St Marks Square Tours and Tickets

Discover the largest and most important square in Venice with St Mark’s Square tours and tickets. As the setting for countless films, books, and television series, the bustling square is one of the most recognizable places in Europe. Famous for its basilica, the relics of Saint Mark, and its hungry pigeons, St. Mark’s Square is a must-visit for anyone headed to the floating city. Stroll around, check out the Doge’s Palace, or simply listen to the orchestra that plays every evening. The square boasts some of the main Venice attractions like St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Belltower, the Doge's Palace, and St. Mark's Clock tower. To take your La Piazza experience up a notch, you can also combine it with Doge’s Palace tickets and a Venice gondola ride.
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Our tips for St Marks Square

  • Goodfeathers. Avoid the organized team of scam artists selling birdseed. They will try to charge you five dollars a head. If you really want to feed the pigeons, buy something before you arrive at St. Mark’s Square. Pigeons will eat anything!
  • Acqua Alta. If you find yourself in Venice during the winter, you’re likely to experience flooding. It usually lasts for only a few hours; so, you can simply wait it out in your hotel if you like.
  • Early bird special. The square is always crowded. If you want to experience the piazza while its quiet and empty, arrive early in the morning before the day trippers arrive.

Good to know

Also known as Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Square is the only true piazza in Venice. All of the other open spaces are referred to as campi, except Piazzetta San Marco and Piazzale Roma.

Feeding birdseed to the pigeons at St. Mark’s Square carries a fine. As it turns out, all those pigeon droppings are bad for the mosaics. Plus, the pigeons eat the marble for its calcium carbonate content.

It’s widely believed that Napoleon once called the iconic square the Drawing Room of Europe. But, such claims have yet to be substantiated.
In the late 820s, the stolen relics of St. Mark first appeared in Venice. The Venetians, as well as the Doge, quickly adopted St. Mark as their new patron saint. At the eastern end of the square is St Mark’s Basilica which is a prominent tourist attraction known for its remarkable architecture. The north side is dominated by an open space known as Piazzetta dei Leoncini which is officially called Piazzetta San Giovanni XXIII. At the eastern end near the Basilica is a neo-classical building known as Palazzo Patriarcale.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is St. Mark's Square?
    A:

    St. Mark’s Square is the primary gathering place in Venice, Italy. It is also famously called Piazza San Marco in Italian. The Square takes its name from the popular cathedral that stands out in the square - St. Mark’s Basilica

  • Q: What is the best time to book St Mark’s Square tours?
    A:

    Picking the best time for a visit requires a decision about what’s most important to you. If nice weather is your priority, then arrive in the spring. If swarms of people bother you, arrive in autumn. Bring a wide variety of clothing because the weather can vary significantly throughout the day during the fall. Summer brings oppressive heat, inflated prices, and crowds.

  • Q: How do I get around St Marks’s Square?
    A:

    From Santa Lucia Railway Station, the best way to get to the square is by Water Bus. You can take either Line 1 or 2. Line 1 takes about 45 minutes and 15 stops to reach. Water buses arrive about 5 times an hour. Line 2 takes 30 minutes and includes 5 stops. Make sure the Line 2 water bus is headed down the Grand Canal by asking the pilot. Another option is walking from the train station to St. Mark’s Square. It takes over an hour; but, it provides a great first impression of Venice, assuming you are not burdened with excess luggage.

  • Q: What are the opening hours of St Mark's Square?
    A:

    St Mark’s Square is a public square with no set opening hours. Nonetheless, the cafes, restaurants, and shops situated in and around the square have their own schedules. On the other hand, St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace operate on specific hours that are subject to change depending on the season.

  • Q: Any tip for saving money during your St Marks Basilica tour?
    A:

    On a budget? Don’t sweat it! You can save a substantial chunk of change by skipping a trip to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile. Yes, the view is quite nice. But, if you plan to enter the Basilica, you can get some of the best views at no additional charge. Once inside, just head upstairs and exit through the wooden door for a beautiful rooftop vista!

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