Think of Venice and the first place that comes to mind will almost certainly be St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). People have been flocking here to eat, drink, talk, worship and trade since the 10th century, and it remains a magnet for locals and visitors alike.The richly decorated St Mark’s Basilica dominates one side of the square, facing the grand Gothic dome of the Doge’s Palace and the iconic Campanile (bell tower) rising high above the crowds. Climb to the top for wonderful views of ancient Venice spread out before you like an intricately detailed map, or stand in the square below to hear the bronze figures strike the hour on the historic Torre dell’Orologio bells.Over in the south east corner of the square you will find two columns marking the traditional entrance to the city, topped with statues of St Mark and St Theodore looking out over the Venice Lagoon. The lapping of the water is punctuated by the sound of pigeons attempting to tap unwary tourists for food, but don’t be fooled by their plaintive cooing – these days it’s forbidden to feed them here.The piazza is a lively open space all year round, although watch out for high tides during the winter months when it sometimes floods. At other times of the year, this is the place to find the café culture alive and well, although prices may be significantly higher in this tourist mecca than in less high-profile parts of the city. Nevertheless, nothing beats relaxing over a cappuccino in the shadow of some of the finest architectural landmarks in the world, or watching the sun set over the Grand Canal with a cool beer in your hand. To the locals, it’s simply El Piazza, and it’s not every day you get to live like a Venetian.
St. Mark's Square Tours and Activities
Visit St. Mark's Square
History & culture
See all 425 activitiesOpens in new tabVenetian Islands Half-Day Boat Tour: Murano, Burano & Torcello
Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
7.8 out of 10 with 1683 reviews
Free cancellation available
Shopping & fashion
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabVenetian Islands Half-Day Boat Tour: Murano, Burano & Torcello
Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
7.8 out of 10 with 1683 reviews
Free cancellation available
Private & custom tours
See all 199 activitiesOpens in new tabMurano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
Activity duration is 5 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 170 reviews
Free cancellation available
Attractions
See all 16 activitiesOpens in new tabVenice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary
Activity duration is 30 minutes
6.8 out of 10 with 692 reviews
Free cancellation available
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 107 activitiesOpens in new tabYour Evening in Venice
Activity duration is 3 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Popular places to visit
St Mark's Campanile
4.5/5(102 reviews)
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of this landmark bell tower, where Galileo once made his name.
Procuratie Nuove
A historic building looming over the arcades of St. Mark’s Square, this is a necessary stop during your visit to the area.
St. Mark's Basilica
4.5/5(160 reviews)
The jewel in Venice’s crown is known as the “Church of Gold” for its gilded spires that tower over St Mark’s Square.
Museo Correr
You can study the exhibits at Museo Correr, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Venice. Stroll along the marina or visit the churches in the area.
Doge's Palace
4.5/5(104 reviews)
The walls of this grand palace are steeped in the history of Venice’s powerful and wealthy ruling classes.
Bridge of Sighs
4.5/5(135 reviews)
Arching high over the water, linking a palace with a prison, is a spectacular bridge steeped in local legends.
Top St. Mark's Square Hotel & Accommodation Deals
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Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
Hotel Bella Venezia
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
Hotel Montecarlo
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
Antico Panada
Calle degli Specchieri 646, Venice, VE
Royal San Marco Hotel
San Marco Calle dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
Hotel Bisanzio
Riva degli Schiavoni, Calle della Pieta, 3651, Venice, VE
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
Calle del Sturion 678, San Polo, Venice, VENEZIA
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
Hotel Rialto
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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