St. Mark's Square Tours and Activities

St. Mark\'s Square featuring heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city
St. Mark's Square
St. Mark\'s Square featuring a square or plaza, a sunset and heritage architecture
St. Mark\'s Square featuring heritage architecture, a city and a sunset
St. Mark\'s Square showing a city, street scenes and a bay or harbour


Experience the timeless charm of Venice’s glorious heart, home to the city’s most famous cultural icons, many cafés ... and several thousand pigeons.

Step into Venice’s most famous square and expect to be impressed by the opulence of St. Mark’s Basilica, the towering Campanile, and the gothic façade of the Doge’s Palace. This lively hub has been the focal point for Venetian life for over 10 centuries. Enjoy a drink in one of the cafés under the colonnaded arcade that lines the square or visit its most iconic buildings.

The large, open space in crowded Venice is known by locals simply as El Piazza. Visit at various times of day to get experience the piazza’s ever-changing appeal. See the beautiful colors of the sunrise at dawn, join in the bustle during the day and savor the romantic atmosphere in the evening.

The façade of the 11th-century St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) immediately draws your attention with its high arches, gold and marble décor and carved figures. To the right of it stands Venice’s landmark bell tower, the Campanile. Climb to the top or stand back and listen for the ring of the Torre dell’Orologio on the hour. Two bronze figures strike the bells as they have done for over five centuries.

Another common sound is the cooing of the pigeons that flock here in search of food, even though feeding the pigeons is no longer allowed.

Look for the two columns that mark the traditional entrance to the city in the southeast corner. On top, the figures of St. Mark and St. Theodore keep a watchful eye over the lagoon on which Venice was built.

Numerous cafés offer cappuccinos and open-air dining, with prices often higher than the rest of the city. As evening falls and the crowds disperse, find a table at a café and listen to musicians perform while you enjoy a glass of wine. Be aware that sitting at a table, rather than standing at the bar, will add to your bill.

St. Mark’s Square, in the San Marco district, backs on to the Grand Canal and is easily reached by vaporetto (water bus) or on foot. At high tide during the cooler months the square can get flooded, but raised walking platforms still make a visit possible.

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Best Lodging Options Near St. Mark's Square

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo

4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
The St. Regis Venice

The St. Regis Venice

5 out of 5
Campo Barozzi, San Marco 2159, Venice, VE
The St. Regis Venice
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 Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

3 out of 5
Isola Nova del Tronchetto 17, Venice, VE
Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova
Royal San Marco Hotel

Royal San Marco Hotel

4 out of 5
San Marco Calle dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
Royal San Marco Hotel
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
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
Hotel Rialto
Hotel Bella Venezia

Hotel Bella Venezia

4 out of 5
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
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.

Things to do near St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Square offers a wealth of activities for visitors, including memorable photo tours and engaging square tours. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant art scene, featuring la Biennale and its impressive art galleries. Whether you're boating on the canals or immersing yourself in the local culture, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic Venetian landmark.

Shopping

For an exciting shopping experience in St. Mark's Square, visit Rialto Market, only 644m away, for local produce and souvenirs. T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi, 483m away, offers a variety of shops in a stunning setting. Libreria Acqua Alta, also 483m away, is perfect for unique books.

Recreation

Marina di Venezia, an aquatic centre 8.0km from St. Mark's Square, offers family-friendly fun with water activities. Vivaldi Church, located 322m away, hosts enchanting music concerts for entertainment enthusiasts. For relaxation, San Giuliano Park, 6.4km away, provides a tranquil setting for wellness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Caribe Bay Jesolo, located 20.9km from St. Mark's Square, is an exhilarating waterpark perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. For biking enthusiasts, E4 - Il GiraSile offers a scenic trail 16.1km away, while the Passeggiata Lungo il Fiume Sile, situated 25.7km away, invites adventurers to hike through beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife in St. Mark's Square is enchanting, with venues like Teatro Malibran and Teatro Rossini, both 483m away, offering captivating performances. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere at Piccolo Teatro Delle Melodie Veneziane, located 644m away, perfect for a memorable evening of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Square in Venice offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, featuring iconic sites like the stunning Basilica di San Marco and the historic Doge's Palace. Visitors can also enjoy the picturesque Ponte dei Sospiri nearby. This vibrant piazza is perfect for those seeking a blend of history, architecture, and outdoor charm in one of Italy's most celebrated locations. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting square.

  • Grand Canal: Experience the enchanting Grand Canal, a picturesque waterway located 322m from St. Mark's Square. Known for its romantic ambiance and stunning scenery, it's perfect for a leisurely gondola ride or a scenic vaporetto trip, allowing you to soak in the charm of Venice while mingling with friendly locals.
  • Rialto Bridge: Just 483m from St. Mark's Square, the historic Rialto Bridge offers a glimpse into Venice's rich culture. This iconic structure is lined with shops and provides breathtaking views of the Grand Canal, making it an ideal spot for photography and exploration.
  • St. Mark's Basilica: Located right at St. Mark's Square, this stunning cathedral is renowned for its intricate mosaics and impressive architecture. With its deep cultural significance, visiting St. Mark's Basilica is a must for any traveller seeking to immerse themselves in Venetian history.

Best time to go to St. Mark's Square

The best time to visit St. Mark's Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
August75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
September69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Mark's Square

Visiting St. Mark's Square in Venice can be budget-friendly with several saving tips. Enjoy free access to the square and nearby attractions like Piazzale Roma and the Grand Canal. Plan your trip between January to February or November for lower accommodation rates. Booking a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can yield savings. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia’s search tools for eco-friendly options and package deals that combine flights and hotels for added value.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Mark's Square are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Mark's Square is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Mark's Square is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Mark's Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near St. Mark's Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.