Captivating its visitors with its centuries-old charm, Venice is a city like no other. Its heart lies at Piazza San Marco, the city’s most iconic square. Literally, it’s the center of Venice! It’s home to famous landmarks and plenty of food stops worth checking out. If you’ve only got half a day, don’t worry—that’s more than enough time to explore. ❤️🔥
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to see, where to eat, and how to make the most out of it.
Things to know before your visit
Piazza San Marco, also called St. Mark’s Square, is often described as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It’s long been a go-to spot for both locals and tourists to take a walk surrounded by incredible architecture and art.
Art inside Doge’s Palace
Over the centuries, lots of festivals, religious processions, tournaments, and even public executions have taken place here, so you know it’s packed with history. Napoleon even called it “the drawing room of Europe,” as lots of people gather here to this day.
Piazza San Marco at night | Photo by Alessio Furlan on Unsplash
It’s best to visit early in the morning between 8 and 9 a.m. to avoid crowds. Another good idea is to visit in the late afternoon or early evening to see the square all lit up and even more magical at night. ✨
Tourists and locals during acqua alta | Photo by: Aferali on Pexels
In autumn and winter, seasonal high tides called acqua alta can cause light flooding in Piazza San Marco. It’s nothing to stress over! This is perfectly normal and part of the Venetian experience. Raised walkways around the square make it easy to get around, but you can also prepare by bringing waterproof shoes or plastic covers for your shoes.
Take note of these reminders for a hassle-free trip‼️
- Dress modestly if you’re entering religious sites like St. Mark’s Basilica (shoulders and knees covered).
- Eating or drinking on monuments and steps isn’t allowed.
- Sitting on the steps around the square is prohibited.
- Feeding pigeons may look fun, but it’s not permitted.
- Avoid placing personal items like luggage or bags inside the Basilica.
What to See and Do Around Piazza San Marco
1. Step inside St. Mark’s Basilica
Intricate details on St. Mark’s Basilica façade | Photo by Marika Sartori on Unsplash
St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the highlights you can’t miss in St. Mark’s Square. It’s considered one of the most beautiful churches in Italy! Aside from relics, it’s filled with mosaics enough to cover one and a half football fields.
You can enter the church for free, but the lines are usually very long. We recommend booking a St. Mark's Basilica guided tour so you can also skip the queue and get the most out of your time.
2. Explore Doge’s Palace
Tourists inside Doge’s Palace | Photo by Klook User Kenny ****
The Doge’s Palace is another must-see in St. Mark’s Square. It was formerly the residence of Venice’s ruler (called the Doge) and the center of political life. Today, it’s a museum full of treasures. You can wander through grand halls, discover secret passageways, and even cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, a covered walkway with incredible views over the canals.
Skip the line and head straight in by booking your ticket in advance for Doge’s Palace.
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can book a guided audio tour for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.. No need to pick up a handheld device, just use your phone. Take note that tickets should still be purchased separately!
3. See the view from St. Mark’s Bell Tower
A view from St. Mark’s Bell Tower | Photo by Klook User 趙 **
You’ve probably seen the famous St. Mark’s Bell Tower in photos of Piazza San Marco—it’s the tallest building in the square and impossible to miss! Fun fact: Galileo once used it to look at the stars and share discoveries that changed how we see the universe. Today, it’s all about the views. Ride the elevator up and get to see Piazza San Marco from a whole different perspective.
4. Grab coffee at Caffè Florian
Outside Caffè Florian | Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
There are several cafés around Piazza San Marco, but if you’re after an Italian coffee spot that’s truly stood the test of time, Caffè Florian is your best bet. Dating back to 1720, it’s known to be the oldest café in Europe! If you’re not a coffee person, they also have delightful hot chocolate and pastries. ☕️
5. Take photos in front of St. Mark’s Clock Tower
Looking up at St. Mark’s Clock Tower | Photo by ArtHouse Studio on Pexels
This 500-year-old clock tower is decorated with golden zodiac symbols; its façade looks just as impressive today as it did centuries ago. It’s a must to take photos here. 📸 Snap a quick shot with your phone, but if you’re feeling extra, book a private photographer to capture all your moments in Venice.
6. Visit Correr Museum
Ala Napoleonica wing that houses Museo Correr | Photo by Travel with Lenses from Pexels
If you’ve got a little extra time in Piazza San Marco, the Museo Correr is worth a stop. It’s quieter than the big-name attractions but still packed with Venetian art, maps, and everyday treasures. 🤩
Here, you’ll find Ala Napoleonica, a wing built under Napoleon’s rule. With its grand ballrooms and elegant neoclassical style, it feels more like a European palace than the Gothic buildings outside.
7. Taste Venetian signature dishes
Pizza and pasta in Venice | Photo by Max Avans on Pexels
There’s no shortage of restaurants in and around Piazza San Marco. But it can be quite overwhelming figuring out what to order when everything looks so good.
If you’re after a safe but satisfying choice, you can’t go wrong with classics like pizza or pasta. Spaghetti alle vongole (pasta with clams) is a Venetian favorite, but a simple Margherita pizza never disappoints.
For something lighter, try cicchetti (Venice’s version of tapas). And of course, no visit would be complete without a scoop (or two) of gelato. 🍦
Now you know the must-sees (and must-eats!) at Piazza San Marco, you’re ready to explore and make your Venice visit one for the books.
FAQs
What is Piazza San Marco famous for?
Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It houses landmarks in Venice like St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Bell Tower, and the Doge’s Palace. It’s also known for its rich history and many cafes.
What is the Piazza San Marco Napoleon?
Napoleon Bonaparte once called Piazza San Marco “the drawing room of Europe.” He also left his mark by building the Ala Napoleonica, a wing with grand ballrooms and an elegant neoclassical design that now houses the Correr Museum.
Is Piazza San Marco free?
Yes! Walking around the square is completely free. You’ll only need tickets if you plan to enter certain attractions, like St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the Doge’s Palace, or the Museo Correr.
What are the rules for Piazza San Marco?
There are a few rules to keep in mind at Piazza San Marco: dress modestly if you’re visiting religious sites, don’t eat, drink, or sit on the steps, skip feeding the pigeons, and avoid bringing luggage into the Basilica.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
