10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Venice

Joining a Grand Canal night tour is a special way to experience Venice. You’re well worth taking one, even if you’ve been on the boats during the day. The 3.8-km-long waterway cuts through the 6 main districts of Venice in an ‘S’ shape, starting near Santa Lucia railway station and ending at San Marco near Saint Mark's Square.

There’s a special aura to the Grand Canal at night, with lights shimmering off the water and waves quietly lapping along the waterways. It's lined with striking Venetian architecture, such as the Doge's Palace and Rialto Bridge. You can even ask your guide to take a detour down the smaller canals, too.

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of its kind on the Grand Canal, which makes it one of Venice's most popular attractions. It has stood in various forms since the 12th century, but the iconic stone bridge you see today is a photo op you can't pass up on your visit.

The Rialto Bridge connects San Marco to San Polo and has a unique buzz at night. Entertainers and numerous gift shops are found along the length of the bridge, with a host of bars and restaurants at both ends. The back arches of the shops, visible from the Grand Canal, are as iconic as the view from the bridge itself.

St Mark’s Square is one of Venice’s most recognisable attractions. A great time to visit is after dinner when most of the day-trippers have left. What's usually a bustling square during the day changes into a peaceful plaza at night.

St Mark’s Basilica stands proudly at the end, with either side of the square lined with Venetian architecture spanning the past few centuries. There are a few bars and cafes around the edge of the square, which often features a small orchestra. It’s a great place to sit and watch locals returning from work.

The Teatro La Fenice Opera House sits in the heart of Venice, just a few minutes' walk from St Mark’s Square. Theatre (especially opera) holds a special place in the city's history, so catching a show at the landmark of Italian opera should be on your list.

The romance of opera can be felt everywhere at the Teatro La Fenice Opera House. It was last rebuilt after a fire in the 1800s, giving rise to its name La Fenice (The Phoenix). It features 1,000 red-and-gold decorated seats, along with fantastic paintings and chandeliers. Just make sure to book ahead – its small capacity can fill up quickly.

An underground crypt tour at night is a unique after-dinner activity in Venice. Many operators offer this tour, so it’s best to ask for details at your concierge. Venice’s history stretches back hundreds of years, and in that time, legends have become buried under the modern city. 

Taking a tour allows you to explore forgotten crypts and study ancient murals by candlelight. If you go under St Mark’s Basilica, you’ll see St Mark’s burial place. You can also spend some time admiring the Golden Altar without the daytime crowds.

Skyline Rooftop Bar is one of the best places to go after dinner if you want to experience one of the best views of Venice. Situated on the 8th floor of the Hilton Molino Stucky on the island of Giudecca, the view stretches over the Giudecca Canal towards the city – it’s one you won't forget.

The drinks menu suits the view with a wide selection of cocktails. Venetian aperitifs Bellini and spritzes are local favourites, alongside Italian classics like Negronis. There are a bunch of other cocktails on the menu too, all concocted by professional mixologists. Make a reservation if you want the best seats.

Campo Santa Margherita is a bustling public square in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. It's an artsy place that sees countless vendors, artists, and entertainers plying their trades alongside cafes and restaurants. The buildings in the square feature classic Venetian architecture from the 14th and 15th centuries. There are benches and trees dotted around for you to relax. 

Campo Santa Margherita is one of Venice’s nightlife hotspots. Bars dotted around the square are usually packed with students from the nearby Ca' Foscari University of Venice.

Harry's Bar is a beloved local bar in Venice, so make sure to come here for a few drinks after dinner. Sitting right at the San Marco end of the Grand Canal, the bar is known as the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail and carpaccio (raw beef dish). For those who prefer traditional cocktails, opt for its extra-dry martini.

Harry's Bar is popular with the rich and famous – past patrons have included Ernest Hemingway and George Clooney. It's so well-loved that it's now a national landmark of Italy. 

Venice Jazz Club is an intimate live music venue that features its own house jazz quartet and guest performers. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge in Dorsoduro, fronting the Rio de San Barnaba canal.

Venice Jazz Club is small and cosy, with staff greeting you with a warm welcome. The cheese platter makes for a great nibble while enjoying live music, which sounds brilliant thanks to the club's intimate setting. Whether you’re a jazz fan or casual passerby, you’ll love watching the artists play at this venue.

The Venice Casino is found in Cannaregio, facing the famous Grand Canal. By entering from the waterways and into this ornate complex, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Hollywood set. Unsurprisingly, formal attire is required if you wish to enter the casino. 

The Venice Casino is small and intimate, with cosy rooms furnished with Venetian decor and elegant chandeliers. There aren’t any noisy slots, only classic games like roulette and blackjack. Drinks are very reasonably priced, so you can still enjoy its charm if you’re on a budget.