Covers Rome, Paris and the south of Europe, and the famous sights that open their doors after dark.
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Venice at night is a different city from Venice at noon. The day-trippers leave, the alleys of Cannaregio and Castello go quiet, and St. Mark's Square is lit and close to empty. You don't need a tour to get that. You need to stay the night.
So what's a tour for? Two things, mostly. Eating and drinking the way Venetians do it, standing up in a bacaro with a glass and a cicchetto. And getting inside St. Mark's Basilica after the doors shut, which nobody can do on their own.
Seven tours cleared our bar, ordered by Night Score. Scores run lower here than in Rome. Venice is expensive by the hour, and the price factor hits every boat on the list. The top score is 6.7. Read the ranking with that in mind: a 5.5 in Venice can still be a good evening.
At a glance
Best overall
Devour's Sunset Cicchetti & Wine walk (6.7)
Most after dark
St. Mark's VIP Night Tour, inside the basilica after closing (6.1)
Cheapest good one
The Tour Guy's Cannaregio evening food tour, $59 (€53)
Skip
Venice ghost walks: the ones we checked rated 3.8 and 3.9
Seasonal
Both catamaran cruises run April to October only
When it gets dark
5:02 p.m. in December, 9:38 p.m. in June
On this page
The 7 best night tours in Venice, ranked
Every tour we scored in Venice that cleared our bar (rated 4.4 or more from 50+ reviews), in Night Score order. Night Score = 30% rating, 10% review count, 20% price per hour, 40% how much the night is the point. How we score
First on the strength of its rating: a perfect 5.0 from 469 reviews. It's a Devour crawl through San Polo and Dorsoduro at the bacaro hour, 7 tastings and 4 drinks, past the Frari and San Rocco, finishing in Campo Santa Margherita just as it gets loud. $125 (€111) for 3 hours, about $42 (€37) an hour, so value isn't its strong point. Groups cap at 10, the smallest here. One catch: if high water cuts part of the route, there's no refund. It meets and ends in Campo San Toma.
How the score breaks down, and the fine print
Rated by travelersData · 30%8.7
Review countData · 10%6.4
Price per hourData · 20%5.1
After darkEditors · 40%6.0
What it is: A Devour Italy (Walks) sunset cicchetti crawl with 7 tastings and 4 drinks past the Frari and San Rocco.
Good to know: Capped at 10; ends back at Campo San Toma. No refund if high water cuts part of the route.
After dark: It crosses San Polo and Dorsoduro at the bacaro hour, ending in Campo Santa Margherita as it gets lively.
Rating, review count and from-price as shown on Viator on October 26, 2026. The price changes with the date.
Saint Mark's VIP Night Tour: Exclusive Access Small Group Tour
After-dark entry
6.1/10Night Score
From $193 (€173)
1.5 hours
Starts: After the basilica closes
Small group
5.0 (82 reviews)
The only tour in Venice that scores a 10 on our after-dark factor. You're inside St. Mark's after it closes to the public, with the mosaics lit for your group, plus the crypt and the Pala d'Oro. It's also $193 (€173) for 90 minutes, which is $129 (€115) an hour and the lowest value score possible. Basilica admission, valued from $56 (€50), is included. Six people maximum, 5.0 from 82 reviews. Bring original photo ID and cover shoulders and knees. No photos inside. Start time depends on when the basilica releases slots.
How the score breaks down, and the fine print
Rated by travelersData · 30%5.0
Review countData · 10%3.8
Price per hourData · 20%1.0
After darkEditors · 40%10.0
What it is: A LivTours after-hours visit inside St. Mark's Basilica with the crypt and the Pala d'Oro.
Good to know: Maximum 6 people; basilica admission valued from 50 euros is included. Original photo ID and full names at booking are required, no photos inside, cover shoulders and knees.
After dark: You are inside St. Mark's after it closes to the public, with the mosaics lit for the group, plus the crypt and Pala d'Oro.
Rating, review count and from-price as shown on Viator on October 26, 2026. The price changes with the date.
Venice Sunset by Typical Venetian Boat with Prosecco
Night cruises
5.6/10Night Score
From $108 (€97)
1 hour 45 minutes
Starts: Late-afternoon sunset departures
Small group
4.8 (554 reviews)
A shared trip on a bragozzo, a traditional fishing boat, across St. Mark's Basin at sunset with Prosecco. You head out between Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore and come back toward the lit city at dusk. 4.8 from 554 reviews is solid. The price isn't: $108 (€97) for 1 hour 45 minutes, about $62 (€55) an hour. Up to 11 per boat, cut to 4 from December to February. No toilet on board. It leaves from Fondamente Nove at the Ospedale stop and comes back there.
How the score breaks down, and the fine print
Rated by travelersData · 30%6.1
Review countData · 10%6.7
Price per hourData · 20%3.6
After darkEditors · 40%6.0
What it is: A shared trip on a traditional bragozzo or sampierotta fishing boat across St. Mark's Basin with Prosecco on board.
Good to know: Up to 11 per boat (4 from December to February); no toilet on board and no swim stop. Returns to Fondamente Nove.
After dark: It is timed for sunset between Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore, returning toward the lit city at dusk.
Rating, review count and from-price as shown on Viator on October 26, 2026. The price changes with the date.
The cheapest tour on the page at $59 (€53) for 2.5 hours, and that's what keeps it in fourth despite the weakest rating here, 4.7 from 174. Cicchetti and spritz in Cannaregio bacari, then a sit-down dinner in a campo and gelato. Over-18s for the drinks, with ID. The page can't decide what you get: 9 tastings at 4 stops in one place, 12 at 5 in another. It starts at Campiello de l'Anconeta and ends near the Rialto. Capped at 12. A good first night if the Devour walk is too dear.
How the score breaks down, and the fine print
Rated by travelersData · 30%3.8
Review countData · 10%4.9
Price per hourData · 20%7.4
After darkEditors · 40%6.0
What it is: A The Tour Guy evening walk in Cannaregio with cicchetti tastings, Prosecco, wine and cocktails, a sit-down dinner and gelato.
Good to know: Capped at 12 and pitched at adults (alcohol 18+, ID needed); ends near the Rialto Bridge. The page gives 9 tastings at 4 stops in one place and 12 at 5 in another.
After dark: It follows the Venetian evening routine of cicchetti and spritz in bacari, then dinner in a campo.
Rating, review count and from-price as shown on Viator on October 26, 2026. The price changes with the date.
The real night walk in Venice. Departures at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., through Cannaregio and Castello to Santi Giovanni e Paolo and St. Mark's Square when it's nearly empty. That scores 7 on the after-dark factor. 4.9 from 139 reviews. What sinks it is price: $95 (€85) for 90 minutes, about $63 (€57) an hour, steep for a walk. Watch the meeting point. The 7:30 tour meets in Campo dei Gesuiti, the 9:30 on Riva degli Schiavoni. Capped at 15.
How the score breaks down, and the fine print
Rated by travelersData · 30%5.3
Review countData · 10%4.6
Price per hourData · 20%3.5
After darkEditors · 40%7.0
What it is: A deTourist Venice night walk through Cannaregio and Castello to Santi Giovanni e Paolo and St. Mark's Square.
Good to know: Capped at 15. The two departures meet in different places (COMBO in Campo dei Gesuiti at 7:30, Riva degli Schiavoni at 9:30). Venice's day-visitor access fee may apply on some dates.
After dark: After the day-trippers leave, Cannaregio and Castello go quiet and St. Mark's Square is lit and close to empty.
Rating, review count and from-price as shown on Viator on October 26, 2026. The price changes with the date.
Sunset Jazz Catamaran Cruise with Aperitivo and Live Saxophone
Night cruises
5.4/10Night Score
From $93 (€83)
1.5 hours
Starts: Sunset
Shared boat
4.8 (306 reviews)
Seasonal: same operator says its season runs April to October
A sunset sail on the lagoon with a live saxophonist and one drink, $93 (€83) for 90 minutes. 4.8 from 306. It's a big boat, up to 54 aboard, so think party, not private. More drinks are from the bar and the advice is to bring cash. The operator says its season runs April to October, so as of late October it's about to stop until spring. Reviewers mention an 8 p.m. summer departure. It leaves from Via Garibaldi in Castello, near the Arsenale.
How the score breaks down, and the fine print
Rated by travelersData · 30%5.5
Review countData · 10%5.8
Price per hourData · 20%3.6
After darkEditors · 40%6.0
What it is: A Venezia Catamaran Cruises sunset sail on the lagoon with a live saxophonist and an aperitivo.
Good to know: One drink included, more from the bar (bring cash); up to 54 aboard. Same operator and pier as the night catamaran.
After dark: A sunset sail with live sax that runs into dusk over the San Marco basin.
Rating, review count and from-price as shown on Viator on October 26, 2026. The price changes with the date.
Seasonal: the operator says the season runs from 1 April to the end of October
The same operator and pier as the jazz cruise, later in the evening: a reviewer reports a 10 p.m. departure. It sails the San Marco basin, past the Salute and along the Giudecca Canal, all lit. $71 (€63) for 90 minutes with one drink. It ranks last on thin evidence, 4.9 from 66 reviews (the page's own summary claims 137, which doesn't match). Up to 60 aboard. Seasonal too: the operator says 1 April to the end of October. Honestly, the night water bus covers similar water for much less.
How the score breaks down, and the fine print
Rated by travelersData · 30%4.0
Review countData · 10%3.5
Price per hourData · 20%4.6
After darkEditors · 40%7.0
What it is: A Venezia Catamaran Cruises night sail from the San Marco basin past the Salute and along the Giudecca Canal.
Good to know: One drink included, more from the bar; up to 60 aboard. The page shows 66 reviews while its own summary says 137.
After dark: From the lagoon you see San Marco, the Salute and the Zattere lit at night, away from the crowds.
Rating, review count and from-price as shown on Viator on October 26, 2026. The price changes with the date.
Reserve links go to GetYourGuide or Viator. Booking through them can earn us a commission at no cost to you; it never changes a score or a rank. How we make money
What Venice is like after dark
Quiet. That's the first thing. Once the last day visitors head for the station and the car park at Piazzale Roma, whole neighbourhoods go silent. Castello and Cannaregio are the best for this. You'll hear your own footsteps on the stone and a boat engine somewhere you can't see.
St. Mark's Square is lit and mostly empty late in the evening, and that's free. The basilica is not: getting inside after closing means the LivTours visit at $193 (€173).
The bacari are where life is. Cicchetti and a spritz at the counter, standing, early evening. Campo Santa Margherita in Dorsoduro stays busy later than most of the city.
The access fee doesn't touch you at night. Its trial period for 2026 ended in July, and when it returns in 2027 (dates listed from 26 March to 15 August) its hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arrive for dinner and you're outside them. Check cda.ve.it before you go: the 2027 rules are due by 31 December 2026.
Food walk, boat or St. Mark's: how to pick
If you do one thing, do a cicchetti walk. The Devour tour is the best rated, the Tour Guy's is the cheaper one with a sit-down dinner.
Boats are trickier. The boats on this list cost between $47 (€42) and $62 (€55) an hour, and they're all built around sunset, not night. The bragozzo is the most Venetian of them. The catamarans stop for the winter.
St. Mark's after hours is a splurge. I think it's the most genuinely after-dark tour in this part of Europe, and also the worst value on paper. Both are true. If mosaics are why you came, pay it.
The night walk is lovely and overpriced at $95 (€85) for 90 minutes. You can get most of it free, see below. Our night cruises page compares boat tours in other cities.
The free version: walk, then ride line N
Walk first. Start at the Fondamenta della Misericordia in Cannaregio, where the canal-side bars are, and wander east toward Campo dei Gesuiti and Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Then drift south through Castello to Riva degli Schiavoni and along to St. Mark's. It's roughly the paid night walk's route.
Then get on the water. ACTV runs a night water bus, line N, from San Marco and San Zaccaria along the Giudecca Canal and the full length of the Grand Canal to the Lido. Sit outside at the front if you can. You'll see the palazzi lit up from the water for the price of a ticket.
One warning. In fog, or when the tide is above 85 cm, ACTV changes services. Check the timetable on the night.
Getting back late
There are no cars, so it's feet or boats. The regular water bus lines thin out late and line N takes over, with other night routes to Murano and the northern lagoon. Times are on ACTV's timetable and app; pick a date and hour and it shows the departures.
Getting lost is normal. Venice's alleys dead-end into canals, and signs for "Per Rialto" and "Per S. Marco" painted on the walls are your friend. Use your phone's map, keep it charged, and don't try to cut through a dark courtyard you don't know.
Staying on the mainland in Mestre? Plan the last train or bus before you book an evening tour. A 9:30 p.m. walk in Castello leaves you a long way from Piazzale Roma.
When to go: darkness, cold and acqua alta
In December it's dark by 5:02 p.m., earlier than Rome or Florence. In June you wait until 9:38. A sunset boat in summer sails in daylight for most of its run.
Winter nights are cold and damp. January drops to about 33°F (0.8°C) in our weather data, colder than Rome or Florence. July and August nights stay near 69°F (20.5°C). May is the wettest month, with about 14 rain days.
Late October is a changeover. Both catamaran cruises stop at the end of the month, and the bragozzo cuts its boats to 4 passengers from December to February. Autumn and winter are also high-water months, and the Devour walk won't refund you if acqua alta cuts the route.
What to skip
The Venice ghost walks. The two our researcher checked rated 3.8 and 3.9, far below the bar. Venice has the stories; these tours didn't do them justice. A Legends ghosts-and-spritz walk had 65 reviews but no confirmed evening time.
Skip the "Lords of the Night" prisons visit if you want darkness: despite the name, it's a 3 p.m. tour. The evening gondola serenade rated 4.3 and missed out too. If you want a gondola, take one on your own and agree the price first.
When it gets dark in Venice
Times are for the 15th of each month in 2027, local time with daylight saving, computed with NOAA’s solar equations for Venice. Dark is the end of civil twilight, when streetlights and floodlights take over; fully dark is the end of nautical twilight. Night lows are 2016–2025 averages from the Open-Meteo historical archive. Every city side by side
Month
Sunset
Dark
Fully dark
Night low
January
4:52 p.m.
5:25 p.m.
6:02 p.m.
33°F (1°C)
February
5:36 p.m.
6:07 p.m.
6:41 p.m.
37°F (3°C)
March
6:15 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
7:19 p.m.
41°F (5°C)
April
7:55 p.m.
8:26 p.m.
9:03 p.m.
48°F (9°C)
May
8:32 p.m.
9:07 p.m.
9:51 p.m.
56°F (14°C)
June
9:00 p.m.
9:38 p.m.
10:28 p.m.
66°F (19°C)
July
8:56 p.m.
9:33 p.m.
10:20 p.m.
69°F (20°C)
August
8:19 p.m.
8:52 p.m.
9:32 p.m.
69°F (21°C)
September
7:23 p.m.
7:53 p.m.
8:28 p.m.
62°F (16°C)
October
6:26 p.m.
6:56 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
53°F (12°C)
November
4:41 p.m.
5:13 p.m.
5:49 p.m.
44°F (6°C)
December
4:28 p.m.
5:02 p.m.
5:39 p.m.
36°F (2°C)
Frequently asked questions
Is Venice worth visiting at night?
More than by day, honestly. The crowds leave and the city goes quiet. Stay at least one night if you can, and walk Cannaregio and Castello after dinner.
Can you visit St. Mark's Basilica at night?
Only on an after-hours tour. The one that cleared our bar, LivTours' VIP Night Tour, takes up to 6 people inside after closing for $193 (€173), admission included. Bring photo ID and cover shoulders and knees.
Do vaporetti run at night in Venice?
Yes. ACTV runs a night line N from San Marco and San Zaccaria along the Giudecca Canal and down the Grand Canal to the Lido, plus night routes to Murano and the northern lagoon. Check times on ACTV's timetable.
Do you pay the Venice access fee in the evening?
No. The 2026 trial has ended, and the fee's application hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the days it runs. The 2027 dates on cda.ve.it run from 26 March to 15 August, with details due by 31 December 2026.
Are there good ghost tours in Venice?
None cleared our bar this year. The two we checked rated 3.8 and 3.9. For a good ghost walk in Italy, look at Rome instead.
Further reading
Official sources
Comune di Venezia: Contributo di Accesso– 2026 trial ended; 2027 dates 26 March to 15 August, application hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., rules due by 31 Dec 2026; checked October 26, 2026
AVM/ACTV: orari servizio di navigazione– Night line N (San Marco/San Zaccaria, Giudecca Canal, Grand Canal, Lido) and night lines NLN and NMU; fog and high-tide service changes; checked October 26, 2026
NOAA solar calculator equations– Basis of the sunset and dusk table, computed for the 15th of each month of 2027; checked October 26, 2026
