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 Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo

3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
The price is P7,267 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
P7,267
P8,454 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
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! (1,263 reviews)
"This place was great. Super friendly staff who took our bags to our room, knew our room numbers every time we came back to the hotel (you have to leave your key at the desk when you go out) and answered any questions we had about the area. The rooms were clean, comfortable and charmingly decorated. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Hotel Montecarlo
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 P7,524 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P7,524
P8,868 total
Jul 17 - Jul 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 bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,576 reviews)
"Amazing!"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P16,746 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
P16,746
P19,013 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Friendly staff and good location in Venice"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
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 P55,921 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P55,921
P62,171 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions St. Mark's Square and Piazzale ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"Excellent place"

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

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

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is P10,173 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P10,173
P11,783 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (1,016 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Hotel Rialto
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 P9,097 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
P9,097
P10,467 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Great value and location for the money. The front desk staff was very helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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 Teatro Goldoni while you're exploring the area.

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

San Polo

5/5(1 area review)

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 Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari or Palazzo Pisani Moretta.

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 Jewish Museum of Venice and Ca' d'Oro Giorgio Franchetti Gallery.

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 Maritime Station or Campo Santa Margherita 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

5/5(1 area review)

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