If Piazza San Marco is the tourist center of Venice, then Campo Santa Margherita can be considered the main meeting place for locals and fashionable youth. This vast, elongated square, surrounded by 14th-century buildings, is the social heart of the Dorsoduro district, where many residents come here in the morning to stock up on essential products at the local agricultural and fish market. As such, it's a great place to see how Venetians go about their daily lives. Due to its distance from the popular Rialto-San Marco route, you won't find many tourists here, and the shops here mainly cater to locals.
Students from the nearby university hang out in the numerous bars dotted around the area, and the whole area has a bit of an alternative culture vibe. There is also a large concentration of clubs attended throughout the year. Especially at night, the local restaurants offer good value for money compared to the more touristy places, with plenty of Venetian spritz drunk on the outdoor terraces.
Why it's worth visiting:
Even if you don't intend to eat or drink here, make a detour to people watch - luckily there are plenty of benches from which you can enjoy the scene.
Tip:
Remember this place when you need food late at night. One of the best eateries and watering holes in the area is Al Bocon DiVino, located on the corner of Calle de Magazen, serving small fish snacks called "cicchetti" and a large selection of desserts and spritzes in a relaxed atmosphere.
In the south there are several lively bars offering music for a variety of tastes and genres, among them the Venice Jazz Club, which hosts live performances by its own quartet, as well as guest appearances.