Located along a checkered-marble walkway under a portico of St. Mark's Square, this sleek cafe and cocktail bar is one of Venice's hottest social hangouts often overlooked amongst the madness of the historic square. A large patio of bistro tables and metal chairs frame a glassy entryway famous for its stylish cappuccino and Prosecco scene of fedora-wearing artists and retail workers in skinny jeans and glittery high-tops. The interior cafe is arranged with a long wooden bar attended by stylish bartenders with spiky haircuts and sexy Italian accents who don't mind grabbing a seat with guests. Afternoons feature house deejays spinning a mix of electric lounge tunes and Italian pop at one of the few local bars that actually draws crowd mostly-free of tennis shoes-wearing tourists in dated denim and Canon camera bags. A small food menu of Italian specialties is served throughout the day and night, when the touristy-vibe of St. Marks recedes and Aurora Cafe hits its nightlife stride.
Tips
During summer, Aurora sets up a separate beach club in the Lido with daytime tanning lounge and weekend events with one-name techno deejays.
Last Word
With the best location in Venice, this St. Mark's cocktail lounge and cafe offer one of the city's finest hipster hotspots with summertime beach spin-off.
