Music Venues in Venice

Venice is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and though it’s by no means home to the biggest parties on the planet, music venues in Venice are often stunning as well.

Opera and classical music are easy to find, and even people who don’t normally frequent these kinds of performances will be amazed by the beautiful and historic halls in which they take place. Thankfully, even the most ornate music venues are known to expand their calendars throughout the year, playing host to folk, rock, and vibrant acoustic acts in-between the stereotypically stodgy stuff.

The Grande Teatro is one such venue, and worth a visit just to ogle at the detailed cornices and draping chandeliers, regardless of whether or not you’re there for the music. Palazzetto Bru Zane and the Palaverde are less ornate but very popular Venice music venues, and Palaverde especially can attract well-known DJs when it’s not being used as a sports arena.

Heavy metal lovers don’t have a ton of options, which may explain why the Night Raider Club is so popular with the thrasher set, while Al Vapore consistently serves up great blues, jazz, Motown, and funk acts.

Even a few of the basic pubs get in on the action, like when Il Ristoro packs its sizable stage with local acts. Those looking for the breeziest place to catch some tunes in Venice though, can just plop down on St. Mark's Square, where local musicians play to their hearts content in the open air, turning the square into its own impromptu music venue.

Oh, here’s a tip: If you really want to catch some music in Venice, head there in February when the Heineken Jammin live music festival draws thousands to the Parco San Giuliano for some of the biggest bands in the world.