Destinations > Europe > Italy > Venice
San Marco
Dominated by the Basilica, Doge's Palace and Campanile, but perhaps equally famous for its pigeons, this iconic piazza is the heart of Venice.
topPiazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco
A hillside jewel that’s one of the most unspoiled Romanesque churches in Tuscany. It features a marble façade, a floor inlaid with zodiac themes, and lovely mosaics, as well as a Benedictine shop selling honey and herbal potions.
Campanile (Bell Tower)
+39 041 522 4064
Apr-Jun 9:30am-5pm; Jul-Sept 9:45am-8pm; Oct-Mar 9:45am-4pm
Closed for 2 weeks in Jan
It's worth taking the elevator to the top of this 323-foot tower for the gorgeous views of the city and lagoon (even the Alps, on a clear day).
Basilica di San Marco
Piazza San Marco 1, San Marco, Venice
+39 041 522 5205, +39 041 522 5697
Nov-Mar/Apr (Easter) Mon-Sat 9:45am-4:30pm, Sun and holidays 2-4pm;
Mar/Apr (Easter)-Oct Mon-Sat 9:45am-5:30pm, Sun and holidays 2-5pm
Dress code for men and women. No shorts or skirts above the knees.
Five domes cap the awe-inspiring Byzantine basilica, which features striking mosaics, the magnificent Pala d'Oro altar screen, and many other treasures.
Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)
San Marco 1, Venice
+39 041 271 5911
Daily Apr-Oct 9am-7pm; Nov-Mar 9am-5pm
Closed Jan 1 and Dec 25
The residence of the rulers of Venice for over a thousand years, this ornate Gothic masterpiece was designed to impress. The prisons and armory are thrilling for kids, as is the famous "Bridge of Sighs" leading to the prisons.
Secret Itinerary Tour
+39 041 520 90 70 (advance booking essential)
9:55am, 10:45am, 11:35am daily
Entrance for the public: Porta del Frumento, Piazzetta San Marco
Go behind the scenes to the Hall of the Chancellory, State Inquisitor's Room, Torture Chamber and prisons. Hear fascinating tales of the Republic, and some of its key figures, including Cassanova. The tour is available in several languages. Book ahead and get admittance to the Doge's Palace too.
Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)
The bridge which lead to the prisons got its name from the condemned – the prisoners supposedly let out a sigh at their last glimpse of sunlight.
Sala dello Scudo (Museum of Globes and Maps)
One of best kept secrets. Be sure to request a viewing of the map wall behind the curtain.
Museo Civico Correr
Procuratie Nuove, Ala Napoleonica
Piazza San Marco 52, Venice
+39 041 240 5211
Daily Apr-Oct 9am-7pm; Nov-Mar 9am-5pm
Closed Jan 1 and Dec 25
Entrance for the public: St. Mark's Square, Napoleonic Wing, Monumental Staircase
Too often overlooked, this may be Venice's finest museum, with fascinating historic exhibits, Canova sculptures and a picture gallery featuring a famous painting by Carpaccio.
topOther Sights
Palazzo Grassi
San Samuele, San Marco 3231, Venice
+39 041 523 1680
This 18th-century palace was converted in 1980 by Gianni Agnelli of Fiat to become Venice's highest-profile exhibition venue. Located along Grand Canal, it can be visited along with other great houses, either as boat-bys or stops.
topRestaurants
Aqua Pazza
Campo San Angelo, San Marco 3803, Venice
+39 041 277 0688
Some say, the best pizza in town.
Caffè Florian
Piazza San Marco, San Marco 56-59, Venice
+39 041 520 5641
Closed Wed
The oldest and prettiest of Venice's famous coffee houses.
Caffè Aurora
Piazza San Marco, San Marco 48, Venice
+39 041 528 6405
Daily 8:30am-11pm in summer;
Wed-Mon 8:30am-7pm in winter
Delightful coffee house known for its cakes and pastries.
Harry's Bar
Calle Vallaresso, San Marco 1323, Venice
+39 041 528 5777
Daily Apr-Sept 10:30am-1am; Nov-Mar 10:30am-11pm
Reservations: harrysbar@cipriani.com
Reservations essential
Caffè Lavena
Piazza San Marco 133/134, Venice
+39 041 522 4070
Known as the Café of Wagner and Musicians, both Wagner and Lizt wrote some of their most beautiful music while at the café.
Ristorante Gran Caffè Quadri
Piazza San Marco 121, Venice
+39 041 528 9299, +39 041 522 2105
Daily 12-2:30pm, 7-10:30pm
Closed Mon Nov-Mar except during Christmas and Carnival
Reservations: quadri@quadrivenice.com
Grand Restaurant and outdoor caffe on Saint Mark's Square.
Ristorante Da Ivo
Calle dei Fuseri 1809, San Marco, Venice
Tel: +39 (041) 528 5004 Fax: +39 (041) 528 5889
info@ristorantedaivo
Small 8 table restaurant with great local cuisine.
Paolin Gelateria
Campo Santo Stefano (Campo Francesco Morosini), San Marco 2962/A, Venice
+39 041 522 5576
Closed Dec-Jan
One of Venice Best and oldest gelaterias. Best caffé in Santo Stefano Square, with lots of outside tables, but go for ice cream.
Sempione
Ponte dei Bareteri, San Marco 578, Venice
+39 041 522 6022
Daily 11:30am-3pm, 6:30-10pm
Closed Nov-Dec
Reservations: info@alsempione.com
Do Forni
Calle Specchieri 468, San Marco, Venice
Tel: +39 (041) 523 2148 Fax: +39 (041) 528 8132
info@doforni.it
Daily 12-3:30pm, 7-12am
Decor fashioned after Orient Express Train. Hip place for people watching.
topShopping
The street around San Marco offer everything from world famous names in fashion and accessories to artisan shops selling Venetian specialties.
High fashion and accessories
Giorgio Armani
Calle Goldini, San Marco 4412, Venice
+39 041 523 4758
Pucci
Calle Vallaresso, San Marco 1318, Venice
+39 041 520 5733
Laura Biagiotto
Calle Larga XXII Marzo, San Marco 2400, Venice
+39 041 520 3401
Bruno Magli
Calle Vallaresso, 1302 San Marco,Venice
+39 041 522 7210
Prada
Campo San Moise, 1469 Venice
041 528 3966
Bulgari
Calle Larga XXII Marzo, San Marco 2282, Venice
+39 041 241 0553
Jewelry
Gianmaria Buccellatti
Merceria d. Orologio, San Marco 214, Venice
+39 041 522 6540
Tue-Sat 10am-7pm
Jewelry
Fabrics
Bevilacqua
Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, San Marco 2520, Venice
+39 041 241 0662
Range of silks, brocades and velvets, many still hand-produced on original 18th/19th-century looms.
Gaggio
Calle delle Botteghe, San Marco 3441-3451, Venice
+39 041 522 8574
Silks, brocades, velvets.
Marbled Paper
Ebru
Camp Santo Stefano, San Marco 3471, Venice
+39 041 523 8830
Paolo Olbi
Calle della Mandola, San Marco 3653, Venice
+39 041 528 5025
La Ricerca
Ponte delle Ostreghe, San Marco 2431, Venice
+39 041 521 2606 Daily 9am-7:30pm
Murano Glass
Galleria Marina Barovier
Salizada San Samuel, San Marco, Venice
topEntertainment
Teatro la Fenice (Venice Opera House)
Campo San Fantin 1965, San Marco, Venice
+39 041 786 611
info@teatrolafenice.org
Rebuilt to glory after being damaged twice by fire, "The Phoenix" is a delightful venue for plays, opera and ballet.
Teatro Verde
Palazzo Cini, San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice
+39 041 528 990
Open air theatre
Outdoor Concerts
Piazza San Marco
Spring and summertime concerts