An Aperitivo in Merano – a Touch of Dolce Vita at Any Time of Year

Spring, summer, autumn or Advent: there is always a perfect moment for an aperitivo in the spa town.

21 August 2026 — approx. 3 min read

There are moments on holiday that don’t really need a plan: a free table, a good drink, a little sunshine and time to simply sit and stay awhile

Ein Aperitivo in Meran gehört für uns genau dazu. Vielleicht nach einem Stadtbummel durch die Lauben, nach einer Wanderung oder einfach, weil der Nachmittag langsam in den Abend übergeht.

An aperitivo in Merano is exactly one of those moments for us. Perhaps after a stroll through the arcades, after a hike, or simply because the afternoon is slowly turning into evening

When the Days Start Getting Longer

In spring, life returns outdoors. The first warm rays of sunshine, gardens in bloom and people lingering longer on the terraces – for us, it is one of the most beautiful times for a spontaneous aperitivo in town.

In summer, it can easily turn into a long evening. You sit outside, watch the world go by and suddenly realise that “just a quick drink” has almost turned into the whole evening.

Autumn has its own special charm too: the air becomes clearer, the town a little quieter, and an aperitivo in the last warm afternoon sunshine suddenly feels especially precious.

Our Favourite Spot on Warm Evenings

When we treat ourselves to an aperitivo in Merano, one of our favourite places is Bistro La Piazza on Thermenplatz

We especially love its location right in the middle of the square. Surrounded by palm trees, the modern architecture of the thermal baths and the lively atmosphere of the town, it is a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by.

On a warm evening? For us, it’s a classic: an Aperol Spritz, a nice spot on the terrace and, for a while, no plans at all.

We like La Piazza not only for an aperitivo. The food and the atmosphere are just as much a part of the experience for us. So it is not unusual for a planned drink to turn.

The bistro is open daily and, in addition to drinks and aperitifs, also serves hot meals – ideal if you want to decide spontaneously whether to stay a little longer.

And in winter? Absolutely.

Even when terrace season seems to be over, there is no need to miss out on these little moments of indulgence in Merano.

During Advent, the town takes on a different atmosphere. Lights, the scent of Christmas pastries and mulled wine, and the stalls of the Merano Christmas Market spread through the town centre – from the Kurpromenade to Thermenplatz.

Then the summery Aperol might be replaced by a hot drink at the Christmas market. You stroll from stall to stall, stop somewhere along the way, warm your hands around the cup and simply enjoy the atmosphere

The Merano Christmas Market takes place from 26 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. Especially in the evening, when the lights come on, the spa town reveals a completely different side.

From the Bäcksteinerhof into Town – and Back Again

The best part: you don’t need to plan a big outing for an aperitivo

The promenades, arcades and Thermenplatz are less than two kilometres from the Bäcksteinerhof. This makes it easy to combine everything in one day: enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the farm in the morning, explore Merano later on, and in the evening settle in somewhere for an aperitivo.

And if that second glass is just too tempting, you can simply leave the car where it is. With the bus and the South Tyrol Guest Pass, getting back towards the Bäcksteinerhof is easy and convenient

At a Glance

• Where: Thermenplatz in the centre of Merano
• Our Tip: Bistro La Piazza
• Best enjoyed: outside on the terrace on a warm spring or summer evening
• Our classic: Aperol Spritz
• For afterwards: simply stay a little longer – we enjoy the food just as much as the atmosphere
• In winter: swap aperitivo vibes for Advent atmosphere and stroll through the Merano Christmas Market.
• Distance from the Bäcksteinerhof: less than 2 km to the town centre
• Good to know: Bistro La Piazza is currently open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Our tip

Don’t plan your aperitivo too carefully.

Head into town in the late afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the arcades or along the Passer, and then simply see where you feel like staying.

If there is still a nice table available at Thermenplatz, take a seat, order an Aperol and simply watch as the afternoon slowly turns into a Merano evening.

Because sometimes it is precisely these unplanned hours that stay with you longest after your holiday.