The back story
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Neighbourhood guide
San Marco: the back story
The piazza, the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Fenice.
Neighbourhood guide · Venice
San Marco: Our Favourites
The Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, Florian and Quadri, Harry’s Bar, the Gritti and La Fenice.
What's onThis week in Venice
What to see and do
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The golden church
Basilica di San Marco
St Mark’s Basilica, with its golden mosaics, the Pala d’Oro, the Museum and Loggia of the Horses and evening visits.
Piazza San Marco 328, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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The view over the lagoon
Campanile di San Marco
The bell tower of St Mark’s, with the view over the city and the lagoon.
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The seat of the Republic
Palazzo Ducale (the Doge’s Palace)
The Doge’s Palace on the Piazzetta, with the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons.
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Guided visits
Torre dell’Orologio
The clock tower over the entrance to the Mercerie, seen by guided visit.
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On the Grand Canal
Palazzo Grassi – Pinault Collection
The Pinault Collection’s Grand Canal palazzo on Campo San Samuele.
Campo San Samuele 3231, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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Fedora opens the season 13 Nov
Teatro La Fenice
Venice’s opera house: the 2026/27 season opens with Giordano’s Fedora, 13–22 November 2026.
Campo San Fantin 1965, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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23 Jan – 9 Feb 2027
Carnevale di Venezia
Venice’s Carnival: the 2027 edition runs from 23 January to 9 February.
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Restored, beside the piazza
Giardini Reali (the Royal Gardens)
The restored royal gardens between Piazza San Marco and the lagoon.
Where to eat
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One MICHELIN Star
Quadri
The Alajmo brothers’ dining room above Piazza San Marco: One MICHELIN Star in the 2026 guide.
Piazza San Marco 121 (first floor), 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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Since 1720
Caffè Florian
The café under the arcades of Piazza San Marco, “Il Caffè di Venezia dal 1720” in its own words.
Piazza San Marco 57, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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Since 1775
Gran Caffè Quadri
The Alajmo family’s historic café on Piazza San Marco, “Caffè storico dal 1775”, beneath the starred Quadri.
Piazza San Marco 121, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
Bars
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Opened 13 May 1931
Harry’s Bar
Harry’s Bar on Calle Vallaresso, opened by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1931.
Calle Vallaresso, San Marco 1323, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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At the Gritti Palace
Bar Longhi
The Gritti Palace’s cocktail bar on the Grand Canal.
Campo Santa Maria del Giglio 2467, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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At the St. Regis Venice
Arts Bar
The St. Regis Venice’s evening bar, at the mouth of the Grand Canal.
San Marco 2159, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
Shopping
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Fashion near San Marco
Calle Larga XXII Marzo
The broad shopping street between Piazza San Marco and the Fenice.
Where to stay
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On the Grand Canal
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
A palace on the Grand Canal facing the Salute, with Bar Longhi and the Gritti Epicurean School.
Campo Santa Maria del Giglio 2467, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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Where the Grand Canal opens
The St. Regis Venice
A hotel at the mouth of the Grand Canal, with the Arts Bar and Gio’s.
San Marco 2159, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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A garden near San Marco
Hotel Flora
A family-run hotel off the Calle Larga XXII Marzo, a short walk from Piazza San Marco.
San Marco 2283/A, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
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Off the Frezzaria
Hotel Casanova
A hotel on the Calle Frezzaria, minutes from Piazza San Marco.
Calle Frezzaria 1284, San Marco, 30124 VeneziaExplore View on map
Share your San Marco tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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