THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Piazza San Marco

The main piazza in Venice with stunning architecture in the north part including The Doge's Palace. St Mark's Basilica, The Campanile and Clocktower. On the sides and south are shops, hotels and restaurants. As to be expected these are quite to very expensive in the square, but step outside the piazza then you will find more reasonable venues. To avoid the massive crowds and queues for the sites it is best to visit early morning or later in the evening. In the evening you can also hear the bands playing in the restaurants in the square itself. Plus of course the vendors selling the compulsory roses and tourist tat is a little drawback, but to be expected. Worth seeing especially when quiet.

I was in Venice with my partner October 2023 celebrating his 40th. Upon our day of arrival we had been exploring the city and managed to find St Marks Square and just being there felt back a step back in time with all the old buildings. Restaurants and little shops line the edges and you will see The Doges palace and St Marc’s Basilica as well as the bell tower. Classical bands play outside some of the restaurants each taking a turn and there is just a real buzz about the place and evening there has a magic of its own when it’s dark and the lights come on. There is also an almost eerie atmosphere to it. We were a little unlucky as some building work was going on whilst we were there ruining some of the view. The restaurants on the square are ridiculously expensive the one with the bands being the most with the others being slightly less, however we grab lunch in one and had drink in another on our final night

To be seen both day and night with the presence of the Doge's Palace and the San Marco campanile (rebuilt since its collapse in 1902). Theater of History, the French influence with the ala Napoleonica (the square owes its current beauty to the work requested by the French emperor) and the declaration of the brief Republic of Saint-Marc in 1848. And scene of events like the passage of the Venice marathon in its last kilometers (with luck we find ourselves running with our feet in the water during an acqua alta as happened to me which makes the city marathon unique in the world). I only gave it 4 stars because: -always the presence of these unbearable street vendors who compete unfairly with real traders and who do not hesitate to put themselves in front of tourists, thus cutting off the serenity of their nighttime stroll. -you cannot sit on the steps surrounding the square to quietly enjoy your ice cream without being immediately stopped by an agent while other well-known places in Italy do not allow themselves so much zeal (like in the square Peter's in the Vatican where you can sit peacefully under the colonnades surrounding the square).

The San Marcos Plaza is the iconic heart of Venice, a must-visit destination. The cathedral is steeped in history and legend, a treasure trove of stories waiting to be uncovered. Be prepared for crowds and high prices, but it's a small price to pay for the privilege of walking on the ancient streets of this majestic, yet fragile, sinking city. The experience is well worth the cost, as you soak up the unique atmosphere and marvel at the beauty of Venice.

I travelled with my family, including two children aged 17-19. Keeping them motivated is a challenge for any parent. But places like this make everyone happy and especially you can take wonderful selfies for your new profile. Furthermore, Piazza San Marco, or St Mark's Square, is a breathtaking masterpiece that encapsulates the heart of Venice, Italy. Surrounded by architectural wonders such as St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, the square exudes a vibrant atmosphere that draws visitors in. The rich history and cultural significance add depth to the experience. At the same time, the lively ambience created by street performers, cafes and shops makes it the perfect place to enjoy a gelato or espresso. But remember, everything is costly and exclusive. If you are travelling with children, take less luggage and more water, snacks and food.

A beautiful iconic site of Venice. During our visit, Carnavale was in full swing. The square was vibrant with costumes and music. We ventured out early in the morning to take in the beauty of the square before the square filled with revelers. The beautiful serenity was breathtaking!

Piazza San Marco is unanimously recognized as one of the most beautiful squares in Italy and, despite the phenomenon of overtourism has heavily affected a unique but also fragile city like Venice, it has preserved much of its charm and beauty unchanged, the same can certainly not be said for other aspects and services of the city, which have tangibly deteriorated. In this square are concentrated many of the main attractions of the city such as the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, just to name the two most famous. If you come to Venice a stop in this square can not miss. Currently part of the square is affected by works.

We arrived in Venice on a day with heavy clouds, and St. Mark’s Square was anything but photogenic. To be honest, we didn’t really enjoy being there at all. We went back in the evening, and although it was drizzling, the photos turned out much better. It also helped that an orchestra at one of the restaurants was playing romantic Italian music, and a few young couples spontaneously started dancing. It was a lovely experience.

Walking along Piazza San Marco in Venice on a sunny day. The warm rays of the sun delicately caress the ancient facades of the buildings surrounding the square, illuminating the intricate details of the Venetian architecture. The light reflects on the waters of the lagoon, creating a spectacle of changing colors that dance in the sun. The sound of pigeons flying happily and the buzz of tourists enjoying the beauty of the square fills the air. In the center of the square, the majestic Basilica of San Marco stands imposingly, with its golden domes shining under the blue sky. Tourists stop to admire the golden details of its mosaics and to take a souvenir photo. Along the arcades, historic cafés offer a shaded refuge, where you can enjoy a delicious coffee or artisanal ice cream, while enjoying the lively spectacle of the square. It is an unforgettable experience that enchants the senses and leaves an indelible mark in the heart of anyone lucky enough to experience this moment 🤗

St. Mark's Square is simply splendid, whether by day or by night. It is the vibrant heart of Venice, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants that add to the charm of the place. During the day you can admire the majestic architecture and the liveliness of the square. At night, the square lights up, creating a romantic and captivating atmosphere. Sitting at one of the cafes sipping espresso while listening to the orchestra is an unforgettable experience. A place not to be missed during your visit to Venice.