Despite the country’s general refraining from alcohol, most Venetian’s enjoy a tipple even occasionally first thing in the morning – a shot of fierce grappa in your morning coffee will wake you up Venetian style – but also at lunchtime and after work with most usually an ombra (small glass of red or white wine).

Many lunchtime places also double as bars in that they stay open late, but Venice has many and varied pubs, bars and osteria’s catering for all tastes, whether it’s sampling local culture and enjoying a spritz, a Bellini or an ombra in a traditional Venetian bar, to a more typical place where a few pints might be more in order.

Campo Santa Margherita in the Dorsoduro district is a particularly lively and popular spot as is the area around the Rialto markets. Ai Do Draghi, in the former, has over 40 wines by the glass and is extremely popular, even to spilling outside into the campo where it is located. Muro Vino e Cucina in the latter meanwhile is a more modern, refined establishment, attracting a trendier clientele but a happening place nevertheless.

Meanwhile, not to forget Harry’s Bar, in calle Valleresso, St Mark’s, a place which is as much a part of Venice’ history and attractions as it is a bar and restaurant. Many famous names have sipped a Bellini cocktail here, in the place it was invented and a place most tourists make a point of visiting if only to say they’ve been there.

There is, naturally, an Irish Bar in Venice for those determined to keep some home comforts. The ‘Fiddlers Elbow’ in Cannaregio, close to the Rialto Bridge, will not disappoint in your pursuit of SKY Sports or a pint of Guinness.

Did you Know?!?

Al Volta Bar in the St Mark’s area of Venice is the city’s oldest existing wine bar in the city with no less than 1500 wines on offer.