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.

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.