Enjoy The Best of Venice Hotels and Bars

No other place in Europe can boast the same romantic charm and scenic beauty as Italy’s Venice. Its intricate canal network makes for such a beautiful setting that it’s no wonder so many Venice hotels have balconies in their rooms. You don’t just have to enjoy the view from your room, though - Venice has many magnificent bars which offer the perfect position for taking in the beauty of the city while enjoying a glass of Italian wine.

Venice might be an old city steeped in history but it has a young, modern side as well, which is apparent in the city’s newer bars and venues. Stop in at the Zen Cafe Bar in central Venice, where the minimalist interior, Asian-style cocktails and fresh sushi will make you feel happy and at ease. If you’d rather enjoy some live jazz, then your best bet is Bacaro Jazz, which is open until 2am every night. With snacks, cocktails and bands playing regularly, you’ll be sure of a good night out. The Rialto bridge is nearby, so include it in your route back to your Venice hotels.

For a more traditional establishment you can’t beat Ca Doro, a teeny Italian wine bar where you can enjoy traditional snacks and Italian wine at the bar, and watch the locals going about their day. (Be aware, however, if you ask a Venetian where to find it, they will probably refer to this bar as Alla Vedova). It is places like this which continue to offer a taste of the real Italy, away from the slap-dash fare at tourist-driven bars beside the main sights and Venice hotels.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t avoid the central bars altogether. Caffe Florian is one of Venice’s oldest and most famous bars, and sits right in St Mark’s square. Despite being packed into the heart of Venice hotels and tourist sights, the beauty and history of this place calls for a few hours sipping wine or coffee and watching the world go by. Since it first opened in 1720, Caffe Florian has seen ambassadors mingling with artists and ordinary locals. There may be more of the latter here now although such is the fame of this venue, you never know who might stop in.

Of course, nobody should go to Venice without stopping for a drink at Harry’s Bar. This is a bar with a colourful history and is as much of a historic site as the Rialto Bridge. Opened in 1931 by Guiseppe Cipriani, who was repaid a loan by a grateful customer, with enough interest to open this very bar. Ever since it began it has been a regular drinking spot for all kinds of famous figures, from Ernest Hemingway to Charlie Chaplin. It is also said that it was at Harry’s Bar both the Bellini cocktail and beef carpaccio were created here, further marking its position as one of the world’s most important bars, and an absolute must for visitors to Venice.