Chilled

Cantinone Già Schiavi
Venetians who've just finished work huddle around this wine bar clinking glasses, or spill out onto the canal path. You can also snack away on their great range of cicchetti, the tasty tapas-sized plates.

Address: Fondamenta Nani, 992 Dorsoduro | Telephone: 041 523 0034 |

Devil's Forest
There's a great choice of beers and an authentic pub atmosphere at this central bar. Come to watch live sport, enjoy a snack in welcoming surroundings or simply sip a good beer. 

Address: 5185 Calle degli Stagneri, San Marco | Telephone: 041 520 0623 |

Live Music

Paradiso Perduto
Monday night is live music night, but concerts from rock to jazz are often held on other days too. Come to see the art displays, enjoy a good meal, or just have a drink among the creative types. 

Address: Fondamenta della Misericordia, 2540 Cannaregio | Telephone: 041 720 581 |

Teatro Toniolo
The current symphony and chamber music season at the lovely Toniolo theatre just over the water in Mestre includes a programme for string quartets of Beethoven and Mendelssohn (20 February) and a rather more exotic concert for guitar and cello (26 March). Their Facebook page is a good spot to check for the latest updates.

Address: 1 Piazzetta Cesare Battisti, Mestre | Telephone: 041 396 9220 |

Clubbing

Bacaro Jazz
Rows of bras donated by clients in return for a souvenir T-shirt hang from the ceiling at this fun place just round the corner from Rialto. With a jazz soundtrack and some delicious drinks plus a kitchen that's open till 2am, it's the perfect location for a lively night out.

Address: 5546 Salizada del Fontego dei Tedeschi, San Marco | Telephone: 041 528 5249 |

Area Venezia
For a memorable night out, do what the locals do and hop over to the mainland and the big clubs. This is one of the best for atmosphere and top international DJs. 

Address: 9 Via Don Federico Tosatto, Mestre | Telephone: 800 975 158 |