The best roof terraces and canalside bars in Venice

A Venetian sunset is not to be missed, and the best way to see it is overlooking the water with a drink in your hand. Here are some of the Venice’s best bars with a water view:  

Terrazza Danieli: This is a Venetian institution in one of the most beautiful and historic palaces in Venice. “It’s terrace can be considered the most beautiful in Venice with a 180 degree view over the Giardini, the island of San Giorgio and the Doge’s Palace,” says Veneto Secrets.  

Bar Longhi: “The Gritti Palace’s Bar is possibly one of the hottest tickets in Venice,” says Rocky Casale at AFAR, although it’s hard for the view outside to compete with the “kaleidoscope of interior decorating; rich, brightly coloured draped fabric is the backdrop to delicate Murano glass chandeliers; paintings by 18th century Venetian artists and antique etched mirrors.”  

Skyline Bar: There are many reasons to love the rooftop bar at the Molino Stucky hotel on Giudecca island, advises Jo-Ann Titmarsh at Lonely Planet. “First off, you get a free shuttle service from the city across the Giudecca Canal. Secondly, least because “it offers great views of southern Venice and thus multiple photo ops.”  

El Chioschetto: “No need to be complicated,” write Philippe and Oscar Duboÿ in the Louis Vuitton City Guide, “this spot on the Zattere is probably the best place for a break at any time of the day,” its simple aluminium chairs set out on the quay overlooking the Giudecca Canal.  

Bancogiro: “It’s more of a restaurant these days, but I like to stop off here for a drink in the tiny downstairs bar, or, in summer, at one of the tables on Campo Erbaria outside, with its superb Grand Canal view,” writes Anne Hanley at The Telegraph of this bar-restaurant near the Rialto market.

L’Ombra del Leone: If you like the idea of an aperitif on a Grand Canal terrace but don’t want to pay luxury hotel bar prices, head for this bar/restaurant on the ground floor of Ca’Giustinian. From the terrace here “you will enjoy a terrific view of the Chiesa della Salute, the Punta della Dogana and San Giorgio,” writes Venezia Autentica.