Fine dining, jazz clubs, theaters and sophisticated bars are all a part of Venice‘s personality. And what better moment to enjoy and savor these experiences than in the evening?
Surrounded by water, this Italian city offers spectacular and picturesque views while walking around, and also while sitting down. For instance, one could explore the historical Teatro La Fenice or grab a drink at Harry’s Bar. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice, Venice. Its empty seats face the stage and the lights illuminate the painted ceiling. Image: Heracles Kritikos / Shutterstock
Designed by Giannantonio Selva in 1790, it wasn’t until the 19th century that Teatro La Fenice (The Phoenix) emerged as one of the top European theaters, with works by Italian maestros Gioachino Rossini and Giuseppe Verdi premiering there.
The theater is home to a wide repertoire, hosting operas, ballets, dance productions and orchestral works. The theater also plays host to two major fundraising events each year – the Gran Ballo della Cavalchina, a private ball held in March, and Fenice Day, an annual fundraising gala held in November. Details of all performances are available on the Teatro La Fenice website.
Musica a Palazzo
Musica a Palazzo offers a unique operatic experience in the rooms of the 17th-century Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto, a beautiful Grand Canal mansion in Venice‘s San Marco.
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Each act takes place in a different room of the palace, and the audience follows the performers from the frescoed salon to the boudoir as they sing excerpts from La Traviata and other great operas. The palace itself is quite spectacular with six staterooms which are enriched in the first half of the 1700s by artists whose importance is still recognized today.
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Casino di Venezia
The oldest casino in the world was first opened in 1638 and still attracts an international clientele.
The opulent environment provides the space for classic games all monitored by a highly professional staff. Since 1959, the Casino has been based in the Vendramin Calergi Palace providing more than 500 gaming places. Classic casino games like the ones found in Monaco include chemin de fer, French roulette and blackjack, and the casino is the location of many tournaments and events throughout the year. The palace is also the home of the Wagner Museum, whose Wagnerian restaurant is well worth a visit. The first floor of the palace is available for private events and dining.
Caffè Florian
The oldest café bar in Venice, Caffé Florian enjoys a perfect location in San Marco Square, and serves the finest coffees and wines to the most discerning clientele.
The Caffé plays host to many cultural events, particularly contemporary art exhibitions, and there is a live orchestra each evening. Indoor and outdoor seating can be reserved for cocktails, banquets or any other event, providing a magnificent setting for your special occasion.
Peggy Guggenheim
The Peggy Guggenheim museum sign at the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, near Canal Grande, Venice. Image: HungryBild / Shutterstock
Located in the American collector’s former home, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, the museum showcases Peggy Guggenheim’s personal collection of 20th century European and American art.
The collection holds major works of Cubism, Futurism, Metaphysical painting, European abstraction, avant-garde sculpture, Surrealism, and American Abstract Expressionism, by some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. The museum also exhibits works of art given to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation for its Venetian museum, in addition to long-term loans from private collections. The museum is available for private viewings, gala events or corporate events every evening (except Tuesdays) from 6.30pm, giving visitors the opportunity to view both the permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Harry’s Bar
Arguably the most famous bar in Venice, Harry’s Bar was opened by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1931 and its success led to the opening of much more distinguished ‘Harry’s Bars’ around the world.
According to legend, the name originates from a rich Bostonian student called Harry Pickering to whom Cipriani loaned some money. When Harry returned to repay the debt, some years later, he also gave Cipriani enough cash to open a bar. Famous patrons include Ernest Hemmingway, Charlie Chaplin, Woody Allen, Somerset Maughan, Noel Goward, Orson Wells and Peggy Guggenheim. If you are feeling adventurous, try the Extremely Dry Martini – a kidney-shattering ten parts gin to one-part vermouth.
Molocinque
In 1999, this former theater was transformed into an enormous club complex featuring four differently themed dance areas and 12 bars.
Thanks to its location outside the center of Venice, the club can crank up the volume and play techno, pop and dance until the early hours, without incurring the wrath of the locals. Part of the club is situated outside under glorious white canopies – perfect for warm summer nights. From hip hop to merengue, your musical tastebuds are sure to be satisfied.
Venice Jazz Club
The place to be at night is the Venice Jazz Club, a small venue with a capacity of 50 people in the artsy district of Dorsoduro.
This club hosts concerts on set days that feature both well-known, like the VJC quartet, and up-and-coming performers. The Venice Jazz Club is a great place for jazz lovers to catch some of Venice’s top performers. The modest and dimly lit jazz club offers patrons a full bar in addition to fine music.
