Piazza San Marco, Venice: Address, Piazza San Marco Reviews: 4.5/5
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
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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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from A$61.35
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Top ways to experience Piazza San Marco
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
1,497 within 5 kms

Ristorante Campo Santa Maria Formosa
874
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean

Ristorante Alle Corone
1,662
0.3 km$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean

Ristorante La Piazza
1,089
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean

Pako's Pizza & Pasta
748
0.1 km$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Pizza

Pasticceria Da Bonifacio
235
0.3 km$ • Bakeries • Italian • Cafe

Ai Mercanti
1,713
0.3 km$$$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European

Al Conte Pescaor
1,283
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean

Ristorante da Toto
370
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean

Osteria del Lovo
1,066
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European

Trattoria Al Gazzettino
14,015
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
895 within 10 kms
Su e Zo Per I Ponti Di Venezia
4.7 mSporting Events
Festa Della Sensa
4.7 mCultural Events

Procuratie nuove - ex Palazzo reale
45
34 mHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings

Procuratie Vecchie
48
34 mHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings

Ala Napoleonica
44
35 mArchitectural Buildings
Galerie Bordas - Venezia
38 mArt Galleries
Statua di Euridice di Antonio Canova
1
44 mHistoric Sites • Monuments & Statues
Statua di Orfeo di Antonio Canova
1
44 mHistoric Sites • Monuments & Statues

Campanile di San Marco
9,163
45 mHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Campo San Zacaria
3
46 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
37,165 reviews
Excellent
23,394
Very good
10,047
Average
2,995
Poor
507
Terrible
224
Malgorzata
11,025 contributions
Jul. 2021
The largest and most famous square in the city, the true heart of Venice. In fact, it makes a really big impression along with the surrounding monuments. Great architecture. Piazza San Marco is the lowest point of Venice, so during high tide the whole square is under water. A charming and atmospheric place. A must see when visiting Venice.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tchumb
Florence, Italy315 contributions
Jun. 2021 • Solo
With so many other squares to visit in Venice Saint Marks is over played. Impressive in scale but overwhelmed by the number of tourists. Everything is overpriced including the well-known Harry's Bar nearby.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lesley F
Dubai, United Arab Emirates40 contributions
Feb. 2022
Amazing architecture. We went in February and Covid, so not everything was open. Not a lot of cafes and no music. Would have loved to sit outside Caffe Florian but not this time.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JJOH
Doha, Qatar636 contributions
May 2022
Yes it’s iconic but I’m afraid that for me it seems to have so vomljrtelyvsokd it soul to the tourism devil.
Crowded, hideously expensive and lacking the real feel if many other similar place in Italy
Crowded, hideously expensive and lacking the real feel if many other similar place in Italy
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Terry R
Alexandria, VA4 contributions
May 2022
Piazza San Marco can get crowded but it is impressive and lovely all at the same time. Best time to walk through is early morning or late in the evening.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dhillie
Lincoln, UK15 contributions
May 2022
We didn’t have a coffee in st marks square but we still managed to enjoy the music, ambience and Morrer museum.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Daniel B
Redditch, UK258 contributions
May 2022
Probably the most famous square in Venice and surrounded by beautiful architecture, but really because it's a huge tourist area then the prices in both the restaurants and shops surrounding the square are beyond ridiculous. If you're not eating and drinking in the overpriced restaurants then the only place to sit and watch the world go by is on the steps around the square. I expected more atmosphere but found that there are smaller piazzas off the tourist trail that are much more lively and enjoyable as they're full of Italians rather than tourists.
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Zoe P
10 contributions
Jul. 2021
This place feels like a whole different world. It's filled with people of all ages and it's great for an evening walk. If you are lucky like we were you'll see some of the famous pirates there too! Also, if a random guy offers you a handful of corn kennels be prepared to be swarmed by pigeons lol
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joanne J
Teignmouth, UK150 contributions
Apr. 2022
Everywhere you look there is stunning buildings. A real treat to see such beautiful architecture.
cafes all around here too.
cafes all around here too.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
l0ve2travel93
London, UK224 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is another of the must see places, I’ll have to admit I didn’t find the square that special and all the outlets around the edge were very expensive but still nice to visit.
We went up the tower in the square for 10 euro which had a lift and gave a good view of the city - would recommend this.
We went up the tower in the square for 10 euro which had a lift and gave a good view of the city - would recommend this.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi,I’m planing to go to Venecia next week,I would like to know if still flooding
Sue
Bournemouth, UK223 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
189 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, UK11 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, UK59 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, UK11 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.
desleyporter
Canberra, Australia
Is there a tour on a Saturday morning (June) around St Mark's Square, Doges Palace, Duomo etc.
Rina1961
Singapore, Singapore59 contributions
Sorry, am not sure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Piazza San Marco
- Piazza San Marco admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost AU$60.35, while a popular guided tour starts around AU$8.44 per person. See all 353 Piazza San Marco tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Piazza San Marco can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 353 Piazza San Marco tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Piazza San Marco:
- Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Ticket & Guide Book (From AU$60.35)
- Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge's Palace (From AU$128.57)
- Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour (From AU$37.81)
- Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride (From AU$68.07)
- St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Guided Tour - T3 (From AU$59.00)
- Hotels near Piazza San Marco:
- (0.02 km) CASA CORTE DELLE ANCORE
- (0.05 km) Saint Mark's Basilica At 200 Meters
- (0.05 km) Best Windows
- (0.05 km) Fenice Apartments In Venice - Not Just A Stay
- (0.06 km) Appartamenti A San Marco
- Restaurants near Piazza San Marco:
- (0.00 km) Guna Restaurant
- (0.02 km) Caffe Aurora
- (0.02 km) Ristorante Quadri
- (0.02 km) Grancaffe Quadri
- (0.03 km) Caffe Lavena
- Attractions near Piazza San Marco:
- (0.02 km) Russian Guide in Venice Lucia Gogu
- (0.02 km) Venice Revisited
- (0.03 km) San Marco 4995
- (0.03 km) Procuratie Vecchie
- (0.03 km) Procuratie nuove - ex Palazzo reale