This city of canals and cobbled streets, bridges and piazzas seems purpose built for romance. And the most romantic time of all is the twilight, as the gondoliers begin to pack up and go home, the shadows grow longer across La Serenissima, and the city’s countless bars, restaurants and cicchetterias begin to thrum with life. Everywhere throughout the floating city there appear to be two suns, if not three: the one in the sky; the one reflected in Venice’s famous lagoon; and the one winking at you from your glass of Aperol, which people in the know often refer to as a “sunset in a glass”. And the perfect place for an evening aperitivo? Look no further than Terrazza Aperol, where delicious spritzes flow all evening long. So round up the people whose company you love most, kick back and soak in the warm orange glow from the evening sun.

Brought to you with Aperol 

Rialto Bridge

Spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge’s distinctive arches are beautifully accentuated during sunset hours. The warm, golden light highlights the architectural details of the 16th century bridge, casting intricate shadows and illuminating the rich colours of the stone facade. No wonder it is a focal point for photographers, artists, and visitors who gather to enjoy one of Venice’s most famous monuments. And after the sun is down, take a short walk to Bacaro al Ravano – located just near Chiesa San Silvestro – which is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine. Order the impeccably cooked monkfish, or something lighter like a tramezzini sandwich and get your evening started right with an Aperol Spritz. A bridge, if you will, to carry you from day into the Venetian night.

Riva degli Schiavoni

With no cars, the best and most pleasurable way to get around Venice is on foot, meaning plenty of meandering strolls along glorious waterfronts. And the greatest of them all is Riva degli Schiavoni. Walking down the promenade is a great way to tick off a bunch of Venice’s monuments at once, including St. Mark’s Campanile, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Church of San Zaccaria. The best time of day to catch it is definitely sunset when the play of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the scene. Admire the gondolas as they glide gracefully through the canals against a soundtrack of bustling cafes and bars getting their evening service started. And as the sun sends its final orange beams shooting through the heavens, it might just be time to join them for an evening Aperol Spritz.

JOIN THE JOY

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Burano

As the sun goes down, the small island of Burano, located in the Venetian Lagoon, undergoes a breathtaking transformation. The island’s iconic rows of colourful houses become even more striking at dusk, with each lollipop-coloured building boasting a different shade of pastel pinks, blues, yellows, and greens. According to legend, the houses were painted such vibrant colours to help the island’s fishermen find their way back home when fog engulfed the lagoon. In the intensifying evening light, the street becomes a kaleidoscope of colours that contrasts with the island’s serene canals and cobblestone streets, creating the perfect ambiance for an aperitivo with a view.

T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi

There are plenty of reasons to stop of at T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi when you are in Venice. The building was formerly the headquarters of Venice’s German merchants, but today it is a premier shopping centre selling high-end clothes, products and souvenirs. Its top terrace offers a prime vantage point for great views of the Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal but to access it reservations are required. Booking a 15-minute slot is free, but they tend to sell out well in advance so get your booking in early, so you can coincide with sunset, when the lagoon city is at its most radiant.