Piazza San Marco

Tourist sight
★ 4.8 (11K+ reviews) • 41K+ booked
Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is the main public square in Venice, Italy, and one of the most famous in the world. When you visit, you’ll see landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. Napoleon called it “the drawing room of Europe,” and as you walk through the square, you’ll feel the rich history of the Venetian Republic all around you. You can explore museums, admire golden mosaics, spot the winged lion, and enjoy the open space where people gather. During acqua alta (high tides), the San Marco square often floods, but raised walkways help you get around. Don’t miss the Piazzetta di San Marco, which leads to the Grand Canal and two tall granite columns that mark an important piece of Venetian history.
See more
See more
Piazza San Marco, Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Overview
Things to do
Hotels

Piazza San Marco Reviews

4.8 /5
11K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Wong ****
11 Sep
The process is simple: after placing your order, go to the meeting point at the designated time and look for staff wearing yellow vests. They will give you your tickets and direct you to the queue. This package doesn't really include any services; I bought it on Klook simply because I couldn't get tickets on the official website. It was a bit more expensive, but the advantage of this package is that you can visit the attractions at your own pace within 3 days. Only the church tower climb has a specific time slot; you can arrange the other attractions yourself. The weather in September was nice and cool, and it was worth climbing to the top to enjoy the breeze and scenery. The museums have many exhibits, but I personally don't have much interest or understanding of art and historical culture.
1+
Klook User
10 Sep
very nicely organized meeting point and quick access via the special skip the line entrance.
Klook User
2 Sep
These tickets were more expensive than the direct ones but turned out very worth it because I decided to change out visit day meant we could get a refund. We booked again for the very next day and we were still about to get in for the 8:15 - 8:30 time slot which was no longer available on the official website.
Klook User
2 Sep
We initially booked the lunch + free time but had to change times and the only one available was the guided tour in Siena (no cathedral). I was super happy we did that cause Siena was a gem and the guide was amazing there! This balanced our free time + all the info. I also recommend the lunch cause the wine tastings were great and the food pretty good too. It was a good experience with the hosts especially when some restaurants you go to in touristy locations can be overwhelming.
1+
siriporn *********
21 Aug
Be right on time, because they won't let you in early and you'll have to wait on the side of the road. The cooking experience was fun, the chef spoke English with an Italian accent. We got to enjoy pizza with generous toppings we added ourselves, gelato, and unlimited wine.
Tam ********
17 Aug
Booking Florence Cathedral tickets through Klook was incredibly convenient. The guide was professional and engaging, and we avoided the long queues. Stepping inside the Cathedral, I was deeply impressed by the magnificent dome and exquisite frescoes. Climbing to the top, the panoramic view of Florence's red-tiled roofs was spectacular and unforgettable. The whole experience was relaxed and enjoyable.
Klook 用戶
16 Aug
Great one-day trip! Everything was well-organized, the schedule was smooth, and we got to see so much in a short time. Highly recommended.
2+
Klook User
14 Aug
really amazing guides + driver such a fun way to see tuscany !! wish the group was smaller because we walked at a really slow pace and waited a few times for people, obviously not the guides fault !

Popular places near Piazza San Marco

33K+ visitors
31K+ visitors
142K+ visitors
155K+ visitors
155K+ visitors
157K+ visitors
131K+ visitors

FAQs about Piazza San Marco

What is Piazza San Marco famous for?

Why is St. Mark's Square so famous?

Where is Piazza San Marco located?

When is the best time to visit the Piazza San Marco?

What is so special about San Marco?

What to know about Piazza San Marco

Places to visit in Piazza San Marco

Basilica of San Marco

When you visit the Basilica of San Marco, also called Saint Mark's Basilica, you'll see one of the world's greatest churches right in the heart of Venice. This beautiful basilica has stood for over 1,000 years and was where the dukes of Venice were once consecrated. As you explore its golden mosaics, domes, and detailed architecture, you'll feel the rich history and unique charm of the Venetian Republic.

Doge's Palace

At the far end of Saint Mark's Square, near the Venetian Lagoon, you'll find the Piazza San Marco and the Doge's Palace. This building was the home of the Doge, the leader of Venice, and the city's political center. The palace's pink arches, built in the 1300s, look amazing, especially at sunset. Inside, you can see large rooms, the Doge's private apartments, courtrooms, and old prisons.

Museo Correr

When the crowds at Piazza San Marco get too busy, visit the Museo Correr at the west end of the square. Built during Napoleon's rule, it later became the home of the Habsburg Court. Inside, you'll see elegant neoclassical rooms, art, and exhibits about Venice's history and high society. It's a great spot to explore and enjoy when you need a break from the crowds.

Campanile di San Marco

The Campanile di San Marco is Venice's tallest building, standing nearly 99 meters tall. It's the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica and once helped guide ships to the Grand Canal. The tower you see today is a copy, rebuilt in 1912 after the original collapsed in 1902.

At the top, a golden statue of the archangel Gabriel watches over the city, while five bells in the belfry each had a special meaning for Venetians---signaling work hours, council meetings, and more.

Torre dell'Orologio

When you visit Piazza San Marco, don't miss the Torre dell'Orologio, or Clock Tower. You can climb up to the top and enjoy great views of Venice from two panoramic terraces. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful courtyards and staircases and see the amazing clock mechanism that has kept time for centuries. It's a unique experience that lets you discover both history and stunning views of the city.

Popular Attractions Near Piazza San Marco

Ponte di Rialto

Just a 10-minute walk from Piazza San Marco, the Ponte di Rialto is Venice's oldest and most famous bridge, spanning the Grand Canal with beautiful stone arches. When you visit, you can enjoy walking across the bridge, exploring the busy shops that line both sides, and taking in great views of the canal and gondolas below.

Bridge Of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is a famous stone bridge in Venice that connects the Doge's Palace to the old prison. You can walk across it or admire its beautiful white limestone from nearby spots. It's called the Bridge of Sighs because prisoners would sigh as they saw their last view of Venice before being taken to jail.

From Piazza San Marco, the bridge is just a 5-minute walk, making it easy to visit after exploring the square. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Grand Canal and take a gondola ride nearby.

Basilica of Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce in Venice is a beautiful church known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning artwork. When you visit, you can explore its lovely interior, admire paintings, and learn about its history connected to Venice's religious life.

It's a great place to enjoy some quiet time away from the busy city. The basilica is about a 10-minute walk from Piazza San Marco, making it easy to visit both in one trip.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a peaceful spot along the Grand Canal, just an 18-minute vaporetto ride from Piazza San Marco. Here, you'll see works by famous artists like Picasso, Kandinsky, and Dalí.