San Marco Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Activities


Our pick of the best San Marco Hotel Deals

Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is AU$231 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
AU$231
12 Nov - 13 Nov
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! (1,018 reviews)
"Small but beautiful room."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hotel Rialto
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 AU$259 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$259
9 Nov - 10 Nov
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! (1,690 reviews)
"The staff were lovely! They helped me solve logistical issues so patiently and professionally. The rooms were beautiful and the breakfast was delicious."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 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 AU$427 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$427
15 Nov - 16 Nov
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Clean room"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Hotel Bella Venezia

Hotel Bella Venezia

4 out of 5
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
The price is AU$224 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$224
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (949 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Hotel Bella Venezia
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 AU$234 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
AU$234
12 Nov - 13 Nov
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)
"The hotel is in an excellent location for airport water bus and the water bus to train station. The hotel staff are friendly and welcoming, rooms are a good size with nice décor. Location is great for San Marco and exploring. Breakfast is very good and the bar has a lovely atmosphere. Can highly ..."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Hotel Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo

3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
The price is AU$201 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$201
6 Nov - 7 Nov
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! (1,264 reviews)
"This was a great hotel for the price. It was close to major historic sites, but it was still quiet. The staff were very helpful and friendly. We really appreciated the afternoon tea and breakfast buffet included with the stay. M Kim in u mom"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Hotel Montecarlo
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 a coastal town and heritage architecture

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 showing a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

San Polo

4.5/5(33 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 which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and a coastal town

Cannaregio

4.5/5(119 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 featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

5/5(30 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(64 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(62 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 Travel Guide

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