San Marco
One of the six sestieri of Venice, historical neighbourhood
San Marco is the central district of Venice. It is home to many of Venice's major points of interest, and consequently can be extremely crowded with tourists, especially during the day when cruise ships unload their passengers.
Get in
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Map of Venice/San Marco
- 1 Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 1 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco), ☏ +39 041 2715911. Nov to Mar 08:30 to 17:30, Apr to Oct 08:30 to 19:00, closed Jan 1 and Dec 25. Don't miss the guided tour named Secret Itinerary, which will let you discover the part of the palace where the city's administration worked, as well as Casanova's jail and the wonderful five hundred year old roof structure. A MUVE museum. Adults €20, reduced €14.
- 2 Bell tower of St. Mark (Campanile di San Marco), Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 to San Marco), ☏ +39 041 5224064. Nov-Mar: 09:30-15:45; Apr-Jun Oct: 09:00-19:00; Jul-Aug: 09:00-21:00. The current tower dates from 1912; an exact replica of the previous tower which collapsed in 1902. The top of the tower offers great views of Venice and the lagoon. €8.
- 3 Clock tower (Torre dell'Orologio), Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto lines 1-2-5, 1.5.2 to San Marco), ☏ +39 041 5209070. Having been closed for restoration for many years, the restored astronomical clock is now visible. The fascinating tour of the clock mechanism (and rooftop bell) can only be visited on a guided tour, in English: M-W at 10:00 and 11:00, on other days at 14:00 and 15:00, in French M-W at 14:00 and 15:00, advance reservation required online or by phone at +39 041 5209070. A MUVE museum. Adults €12, reduced €7.
- 4 Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) (connecting sestieri San Polo and San Marco across Canal Grande). The bridge has become one of Venice's most recognizable icons and has a history that spans over 800 years. Today's Rialto Bridge was completed in 1591 and was used to replace a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524.
Churches
edit- 5 Saint Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Piazza San Marco, San Marco 328 (water lines #1, 52, and 82 will take you from Santa Lucia (the train station) or Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Marco. Walking is another option but will require a map and lots of time and energy), ☏ +39 041 5225205 (procuratorial phone number). 1 Oct-31 Mar: 09:45-16:45; 1 Apr-30 Sep: 09:45-17:00. Saint Mark's Basilica is on the Piazza San Marco and is one of the highlights of a visit to Venice. As with most churches in Italy, you must be dressed appropriately to be allowed in; this means no short skirts or bare shoulders. You are not allowed to carry large bags or rucksacks inside, sometimes even small daypacks may need to be deposited. Storage is available just around the corner from the main entrance (free of charge). Filming and photography is forbidden so be prepared in advance. The visit within the basilica lasts ten minutes. Waiting for entry into the basilica can last up to five or so hours and it may be wise to use a ticket service to reserve your visit (reservation costs €3). Once you have a reservation you can take the group entrance on the left, where you hand in the printout of your reservation. Admission to the basilica is free, however, the museum upstairs costs €5 and to view the high altar and treasury costs €2 and €3 respectively.
- 6 S. Giuliano, Campo di San Giuliano.
- 7 Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore, Isola di S.Giorgio Maggiore, 30133 Venezia (Isola di San Giorgio Vaporetto Linea 2). mei-sep 08:30-18:30. Designed by Andrea Palladio and build 1566-1610. Very nice views of Venice from the bell tower. For the bell tower: €6, reduced rate €4 (students and 65+).
- 8 S. Stefano, Campo Santo Stefano, San Marco 3825, ☏ +39 041 5222362.
Museums
edit- 9 Correr Museum (Museo Correr), Piazza San Marco, Ala Napoleonica, San Marco 52 (on San Marco Square, vaporetto line 11-2-5, 1-5-2), ☏ +39 041 2405211. Nov 1 to Mar 31: 10:00-17:00, Apr 1 to Oct 31: 10:00-19:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1. Interesting collection of globes, starting from the 16th century. There is also an only library hall, an archeological museum of Roman antiques and an important picture gallery. The museum offers a tour of Venetian history. Remarkable painting gallery with masterpieces of the 14th to 16th centuries from Venice, works of the Venetian sculpture Canova, studies on urban development and social life. At the end of your visit, don't miss the museum art cafe, with their tables on the San Marco Square. A MUVE museum. €14 (reduced €8), which also includes Doge's Palace.
- 10 Palazzo Grassi, Campo San Samuele, San Marco 3231. M W-Su 10:00-19:00. Last admission 1 hr before closing. Contemporary art museum. Temporary exhibitions from François Pinault's Collection. Adults €18, reduced €15.
- 11 Palazzo Fortuny, San Beneto, San Marco 3958 (laterale Calle della Mandorla, vaporetti line 1 or 2 to Rialto or S.A°ngelo), ☏ +39 041 5200995. W-M 10:00-18:00, closed Tuesday and May 1. Collection of paintings and lamps. A MUVE museum. Adults €12, reduced €10.
- 12 [formerly dead link] Telecom Italia Future Centre, Campo San Salvador, San Marco 4826 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Rialto), ☏ +39 041 5213272. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; closed M, Dec 25, Jan 1. Centre dedicated to telecommunication technology. The building complex includes an adjacent church with important works of art, the Refectory (which is a conference hall today), Renaissance cloisters and a small museum focusing on the evolution of the telephone in the last 100 years. Free.
- 13 Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Corte del Riso o del Bovolo, San Marco 4303 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Rialto), ☏ +39 041 3096605. Daily 10:00-13:30 and 14:00-18:00. A cylindrical tower with a spiralling series of arches, among the most characteristic examples of Venetian architecture at the period of transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles. From the top there are great panoramic views of the city. Adults €7, reduced €6.
- 14 Music Museum (Museo della Musica), Chiesa di S.Maurizio, Campo di S.Marizio, San Marco 2603 (near Campo Santo Stefano; vaporetto line 1 to S.M-.del Giglio or line 1-2 to Accademia), ☏ +39 041 2719012. Daily 09:30-19:00. Beautiful church, collection of musical instruments, Venetian Baroque paintings. Interpreti Veneziani, the creators of the Music Museum, also offer concerts in the nearby San Vidal church. Free.
- 15 Archaeological Museum (Museo Archaeologico Nazionale), Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 52 (Vaporetti line 1 or 2 to San Marco), ☏ +39 041 5225978. 10:00-18:00. Collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian artefacts. €4, reduced €2.
- St.Mark's Basilica Museum (Basilica di San Marco -Museo), Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco or Zaccaria), ☏ +39 041 2708311. 09:45-16:45. Visit the famous bronze horses. €5.00, reduced €2.50.
Libraries
edit- 16 Marciana National Library (Sala Monumentale della Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana), Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 7 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco), ☏ +39 041 2407211. 08:15-10:00, 17:09-19:00. Buildings by Sansovino, most important collection of books in Venice. €4, reduced €2.
- 17 Giorgio Cini Foundation (Fondazione Giorgio Cini), Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore (Vaporetto line 2), ☏ +39 041 271 0407. Multi-functional centre in an old Benedictine dormitory, the heart of the Foundation's library complex
Do
edit- 1 La Fenice Theater (Teatro La Fenice), Campo San Fantin, San Marco 1965 (300 m west of San Marco square), ☏ +39 041 786511, info@teatrolafenice.org. One of the best opera houses in the world. Info at Bigletteria Hello Venezia Call Center ☏ +39 041 2424. You can also visit this historic theater with an audioguide (good explanations in several languages). The theater is an identical reconstruction (rebuilt in 2003) of the previous theater building that burned down in 1996. Tours: adults €10, students up to 26 and seniors over 65 €7, children up to 6 free. Slightly cheaper if purchased as part of a combined ticket with the Doge's palace.
- 2 Goldoni Theatre (Teatro Goldoni).
- 3 Ateneo San Basso, Piazetta del Leoncini, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco or S.Zaccaria), ☏ +39 041 52 82 825, info@virtuosidivenezia.com. Classical concerts. €25, reduced €20.
- 4 Chiesa San Vidal, Campo San Vidal, San Marco 2862/B (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Accademia), ☏ +39 041 27770561, info@interoretiveneziani.com. Classical concerts by Interpreti Veneziani. They also run the nearby Music Museum in the nearby San Maurizio church. Adults €29, reduced €24.
Buy
edit- 1 Venetia Studium (High end Scarves & Shawls), Calle Larga XXII Marzo, San Marco 2428, ☏ +39 041 5236953, info@venetiastudium.com. Fine velvets and silks of every imaginable color are woven into delicate evening bags, scarves and pillows. The Company Venetia Studium produces in the Island the worldwide famous Fortuny Lamps
- 2 L’Isola, Calle de le Botteghe, San Marco 2970, ☏ +39 041 523 1973, info@lisola.com.
- 3 Archimede Seguso, San Marco 143, ☏ +39 041 5289041.
- 4 Venini, Piazzetta Leoncini, San Marco 314, ☏ +39 041 5224045, venezia@venini.it.
- 5 T Fondaco dei Tedeschi (Galleria T Fondaco dei Tedeschi), Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi (Next to the Rialto bridge), ☏ +39 041 3142 000. Luxury duty free shopping centre, housed in the historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi building where German merchants had there trading post for centuries.
Eat
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edit- 1 Pizzeria Megaone, Ramo del Fontego dei Tedeschi, 5367.
- 2 Pizzeria L'Angelo, Calle de la Mandola, 3711.
- 3 Bar Ducale, Calle delle Ostreghe, 2354. A bistro
- 4 Pako's Pizza & Pasta, Spadaria, 687.
- 5 Rosticceria Gislon, Calle de la Bissa, 5424/a.
- 6 We Love Italy fresh pasta to go - Rialto, Calle de l'Orso, 5529.
- 7 Ostaria A La Campana, Calle dei Fabbri, 4720.
Mid-range
edit- 8 Ristorante Centrale Pizzeria, C. Specchieri, 425.
- 9 Ristorante Al Conte Pescaor, Piscina S. Zulian, 544. Cozy restaurant with a terrace serving fish dishes and sea food pasta
- 10 Da Cherubino, Calle Barcaroli, 1702. Italian dishes.
- 11 Osteria Da Carla, Corte Contarina, 1535. An Italian restaurant
- 12 Bacaro e Trattoria da Fiore, Calle de le Botteghe, 3461.
Splurge
edit- 13 Antico Martini, Campiello della Fenice, San Marco 2007, ☏ +39 041 522 4121, info@anticomartini.com. Open all days. A luxury restaurant, favorite among the famous names of culture and business, the Antico Martini also attracts expert gourmets and famous personalities since the 1800s who come to enjoy unforgettable flavors. Beautiful detail and restaurant decor, romantic atmosphere. The site has been a restaurant since 1720, with the venue being open since 1952.
- 14 Restaurant La Caravella, Via XXII Marzo, San Marco 2399, ☏ +39 041 5208901. Open every day all year round. Historical place near St. Mark's Square, known since the 1960s, it has become a must if you like traditions. Offers some typical dishes and a large selection of wines. From May to September service is in a traditional courtyard.
Drink
edit- 1 Caffe Paolin, Santo Stefano, San Marco 3464, ☏ +39 041 5220710.
- 2 Caffe Quadri, 120, Piazza San Marco, ☏ +39 041 5222105. Opposite Caffè Florian, with similar prices.
- 3 Bistrot de Venise, Calle dei Fabbri, San Marco 4685. 22:00 until late night. Restaurant, cultural and enogastronomical meetings.
- 4 Devils Forest Pub, Calle dei Stagneri o de la Fava, ☏ +39 041 5200 623. A traditional English style pub with a very fun atmosphere. It is located near the Rialto Bridge and tucked into a small alley near the Disney Store.
Splurge
edit- 5 Caffè Florian, Piazza San Marco, 57, ☏ +39 041 5205641, servizi@caffeflorian.com. Daily, 09:00-00:00. On the extravagant side there is Caffè Florian, on Piazza San Marco. It claims to be the oldest coffee house still in operation, established in 1720. The interior is about a century newer, and brings an exclusive setting for a cup of coffee, even if sitting outside overlooking the entire piazza and its surroundings may be a better choice on a nice summer day. The café has its own outdoor orchestra playing an assortment of Italian music. Just sitting down at the table costs €6 per seat (for the orchestra it says on the menu) and the rest on the menu is at least twice the price you would have paid at home. Light lunch or dinner 12:00-15:00, 19:30-22:00, afternoon tea 15:09-18:00, great choice of semifreddo (parfaits) (€14), lemon ice cream with soda (€15), great choice of tea and coffee specialities; espresso €6.50. music charge €6.
- 6 Harry's Bar-Ristorante, Calle Vallaresso 1323, San Marco, 30123 Venezia (San Marco Giardinetti), ☏ +39 041 5285777, harrysbar@cipriani.com. 10:30-23:00. The Bellini-cocktail was invented here. Ernest Hemingway was one of the most famous guests. Very pricy!
Sleep
edit- 1 Bed and Breakfast Venice Ca' del Pozzo, ☏ +39 041-2413875, fax: +39 041-2443203. Completely restructured in 2003, in the characteristic Campo San Maurizio.
- 2 Ai Do Mori, San Marco 658, ☏ +39 041 5204817, fax: +39 041 5205328. As close as it gets to Piazza San Marco, but on the second and third floor, so it still is quiet at nights. Clean and nice rooms, TV, aircon, very friendly staff. Doubles from €55.
- 3 Antico Fiore, San Marco 3486, ☏ +39 041-5227941, fax: +39 041-2413879. An 18th-century building which has been carefully restored. Rooms from €65.
- 4 [dead link] Astoria, Calle Fiubera, San Marco 951, ☏ +39 0415225381, fax: +39 0415288981. 2-star hotel. It has Wi-Fi at a fee and rooms from €70.
- 5 Ca' Contarini, Calle dei Orbi (Corte de la Vida), San Marco 3025, ☏ +39 327-8455991, tfleming6@hotmail.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 10:30. A small, quiet establishment in a five hundred year old building. Both shared and private rooms are available, no curfew-lockouts, including free Wifi, coffee/tea, and light breakfast. From €70 per person/night.
- 6 Ca' Rialto, Riva del Ferro, San Marco 5149, ☏ +39 041-5209166, fax: +39 041-5238958. In a building overlooking the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge. Singles from €50, doubles from €60 (extra bed €30).
- 7 Hotel Serenissima, Calle Goldoni, San Marco 4486, ☏ +39 041 5200011, fax: +39 041 5223292. Completely refurbished at the start of 2007 and is a one-minute walk from the Piazza San Marco. Rooms from around €80 per person.
- 8 Ateneo Hotel Venice, San Marco 1876, ☏ +39 041 5200777, fax: +39 041 5228550. 3-star hotel close to Basilica San Marco. Rooms start at around €120 depending on season.
- 9 Alcyone Hotel Venice, Calle dei Fabbri, San Marco 4712, ☏ +39 041 5212508, fax: +39 041 5212942. Its 26 bedrooms are divided in single, double, triple and superior. All with en suite services, shower, telephone, satellite TV and air conditioning. €240.
- 10 Antica Casa Coppo, San Marco 4320/1/2, ☏ +39 041 5233585, fax: +39 041 2770843. Classic Venetian styled rooms starting at €100 a night. Near the Rialto Bridge. Wi-Fi.
- 11 Antico Casin Locanda, Corte Contarina, San Marco 1520/a, ☏ +39 041-5207002, fax: +39 041-795122. A refined example of contemporary design, located close to Saint Mark's Square. Doubles from €90.
- 12 Domus Ciliota, Calle delle Muneghe, San Marco 2976. A 5-10 minute walk from San Marco's Square. The hotel has over fifty clean, basic, air-conditioned rooms all with shower and WC. The 24-hr reception is English speaking. There is an area for leaving baggage after you've checked out. Single rooms are €70-85 and doubles are €100-110 including breakfast.
- 13 Hotel Ala, Campo Santa Maria dei Gigli, San Marco 2494, ☏ +39 041 5208333, fax: +39 041 5206390. Eggs and broiled tomatoes with cheese for breakfast. Rooms were a typical size but clean, comfortable and quiet. They have turndown service at night, a pleasant surprise. Double rooms from €110.
- 14 [dead link] Hotel All’Angelo Venice, San Marco 403, ☏ +39 041 5209299, fax: +39 041 2743555. Run by the same family since 1924 in a 17th-century building close to St Marks Basilica. Comfortable and stylishly decorated rooms with a double somewhere in the region of €150.
- 15 Hotel Antico Panada, San Marco 646, ☏ +39 041-5209088, fax: +39 041-5209619. Has rooms decorated in an 18th-century Venetian style. Double room from €145 to €310.
- 16 Hotel Becher, San Marco 1857, ☏ +39 041-5221253, fax: +39 041-5212685. This 18th-century hotel enhanced by the most modern amenities, charming atmosphere and impeccable service. Single rooms from €70, doubles €110 and triples from €170.
- 17 Hotel Firenze Venice, San Marco 1490, ☏ +39 041 5222858, fax: +39 041 5202668, info@hotel‑firenze.com. On a side street of Piazza San Marco, and offers bright and comfortable rooms. Rooms start at around €120 a double/twin.
- 18 Hotel Lisbona Venice, San Marco 2153, ☏ +39 041 5286774, fax: +39 041 5207061. Just in front of Piazza San Marco, three star rooms decorated in the grand Venetian style. Double rooms are usually around €140.
- 19 Hotel Montecarlo Venice, Calle degli Specchieri, San Marco 463, ☏ +39 041 5207144, fax: +39 041 5207789. 3-star superior rooms and services one hundred yards from the entrance to Basilica San Marco. Rooms start at around €130 a double.
- 20 Hotel San Giorgio, Rio Terà della Mandola, San Marco 3781, ☏ +39 041 5235835, fax: +39 041 5228072. The hotel is between Campo Sant'Angelo and Campo Manin in an antique Gothic palace bought by Mariano Fortuny. Single rooms from €60, doubles from €90, triples from €120.
- 21 Hotel San Moise Venice, San Marco 2058, ☏ +39 041 5203755, fax: +39 041 5210670. 3-star hotel behind Piazza San Marco and the Basilica. Starting in the region of €120-140 for a double room.
- 22 Pagan Luxury House, San Marco 3268, ☏ +39 041-2960584, fax: +39 041-5236218, info@capagan.com. According to their website, there is a €10 per night discount for booking directly with them. Double room from €120.
- 23 Novecento Boutique Hotel, San Marco 2683/84 (Calle del Dose, off Campo San Maurizio, between St. Mark's Square and the Accademia Gallery), ☏ +39 041 2413765. Has 9 rooms featuring original furniture and tapestries from both the Mediterranean and the Far East. Rates start from €120.
- 24 Palazzina Grassi Hotel, San Marco 3247, ☏ +39 041 5284644, info@palazzinag.com. First Italian hotel designed by Philippe Starck, the only one in Venice. In the centre, near the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Saint Mark's Square is a short walk away. Rooms from €295.
- 25 Duodo Palace Hotel, San Marco 1887 (In the historic centre), ☏ +39 041 5203329, fax: +39 041 2415940, info@duodopalacehotel.com. Four-star luxury hotel. Doubles from €140.
- 26 Hotel Al Codega, Corte del Forno Vecchio, San Marco 4435, ☏ +39 041 2413288, fax: +39 041 2414621. In a picturesque little ‘cortile’ (courtyard), which is a short walk from Piazza San Marco. From €200-300.
- 27 Hotel Dei Dragomanni, Calle del Dose da Ponte, San Marco 2711, ☏ +39 041 2771300, fax: +39 041 2778984. 4-star hotel in an ancient Venetian palazzo. Double room from €155.
- 28 Corte di Gabriela, Calle Avvocati, 3836, ☏ +39 041-5235077, info@cortedigabriela.com. Corte di Gabriela is a 4-star boutique hotel in Venice in an elegant nineteenth-century building, overlooking the canals of the San Marco district. It has a few suites, each different from the others. Double room from €270 per night.
Splurge
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Venice is home to some of the world's most luxurious, and expensive, hotels and several of them are located in San Marco.
- 29 Hotel Bauer Palazzo, San Marco 1459 (In the street from San Marco Square to Ponte dell'Accademia), ☏ +39 041 5207022, fax: +39 041-5239092, info@bauervenezia.com. Historic luxury hotel facing the Grand Canal. Hotel Bauer has been around since 1880. Double from €279 to €15,010.
- 30 The Gritti Palace, Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, 2467, ☏ +39 041 794611. Housed in the Palazzo Pisani Gritti, facing the Grand Canal, this hotel was once the private residency of a 16th century dodge. It has been a hotel since 1895