CityScrolls logo Explore Venice ›
Campo Santa Margherita : The lively mix of locals and visitors is even more vibrant as evening approaches, with cafes filling up and the square humming with conversation
6

Campo Santa Margherita

The city's liveliest square, buzzing with local energy and offering a great starting place for a night out.

Beloved Campi Top 20 Alternatives

What makes it special

A lively local hangout

Thanks to its proximity to Ca' Foscari University, this campo buzzes with student life. Come late afternoon, it fills with locals unwinding over spritz, wine, and lively conversation.

The spritz

In Campo Santa Margherita, spritz isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual. Made with prosecco, soda, and a splash of light liqueur, this Venetian classic is the go-to aperitif for locals and a must for first-timers. No strict rules, but it’s best enjoyed before dinner, spritz in hand, watching the square come alive.

Tasty & affordable eats

Lined with top-rated spots, the square offers a solid mix of restaurants and bars — great food, fair prices, zero fuss.

Fish market

On some mornings, a small fish stall appears with the day’s fresh catch — much smaller than the Rialto Market, but nevertheless vibrant and with the same rowdy seagulls fighting over scraps.

Campo Santa Margherita : Vegetation is rare in Venetian campos, but here a couple of trees offer welcome shade from the summer sun.

Open Gallery for more insights

Your experience here

  • Relax and people-watch.
  • Sip a legendary spritz.
  • Later, get the party started!

Open Gallery to get the feel

An unexpected Banksy

See if you can spot Banksy’s 'Migrant Child' near the bridge at the north end of the square, connecting to San Pantalon — preferably before that first spritz kicks in.

Campo Santa Margherita : You can spot 'The Migrant Child' by Banksy on a canal-facing building close to the northern end

Looking for more nightlife?

Venture south into Dorsoduro and you’ll find lively crowds outside some of the city’s (all too rare) bars and pubs.

Or catch a fun, charismatic jazz concert at the nearby Venice Jazz Club — a true jazz club experience unlike anywhere else in Venice.

Venice Jazz Club : And just like that, the band kicks into full throttle for the second half of the show

What to see nearby

These top spots are just a short walk from Campo Santa Margherita:

More like this

More campi with local vibes in Venice:

More Top 20 picks beyond the usual classics: