Bar
Harry’s Bar
Giuseppe Cipriani's bar near the San Marco waterfront, opened in 1931, where the Bellini and carpaccio were created, and a declared Italian national landmark.
Al Timon
A lively Cannaregio bacaro on Fondamenta degli Ormesini, with a boat moored on the canal for seating, cicchetti, meat platters and late hours.
At a glance
- Type
- Canal-side bacaro and wine bar
- Area
- Cannaregio, Venice, Italy
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
Good to know
- Seating on a moored boat
- Cicchetti
- Meat platters
- Late opening
Why we recommend it
Al Timon is one of the liveliest places for an evening drink in Cannaregio, and a favourite with young Venetians as well as visitors. It sits on Fondamenta degli Ormesini, the canal-side walkway that, together with the adjoining Fondamenta della Misericordia, has become one of the city's busiest areas for informal nightlife. Its signature feature is a traditional boat moored right on the bank in front of the bar, where customers sit with their drinks on the water.
Al Timon is a traditional Venetian bacaro with a kitchen. The counter is lined with cicchetti, the small bites that are the backbone of Venetian bar food, and these are inexpensive by city standards. The bar is also known for meat, with platters of cured meats served with pickles and preserves, and steaks from the kitchen. Wine is the drink of choice, with a selection by the glass and the bottle, alongside spritzes and beer.
The atmosphere is informal and sociable. On warm evenings the crowd spills out along the fondamenta, with people sitting on the boat, on the canal ledge or standing in groups. It is busiest from aperitivo time onwards, and the bar keeps late hours by Venetian standards. Check opening days and times locally, as they can change with the season. Tables inside and on the boat are limited, so arrive early if you want a seat, or simply join the crowd with a glass in hand.
Al Timon suits groups of friends, couples and solo travellers who want to experience how Venetians spend their evenings. It is less suited to anyone looking for a quiet, formal setting. Prices are moderate, and it is a good place to combine drinks and a light dinner of cicchetti. Please keep noise down late at night, as the fondamenta is a residential street.
The bar is near the Ghetto bridge in Cannaregio, about fifteen minutes' walk from Santa Lucia station. The nearest vaporetto stops are Guglie and Crea on the Cannaregio Canal. The Jewish Ghetto is just around the corner, and the Fondamenta della Misericordia continues the row of bars and restaurants east along the canal.
If you want a quieter visit, early evening on a weekday is the calmest time.
Al Timon FAQs
What is Al Timon known for?
Its boat moored on the canal for seating, cicchetti, meat platters and a lively evening atmosphere.
Where is Al Timon?
On Fondamenta degli Ormesini, Cannaregio 2754, near the Jewish Ghetto.
Is it a good place to eat?
Yes, for cicchetti and meat platters; it is a bacaro with a kitchen.
When is it busiest?
From aperitivo time onwards, especially on warm evenings.
Can I sit on the boat?
Yes, when there is space; arrive early to get a seat.
Is it expensive?
No. Prices are moderate, and cicchetti are inexpensive by Venetian standards.
How do I get there?
Walk about fifteen minutes from Santa Lucia station, or take a vaporetto to Guglie or Crea.