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 symbolise central tenets of Christian iconography. Their beauty is so widely recognised 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 favourite 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 €150 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€150
24 Aug - 25 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! (1,633 reviews)
"Extraordinary"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is €178 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
€178
21 Aug - 22 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! (1,008 reviews)
"A superb hotel a stones throw away from the Rialto bridge. I was given a room with a spectacular (and romantic) view of the grand canal. The staff and service were exceptional and I would highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hotel Rialto
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 €1,270 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€1,270
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
The price is €299 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
€299
23 Aug - 24 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! (1,011 reviews)
Ok hotel in great area
"Stay was fine but not worth the price. Location is great though! Be aware that there is an optional 5% gratuity they add to the cost of the hotel bill. Seems like a rip off considering it’s not a high end hotel"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Albergo San Marco

Albergo San Marco

3 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 877, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €157 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€157
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions St. Mark's Square and Grand Canal are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (94 reviews)
"We enjoyed our time - the hotel was clean and the location was fantastic."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Albergo San Marco
Venezia Palazzo Barocci

Venezia Palazzo Barocci

4.5 out of 5
San Marco. Corte dell'Albero 3878/A, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €234 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€234
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (771 reviews)
"The #1 reason for us choosing this hotel was for the convenience of the water taxi transfer from Airport, dropped us right at the hotel’s door. But there is also a water bus that takes you just beside the hotel if you’re looking for a cheaper option. The room was spacious, clean and the bed was comfortable. ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Venezia Palazzo Barocci
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
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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

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