San Marco

Venice

San Marco showing a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing
San Marco which includes a small town or village, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
San Marco
San Marco showing a river or creek
San Marco showing heritage architecture and a bridge

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 symbolize central tenets of Christian iconography. Their beauty is so widely recognized 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 favorite 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
The price is P8,857 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P8,857
P10,343 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,625 reviews)
"It was exactly where we wanted to be behind the Doges Palace on the canal. We wanted true Italian elegance and while this hotel reached for it I feel it didn't quite hit the mark as the room was a bit faceless and not the Renaissance wonder we had hoped for"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice

5 out of 5
Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio O Zobenigo, Venice, VE
The price is P56,903 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P56,903
P63,260 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"Excellent place"

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Hotel Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo

3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
The price is P8,100 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P8,100
P9,375 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,240 reviews)
"Staff were helpful. Hotel was beautiful and very well appointed."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is P10,225 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P10,225
P11,846 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Best location. Right next to Rialto bridge major shopping and restaurants. Room upgraded was still super small. Like cruise ship small. Needs some updating but clean. Breakfast included was good."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Hotel Rialto
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
The price is P17,516 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P17,516
P19,866 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)
Anniversary in Venice
"This hotel was great. I loved the location, and design and the staff of the hotel. The shops were at our fingertips and St. Marks Square was minutes away. Breakfast was very good and they also have a bar terrace"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
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 P7,579 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P7,579
P8,803 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Unbelievable property. Outstanding service and perfect location."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
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 Grand Canal while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Polo which includes heritage architecture and a bay or harbor

San Polo

San Polo is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Grand Canal or Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.

San Polo
Venetian Ghetto showing a bridge, a coastal town and boating

Cannaregio

Travelers to Cannaregio praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Grand Canal and Casino of Venice.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro showing a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

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

Dorsoduro
Castello featuring heritage architecture and a river or creek

Castello

Castello is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Venetian Arsenal.

Castello
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Santa Croce

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