I will be traveling with a ski group in mid-March. We have one last night together in Venice before some of us go off in other directions. I'd appreciate suggestions on any fun ways to spend the evening? I hear about "dueling bands" in St. Mark's Square. Any particular place to hang out and enjoy?
Also, what are some of the ways to avoid or at least minimize the throngs during the day?
Also, what are some of the ways to avoid or at least minimize the throngs during the day?
Take a day trip to Vicenza
Yes, you may hear "dueling bands" (classical music) in St. Mark's at night. It's really pretty there and all around Venice at night. I'd just walk around at night, take a vaporetto ride up the Grand Canal. I can't think of a particular spot - just find a place to eat or have a drink (maybe in St. Mark's square, maybe elsewhere).
The main "tourist trail" in Venice is the street(s) from the train station through to the Rialto Bridge (much of this is called "Strada Nuova") and from there to San Marco (St. Mark's). Much of that street can be mobbed with tourists all day. But if you wander up into the ghetto area (north of the train station) for example it should be less crowded.
On my last visit to Venice last May, I did a great morning walk from the train station to Rialto - but not along the touristy Strada Nuova. instead, I walked south of the Grand Canal through the San Polo neighborhood, through a maze of small squares and quiet streets. But you shouldn't get lost - just follow the signs "Per Rialto." In the morning - really a great time to explore Venice in my view - there were almost no tourists in this stretch, just locals taking their kids to school or walking to work, shopkeepers sweeping in front of their stores or chatting with each other, people carrying in supplies to the shops and restaurants from boats. It feels like a very different Venice from "tourist Venice."
The Piazza at night is fn if the cafe bands are performing. Expect songs from Fiddler on the Roof.
Campo Margerita in Dorsoduro sees a fair bit of action in the evenings, students hanging out, bars, take away pizza, also many resteraunts.
As a previous poster has said, the Strada Nuova, Rialto, Mercerie and the Piazza are crowded.
You will need a paper map.
Try this tour and see Venice through the eyes of a local. He's lotta fun.
But does it really get that crowded in mid-March? It's after carnevale and two weeks before Easter. I think that it will be more crowded during the weekend but not as much during the week.
There are a few good pubs in Venice that are always fun and lively; Irish Pub of Venice, Bacaro Jazz, Devil's Forest and the Inishark. My favorite way to spend evenings in Venice is by hitting all four of them, usually in that order.
