San Marco

Venice

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

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 €145 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
€145
12 Aug - 13 Aug
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! (1,615 reviews)
"Amazing breakfast buffet, incredible location to St. Mark's Square. Staff were very accommodating, helpful, and friendly. The beds were comfortable."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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 €910 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€910
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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 2 Jun 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 €178 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€178
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
"The Rialto bridge view from our room was incredible! The day/night view was spectacular. The area is busy but that is a given since a Rialto is one of Venice highlights. The location is great as you can literally walk everywhere from here. Will highly recommend it!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Hotel Rialto
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
The price is €329 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€329
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Great service, interior design, nice room"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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 €132 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€132
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (1,001 reviews)
"This hotel was amazing and the service was impeccable. I would recommend it to anyone."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Hotel Bella Venezia

Hotel Bella Venezia

4 out of 5
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (873 reviews)
"The resturant associated was devine. Excellent fresh seafood. Excellent staff"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Hotel Bella Venezia
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 featuring a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

San Polo

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

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

San Polo
Venetian Ghetto featuring 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 Grand Canal and Casino of Venice.

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 Grand Canal or Maritime Station might round out your trip.

Dorsoduro
Castello which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture

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
Default Image

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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: