San Marco

Venice
San Marco which includes a statue or sculpture, a small town or village and a square or plaza
One of Venice’s most iconic sights is known all over the world for its historic square, cathedral and surrounding shops and cafés.

Look out over the pigeon-packed square and long arcades beneath the towers and crosses topping St. Mark’s Square, the central attraction in the sestiere (district) of San Marco. Being here is an unforgettably peaceful experience, unlike others you will encounter in Italy or Europe. Wander through the open spaces of the square and enjoy this beautiful scene.

Spend hours studying the fine details of St. Mark’s Basilica, the cathedral on the eastern end of St. Mark’s Square. Its Byzantine exterior dazzles with its manifold arches and gold trim. Inside are some of the most decadent gold leaf paintings of any cathedral, which together symbolise central tenets of Christian iconography. Their beauty is so widely recognised that they have even served as the basis of scientific studies about the biology of artistic appreciation.

Another important attraction in San Marco is Doge’s Palace. Built for the Doge of Venice, the chief magistrate of the former Republic of Venice, today the site serves as a preeminent example of Venetian-Gothic architecture and houses an art museum. Take your time perusing the many chambers of this building, the design of which has been widely imitated throughout the world.

As is the case with most of Venice, San Marco is densely packed with elaborate Baroque churches. In particular, be sure to visit the Chiesa di San Salvatore, which sports a cannonball in one of its columns left behind after a skirmish with Austrian forces.

Before you leave, have a dry martini at the famous Harry’s Bar, a truly expatriate experience. This place has served as the favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Philippe de Rothschild and many others. Also try two Italian treats that were invented here, the carpaccio meat dish and the Bellini prosecco cocktail.

While all of Venice is a marvel, San Marco is a wonder set right in the heart of the city. Allow enough time to explore the special treats of this perfectly European sestiere.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in San Marco

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
Fully refundable
The price is S$247 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$247
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Perfect for our stay-family of 4. Loved the location. Just a one minute walk to St. Marks Square. Staff was so helpful and accommodating. Many bakery and dining choices nearby. Gondolas outside the hotel. Cute bar to sit and view the canal. Lovely! We’ll be back!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Montecarlo
3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
The price is S$314 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$314
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"it was great."

Reviewed on 21 Mar,2024

Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Bella Venezia
Hotel Bella Venezia
4 out of 5
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
The price is S$377 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$377
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (334 reviews)
"Great service!!! April was a big help!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Hotel Bella Venezia
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
3.5 out of 5
San Marco 2494, Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, Venice, VE
The price is S$294 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$294
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
"Very comfortable, clean and convenient hotel."

Reviewed on 23 Mar,2024

Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Hotel Rialto
Hotel Rialto
4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$341 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$341
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"This hotel was built in 1592 and it's still standing! The location was perfect for shopping! The Fondaco Di Tedeschi mall is meters away. The shops along the Rialto Bridge and corridors has plenty of souvenirs. Water taxis, gondola rides and the vaporetto are located just steps from the front of ..."

Reviewed on 13 Mar,2024

Hotel Rialto
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
The price is S$378 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$378
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (998 reviews)
"Family friendly and a close walk to everything"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
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.

Other neighbourhoods around San Marco

Dorsoduro which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Teatro Goldoni while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Polo featuring heritage architecture and a bay or harbour

San Polo

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and Palazzo Pisani Moretta while you're in town.

San Polo
Venetian Ghetto which includes boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

Cannaregio

4.5/5(577 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Jewish Museum of Venice and Venetian Ghetto.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(297 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Maritime Station or Campo Santa Margherita might round out your trip.

Dorsoduro
Castello which includes heritage architecture and a river or creek

Castello

4.5/5(409 area reviews)

Castello is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St. Mark's Square and Venetian Arsenal, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Venice.

Castello
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Santa Croce

4.5/5(210 area reviews)

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal while in the area.

Santa Croce


San Marco