What to see on St. Mark's Square

Piazza San Marco is Venice's only "piazza"; every other square is a campo. It opens onto the smaller Piazzetta, which leads to the water between the two granite columns. Around them stand the city's most important monuments, all within a few minutes' walk.

  • St. Mark's Basilica: entry to the main church is by ticket (cheaper booked online with a time slot); the Pala d'Oro, the museum with the original bronze horses and the terrace cost extra. Shoulders and knees must be covered and large bags are not allowed.
  • Doge's Palace: allow 2 hours. The "Secret Itineraries" tour visits hidden offices, the torture chamber and Casanova's cell.
  • Campanile: a lift takes you up for views over the roofs and lagoon. Queues are shortest at opening time.
  • Clock Tower: visits are by guided tour only and in small groups.

Combine the Basilica and Doge's Palace on one guided tour and skip both lines.

Basilica & Doge's Palace tours →

Tips for visiting

  • Come before 9 am or after 6 pm to see the square without crowds.
  • Sitting down is not allowed on the steps and arcades, and eating in the square is prohibited; fines apply.
  • The cafés with orchestras charge a music supplement per person on top of their prices.
  • During acqua alta (high tide, mostly October to January), the square is the first place to flood. Raised walkways are set up, and the MOSE barrier now protects the city from the highest tides.

Getting to St. Mark's Square

From the train station, walk about 40–50 minutes following the yellow signs "Per S. Marco", or take vaporetto line 1 down the Grand Canal (about 40 minutes) or the faster line 2 to San Marco Vallaresso or San Zaccaria. See the vaporetto map.

Stay within a few minutes of the square to see it at dawn and after dark.

Hotels near St. Mark's →

Plan your Venice trip

Where to stay

Hotels, B&Bs and apartments: staying overnight lets you see Venice without the day crowds.

Hotels near St. Mark's →

Tickets & tours

Skip-the-line entry to the Basilica, Doge's Palace and Campanile.

See options →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is St. Mark's Basilica free?
Entry to the Basilica requires a ticket. Booking online gives you a time slot and helps you avoid the queue. The Pala d'Oro, museum and terrace cost extra.
How long do you need for the Doge's Palace?
Allow about two hours for the main route, which includes the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons. The ticket also covers the Museo Correr.
Can you climb St. Mark's Campanile?
There is a lift to the belfry, so no climbing is needed. Expect a queue in summer, shortest at opening time.
What is the best time to visit St. Mark's Square?
Early morning before 9 am or in the evening, when day visitors and cruise groups have left.