Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco
4.5
About
It is said that Napoleon called San Marco "the drawing room of Europe." And it is a breathtakingly beautiful place. But the square has long been a lure for massive numbers of pigeons, drawn by the massive numbers of tourists who readily feed them. While the tourists happily post for photos amid the flock, there are concerns that the birds' presence--and what they leave behind--will damage the centuries old architecture and art work.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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from £37.39
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The area
Neighbourhood: San Marco
The most famous sestiere (district) in Venice has one of the world's most famous squares, St. Mark's (Piazza San Marco). Anchored on one end by the basilica, clustered around it are restaurants, museums, shops, orchestras playing in the square, pigeons, the grand pink Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the soaring campanile bell tower, an astrological clock tower, plus gorgeous cafes and restaurants like Florian and Quadri. Piazza San Marco is beloved by Venetians themselves. They book a table anytime, which offers a buffer from the fray. This grand outdoor drawing room attracts Venetians for a stroll too, especially late in the afternoon when the hoards of daytrippers thin out. It's simply a grand place to meet.
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,487 within 3 miles
Attractions
916 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- SlavinoBanska Bystrica, Slovakia13 contributionsWe were hyped, but …We were very hyped about Piazza San Marco as it is probably the most famous place in whole Venice. This place looks very nice, but it is disgustingly overpriced. I suggest to take a walk through Piazza and then find some reastarant further from here.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 April 2023
- Gary WRichmond, Australia885 contributionsBusy Busy BusyA large space which most visitors to Venice walk to at some point of their trip. It has the Campanile, the Doges palace and the basilica. The queues can be long and tiring but it is all part of the experience. It is easy to locate as most streets have arrws pointing out its direction. There are plenty of cafes and shops around and near the square.Visited April 2023Written 5 April 2023
- TinaNorwich, United Kingdom22 contributionsBrilliant day out.What an amazing piece of architecture. Definitely a must do in Venice. The church is absolutely beautiful, never seen another like it. Plenty of souvenir vendors, even on a Sunday. Lovely little shops and eateries just off the main square.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 April 2023
- Beverly C3 contributionsBeautifulOur guide was great, sharing lots of details that increased our enjoyment. Firebird Tours arranged tickets ahead of time so no waiting in lines. Wow did that make a difference in how much we got to see.Visited April 2023Written 4 May 2023
- Kenneth EErwin, Tennessee519 contributionsStunningA must see!!! This is a main attraction in venice. Doge's palace, st marks basilica and correr museum is located in the piazza. Tons of shops and restaurants all around. Awesome place to just hang out and tons of great photo spots.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 May 2023
- Stephanie SRoseland, New Jersey778 contributionsGorgeous architectureEverything about Venice is absolutely gorgeous. The square is a great place with beautiful architecture with the churches and buildings. There are cute little shops and places to eat. Lot of history there and wonderful views of the canal. A great place to walk around and learn about the history of Venice!Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 1 June 2023
- ONaouraDubai, United Arab Emirates189 contributionsDo visit but do not eat thereThe Piazza San Marco is a must visit; nevertheless, should you expect that the square will be busy with tourists (Unless you visit very early in the morning). The restaurants do offer outdoor beautiful live music (At night time) which you can enjoy walking around enjoying the full view (for free) as much as you would by sitting at one of the overpriced restaurants there. I personally believe the square looks best at sunset/evening time with the street lights on.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2023
- CarsonsMommy2,650 contributionsBest after 5 pm!The living room of the world is a must see best seen after 5 pm when the day trippers have left. Before then it is hectic, crowded, wall to wall bodies. After 5 it is more relaxed, quiet, peaceful. Sometimes if you are lucky it floodsVisited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 June 2023
- Andres72423Bridgeport, Connecticut2,930 contributionsGrand PiazzaAn amazing Piazza in Venice with lots of action happening. One of the centerpieces of the Piazza is the Doge’s Palace. The piazza has various of coffee shops, restaurants and bars to frequent. You can sit and people watch as you sip on a coffee or have a beer or something eat. As you walk up to the Piazza they are plenty of vendors and shops to find whatever souvenir you may want to take home. Also it is the entry way to various alleys to find shops, bars and restaurants and your ride on a gondola.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 June 2023
- Gina ACarlsbad, California11 contributionsEmbrace the Venice Lifestyle in the Piazza San Marco!My daughter and I sat in the piazza in the afternoon which was amazing ambience. We got to watch the world go by, experience apertivo and soak in the beautiful surroundings. Yes, you are overpaying to sit and take a load off but was well worth it to sip the best Prosecco I've ever had and listen to live music and truly appreciate the Venice lifestyle!Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
37,532 reviews
Excellent
23,631
Very good
10,129
Average
3,024
Poor
515
Terrible
233
ZAH
Hertfordshire36 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Always wanted to sit and have a drink in the square, unfortunately work was going on which we totally understand so it was the image I had always thought but still a beautiful square in an iconic location.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Berke Ayrancıoğlu
Graz, Austria158 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
The main point of the city. Social, religious and political center. Surrounded by San Marco basilica and tower, Tore dell'Orologion and Ducale Palace. Beware the pickpockets and the scammers trying to force you buy flowers. There are cafes on the edges of the square where you can enjoy a coffee. Although the prices are high, it is very nice to have a coffee in the square.
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Twomaples
Canada445 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Coming from the narrow streets and alleyways the square opens up like unwrapping a wonderful gift. A guide explained it's like 3 monuments in 1: the Doge's Palace, the Basilica and the Library. There are shops to wander by or fabulous views over the lagoon and gondolas to admire. And at carnival time activities are posted and masked characters congregate here. There are many many carts selling wares but keep in mind that authentic Venetian masks are sold in the shops and are stamped. The masks sold here on the square may be "designed in Italy" but are imported.
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie K
Plymouth, UK53 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Gorgeous place to peruse have a hot chocolate in Florian good for glass and gifts The Square is breathtaking buy your tickets for st marks ahead even in Jan ques are long
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nora
Riga, Latvia8 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Great place to visit! Beautiful architecture. Visited twice and in the second time the floor was covered with water so be prepared and check weather so your shoes don’t get wet! It was really busy place! Overall I can say that it’s beautiful and anyone who will visit Venice can go check this place out👍🏻
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeanBaptiste111
47 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Took the bullet train from Rome to visit Venice. Piazza San Marco has truly marvelous scenery. The grand architecture, the iconic Basilica, the Campanile tower, and the lively atmosphere with cafes and pigeons adds to this captivating city experience. We Enjoyed Venice and its history.
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia50,431 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We visited this vibrant square located in Venice on our first day. Initially it was partially under water with elevated planks to walk on to prevent your shoes getting wet. Thankfully our next 3 days the square was mostly dry.
Its the hub of Venice and a busy bustling square with lots of cafes and bars and located waterfront. Beware of tourist traps and check the reviews if dining here. I loved the musicians who played music here.
You must visit the San Marco Basillica and the Bell Tower. The Bell Tower has magfnificant views from the top.
Its the hub of Venice and a busy bustling square with lots of cafes and bars and located waterfront. Beware of tourist traps and check the reviews if dining here. I loved the musicians who played music here.
You must visit the San Marco Basillica and the Bell Tower. The Bell Tower has magfnificant views from the top.
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herbert C
891 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice is probably the most famous public square in the world. Jostling for a spot around the square are the “who’s who” of Venice, each trying to outdo each other with their eye-catching structures - St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the towering St Mark’s Campanile, St Mark’s Clocktower (Torre dell’Orologio), the old and new Procuraties, Biblioteca Marciana (library), the two large granite columns carrying the symbols of the 2 patron saints of Venice (ie Saint Theodore and Lion of Venice) and even the pigeons. Whichever angle you pose for your photo in this square, you’re almost guaranteed of capturing the best of Venice, like an art masterpiece on an artist canvass. No wonder Napoleon purportedly called it “the world’s most beautiful drawing room”.
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
azhad.s
Austria15 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Quoting Napoleon is not what we usually do, but calling Piazza San Marco “the world’s most beautiful drawing room” was genuinely brilliant on his part, so here it is
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John P
Melbourne, Australia1,192 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We visited late December to avoid summer crowds. Gorgeous winter weather meant our gamble payed off but it was still crowded though far from summer numbers I experienced before!
Renting an apartment close by allowed us to visit early morning, to watch the sun rise, gorgeous, late evening to watch the light fade and enjoy reflected street lights, gorgeous, as well as through the day to savour the cathedral and the Doge’s Palace. You could not get bored here, stupendous!
Renting an apartment close by allowed us to visit early morning, to watch the sun rise, gorgeous, late evening to watch the light fade and enjoy reflected street lights, gorgeous, as well as through the day to savour the cathedral and the Doge’s Palace. You could not get bored here, stupendous!
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justjanica
Tigard, OR9 contributions
I heard that musicians play in the square at night. Does that always happen, or only on some nights? How can I find out more?
Glasgow222
95 contributions
We were treated to the most incredible cello music one afternoon, the man was so good he almost moved me to tears. There are a lot of buskers around Venice and they seem to be top notch. I've only ever known of organised music in the square very occasionally in the evening and it does get very quiet once the basilica and palace close. Venice has a tourist office but it is the kind of place you want to just wander and see what you find.
Hi,I’m planing to go to Venecia next week,I would like to know if still flooding
Sue
Bournemouth, UK259 contributions
I agree I would reschedule if possible. Stunning in the dry sunshine. Would not be the same in the cold, wet and damp. Save your money and visit in better times. Pop along to Lake Garda too. Stunning towns surround - especially the north.
Lisa B
Los Angeles, CA7 contributions
Hi there,
I am staying in St Marks square for New Years 2019. Do I need to buy tickets at all for the Square or is it open to the public? Can anyone recommend places to eat after the fireworks?
GrahamWalters
Andover, UK16 contributions
The square itself is open to the public, but there are charges for St Marks Tower, and the Doges palace which is 25euro pp
Expect to pay over 20euro for a coffee in the square, beyond the square is cheaper [but not much]
Fabio V
Vercelli, Italy100 contributions
Vorrei dei consigli su cosa vedere a Venezia in una gita di un giorno. Partendo da Piazzale Roma, quali linee utilizzare con il vaporetto e cosa andare a vedere.
C.T
Cassina de Pecchi, Italy190 contributions
Come hanno già consigliato evita i mezzi pubblici,sicuramente c'è fila da fare e tempo prezioso sprecato,riguardo le cose da vedere dipende dai gusti,se ti piacciono i musei devi sceglierne al massimo 2, perché per entrare sicuramente c'è fila,ed è già tanto se riesci a vederne 2, oppure girare per i vicoli,fino ad arrivare a Piazza San Marco,basta seguire le indicazioni. Se arrivi dalla stazione o da piazzale Roma,ti do alcuni consigli: 1 utilizza i bagni pubblici (tutti rigorosamente a pagamento )che sono in zona perché una volta entrato nel labirinto dei vicoli veneziani,di bagni neanche l'ombra,e tieni presente che il tragitto stazione- piazzale Roma a piedi circa 30-40 circa minuti solo andata, 2 portati bottigliette acqua sufficienti alle tue esigenze se non vuoi spendere un patrimonio, fontane pubbliche inesistenti, 3 occhio ai borseggiatori, 4 scarpe comodissime,durante il tragitto abbiamo trovato solo, casualmente, una piccola area di sosta con 3 panchine ,e con un po' di fortuna siamo riusciti a sederci per mangiare un panino.....dopo questa esperienza ho capito perché i turisti arrivati in Piazza San Marco bivaccano sui gradini della Piazza,mangiando e bevendo,utilizzando questo bellissimo posto come una grande area ristoro con le conseguenze negative ben note a tutti.Venezia è bella,ma bisogna fornire maggiori sevizi di qualità ai turisti e a questo aggiungere più controlli.
Fabio V
Vercelli, Italy100 contributions
Faremo una gita di una giornata a Venezia. Arriveremo a Piazzale Roma con l'autobus. Mi interesserebbe vedere la basilica di San Marco e la basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Volevo sapere se c'è il biglietto salta-fila per la basilica di San Marco. Ci sono musei a pagamento? Si può usare il vaporetto per raggiungere le due basiliche? Quali linee bisogna prendere? E' meglio il biglietto giornaliero?
Marco T
6 contributions
Non si pagano, per San Marco nel week end potresti fare un po di coda. Musei a pagamento consiglio palazzo ducale. Quanto al vaporetto calcola che ogni corsa costa 7 euro e vale 70 minuti. Quindi consiglierei l'andata in vaporetto facendo il giro per il Canal grande(esiste anche quello per giudecca molto meno scenografico) fermandosi alla fermata prima della Madonna della salute , visitare la chiesa e poi proseguire per San Marco. Ritorno a piedi che poi è la cosa che ti godi di più. Passeggiare per venezia è bellissimo, perdersi a venezia ancora meglio
joyce g
St. Petersburg, FL3 contributions
I’m taking my grad daughter there fir only one day as we return from a cruise. We leave Marco Polo airport at 6:00 AM so I need to know how long it takes to get from hotel to airport and a Goodman to get there.
missamorgan10
Caerphilly County, UK371 contributions
We travels from the airport to our hotel on the grand canal and it took 55 minutes . Our hotel was a 15mins walk from saint Marco square. We were central to saint Marco. Hope this helps.
Grannypammy
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK6 contributions
We will be calling into Venice in April, my husband is in a wheelchair, how accessible is Venice. Would we be better booking a local guide
mother123458
Ottawa, Canada70 contributions
I think maybe is better to hire a local guide or going in a gondola to many places. Some places are difficult to go in a wheelchair.
Jayne M
Douglas, UK13 contributions
Hi heading there march 11th for 4 nights 5 days. We haven’t booked any excursions or anything or even transfers. Breakfast is included and we’re staying near st marks square. Do you think 1.500euros would be enough for excursions, meals, drinks and transfers? Thanks
Michael Lodey-Young
Stoke-on-Trent, UK61 contributions
Hi we stayed only 5 mins walk from St Marks square and we had a fantastic time the only thing we didn't do was a gondola ride as we had more fun trying all the back streets. We had amazing food and only spent about £450 in total including going up the tower, the palace and church.
Jayne M
Douglas, UK13 contributions
Cheapest transfer from airport to st marks square please?
karl gasparini
Calgary, Canada53 contributions
Take a bus to the train station, then there is a water bus just outside the entrance to the station.
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Claim your listingPIAZZA SAN MARCO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Piazza San Marco
- Piazza San Marco admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost £37.07, while a popular guided tour starts around £4.31 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Piazza San Marco:
- Doge's Palace: Skip the line Ticket, Guide Book & VR Experience (From £37.07)
- Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge's Palace (From £90.72)
- Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour (From £21.60)
- Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride (From £43.20)
- St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - T3 (From £33.69)
- Hotels near Piazza San Marco:
- (0.01 mi) CASA CORTE DELLE ANCORE
- (0.03 mi) Saint Mark's Basilica At 200 Meters
- (0.03 mi) Best Windows
- (0.03 mi) Remedio: Small quiet nest in the heart of Venice
- (0.03 mi) Fenice Apartments In Venice - Not Just A Stay
- Restaurants near Piazza San Marco:
- (0.00 mi) Guna Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) Caffe Aurora
- (0.01 mi) Ristorante Quadri
- (0.01 mi) Grancaffè Quadri
- (0.02 mi) Caffe Lavena
- Attractions near Piazza San Marco:
- (0.01 mi) Venice Revisited
- (0.02 mi) Venezia
- (0.02 mi) San Marco 4995
- (0.02 mi) Procuratie Vecchie
- (0.02 mi) Procuratie nuove - ex Palazzo reale