Venice Nightlife Tips by suvanki Top 5 Page for this destination

Jazz Club 900: Jazz club/pizzeria: Live Jazz Music and Pizzas

SAN POLO
VAPORETTO - RIALTO MERCATO

This Jazz Club/Pizzeria was directly opposite the hostel (Sweet Dreams) that I was staying at. Coming back late at night, I could usually hear jazz music drifting out across the campo. This was usually recorded music, but this place is noted for its live sessions played here October-April , with Italys top jazz musicians, as well as others from Europe and America appearing.

I called in for a pizza one night (It's also recognised for serving some of the best pizzas in Venice) and really enjoyed the mellow atmosphere. As you might imagine, Jazz is the only music played. The bar area is crammed with memorabilia-old instruments and Black and White photos of well known jazz artistes etc.

It wasn't too busy-It was raining heavily, and it is a bit 'off the beaten track' I was the only non-local eating there. However, reservations are recommended when there are live performances.

Dress Code: Casual-smart was the attire of my fellow diners. Should imagine it would be the same on 'Live Music' nights

Address: Campiello del Sansoni, S Polo 900

Directions: From Vaporetto Rialto Mercato stop - head straight forward through the campo, and head up Ruga V S Giovanni, after about 200 metres look up for the black jazz club sign. Turn Right and continue forward, into the small square.

Other Contact: staff@Jazz900.com

Phone: +39 0415226565

Theme: Live Music

Scuola Grande Di San Giovanni Evangelista: Opera for free

SAN POLO
VAPORETTI -SAN TOMA or FERROVIA

I enjoy wandering around Venice at night, when it takes on a different atmosphere.
I was pleasantly surprised to find myself at the distinctive entrance to the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista. I had stumbled on it a few years ago, and had been intrigued by this impressive gateway, but it looked even more impressive, with the candle-lit courtyard.

Passing through, into the courtyard, I could hear an operatic performance from one of the rooms above. A poster informed that it was La Traviata. I was quite happy to stand and listen, and enjoy the atmosphere. In a corner 'hidden away' were 2 men in costume (pic 2) enjoying a smoke, nearby were a couple of black hats and the long beaked white masks. I wasn't sure if they were part of the performance, or if they were there to greet the audience leaving the opera. They were happy enough to have their photo taken.

The Scuola was built in 1261. It is well known for its impressive Salone, which contains works of art by Tintoretto and Tiepolo amongst other Venetian artists and has excellent acoustics.

Throughout Venice, Palaces, un-consecrated churches and Scualas are venues for Operatic performances, probably some of these are considered to be 'for the tourists', and some will be better than others.
Hotel receptions often have 'flyers' for productions, or look out for posters and billboards.

For more information about this and other performances VENICE OPERA AND OPERETTA

The Fenice Opera House is considered to be the place to see the best productions of Opera and ballet. Most of the audience will be local. Tickets cost from 20 - 60 Euros, some of these cheaper seats have 'poor visibility'. You can also purchase 'listen only' seats for 10 Euros. Teatro Malibran also has Operatic performances.

I was more than happy enough with my free 'listen only' spot.

Dress Code: Now, this is a FAQ-What should I wear to the opera in Venice? I should have hung around until the end, and snapped some pics of the audience.

Well, after some googling- It appears that anything from Evening wear and furs to 'everyday street wear' are the norm. I should imagine street wear doesn't include shorts and vest tops though!

From my experience, some of these churches/palaces etc can be pretty cold (particularly in winter, when thermals, scarves, hats and gloves are worn to concerts).

Gala nights etc are the occasion for 'Black Tie'

Address: Campiella della Scuola San Polo, 2454 - 30125

Directions: North of the Frari. In the very centre of San Polo sestieri.
From San Toma, head for Frari or San Polo churches, then towards Ferrovia and ask.. sorry it's not easy to describe... I just stumbled on it!

Other Contact: info@scuolasangiovanni.it

Phone: 041 71 82 34

Theme: Live Music

Website: http://www.scuolasangiovanni.it/index.php?page=26&lang=en

Antica Osteria Ruga Rialto: Lively bar near Rialto Fish Market

SAN POLO

VAPORETTO RIALTO MERCATO / RIALTO

This place had been recommended to one of my fellow roomies at the hostel I was staying at-for its reasonable priced and good food. We were too late to eat here on that particular night. There are menus displayed on the wall of the narrow entrance.
Apparently, it's noted for its seafood salads, fritto misto (mixed fried fish) and typical Venetian ciccetti. Being a few metres from the Peschiera (Fish Market), I should imagine these are pretty good! It's very much a favourite place for Venetians, and has quite a few loyal regulars.

As it was on the way to the hostel, I'd passed by a few times, and it always sounded to have a lively atmosphere.

Heading back late one night, I decided to call in for a night cap.

The entrance area (smoking area) has barrels for tables, and there are more inside. The narrow bar area is dimly lit, and is dominated by the dark wooden bar. A selection of ciccetti was at one end. I wasn't hungry, so didn't get to try them. There is also a dining area for larger 'sit down' meals. There's a wide selection of wines and some beers etc.

Seating is limited, and I felt a bit conspicuous, so I ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio, and scuttled out to the narrow alleyway, which served as an extension to this bar. Apparently Live Music nights happen here, and the back room has examples of artwork by aspiring artists.

Well there were certainly quite a few 'characters' here.

I'll have to give it another try next time I'm in Venice.

OPEN Tuesday-Sunday 11.00 - 14.30 and 18.00 - 01.00

Dress Code: Casual - smart, as only the Italians can! Even those who'd probably come in after a hard day working at the markets had a certain style about them.

Address: Calle del Sturion/ V. San Giovanni San Polo 692

Directions: From Rialto Mercato, head forward across the campo and straight into Vecchia San Giovanni. Head forward. Look out for the Chinese restaurant on the left, and Ruga Rialto is just past here.

Phone: 041 521 12 43

Theme: Eating and Drinking

Chiesa dell' Ospedaletto: Free Concert

CASTELLO

One of the things that I especially enjoy about wandering around Venice is coming across something unexpected. This time it was a free concert.

I had noticed that this church (also known as Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Derelitti) was open, so wandered inside, only to find that a concert was about to begin. I decided to stay.

This was a Concerto di Natale - A Christmas Concert and featured a soprano (Sara Bino) accompanied by Claudio Gasparoni (Viola da gamba - I'll try and find a translation) and Nicola Lamon (organ and clavicembalo).
Prof. Gasparoni is also the Artistic Director

They performed a selection of pieces by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Galuppi and Telemann.

I particularly enjoyed the organ playing from the loft above the front of the church.

The leaflet that I picked up listed a programme of concerts for Autumn and Winter for Saturdays and Sundays, with some weekday concerts too.

These all commence at 17.30 I'm not sure how long this concert lasted.- probably just over an hour.
(I suppose that this isn't strictly a night time tip, but in December it is dark at this time!)

Free admission to the concerts- a donations basket is prominantly placed near the exit.

The church is worth a look around too. There are frescoes by Jacopo Guarana and The Sacrifice of Isaac by Giambattista Tiepolo (1720)

The Ospedaletto was established by the Republic in 1528 as a charitable institution, initially to provide care for the peasants fleeing famine on the mainland. Its aim was to care for the sick and aged and also to educate orphans and abandoned girls. Music was the main subject studied, which resulted in the girls becoming accomplished musicians and singers in orchestras and choirs performing through Venice and beyond. Concerts raised enough funds to enable the building of a Sala della musica in 1776.

Dress Code: It is a church, so dress accordingly - no need for head coverings etc though!

As with most churches in Venice, the heating is minimal! It's quite cold sitting for any length of time- so wrap up warm. I was glad of my heavy winter coat and scarf.

Address: Calle Barbaria delle Tole, 6691 Castello

Directions: VAPORETTO- OSPEDALE CIVILE

Near Santi Giovanni e Paola

Other Contact: claudiogasparoni@libero.it

Phone: 0415264271 0412702464

Theme: Concert

Strolling around Venice at night: Nights in Venice Strolling Review

Venice is quite safe to wander around at night - as a lone female, I didn't encounter any worries. As far as I know there are no 'No Go' areas

There are plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants to sit outside and enjoy the night air. Bear in mind that Venices restaurants close quite early around 22.30 ( I read that this was because many of the restaurant workers live in Mestre and other mainland towns, and need to get the train or bus back home)

My visit at Christmas 2007, I found that one of my favourite places for a drink was the bars around the Rialto Markets, full of locals celebrating the festvities.

The Theatre or Casino are other options for nightlife -there are a few clubs and discos. Mestre has quite a few rock and Jazz clubs, where live music can be heard.

Apparently, the Tortuga Pub off Fondamente Nuova is open to 0100 and plays music- mainly rock, with food served to the early hours (see my restaurant tips)

Classical concerts are advertised, of varying standards.

I enjoyed wandering around, seeing a different side to Venice. You can really get away from the crowds if You want.

You might come across an open air concert, or cinema in one of the campos - these usually start around 20- 2100hrs.

Riding on the vaporettos, You get a different view from the Grand Canal at night - or a more expensive way is a romantic gondola ride.

The Vaporettos run through the night, so You could travel across the lagoon to one of the other islands for a meal and a drink, then return later.

The Campanile is open June to Mid September til 2100hrs, so You can view Venice by night from on high, then treat yourself to a drink at Florians or Quadris, listening to the orchestras - expensive, but an experience!

Guided night walks, including ghost walks can be booked at tour offices.

When I was in Venice at Christmas, I came across a fun fair on Riva degli Schiavoni. I think it's only there December and January.

This Christmas, I came across many stalls selling hot mulled wine- I enjoyed a glass from the stall outside the Scalzi church

I also witnessed midnight mass on Christmas Eve in Saint Marks -2006 I stood outside, and viewed the proceedings from a doorway, watching a screen. Christmas Eve 2007, I got a seat inside, although I'd intended going to one of the smaller churches. Christmas Eve 2008, I also sat through Midnight Mass, to the end of the service, when for about 15 minutes, we were all allowed to wander around the Basillica taking photos. It was a magic moment, walking out into the Piazza at around 01.30 hours, then just wandering around taking photos from the Molo.

I enjoyed window shopping at night, especially the designer clothes shops - As they were closed, there was no danger of me upsetting my bank manager!

Dress Code: In winter, dress warmly - it can be bitterly cold, walking around at night . I tend to dress up a bit more smartly in Venice too.

Theme: Other