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#3 out of 15 in Venice

St. Mark's Square

Visit St. Mark's Square, the bustling town square in the heart of Venice. Visit St. Mark's Basilica or the Doge's Palace, head to the top of Campanile San Marco for stunning views of Venice, dine at the charming cafes and more. Book guided tours, walking tours, and combo experiences to truly soak in the essence of St. Mark's Square.

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Visitor's guide

Must-see highlights & key info

St. Mark's Square
Couple sitting in front of St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, during guided tour with priority entry.
Interior of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, showcasing ornate mosaics and architecture.
Interior view of St. Mark's Basilica altar with ornate columns and statues, Venice, Italy.
Mosaic depicting religious figures and architecture in St. Mark's Basilica, Venice.
St. Mark's Square view with Doge's Palace and waterfront, Venice, Italy.
Book now, pay later
40 min
  • Begin at the famous Piazza San Marco as your English-speaking local guide narrates interesting stories about the square and surrounding landmarks.

  • Get priority access to St. Mark’s Basilica and marvel at its Byzantine architecture and the relics of Saint Mark on a 1-hour guided tour.

  • Admire the exquisite golden mosaics that cover over 8,000 square meters, and the intricate marble floors that adorn the basilica’s interiors.

  • Visit the San Marco Museum to see the treasures of Venice as your English-speaking guide brings the city’s history to life.

  • Check out the museum’s collection of Venetian paintings and sculptures that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

More details

  • Begin at the famous Piazza San Marco as your English-speaking local guide narrates interesting stories about the square and surrounding landmarks.

  • Get priority access to St. Mark’s Basilica and marvel at its Byzantine architecture and the relics of Saint Mark on a 1-hour guided tour.

  • Admire the exquisite golden mosaics that cover over 8,000 square meters, and the intricate marble floors that adorn the basilica’s interiors.

  • Visit the San Marco Museum to see the treasures of Venice as your English-speaking guide brings the city’s history to life.

  • Check out the museum’s collection of Venetian paintings and sculptures that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

from €25
€20

20% off

Guide leading a tour group inside Doge's Palace, Venice, with historic paintings in the background.
Interior of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, showcasing ornate mosaics and architecture.
Tourists sitting outside St Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy.
St. Mark's Basilica interior with ornate columns and statues, Venice, Italy.
Tourists exploring St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice with a guidebook.
St. Mark's Basilica altar with ornate decorations and religious iconography in Venice, Italy.
Mosaic ceiling inside St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, featuring religious figures and gold detailing.
Visitors exploring the courtyard of Doge's Palace on a guided tour in Venice.
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Campanile viewed from the Grand Canal in Venice.
Visitors exploring the ornate interior of the Doge's Palace in Venice.
Doge's Palace interior with ornate ceiling and historic paintings, Venice.
Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy, connecting historic buildings over a canal.
Doge's Palace facade with tourists in St. Mark's Square, Venice, near the waterfront.
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 min
  • Breeze past the queues and slip straight into Venice’s two most iconic landmarks without the wait.

  • With your guide as storyteller and curator, uncover hidden symbols, political intrigues, and legends that bring each room alive.

  • Walk through gilded chambers and frescoed halls where doges once ruled, then cross the Bridge of Sighs into the shadowy prisons.

  • Step into St. Mark’s Basilica, where 8,000 sq. m. of golden mosaics shimmer like starlight and marble floors echo centuries of worship.

  • Upgrade for terrace views at the basilica to see the sprawling Venetian lagoon beneath. Alternatively, take the Secret Itineraries tour at the Palace and walk an exclusive path through interrogation rooms, torture chambers, and Casanova’s legendary prison escape.

More details

  • Breeze past the queues and slip straight into Venice’s two most iconic landmarks without the wait.

  • With your guide as storyteller and curator, uncover hidden symbols, political intrigues, and legends that bring each room alive.

  • Walk through gilded chambers and frescoed halls where doges once ruled, then cross the Bridge of Sighs into the shadowy prisons.

  • Step into St. Mark’s Basilica, where 8,000 sq. m. of golden mosaics shimmer like starlight and marble floors echo centuries of worship.

  • Upgrade for terrace views at the basilica to see the sprawling Venetian lagoon beneath. Alternatively, take the Secret Itineraries tour at the Palace and walk an exclusive path through interrogation rooms, torture chambers, and Casanova’s legendary prison escape.

from €56.25
€45

20% off

Tour group in Saint Mark's Square, Venice, with Basilica and Campanile in view.
Tour guide explaining artwork during Doge's Palace guided tour in Venice.
Interior of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, showcasing ornate mosaics and architecture.
Visitors exploring the courtyard of Doge's Palace on a guided tour in Venice.
Tour group near Giants' Staircase at Doge's Palace, Venice, with guide explaining architecture.
Venice walking tour with people in a piazza near San Giorgio dei Greci church.
St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile in Venice, Italy, with tourists in the square.
Facade of Santi Giovanni e Paolo Basilica in Venice during a walking tour.
St. Mark's Square view with Doge's Palace and waterfront, Venice, Italy.
Interior artwork and ornate details of the Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy.
Sculptures and fresco in the Doge's Palace, Venice, depicting classical figures and ornate details.
Visitors viewing mosaics at Doge's Palace exhibit during guided tour.
Ceiling paintings and ornate details in the Four Doors Room, Doge's Palace, Venice.
View of Venice canal and bridge from the Bridge of Sighs.
Bridge of Sighs over canal near Doge’s Palace Prisons, Venice.
Aerial view of Correr Museum in Venice with people walking in the courtyard.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hr 30 min
  • Explore the charm of the floating city on foot with a certified guide narrating gripping commentary about everything you walk by, on a walking tour of Venice.

  • Waltz into the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica with your priority access tickets, allowing you to skip the infamous queues.

  • Enjoy a guided tour in the language of your choice with an exemplary guide narrating interesting facts, important fragments of history, and gripping tales.

  • You can even add in a typical Venetian gondola ride if you choose an English tour.

  • Benefit from a free optional coupon to witness the famous Venetian glassblowing technique during a 20-minute demonstration near St. Mark's Square.

More details

  • Explore the charm of the floating city on foot with a certified guide narrating gripping commentary about everything you walk by, on a walking tour of Venice.

  • Waltz into the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica with your priority access tickets, allowing you to skip the infamous queues.

  • Enjoy a guided tour in the language of your choice with an exemplary guide narrating interesting facts, important fragments of history, and gripping tales.

  • You can even add in a typical Venetian gondola ride if you choose an English tour.

  • Benefit from a free optional coupon to witness the famous Venetian glassblowing technique during a 20-minute demonstration near St. Mark's Square.

from
€59
Gondola on Venice canal near St. Mark's Basilica during guided tour.
St Mark's Basilica facade with ornate arches and domes in Venice, Italy.
Gondola ride through Venice canal with vibrant buildings and flowers.
Gondola navigating a narrow canal under a bridge in Venice, Italy.
Facade of Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy, with flags and statues.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum along Venice's Grand Canal with gondola passing by.
Punta della Dogana and Santa Maria della Salute on the Grand Canal, Venice.
St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile in Venice, Italy, with tourists in the square.
Mosaic depicting religious figures and architecture in St. Mark's Basilica, Venice.
Interior of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, showcasing ornate mosaics and architecture.
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 min
  • Bypass long queues and dive deep into the cultural and architectural history of St. Mark’s Basilica during a 1.5-hour guided tour.

  • Marvel at the basilica with your local guide as they narrate intriguing stories about its history and design.

  • Discover the basilica’s breathtaking interiors, intricate mosaics, and Byzantine architecture as you explore with your group of 10 people.

  • Enjoy a tranquil glimpse into Venice’s daily life as you glide along the canals on a traditional gondola ride.

  • Float beneath arched bridges and alongside historic buildings and experience Venice from its waterways.

More details

  • Bypass long queues and dive deep into the cultural and architectural history of St. Mark’s Basilica during a 1.5-hour guided tour.

  • Marvel at the basilica with your local guide as they narrate intriguing stories about its history and design.

  • Discover the basilica’s breathtaking interiors, intricate mosaics, and Byzantine architecture as you explore with your group of 10 people.

  • Enjoy a tranquil glimpse into Venice’s daily life as you glide along the canals on a traditional gondola ride.

  • Float beneath arched bridges and alongside historic buildings and experience Venice from its waterways.

from
€62.10
Visitors exploring St. Mark's Basilica interior during exclusive after-hours tour in Venice.
Visitors inside St. Mark's Basilica during an exclusive after-hours tour in Venice.
Mosaic ceiling of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice during an exclusive after-hours tour.
Tour group inside St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, admiring ornate interior after hours.
St. Mark's Basilica exterior at night during exclusive after-hours tour in Venice.
Visitors on an exclusive tour inside St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, admiring the ornate interior.
Golden Pala d'Oro altarpiece in St. Mark's Basilica during exclusive after-hours tour.
St. Mark's Basilica crypt with ornate columns and altar during exclusive after-hours tour.
Visitor admiring golden mosaics inside St. Mark's Basilica during exclusive after-hours tour.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 min
  • Enjoy the intimacy of after-hours exploration as you gain exclusive access to one of the world’s most extraordinary churches after closing.

  • With your guide, learn the history of the Crypt, offering a peek into the Church's ancient foundations, while witnessing the charm of St. Mark's Square.

  • Don't miss the Pala d’Oro Altarpiece, gleaming under the night sky, before exploring the majestic Bell Tower and the 16th-century Marciana Library.

  • Upgrade for entry to the famous Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture that served as a seat of power for the Republic of Venice.

  • Fun fact: St. Mark's Basilica houses over 85,000 square feet of mosaic, equivalent to covering 1.5 American football fields.

More details

  • Enjoy the intimacy of after-hours exploration as you gain exclusive access to one of the world’s most extraordinary churches after closing.

  • With your guide, learn the history of the Crypt, offering a peek into the Church's ancient foundations, while witnessing the charm of St. Mark's Square.

  • Don't miss the Pala d’Oro Altarpiece, gleaming under the night sky, before exploring the majestic Bell Tower and the 16th-century Marciana Library.

  • Upgrade for entry to the famous Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture that served as a seat of power for the Republic of Venice.

  • Fun fact: St. Mark's Basilica houses over 85,000 square feet of mosaic, equivalent to covering 1.5 American football fields.

from
€129
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Campanile viewed from the Grand Canal in Venice.
Visitors admiring ornate ceiling and artwork during Doge Palace guided tour in Venice.
Visitors inside the ornate hall of Doge's Palace, Venice, with detailed ceiling frescoes.
Tour group inside Doge's Palace viewing ornate frescoes and wood paneling.
Gondola ride near Bridge of Sighs on a canal in Venice, Italy.
Doge's Palace interior with ornate gilded ceiling and Renaissance paintings, Venice.
Tour group observing artwork and clock inside Doge's Palace, Venice.
Guide explaining a historical feature to tourists at Doge's Palace, Venice.
Painting in Doge's Palace depicting historical figures and religious scene, Venice, Italy.
Visitors with tour guide inside Doge's Palace viewing artwork.
Sculptures and fresco in the Doge's Palace, Venice, depicting classical figures and ornate details.
Tourists gather outside Doge's Palace in Venice during a walking tour.
Book now, pay later
1 hr 15 min
  • Skip the lines and explore the Doge’s Palace with a guide in your chosen language (English, French, Spanish, German, or Italian).

  • Hear gripping stories of the Council of Ten, Venice’s feared secret police.

  • Walk through gilded halls, then cross the Bridge of Sighs into shadowy prisons.

  • Explore Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana at your own pace.

  • Choose the Mysteries Tour for chilling tales of hidden rooms, or the Secret Itineraries Tour to actually step into old prisons, torture chambers, and council rooms.

More details

  • Skip the lines and explore the Doge’s Palace with a guide in your chosen language (English, French, Spanish, German, or Italian).

  • Hear gripping stories of the Council of Ten, Venice’s feared secret police.

  • Walk through gilded halls, then cross the Bridge of Sighs into shadowy prisons.

  • Explore Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana at your own pace.

  • Choose the Mysteries Tour for chilling tales of hidden rooms, or the Secret Itineraries Tour to actually step into old prisons, torture chambers, and council rooms.

from
€56
Friends enjoying San Marco Square, Venice, with St. Mark's Basilica in the background.
Venice walking tour with people in a piazza near San Giorgio dei Greci church.
Venice canal with gondolas and colorful buildings on a walking tour route.
Gondola on Grand Canal with view of Doge's Palace and Bell Tower, Venice.
Gondolas on the Grand Canal near Rialto Bridge, Venice.
Woman holding a Venetian mask near gondolas on a Venice walking tour.
Venetian carnival masks displayed on a wall in Venice, Italy.
Gondoliers navigating gondolas through a narrow canal in Venice.
Facade of Santi Giovanni e Paolo Basilica in Venice during a walking tour.
Gondolas navigating Canal Grande in Venice with historic buildings in the background.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum along Venice's Grand Canal with gondola passing by.
San Giorgio Maggiore island view from Grand Canal, Venice walking tour.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr 30 min
  • A walking tour around areas like Saint Mark's Square and Castello with a local guide will deepen your appreciation for Venice.

  • Your experience doesn't end there. Hop aboard a gondola like a true Venetian and cruise along its water-laden alleys.

  • Uncover the secrets of gondolas and gondoliers! Discover how the s-shaped iron prow was made to honor the Grand Canal and more.

  • See and understand the history of St. Mark's Basilica, Piazzetta Dei Leoncini, the Clock Tower, Procuratie Vecchie and many more buildings of importance.

More details

  • A walking tour around areas like Saint Mark's Square and Castello with a local guide will deepen your appreciation for Venice.

  • Your experience doesn't end there. Hop aboard a gondola like a true Venetian and cruise along its water-laden alleys.

  • Uncover the secrets of gondolas and gondoliers! Discover how the s-shaped iron prow was made to honor the Grand Canal and more.

  • See and understand the history of St. Mark's Basilica, Piazzetta Dei Leoncini, the Clock Tower, Procuratie Vecchie and many more buildings of importance.

from €60
€45

25% off

Gondola on Grand Canal with view of Doge's Palace and Bell Tower, Venice.
Gondola on Venice's Grand Canal with historic buildings in the background.
Gondolas navigating a busy canal in Venice, Italy.
Facade of Teatro La Fenice in Venice with flags and classical statues.
View of the Bridge of Sighs from the canal between Doge's Palace and prison in Venice.
Canal view near Teatro La Fenice, Venice, with historic buildings and gondola passage.
Gondola on Venice Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute in the background.
Doge's Palace facade with tourists in Venice, Italy, near St. Mark's Campanile.
Painting in Doge's Palace depicting historical figures and religious scene, Venice, Italy.
Archway with columns under Doge's Palace in San Marco Square, Venice.
Sculptures and fresco in the Doge's Palace, Venice, depicting classical figures and ornate details.
Entrance of the Doge's Palace with ornate sculptures in Piazza San Marco, Venice.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
30 min
1 more
  • Enjoy the grandeur of Venice through its canals in the iconic gondola on a 30-minute shared gondola ride.

  • Benefit from Skip-the-Line access to the magnificent Doge's Palace and waste no time waiting in its infamous queues!

  • With a guidebook that is available in several languages, learn about the palace's sprawling diversity, culture, and history.

  • Benefit from complimentary entry to the St Mark's Square Museums, where you will get to dive into Venetian culture, its roots, history, and significance.

More details

  • Enjoy the grandeur of Venice through its canals in the iconic gondola on a 30-minute shared gondola ride.

  • Benefit from Skip-the-Line access to the magnificent Doge's Palace and waste no time waiting in its infamous queues!

  • With a guidebook that is available in several languages, learn about the palace's sprawling diversity, culture, and history.

  • Benefit from complimentary entry to the St Mark's Square Museums, where you will get to dive into Venetian culture, its roots, history, and significance.

from
€103
Doge's Palace staircase with statues in Venice, Italy.
Lion statue near Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Campanile in Venice, Italy.
Crowd outside Doge's Palace in Venice with guidebooks, near St. Mark's Square.
Doge's Palace ornate hall with gilded ceiling and historic paintings, Venice, Italy.
1 hr
  • Forget waiting in the long ticketing line and join the skip-the-line queue to explore every nook and corner of the majestic Doge's Palace.

  • Gain skip-the-line access to the Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana with your ticket.

  • Collect your guidebook in multiple languages that contain fascinating details on Doge's Palace and the other gems in St Mark's Square.

  • Explore centuries-old history, art, and culture with the 7 suggested itineraries that will take you on an exciting journey of Venice.

  • Fun fact: The Great Council Hall, as big as 2 tennis courts, is one of the largest rooms in Europe that stands without the support of beams or columns.

More details

  • Forget waiting in the long ticketing line and join the skip-the-line queue to explore every nook and corner of the majestic Doge's Palace.

  • Gain skip-the-line access to the Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana with your ticket.

  • Collect your guidebook in multiple languages that contain fascinating details on Doge's Palace and the other gems in St Mark's Square.

  • Explore centuries-old history, art, and culture with the 7 suggested itineraries that will take you on an exciting journey of Venice.

  • Fun fact: The Great Council Hall, as big as 2 tennis courts, is one of the largest rooms in Europe that stands without the support of beams or columns.

from
€42.90

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Similar things to do in Venice

About St. Mark's Square

Piazza San Marco, or Saint Mark's Square, stands as Venice's largest and most significant gathering place. It's a hub for both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and grandeur. Dominated by the impressive Basilica of St. Mark and its iconic bell tower, the Campanile di San Marco, the square exudes an air of majesty and importance.


Address
P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Year opened
1094
Founded by
Domenico
Visitors per year
3000000
Unesco status
1987
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Why visit St. Mark's Square?

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Millions love heading out with us

Jose Reyes Navarro
ES

Jose

Spain
Jul 2025
4/5
review-image
How well the guide has done with very pleasant explanations and you can tell she knows the city very well and a great gondola ride.
Sue Stansfield
GB

Sue

United Kingdom
Jun 2025
5/5
review-image
Rita was brilliant and so knowledgeable!!! We loved it and would recommend to anyone. Do this tour on your first full day so you can embrace the rest of Venice with more knowledge in your back pocket.
James T Summers
US

James

United States
Jun 2025
5/5
review-image
Our guide was very knowledgeable and kind. We really enjoyed the tour. I would definitely recommend the early access tour since it gets super busy after 9. Five Stars!!!
Christine Gindre épouse Chenet
FR

Christine

France
Apr 2025
5/5
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review-image
review-image

+2 more

Very well organized. Our guide explained the history of the Doges' palace with passion. It was interesting. I recommend it.
Azucena Flores
US

Azucena

United States
Apr 2025
5/5
review-image
Elena was outstanding!! The best guide we could have. Thank you so much for being fun and helpful. We definitely recommend her to other people.
Ronald Eades
GB

Ronald

United Kingdom
Jun 2025
5/5
The guide was very well informed, and obviously really enjoyed taking the group round. The fast tracking into the basilica was an added bonus
Peter Thiemann

Peter

May 2025
5/5
It was a bit difficult to find the right group in the beginning due to some confusion with the booking. The guide was very competent and friendly.
Daniel Drabik
US

Daniel

United States
Sep 2024
5/5
We are very happy we decided to book this tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgable and very easy to understand. We found it so much better than trying to do it on our own.
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