Venice, the city of canals, is renowned for its rich history, artistic heritage, and stunning architecture. But beyond the gondolas and the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square, Venice is home to an often overlooked yet still vibrant nightlife scene. The city is home to a number of rooftop bars that offer breathtaking views of the cityscape, the lagoon, and the Adriatic Sea.

These bars, many of them located atop historic buildings and all of them offering a view of the city’s history, offer a unique blend of Venetian charm, modern mixology, and an atmosphere that’s quintessentially Italia. This guide will take you on a journey through the best rooftop bars in Venice, each offering a unique perspective of the city.

1. Skyline Rooftop Bar

Perched atop the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, the Skyline Rooftop Bar offers a breathtaking panorama of the city. The bar’s modern, chic ambiance is a stark contrast to the city’s ancient allure, creating a unique blend of old and new. The cocktail menu is globally inspired but with a particular emphasis on Venice-inspired concoctions. The signature cocktail, the Smokey Old Fashioned, is smoked on the spot and served in a style that is part good service and part performance.

The Skyline Rooftop Bar is also home to one of the world’s most stylish rooftop infinity pools, making it a must-visit for those seeking a luxurious escape. The bar’s location on Giudecca Island provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling city center, and it’s just a short water taxi ride away.

This Venice bucket list bar draws nearly all the well-heeled travelers coming through town and the ritzy outfits match the views. If you weren’t looking over gorgeous views of Venice’s iconic landmarks, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on a rooftop in Milan while sipping your cocktails here. Patrons arrive in vacation-chic wares, prepared for an obligatory sunset photoshoot.

• Address: Giudecca, 810, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy
• Instagram: @skylinevenice

2. Terrazza Danieli

Terrazza Danieli, located on top of the ultra-lux Hotel Danieli, offers one of the most romantic rooftop bars or restaurants in the world. The terrazza offers a magical view of Venice and the beautiful lagoon that would make anyone swoon.

The terrace offers a 180-degree view over the Giardini, the island of San Giorgio, and the Doge’s Palace. The bar specializes in refreshing cocktails that use seasonal fruit to create flavors that match the sunny setting. Reservations are recommended and absolutely worth it.

The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the flavors of Italy, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with a variety of innovative concoctions. The bar serves fantastic mixologist cocktails, aperitifs, and a wide range of martinis. The setting couldn’t be more refined with top-notch service, making it a must-visit for those seeking a high-end dining experience.

The bar’s signature cocktail, the Danieli Spritz, is a refreshing blend of Prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda, garnished with a slice of orange and an olive.

• Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
• Instagram: @hoteldanieli

3. Settimo Cielo

Settimo Cielo, meaning ‘Seventh Heaven’, lives up to its name by offering a heavenly view of Venice from the city’s highest rooftop terrace. Located atop the five-star Bauer Palazzo, the terrace provides a panoramic view of the lagoon and the city.

The rooftop bar and restaurant are open to the public, offering a cocktail and gastronomy experience led by Michelin-starred Chef Cristiano Tomei.

The location of Settimo Cielo, on the rooftop of the Bauer Palazzo, offers a unique perspective of Venice. The terrace provides a panoramic view of the lagoon and the city, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a special occasion. The bar serves a variety of cocktails and wines, along with a selection of small bites. The bar is known for its innovative approach to mixology, with a menu that changes seasonally.

• Address: San Marco, 1459, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
• Instagram: @settimocielorooftop

4. La Terrazza Bar at H10 Palazzo Canova

La Terrazza Bar at H10 Palazzo Canova is a swanky 4th-floor bar with panoramic views of the San Silvestro area, including the Rialto Bridge. The sun-soaked terrace has ample seating, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon spritz or a post-dinner cocktail. The bar’s location on the Grand Canal, in the heart of Venice, and just a few meters from the Rialto Bridge, makes it a prime spot for enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits, along with a variety of small bites. The cocktail menu is inspired by the flavors of Venice, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

See also: Rome’s Best Rooftop Bars for Cocktails With A View

La Terrazza Bar’s signature cocktail, the Venetian Spritz, is a refreshing blend of Prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda, garnished with a slice of orange and an olive.

• Address: San Polo, 744, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
• Instagram: @h10palazzocanova

5. Blind Spot

Blind Spot, located on the 19th floor of the HTM Hybrid Tower in Mestre, offers a unique perspective on Venice. This stylish rooftop cocktail bar features panoramic windows and an open-air terrace, providing impressive views over Venice and the surrounding area.

The bar’s interior is sleek and modern, with a stylish lounge area and a spacious outdoor terrace. The cocktail menu is innovative and creative, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Its ever-changing menu focuses on a fine selection of modern and refreshing cocktails. One floor below, you’ll find the Asian-inspired AKI Rooftop Restaurant.

Blind Spot’s signature cocktail, aptly named the Blind Spot, is a refreshing blend of vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice, and a splash of soda, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint.

• Address: Via Torino, 6, 30172 Venezia VE, Italy
• Instagram: @blind_spot_venice

6. Sagra Rooftop Restaurant

Sagra Rooftop Restaurant, located on top of the JW Marriott Venice, offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is situated on Isola delle Rose, a private island about a 20-minute boat ride from Venice. The rooftop offers 360-degree views over the island park, the lagoon, and the Venice skyline.

The restaurant’s menu takes you on a culinary journey through Italy, while the poolside rooftop bar offers everything from crafted cocktails to some of the world’s best champagnes. The food is inspired by the flavors of Italy, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with a variety of innovative concoctions.

The bar’s signature cocktail, the Sagra Spritz, is a refreshing blend of Prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda, garnished with a slice of orange and an olive.

• Address: Isola delle Rose, Laguna di San Marco, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy
• Instagram: @jwmvenice

7. Terrazza Panoramica at Ca’ Sagredo Hotel

Terrazza Panoramica, located on the rooftop of the luxurious Ca’ Sagredo Hotel, offers a fantastic view of the Venice rooftops and the action on the Grand Canal. The rooftop bar offers a variety of drinks, ranging from traditional Spritz and Bellini to refreshing fruit cocktails. The terrace is open during the warmer months, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing and sophisticated aperitif.

The bar’s interior is elegant and sophisticated, with comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere. The cocktail menu is extensive, with a variety of classic and innovative concoctions.

The bar’s signature cocktail, the Ca’ Sagredo Spritz, is a refreshing twist on the Aperol Spritz blending Prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda, garnished with a slice of orange and an olive.

• Address: Campo Santa Sofia, 4198/99, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
• Instagram: @casagredohotel

8. Bar Longhi

Bar Longhi, located in the Gritti Palace, is one of the hottest tickets in Venice. While not strictly speaking a rooftop, I don’t think you’ll mind given the views 😉 The bar’s interior is a kaleidoscope of rich, brightly colored draped fabric, delicate Murano glass chandeliers, paintings by 18th-century Venetian artists, and antique etched mirrors.

But while the bar itself boasts a spectacular setting, it’s the view outside that truly steals the show. Overlooking the Grand Canal, Bar Longhi offers a unique perspective on the city’s bustling waterways. The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits, along with a variety of small bites. The cocktail menu is inspired by the flavors of Venice, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

The bar’s signature cocktail, the Gritti Spritz, is a refreshing blend of Prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda, garnished with a slice of orange and an olive.

• Address: Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 2467, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
• Instagram: @thegrittipalace

Bottom Line

The best rooftop bars in Venice offer a unique perspective over the city of canals. We hope this guide to the best rooftop bars in Venice, each providing a unique blend of Venetian charm and modern mixology, gives you a great start when you want to enjoy a tipple while visiting.

See also: Raise a Glass and Enjoy the Views: The Best Rooftop Bars in Florence

From the Skyline Rooftop Bar’s chic ambiance atop the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice to the romantic setting of Terrazza Danieli on the rooftop of the lux Hotel Danieli, these bars offer breathtaking views of the cityscape, the lagoon, and the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy globally inspired cocktails, Venice-inspired concoctions, and an atmosphere that is quintessentially Italian. Located often atop historic buildings, they provide a tranquil retreat from the bustling city center, yet remain a short water taxi ride away from Venice’s iconic landmarks. When you’re visiting Venice, be sure to make a bucket list of these bars that offer an unforgettable experience over the city’s glittering canals and sites.