COCKTAIL BARS VENICE

Bar Longhi at The Gritti Palace is the historic social heart of this 15th-century Venetian Gothic palazzo built by the Pisani family, graced by opulent interiors featuring 18th-century paintings by Pietro Longhi, Murano glass, and antique tapestries. The bar serves classic and craft cocktails alongside a Martini Trolley and seasonal cicchetti, with a canal-side terrace overlooking the Grand Canal and a legacy of illustrious guests including Hemingway. Renowned for its refined elegance, attentive bartenders, and Bar Manager Cristiano Luciani's signature wild fennel Martini variation, it remains one of Venice's most iconic venues for exceptional cocktails and timeless Italian hospitality.

Il Mercante is a modern cocktail bar within an 1870s historic Venetian café in the San Polo district, where carefully preserved original design and historic paintings blend seamlessly with contemporary mixology. Owner Alessandro Zampieri curates a menu themed around great explorers and global circumnavigation, using seasonal and artisanal ingredients in drinks with names like "The Captain's Death"—a bitter-sweet gin concoction. The intimate setting features Art Deco elements, soothing jazz, and a selection of cicchetti and bruschettas, earning it a 4.7 of 5 rating on Tripadvisor and recognition as a popular spot for both young Venetians and discerning travellers seeking authentic, expertly crafted cocktails.

Skyline Rooftop Bar on the eighth floor of Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is the city's only rooftop venue, occupying a former flour mill on Giudecca Island with enchanting panoramas of the southern lagoon and San Marco basilica. The bar specializes in expertly crafted signature cocktails like the "Lagoon Eclipse" alongside classic drinks, premium Italian and international wines, and champagne, enhanced by live DJ performances and ambient music. Accessible via the hotel's private shuttle or water bus, it ranks 4.9 of 5 on Tripadvisor and operates Monday–Thursday 5 PM to midnight, Friday–Saturday 5 PM to 1 AM, and Sunday 5 PM to 1 AM, offering refined sophistication with unmatched views.

Experimental Cocktail Club Venice operates discreetly within Il Palazzo Experimental in the Dorsoduro district, accessible through a hidden lobby door or private Canal della Giudecca entrance. This intimate venue seats approximately thirty guests and features Italian spirits infused with international influences, using locally sourced ingredients in each carefully crafted cocktail, complemented by non-alcoholic options from JNPR. Open 6:30 PM to 1 AM (until 2 AM Friday–Saturday, closed Tuesday–Wednesday) on a walk-in basis, it balances chic design with an unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere ideal for discovering curated modern mixology in Venice's quieter quarters.

TiME Social Bar in Venice's Cannaregio district is a cozy hidden gem off the main tourist path, where bartender Alessandro crafts handcrafted cocktails using fresh, seasonal ingredients and offers a curated wine selection. The small, intimate venue serves creative drinks like the Caribbean Negroni alongside cicchetti and operates daily 6 PM to 2 AM, providing warm, attentive service and reasonable pricing for Venice. Located at Rio Terà Farsetti 1414, it appeals to both locals and visitors seeking quality mixology without pretension, making it an ideal refuge after wandering through Venice's enchanting streets.

Rétro Venezia is an intimate cocktail bar in Venice's historic Campo drio la Chiesa, featuring soft lighting and vintage details that create a nostalgic ambiance blending classic aesthetics with contemporary mixology. The venue's sophisticated cocktail menu ranges from timeless classics like Negroni and Martini variations to house specialties including the Venice Sour, Americano Rétro, and Cindarella in Venice. Rétro also presents virgin cocktails for non-drinkers and aperitivo-style beverages such as Spritz variations, catering to diverse preferences. Operating Monday through Sunday from 6 PM to 2 AM, the bar accommodates reservations through its online booking system or phone (+39 041 268 6481), offering guests a refined evening cocktail experience in the heart of Venice's enchanting canal-side setting.

Ai Do Leoni occupies Piazza San Marco 355 in the heart of Venice's iconic St. Mark's Square, offering a sophisticated blend of Venetian bacaro culture and modern mixology. The bar specializes in cicchetti (small bites), natural wines, and carefully crafted cocktails made with quality spirits and homemade essences. Its creative reinterpretations of classic drinks, paired with an inviting selection of tapas and imaginative small plates, create an atmosphere that captures both the cosmopolitan charm of the piazza and the relaxed familiarity of traditional Venetian hospitality. With friendly staff and reasonable pricing for the prime location, it serves as an ideal aperitivo destination for experiencing local flavors in one of the world's most celebrated squares.