St. Mark’s Square Venice: is it worth a visit?

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San Marcoplein in Venetië met uitzicht op de Basiliek en de Campanile St. Mark's Square in Venice with a view of the Basilica and the Campanile

St. Mark’s Square Venice: is it worth a visit?

April 19, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

St. Mark’s Square is one of the most famous places in Venice. Millions of people visit this special place every year. But is St. Mark’s Square really as impressive as everyone says? In this blog we will take you through its history, sights, and give useful tips for your visit.

History of St. Mark's Square

St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, has a rich history dating back to the 9th century. Over the centuries, the square grew into the political, religious and cultural heart of Venice. Important events took place here, such as ceremonies of the Doge (the city’s leader) and great feasts. Today, the square is best known for its unique atmosphere and historic buildings. You really feel the grandeur of old Venice here.

What to see in St. Mark's Square

San Marcoplein in Venetië St. Mark's Square Venice

There is an awful lot to see in St. Mark’s Square. Below is an overview of the main attractions:

1. Basilica of San Marco: This beautiful church is decorated with mosaics and gold details. It is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Italy.

2. Campanile of San Marco: The tall bell tower offers a fantastic view of all of Venice.

3. Doge’s Palace: This palace was once the center of power. You can walk through the beautiful halls here and even cross the Bridge of Sighs.

4. Torre dell’Orologio: This impressive clock tower is a striking piece of engineering from the 15th century.

5. Caffè Florian: One of the oldest cafes in Europe, where you can enjoy an espresso with a view.

In short, St. Mark’s Square is not just a beautiful square, but a place full of history, art and culture. Each building has its own story and charm. Therefore, it is definitely worth looking around here a little longer

Where is St. Mark's Square?

St. Mark’s Square is located in the heart of Venice. It is the central point of the city, close to the lagoon and other famous spots such as the Grand Canal. Because Venice is car-free, you can walk to anywhere here or take the boat. The square is easy to find, even without a map.

How to get to St. Mark's Square

You can reach St. Mark’s Square in several ways:

1. From the train station (Santa Lucia): Take the vaporetto (water bus) line 1 or 2. Get off at the “San Marco” stop.

2. From the airport: There is a direct boat from Alilaguna to St. Mark’s Square. This takes about an hour.

3. On foot: From many places in Venice, you can simply walk. Simply follow the signs towards “San Marco.”

Note that the city can be crowded, so leave on time if you want to admire the square in peace.

When is the best time to visit St. Mark's Square

The best time to visitSanMarco Square is early in the morning or just later in the evening. Then it is quieter and you have more space to see everything properly. In spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are somewhat smaller. Try to avoid busy weekends and holidays if you want a relaxing experience.

Is St. Mark's Square worth a visit?

St. Mark’s Square is definitely worth a visit. Whether you love history, architecture or just a beautiful square to take a break – this is a place not to be missed during your trip to Venice.

Our experience of St. Mark's Square in Venice

When we first walked into St. Mark’s Square, we really stood still for a moment. Not only because of the buildings, but also because of the whole atmosphere. You hear music from buskers, people drinking coffee on the terrace, and pigeons flitting around you. Yes, it’s crowded, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Everything just flows quietly. We sat down on a bench and spent some time watching everything that was happening.  

We found the view from the Campanile a highlight – you can see all of Venice and even the lagoon. We even came back later in the day, just to enjoy it some more. For us, it was one of the most enjoyable highlights of our trip through Venice.

Picture of Edward and Raziye

Edward and Raziye

Authors Citeis To Travel

Our 5 tips for visiting St. Mark's Square

Based on our experience, we share 5 practical tips for visiting St. Mark’s Square:

1. Arrive early – Before 9:00 a.m. it is often still quiet and you can take beautiful photos without crowds.

2. Buy tickets in advance – For the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, it is better to book in advance. That way you avoid long queues.

3. Watch the pigeons – They belong in the square, but they can be quite intrusive. Feeding them is officially prohibited.

4. Visit the Campanile in clear weather – This is how to see Venice at its most beautiful from a great height.

5. Go back at night – The square is beautifully lit and much quieter. A completely different atmosphere!

Special offers for a city break in Venice

If you are going on a city trip to Venice and would like to visit a number of sights and attractions, take advantage of the offers below and save money on your admission tickets.

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