San Marco

Venice
San Marco featuring a square or plaza, a small town or village and a statue or sculpture
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


San Marco Hotel Deals

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 $187 per night from May 6 to May 7
$187
$215 total
includes taxes & fees
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location and good breakfast which is convenient if you want to get your day started early."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
The price is $341 per night from May 6 to May 7
$341
$385 total
includes taxes & fees
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (996 reviews)
"Excellent location, close to all main attractions, easy to get to via water taxi, helpful friendly staff, lovely rooms and quiet. Would highly recommend this hotel"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Hotel Rialto
Hotel Rialto
4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is $246 per night from May 5 to May 6
$246
$280 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"The staff were very welcoming. Everyone spoke English with me which was great since I didn’t know nearly enough Italian to get by. The room was quaint. Not quite what I expected but very nice. The heat wasn’t working week but they had provided plenty of extra blankets. The view of the Rialto bridge ..."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

Hotel Rialto
Hotel Bella Venezia
Hotel Bella Venezia
4 out of 5
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
The price is $277 per night from May 5 to May 6
$277
$314 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (357 reviews)
"Friendly staff, good location"

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Hotel Bella Venezia
Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Montecarlo
3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
The price is $248 per night from May 5 to May 6
$248
$280 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"the location of this hotel is excellent. the breakfast is fantastic! staffs are friendly and helpful. great hotel!"

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Hotel Montecarlo
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 $272 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$272
$307 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
"Updated and close to everything"

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
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 neighborhoods around San Marco

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 St. Mark's Basilica while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Polo featuring heritage architecture and a bay or harbor

San Polo

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

San Polo 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 Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari or Palazzo Pisani Moretta.

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

Cannaregio

4.5/5(1,000 area reviews)

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 Venetian Ghetto.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro showing a river or creek and a bridge

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(423 area reviews)

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
Castello featuring heritage architecture and a river or creek

Castello

4.5/5(666 area reviews)

Castello is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Venetian Arsenal.

Castello
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Santa Croce

4.5/5(658 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

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