San Marco

Venice

San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek
San Marco featuring a square or plaza, a small town or village and a statue or sculpture
San Marco featuring a bay or harbor and a sunset
San Marco which includes a river or creek
San Marco featuring 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 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 ¥20,498 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥20,498
¥24,097 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (1,628 reviews)
"Friendly service great costumer service And great view"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 ¥24,389 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
¥24,389
¥28,378 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Best location. Right next to Rialto bridge major shopping and restaurants. Room upgraded was still super small. Like cruise ship small. Needs some updating but clean. Breakfast included was good."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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 ¥147,081 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
¥147,081
¥163,512 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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 Jun 2, 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 ¥40,100 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
¥40,100
¥45,660 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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 Aug 16, 2025

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
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 ¥19,589 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥19,589
¥22,754 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Unbelievable property. Outstanding service and perfect location."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Colombina Hotel

Colombina Hotel

4 out of 5
Castello, Calle Del Remedio 4416, Venice, VE
The price is ¥35,077 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
¥35,077
¥40,135 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The water taxi dropped us off right at the front entrance—an incredibly convenient way to arrive. Navigating this route would’ve been tricky if the water level had been too low or too high, especially with all our luggage in tow. While water taxis can be pricey, cruising through Venice along the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Colombina Hotel
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 Grand Canal 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)

Smallest and most central sestiere, San Polo boasts churches in the west, palaces in the east, and iconic attractions like Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

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

Cannaregio

4.5/5(1,000 area reviews)

Explore historic churches like Santa Maria di Nazareth and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, or admire stunning palazzos such as Ca' d'Oro and Ca' Vendramin Calergi. Enjoy morning markets, local shops, and quaint cafés in this residential, peaceful district.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro showing a river or creek and a bridge

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(423 area reviews)

Boasting the highest land areas in Venice, this sestiere features the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the picturesque Zattere quay. Easily connect to San Marco via Ponte dell'Accademia.

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
Default Image

Santa Croce

4.5/5(658 area reviews)

In the northwestern part of Venice, Santa Croce boasts a mix of medieval charm in the east and 20th-century land reclamation in the west. Explore churches like San Giacomo dell'Orio and visit the Museum of the History of Fabric and Costume, while enjoying the convenience of Piazzale Roma's transportation hub.

Santa Croce

San Marco