Things to do in San Nicolo

Known by locals as El Piazza, St. Mark’s Square is a remarkably dynamic spot. By day it is teeming with tourists taking in the splendour of St Mark’s Basilica, the impressive façade of the Doge’s Palace and all the iconic sights of central Venice. By night it takes on a softer, more romantic atmosphere as couples emerge hand in hand to enjoy the softly illuminated Venetian cityscape.

Venice’s aquatic thoroughfare snaking through the bustling heart of the city—the Grand Canal stretches four kilometres and passes by the most iconic landmarks that mark the skyline.

One of the most iconic features of the Venetian cityscape, the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) has stood on its spot over the Grand Canal for more than five hundred years. With its immediately recognisable V-shaped design, stone arcades and balustrades, it is a popular spot for photographers, lovers, tourists—any and all who flock to this beautiful city.

Whenever you come into the heart of Venice, you won’t be able to miss the striking façade of St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), known affectionately by locals as the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). With its dazzling golden spires, it towers over St Mark’s Square, a spectacular piece of Byzantine architecture and one of Venice’s most iconic and best loved sights with its walls ornately adored with sculptures, reliefs and mosaics.

Immediately recognisable for its pink marble façade, Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale in Italian) stands tall and proud in the midst of St. Mark’s Square. With its arched loggias and its militaristic crenellations, the palace struck awe and not a little fear into the hearts of the visitors who arrived in Venice by sea over hundreds of years in former times.

The Piazza Mazzini is a wide, open plaza with picturesque trees and fountains that help to keep you cool during the intense summer heat. Cafés, shops and hotels overlook this busy square, where bars and bright lights create a lively atmosphere at night.