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If you’re coming to Venice, Harry’s Bar is the classic stop—birthplace of the peach Bellini and the original Carpaccio. Despite its understated façade near St. Mark’s Square, inside you’ll find a timeless room that has hosted writers, artists, and Hollywood legends for decades.
This guide covers the essentials: a quick history, what to order, dress code (smart casual; shorts can be refused), price expectations, hours, address, how to book, and a few etiquette tips so you enjoy it like a pro.
What Is Harry’s Bar? A Landmark with a Quiet Entrance
Opened in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, Harry’s Bar sits steps from Piazza San Marco at Calle Vallaresso 1323. The Italian Ministry of Culture recognized it as a National Landmark—rare for a bar—thanks to its role in Venice’s 20th-century story.
The room is intimate and club-like: polished wood, white-jacket service, and a crowd that ranges from locals to travelers tracing Hemingway’s footsteps.
History: From a Friendship to a World Icon
The “Harry” behind the name comes from an American patron helped by Cipriani—an act of kindness that sparked a friendship and the bar’s name. Over the years, Harry’s became a salon for artists and writers; Ernest Hemingway is the most cited regular.
What to Order: Bellini & the Original Carpaccio
Bellini (1948): white peach purée topped with sparkling wine—silky, fragrant, and pink-hued. When white peaches are out of season, the bar uses high-quality purée so the profile stays consistent.
Carpaccio (early 1950s): paper-thin beef dressed simply, named after the Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio. It’s the template for the “carpaccio” you see worldwide.
Also excellent: a textbook dry martini, and classic Italian dishes if you’re upstairs for a full meal.
Practical Guide: Dress Code, Prices, Hours, Booking
- Smart casual is the baseline. Avoid shorts, beachwear, gym wear—especially in the evening.
- Shirts, trousers/skirts, and closed shoes blend in best.
Expect premium pricing. Recent visitor reports put a Bellini in the mid-to-high €20s range. Portions are small by design; you’re paying for craftsmanship and the setting.
- Typical hours: daily around 11:00–23:00 (check current times).
- Reservations: Recommended, especially evenings. A bar counter visit without a booking can mean a wait.
- Cards accepted: AMEX, Visa, Mastercard.
Harry’s Bar, Calle Vallaresso 1323, San Marco, 30124 Venice — a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square on the Grand Canal side.
Etiquette & Pro Tips
- Go earlier (before aperitivo rush) if you want a bar seat and a quieter room.
- Order one classic (Bellini or martini) and savor it—this is not a chug-and-go bar.
- Smart casual: even daytime visits can be strict with shorts; pack lightweight trousers in summer.
- Receipt: keep it if you plan to claim VAT on retail purchases elsewhere—Italy’s standard VAT is 22%.
Summary: Make It a Moment
Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth doing once? For many, absolutely—because you’re not just drinking a cocktail; you’re tasting a piece of Venice’s cultural history.
Want more Venice experiences? Consider a local class or tasting via GetYourGuide.
“Make pasta and tiramisu while sipping wine” is a stylish pick—plus plenty of other activities across the city.
Enjoy your time in Venice—and salute!