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

H10 Palazzo Canova
H10 Palazzo Canova
4.5 out of 5
San Polo - Via Riva del Vin 744, Venice, VE
The price is P19,808 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P19,808
P22,383 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
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! (980 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay in Venice and H10 was a big part of this. The reception staff was incredibly helpful and gave us some really great ideas on dining options. They turned out to be a few of our favorite experiences!!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

H10 Palazzo Canova
Hotel Guerrato
Hotel Guerrato
Calle Drio La Scimia 240a, Venice, VE
The price is P5,672 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
P5,672
P6,768 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
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! (460 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at this property. Our room was comfortable, air-conditioned and clean. The staff were very helpful and the breakfast was good. The price was extremely reasonable! One quick note: If you are coming from the train station, you will need to take the water taxi and go over the Rialto ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Hotel Guerrato
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 P13,265 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P13,265
P15,186 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
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! (999 reviews)
"The hotel was immaculate and the breakfast provided was extremely good with a choice of juices,cafes as well as mimosas"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Staff was amazing and gave us great tips for where to find good food. We really enjoyed our stay, thank you!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
Palazzetto Madonna
Palazzetto Madonna
4 out of 5
Fondamenta del forner 2902, Venice, VE
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! (998 reviews)
"Everything was perfect! A beautiful boutique hotel in the perfect location. The rooms were spotless and very comfortable. And the breakfast—hands down the best in town!"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Palazzetto Madonna
Hotel Marconi
Hotel Marconi
3 out of 5
Riva del Vin, San Polo, 729, Venice, VE
The price is P9,397 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P9,397
P10,799 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (970 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay, room decorated and furnished with middle eval upholstery adding a great cozy and romantic feeling to the stay. Bathroom and towells cleanness excellent. The breakfast provided was a full and quality food. Attention & service were great. Excellent location nearby everything. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Hotel Marconi
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 featuring 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 Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

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 Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

San Marco
Venetian Ghetto showing boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

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 Casino of Venice.

Cannaregio
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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
Dorsoduro showing a river or creek and a bridge

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
La Giudecca featuring 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