Venice Aperitivo
The Venetian aperitivo tradition predates the rest of Italy's by centuries. Venice is the birthplace of the spritz, which originated when Austrian soldiers in the 19th century asked bartenders to spritz (spray) their wine with water. The modern Venetian spritz uses Select (a local bitter), Aperol, or Campari mixed with prosecco and a splash of sparkling water, served over ice with an olive or orange slice. Aperitivo hour in Venice runs roughly from 17:30 to 20:00, when the canalside bars and campo terraces fill with locals unwinding after work. The tradition blends drinking with eating: most bars serve cicchetti or small snacks alongside drinks. Campo Santa Margherita in Dorsoduro, Fondamenta della Misericordia in Cannaregio, and the bars around Rialto in San Polo are the liveliest aperitivo zones.
Must Try
- Spritz al Select (the original Venetian spritz)
- Spritz Aperol
- Spritz Campari
- Bellini (prosecco and white peach puree, invented at Harry's Bar)
- Hugo (elderflower, prosecco, soda, mint)
Frequently Asked Questions
3 QuestionsWhat is the difference between Spritz Select, Aperol, and Campari?
Spritz al Select uses Select, a Venetian bitter with a ruby-red color and a slightly herbal, bittersweet flavor. It is the original and most traditional choice in Venice. Aperol spritz is sweeter and lighter, with an orange hue and lower alcohol content. Campari spritz is the most bitter of the three, with a deeper red color and a stronger herbal punch.
Where is the best place for aperitivo in Venice?
Campo Santa Margherita in Dorsoduro is the most popular local aperitivo spot, with several bars lining the square. Fondamenta della Misericordia in Cannaregio offers a relaxed canalside scene. For a classic (and pricey) experience, Harry's Bar near San Marco invented the Bellini. For a budget spritz, stand at any bacaro counter near Rialto.
How much does a spritz cost in Venice?
At a neighborhood bar or bacaro, a spritz typically costs 2.50 to 4 EUR. At a bar with terrace seating on a popular campo, expect 4 to 6 EUR. At upscale cocktail bars or the historic cafes on Piazza San Marco, prices rise to 8 to 15 EUR. Harry's Bar charges around 22 EUR for a Bellini.
