Plazas in Venice

Campo Santa Margherita

Nightlife Area / Square

Party Earth Review Located near both the University of Venice and Ca’ Foscari University, Campo Santa Margherita has earned a reputation as the primary nightlife area in Venice, and particularly caters to the area’s high-spirited student population. The square’s boisterous activity, helped along by a dozen small bars open every night until ... more

Campo Santa Margherita
30123 Venice

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Piazza San Marco

Landmark / Shopping Area

Party Earth Review The most heavily trafficked tourist area in Venice – and hub of the delightful winter Carnevale scene – the beautiful Piazza San Marco is an historic square featuring everything from high-end boutique shopping and art to upscale restaurants and bars. Although the square is filled with vacationers snapping pictures during ... more

Piazza San Marco
30124 Venice

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Erbaria

Market / Nightlife Area / Plaza

Party Earth Review Produce and fish market by day and casual meeting place by night, the three squares that make up the Erbaria on the San Polo side of the Rialto Bridge create an informal meeting place for young locals and visitors alike. At the center of the city’s daytime commercial and tourist activity, the bustling Erbaria begins to ... more

Sotoportego de l'Erbaria
30125 Venice

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Yes, Venice is a small city and it doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being off-the-charts when it comes to a social scene. But the Venice plazas help contradict that staid distinction by being great places to hang out, and of course it doesn’t hurt that they’re the most beautiful squares in the world.

The plazas, or piazzas are the focal points of Venetian life and serve a number of purposes in the city. First, they act as a meet up spot for locals and tourists alike. Second, they’re either filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops, or they’re surrounded by them. And third, they provide the most serene backdrop for a relaxing day just strolling between the canals of the city.

One of the most famous plazas in Venice, and maybe the planet, is Piazza San Marco. The plaza is easily the most trafficked public space in the city and features everything from boutique shops and art galleries to exquisite restaurants and chic bars. At night, the piazza comes alive when the sounds of two symphony orchestras fill the square while dressed up diners eat and drink.

Other popular plazas are Campo Santa Margherita, which is a central meeting spot for students bar-crawling at night, and the Erbaria, which is a produce and fish market by day and nighttime hangout for hundreds of young undergrads and locals.

Even though Venice is on the smaller side, there are still plenty of piazzas to check out whether you want to shop, eat, drink, or simply hang out for the night.