This is the place where Venetians come to watch the world go by – although almost everyone we saw was a tourist! It’s certainly the busiest square in Venice and there’s a lovely atmosphere when you walk through. Coffee here is extortionate, so you may choose to drink somewhere else, but there’s often live music to enjoy. There is often flooding in St Mark’s Square so be prepared to walk along the walkways which are put down for you if this happens. This is an extract from our free Venice City Guide.
St Mark’s Square takes on a totally different feeling at night when most of the coach tourists have gone home. If you find it oppressive in the day, we’d recommend returning any time from 6pm onwards. We sat on the steps here at 11pm one night and it was lovely and peaceful and the live music was still being played. The photo at the top of the page was taken after 6pm (This is our “Top Tip” in Venice). If you want to get a feel for the history of the square, consider taking the St Marks’s Square Highlights Tour which puts it all into perspective and includes “Skip the Line” admission to the Basilica.
LOCATION & MAP
Address: St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), 31024 Venice, Italy.
The square is on the southern edge of Venice island near the entrance to the Grand Canal and has its own Vaporetto water bus stop. It’s home to St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and the huge, orange campanile bell tower.
MORE ON ST MARK’S SQUARE
St Marks’s Square Highlights Tour – Gets great reviews
Hotels near St Mark’s Square – Guaranteed lowest rates from Hotels.com
St Mark’s Square – Wikipedia
Venice Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Discount Venice Travel Guides – Amazon.com (US & Canada)