Do they still have dueling orchestras on st marks square in the evening. Do you need to have dinner there or can you sit and have a drink or a dessert? I’ve heard the dinners are very expensive and not that good.
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1376 posts
The cafe orchestras are not really duelling - they just play pretty low brow music in turn. Selections from Sound of Music / Fiddler on the Roof / My Fair Lady / Phantom of the Opera. Stroll around and listen.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9507 posts
No need to eat dinner there. The last few times I’ve stayed in Venice I have one drink in the evening outdoors at the Florian & listen to their music. It’s such a nice way to enjoy the beautiful evening ambiance of the piazza after the day trip tourists have left.
Posted by
Atlanta
5656 posts
We always just have a drink at one place or another and enjoy the music for a while. Never felt any pressure to have dinner.
Posted by
Vancouver Island
39 posts
One of my favourite experiences in Venice is listening to the orchestras in St. MArk’s square. You can easily go for a dessert, drink, or just wander and enjoy the music and people watching.
Posted by
Switzerland
102 posts
There's no need to sit at any one of them - otherwise, you'd only enjoy one performance. Instead, simply stroll around the square and listen to each in turn. I often see people dancing too :)
Posted by
Southeast of Seattle
775 posts
I’m all for the wandering and listening. Jean suggests a drink or coffee or? They are expensive, however the table is yours for as long as you want to be there. St. Marks Square is delightful in the evenings after the day trippers have returned to their ships! Definitely find an off the beaten path restaurant for dinner.