I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: one of the best things about travelling is getting to try different food and drink… and Italy is known for being a favourite foodie destination. One of the best areas of this delicious country is Venice, a city filled to the brim with delectable and indulgent eateries and cantinas.
I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Venetian bars that are suitable for all budgets (don’t worry, it’s not all drinks – they sell some mouth-watering snacks as well). Whether you’re looking to save money or are feeling spenny, prepare to have your thirst quenched and your appetite sated.
Budget Buster: Birreria Zanon
Cheap, cheerful and casual – what more do you need from a Venetian bar? Birreria Zanon, with its laidback atmosphere, superb setting (it’s nestled deep in the Cannaregio district, which means it never gets overly crowded, only pleasantly buzzing) and to-die-for eats, is a must for any foodie travelling Venice and looking to save a Euro or two. I have to recommend sampling their specialty, the tramezzino (small sandwiches on white bread), alongside whichever tipple you decide to sip.
Top Tip: Want to live like a local? Stop by early – it opens at 9am – for a glass of wine or beer and some cicchetti (a selection of appetisers, similar to Spanish tapas) for a boozy and budget-friendly brunch unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
Mid-Range Munchies: La Cantina
Serving everything from well-priced cicchetti to freshly-caught seafood entrees, La Cantina is a lovely little find. This wine bar offers vino by the glass and outside seating – plus, since it’s situated right on the main pedestrian path from the train station to central Venice and beyond, it’s the ideal spot for people watching.
Top Tip: Are you one of the people coming from the train station into the city centre? Why not stop at La Cantina for a glass of wine or a bite to eat?
Fancy Feast: Bar Longhi
Luxury and Bar Longhi go hand in hand. This classy cocktail bar, located in the Gritti Palace Hotel, features an elegant, historic interior, complete with eighteenth-century paintings, antique wall coverings and glittering mirrors of crystal and Murano glass. The drinks are delectable and the food is of the highest calibre.
It’s important to keep in mind that the prices are a little higher here (which is to be expected). I would recommend turning a visit here into an event in and of itself – after all, if you’re paying 19 Euros for one drink, you’ll want to get as much enjoyment out of this fantastic experience as possible.
Top Tip: The dress code is smart casual – so make sure to adorn yourself accordingly.
Whether you’re travelling to Venice with your purse strings tightened or are ready and willing to make a splash with your cash, there’s a bar ideally suited to your budget… but don’t just take my word for it. Visit this Italian city to see (and sip) for yourself.
