I heard that the average age of population in Venice is the highest in Italy, and that there's not much to do in the evening in Venice.<BR><BR>If I have 1-2 days to spend there, any suggestions where to go - Day and evening?

Hi John,<BR> I gather from your note that you are a young hipster looking for a single's bar.<BR> Don't go to Venice. It doesn't swing.

No no no no no. I am definitely not a bar person. I just wonder are there things to do in Venice other than going to museums &amp; cathedrals. Do shops close early? are there places to walk around in the early evening? that sort of things.

John, I went with my father in October, (only had two days in Venice), but we really enjoyed relaxing at Cafe Florien with a drink and listening to the orchestras. Expensive drink, and a 4.50 pp cover, but well worth it considering we sat for 3 hours. I caught up on my journal and postcards, we talked about what we had done and what was planned for the next day, and were in a great atmosphere. Several people were dancing, the people watching was great. We also enjoyed just strolling around seeing things at night.<BR><BR>Now, if you are taking your wife or girlfriend, you're in great shape...Venice is very romantic. I know Dad would have enjoyed it more with Mom than with me! <BR><BR>I think you just can't go wrong in Venice, especially if you only have a couple of days. <BR><BR>Anne

I vote with Anne for the Piazza San Marco at night. We were there in summer and, after a rather early dinner, we took the vaporetto ride all around Venice and then got off at the Piazza San Marco stop. The &quot;dueling orchestras&quot; of Quadri and Florian were going full speed. We chose Florian, too, and had after dinner drinks while listening to the musicians and people watching. We also briefly wandered about the interior of the historical Florian. There were plenty of people in the square, wandering, dancing, sitting at the cafes, etc., but NOTHING like the mob scene during the day. Of course, I'm assuming you'll be there when weather permits the outdoor cafes. Also, if you are interested in music and performing arts generally, you might also check out what is happening locally the evenings you are there.

Campo Santa Margarita is by a university and some nites is hopping. Much better area to visit or stay overnight than the San Marco tourist trap.

Hi John,<BR> Sorry if I misunderstood you. Along with the other suggestions, I think you might like taking the #1 Vaporetto around dusk down the Grand Canal to Lido and then back to the Rialto.<BR> You get to see the sunset and the city light up.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I believe I am right in my decision of spending 1-2 days in Venice, and the rest of the time take a train (5-6 days)to Florence, and use Florence as athe base where I can also rent a car for a couple of days and see the countryside.

Get Lost! wander wander wander. keep a streetwise or artwise map in your pocket just in case. but otherwise get lost.