap to make it a top handle bag, and show off your fashion sense.
Some room in your bags
You will surely want to get a souvenir from Venice. So, make sure to leave adequate room in your luggage.
FAQs: Venice, Italy at night
Is Venice safe at night?
Venice is completely safe at night. The number of people out and about at night is much lower than during the daytime, but there are still plenty of people for you to feel safe. Restaurants and bars are generally busy until 11 pm or so. However, as I always note, please be aware of your surroundings at all times, and listen to your gut instincts.
Where to see a sunset in Venice?
There are many special spots to see the sunset in Venice. Anywhere with a view looking out towards the horizon is beautiful in Venice. But, if I were to pick 3 specific spots, they would be: Ponte dell’Accademia, La Giudecca and the Rialto Bridge.
Why is Venice so quiet at night?
The heart of Venice has no cars, bikes or other noisy transit options. There are only water boats, Vaporetti and water taxis at night. It is worthwhile to note that the majority of the tourists you will see in Venice are day trippers from cruise ships that dock in the waters nearby, and have tourists come on the island for the day. Thus, most of the people are gone from the city at night. But, don’t worry about it being so quiet as Venice is very safe.
Subscribe to my list and get travel tips and ideas!
Planning your travel to the Italy? Read all of my Italy posts here!
Enjoyed reading this article? Don’t forget to follow me for my latest stories!
