Historic Bars in Venice

Lined with ancient streets and threaded by stunning canals, it would not be hard to argue that all of Venice is historic, or that all of the drinking dens qualify as Venice historic bars. That, of course, is not really the case, for while it’s true that practically every building in this town has seriously stood the test of time, many of its businesses – alcohol related and otherwise – are comparatively new.

One very notable exception is Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco, a beautiful café and bar full of frescoed rooms and an expansive outdoor patio that has been in business for an astounding three-hundred years. The walls of Florian are also home to an impressive art collection, though the original waiters tend to be a little…dead.

Harry’s Bar over in San Marco, meanwhile, is easily the most renowned restaurant and historic bar in Venice. Founded in 1930 by the Cipriani family, the bar is best known for inventing the delectable white peach juice and sparkling wine concoction known as the Bellini. Once frequented by the likes of Hemingway (seriously, this guy got drunk EVERYWHERE!), the bar still attracts contemporary VIPs and was recently declared a national landmark by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Of course, all of Venice could be declared a landmark, and walking its streets, gliding down its canals, or drinking in one of the Venice historic bars are all activities worth pursuing.