Things to do in
Piazza San Marco

Linger at one of its many outdoor cafes with views of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

Piazza San Marco: Our most recommended tours and activities

Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Feel the essence of Venice as you explore hidden and picturesque waterways near the Grand Canal with a gondola ride. Listen to in-app commentary to learn more about the city as you admire the sights. Start your activity by meeting the host, who will explain some curiosities about the history of gondolas and gondoliers. Get free access to an app with commentary of your itinerary on the gondola. As you enjoy the beauties of the Grand Canal, admire the marvelous Palaces such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace, the Gritti Palace, the Salute Church, the Punta della Dogana. Discover the worldwide-famous La Fenice Theatre and the Mozart House along the romantic and hidden waterways. At the end of your ride, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Saint Mark’s Basin with San Giorgio Island. Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Explore the canals of Venice aboard a gondola. Enjoy live commentary from your guide as your gondolier takes you down narrow ways and along the Grand Canal. Learn about the city's palaces, churches, and attractions. Hear about local stories and the history of the gondola and gondoliers. During your journey, admire the Mozart’s House and pass by the magnificent La Fenice Theatre and the “De le Ostreghe” Canal. Continue to the most important canal in Venice, the Grand Canal. Make your way towards the Salute Church, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and some of the stunning Venetian palaces that run alongside the canal, like Ca' Dolfin, Ca' Loredan, Grimani Palace, and many others. You will also see Punta de la Dogana and Saint Mark’s Basin before making your way back to Campo San Moisè.  Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Discover some of the most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon on this full-day boat tour. Travel with your guide through Venice Lagoon on a panoramic vessel and enjoy the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Start your day of adventure by boarding a comfortable panoramic boat as you set off from St. Mark's. Learn about the islands from your host along the way. Take in the sights of this ancient city for around 30 minutes until you reach your first destination, Murano. Enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration with a glass master accompanied by a historical explanation of the craft. Stop by the souvenir store at the glass factory and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your purchases. Your scheduled time in Murano also includes free time to explore on your own. Leave Murano behind as you travel to the nearby island of Burano. Witness the quaint and colorful houses that dot the island and observe the lace makers at work. Become acquainted with their rare skill which is considered some of the finest worldwide. Stop for a bite to eat during your time in Burano and taste some of the local biscotti that are native to the island. Travel to your final stop, Torcello. Enjoy a 1-hour visit to the island and visit historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila's Throne, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bell Tower. Finish your adventure with a 1-hour trip back to Venice taking in the breathtaking ambiance of the Venetian lagoon.

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

Delve deep into Venice’s history with a 3-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace, either as a private tour or shared group experience. Take in two of the city’s most important landmarks while discovering the history of the one-time mercantile capital of the Mediterranean.  Start by exploring St. Mark's Square with your guide before heading into the cathedral. From the first-floor terrace you’ll be able to admire views across the lagoon and see the famous bronze horses up close. Hear how they traveled all the way to Paris and back in Napoleon’s time. St. Mark's Basilica sometimes closes to visitors without warning. If this happens, visit the Church of San Zaccaria or the Correr Museum instead, depending on availability. Take a tour of the beautifully ornate 15th-century church and its flooded crypt or learn about the art and history of Venice. Next, you’ll use the priority entrance to reach Doge's Palace, formerly the residence of the leader of the Republic of Venice. Enjoy visiting the Chamber of the Great Council and courtrooms among other things. Highlights include frescoes by Tintoretto and the Giants’ Staircase.  After this, cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs that links to the New Prisons. Learn how the bridge got its name and the purpose for its construction in the 17th century as you take in the amazing views of the canals. At the end of your tour, feel free to stay and explore the Doge’s Palace with tips from your guide.

Venice: St. Mark Basilica Ticket, Audioguide+History Gallery

Venice: St. Mark Basilica Ticket, Audioguide+History Gallery

Save time during your visit to Venice with a skip-the-line ticket to the popular St. Mark’s Basilica. Admire the hundreds of golden mosaics in the Basilica and learn details about the byzantine art inside with your audio guide. Download your audio guide to your mobile device and head to St. Mark’s Basilica to begin your tour. Breeze past the long lines and put in your headphones. Explore the five-domes and an array of artworks. Hear legends and stories surrounding this church which has stood for almost a 1.000 years.  Witness the dazzling effect of the 43,000 square feet of mosaics in the church. Take in the stunning marble inlay work on the floors. Soak up the atmosphere in the building that dominates St. Mark’s Square.  Continue your journey with an exciting virtual reality experience at the Venice History Gallery. With the VR headset on, time peels away, revealing Piazza San Marco and its iconic monuments as they once were. Picture the Basilica transformed into the Doge's private chapel and the Doge's Palace into a medieval fortress!

Venice: Boat Transfer to/from Marco Polo Airport w/ 3 Routes

Venice: Boat Transfer to/from Marco Polo Airport w/ 3 Routes

Embrace the timeless tradition of traveling by water, just as Venetians have done for centuries. Bid farewell to traffic jams and embrace the mesmerizing vistas of the Venetian Lagoon as you make your way from Marco Polo Airport to Venice's vibrant core. To begin your journey, exchange your voucher at the activity provider's travel office to receive your ticket. The meeting point indicated is the closest office to the pier. Before boarding the boat, make sure to validate the ticket using the stamping machines or request assistance from a crew member. Explore the city at your own pace. After discovering the allure of Venice's landmarks, relax knowing you have up to 30 days to activate your return ticket. Soak up the charm of Murano and Lido, experience Venice's beautiful center, and visit the bustling cruise terminal with ease. Depending on the option selected, your ticket is valid for the below lines. All head in the direction of or departing from Marco Polo Airport and stop by some of Venice's main attractions: Blue line: Marco Polo Airport - Murano Museum - Murano Colonna - Fondamente Nove - Hospital - Basins - Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta - Arsenale - San Zaccaria Jolanda - Piazza San Marco Giardinetti - Zattere - Giudecca Hotel Hilton Molino Stucky Orange line: Marco Polo Airport - Murano Colonna - Madonna dell'Orto - Guglie (Railway) - San Stae - Rialto - Sant'Angelo - Ca' Rezzonico - Santa Maria del Giglio - Piazza San Marco Giardinetti Red line: Marco Polo Airport - Murano Museum - Certosa - Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta - Arsenale - San Zaccaria Jolanda - Piazza San Marco

Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Ticket

Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Ticket

Discover the essence of Venice on an intimate guided tour, exploring two of the city's most iconic sites: the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace. With skip-the-line tickets included, you'll bypass the queues and immerse yourself in the grandeur of these Venetian marvels under the expert guidance of your knowledgeable host. Begin your journey at St. Mark's Square, where you'll be captivated by the historic Clock Tower and the majestic Marble Lions. Delve into Venice's rich history as your guide shares fascinating tales of the city's past. Then, step inside the renowned Basilica of St. Mark with exclusive access, marveling at its shimmering golden mosaics and lavish décor while uncovering its significance as a symbol of Venetian prestige and prosperity. Continue exploring the magnificent Doge's Palace, a splendid example of Gothic architecture and once the seat of Venetian governance. Gain insight into the lives of the Venetian Doges and the masterful craftsmen behind the palace's intricate design. As you wander through this architectural gem, soak in panoramic views of the lagoon and hear captivating stories, including the legendary exploits of Casanova and the poignant tale of the Bridge of Sighs and the adjoining Old and New Prisons. After the tour, extend your Venetian odyssey with complimentary access to the Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana, where you can further immerse yourself in Venice's rich heritage and culture.

Venice: Unusual Sights Walking Tour with Optional Gondola

Venice: Unusual Sights Walking Tour with Optional Gondola

Get off the beaten path in Venice, away from the crowds. With a guide, explore the lesser-known areas of the San Marco district and discover the fascinating history behind them. Embark on an enchanting walking tour through the heart of Venice, where the seamless blend of history and architecture creates an unforgettable journey. Begin your adventure by wandering past some of Venice’s most iconic landmarks without stopping, soaking in the city's majestic aura. You'll marvel at the spiraled elegance of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, experience the historic ambiance of Campo Manin, and wander the enigmatic Calle degli Orbi. Admire the opulent façade of Teatro La Fenice and the sacred architecture of the Chiesa di San Moise. Continue your experience with an optional gondola ride discovering Venice from a unique angle: glide under the Bridge of Sighs into the magical San Marco Basin and greet the charming San Giorgio Island. A dream journey awaits!

Venice Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

Venice Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

Set off on a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, the Doge's Palace, and St Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line entry. Meet your guide at St. Mark’s Square and head for Doge's Palace, the extraordinary palace that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Enter the splendid rooms, with hundreds of painted masterpieces. Explore where the Duke and his Council controlled the fate of a 1,000-year republic and admire the details of the medieval gold staircase. See the famous Bridge of Sighs. Enter the notorious Venetian prison that held Giacomo Casanova. Visit St Mark’s Basilica and enjoy a guided tour of this Byzantine masterpiece, with its beautiful gold mosaics and marble floor inlays. See the treasure and the terrace of the Basilica of St.Mark's

Venice: St Mark's Basilica, Doge Palace, & Bell Tower Option

Venice: St Mark's Basilica, Doge Palace, & Bell Tower Option

Enjoy the best of Venice on a small group guided tour and visit three of the city's most iconic monuments, the St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge's Palace. Skip the long lines outside with our skip-the-line tickets to save precious time. Discover the imposing Doge's Palace with its splendid rooms and hundreds of masterpieces. Here, the Doge and his Council controlled the fate of a thousand-year history Republic. Live it together with a guide that shows you the halls of power, plunging you into a very particular historical context: the European Middle Ages and the immediately following centuries. Then, cross the world-famous Bridge of Sighs and visit the humid and dark Piombi Prisons. Its name comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells. Your expert local guide will unveil the main hall and the shining golden naves of St. Mark's Basilica. Learn about the history of the artworks decorating the church, and if included in the visit option you chose, reach the Basilica museum. Admire the breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, from the Basilica's terrace. Continue your journey with an exciting virtual reality experience at the Venice History Gallery. With the VR headset on, time peels away, revealing Piazza San Marco and its iconic monuments as they once were. Picture the Basilica transformed into the Doge's private chapel and the Doge's Palace into a medieval fortress! If you choose the option, after visiting the Doge's Palace and Basilica, you can take the elevator up St. Mark's Campanile, the highest point in the city, offering breathtaking views over Venice, the Grand Canal, the islands, and the lagoon. You'll receive our exclusive virtual assistant, Marco Polo, with an audio guide and digital map of Venice to download on your phone, always at your fingertips. This AI-powered guide, trained with local Venice insights, will assist you throughout your stay, helping you explore the city like a true Venetian.

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What people are saying about Piazza San Marco

Overall rating

4.4
(39,412 reviews)

This is the first time in a very long time, but I actually understand what the images in the cathedral actually represent. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and interactive with everyone. 10 out of 10 would recommend to anybody.

A great experience. The guide was very informative before the Gondola ride and the Gondola experience itself was amazing. Thorough enjoyed and would definitely recommend.

It was a jam packed trip, such a great experience. Loved Burano! Both my tour guides Flavia and Eileen were amazing!

Trip was great, especially seeing the coloured houses in Burano.

Our guide Federica was knowledgeable, funny and engaging.