San Marco

Venice

San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek
San Marco featuring a small town or village, a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza
San Marco
San Marco featuring a river or creek
San Marco featuring heritage architecture and a bridge

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 symbolise central tenets of Christian iconography. Their beauty is so widely recognised 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 favourite 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


Top hotels in San Marco

Hotel Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo

3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
The price is RM547 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
RM547
RM636 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,264 reviews)
"Hard to find a better location, it is literally 2 min walk to Piazza San Marco. Staff was really nice and helpful. Hotel conditions are a little bit outdated. Things work, but you can see that it needs a renovation."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Montecarlo
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 RM638 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
RM638
RM747 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
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! (1,576 reviews)
"Really fun visit, so many things opened my eyes , water taxis, churches, walking around, this particular location is not the only place to stay, but it certainly made life easier for me as a solo traveller. It was perfectly located, not too distant from the water taxis and not close enough so you ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM1,260 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
RM1,260
RM1,431 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
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! (1,009 reviews)
"The only negative thing I have to say about the staff is that they scheduled a water taxi for me and the water taxi driver gave my luggage to a guy once we got to train station and the guy wouldn’t give me my luggage until I gave him 50 euros. I was not expecting them to setup a water taxi that would ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
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 RM4,070 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
RM4,070
RM4,526 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions St. Mark's Square and Piazzale ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"Excellent place"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is RM689 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
RM689
RM803 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (1,010 reviews)
"It was very well located"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Rialto
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 RM725 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
RM725
RM832 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Have stayed here every time I’ve come to Venice! Love the hotel location, the vibe and the people!"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

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 neighbourhoods around San Marco

Dorsoduro showing 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 which includes heritage architecture and a bay or harbor

San Polo

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Grand Canal and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari while you're in town.

San Polo
Venetian Ghetto showing boating, a bridge and heritage architecture

Cannaregio

4.5/5(577 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Grand Canal and Madonna dell'Orto.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(297 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Grand Canal or Maritime Station might round out your trip.

Dorsoduro
Castello which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture

Castello

4.5/5(409 area reviews)

Castello is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St. Mark's Square and Venetian Arsenal, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Venice.

Castello
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Santa Croce

4.5/5(210 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

San Marco