San Polo

Venice

San Polo which includes heritage architecture and a bay or harbor
San Polo showing heritage architecture
San Polo showing a river or creek and heritage architecture
San Polo which includes a coastal town and a lake or waterhole
San Polo featuring a city, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

The smallest of Venice’s six districts, this is also one of the oldest. It offers many tourist sites in its palaces, its churches and the Rialto Bridge.

Known for its impressive stone bridge and great shopping, San Polo is a favorite spot along the Grand Canal for both tourists and locals. While it can become crowded in the late afternoon, earlier or later in the day it is the perfect place for authentic Italian shopping. Explore this gem of Venetian culture and buy some souvenirs.

Perhaps the biggest attraction in San Polo is the Rialto Bridge. This 1591 construction is the latest of several iterations that date back to the 12th century. All have played important roles in the Venetian economy. Cross the Rialto Bridge on foot using the exterior staircases and enjoy panoramic views of Venice along the Grand Canal. Glide beneath the bridge on an intimate gondola tour if you have the time.

Any first-time visitor to San Polo must see the area’s churches and museums. Start by visiting the Church of San Polo. Take time to appreciate the numerous artworks that fill the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, while not itself a church, houses Christian commemorative paintings by Tintoretto that rival any of those in the churches.

Wander through the markets and alleys common in this area. The fashion stores here range from as specific as wallet and watch and glove shops to full boutiques. Purchase produce from the vendors around the Rialto Bridge, fresh from the morning delivery. Stock up on vegetables, fish and spices and prepare an authentic Italian dinner.

San Polo is on the upper part of the Grand Canal, a short walk north from San Marco. Stay in one of the hotels near the Rialto Bridge, optimally located for accessing the sights at St. Mark’s and elsewhere. While you’re here, try a pizza at Birraria La Corte, which was once both a bull stable and a brewery. This restaurant has delicious Italian entrees and a notably wide range of famous pizzas. Together, they give you a wonderful reason to return to this sestieri multiple times, whether or not you stay here.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in San Polo

Hotel Guerrato

Hotel Guerrato

Calle Drio La Scimia 240a, Venice, VE
The price is P5,933 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P5,933
P7,059 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (538 reviews)
"Awesome staff and beautiful property! The only complaint is there was a horrible smell in the room."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Hotel Guerrato
H10 Palazzo Canova

H10 Palazzo Canova

4.5 out of 5
San Polo - Via Riva del Vin 744, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P19,958 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P19,958
P22,553 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
Exceptional Hotel on the Grand Canal
"Our stay at H10 Palazzo Canova was wonderful. The hotel staff were available and always helpful. The rooms are large and nicely appointed. The breakfast, which you can purchase as part of your room cost, is exceptional. The staff is welcoming. The hotel has a lovely rooftop bar overlooking the Grand ..."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

H10 Palazzo Canova
Hotel L'Orologio Venezia

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia

4.5 out of 5
Sestiere San Polo - Riva de L Ogio 1777, Venice, VE
The price is P14,908 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
P14,908
P16,998 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff were extremely attentive. Always cleaning after we left our room. Great food, and really helpful when planning day trips. Would 100% book again!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
Palazzetto Madonna

Palazzetto Madonna

4 out of 5
Fondamenta del forner 2902, Venice, VE
The price is P13,167 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P13,167
P15,083 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (988 reviews)
Great hotel fairly central to Venice centre.
"The hotel looks recently refurbished to a high and sumptuous standard. The rooms were well presented, although the superior room was on the small size. The shower had a secondary hand held outlet. Breakfast was a plentiful continental affair but with a very limited hot selection. Roughly 25 mins ..."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Palazzetto Madonna
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Calle del Sturion 678, San Polo, Venice, VE
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

3 out of 5
Isola Nova del Tronchetto 17, Venice, VE
The price is P6,424 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,424
P7,532 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and Grand ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (267 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova
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 Polo

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 Marco showing a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing

San Marco

A noteworthy feature of San Marco is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out St. Mark's Square and Grand Canal.

San Marco
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
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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
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
La Giudecca showing a lake or waterhole

La Giudecca

La Giudecca 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 Giudecca 795 or Mulino Stucky.

La Giudecca

San Polo