Processing your payment

Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
#3 out of 17 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.

4.3/5

23.4K+ travellers love this

See what they have to say

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
€26.60
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
€61
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
€109
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.
Free cancellation
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
€84
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
€119
St. Mark's Basilica exterior in Venice with ornate facade and domes at sunset.
St. Mark's Basilica interior with ornate columns and statues, Venice, Italy.
ACTV water bus on Venice's Grand Canal near Rialto Bridge.
Guests on Vaporetto ACTV cruising the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.
Visitors exploring the ornate interior of the Doge's Palace in Venice.
Doge's Palace facade with tourists in St. Mark's Square, Venice, near the waterfront.
Interior view of St. Mark's Basilica with ornate golden mosaics and arches, Venice.
St. Mark's Basilica altar with ornate decorations and religious iconography in Venice, Italy.
Doge's Palace aerial view with boats on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy.
Vaporetto on Grand Canal in Venice, Italy with historic buildings in view.
Doge's Palace courtyard with view of St. Mark's Basilica domes in Venice.
Doge Palace chamber with ornate gold detailing and historical paintings in Venice.
Aerial view of Correr Museum in Venice with people walking in the courtyard.
Ceiling paintings and ornate details in the Four Doors Room, Doge's Palace, Venice.
Bronze Horses of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice exhibit.
Mosaic detail above entrance of St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy.
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • See Venice through its most important interiors with one well-priced combo that brings the city’s history and culture together.

  • Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and explore its mosaics, domes, marble details, Zen Chapel, and Saint Mark’s relics with a multilingual audio guide.

  • Enjoy fast-track entry to Doge’s Palace and key museums, discovering grand halls, armories, prisons, and celebrated art collections at your own pace.

  • Save time and money by booking one ticket that covers Venice’s essential cultural landmarks.

  • Upgrade with 1- or 2-day ACTV water bus and mainland bus passes for easy travel across Venice and its islands.

More details

  • See Venice through its most important interiors with one well-priced combo that brings the city’s history and culture together.

  • Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and explore its mosaics, domes, marble details, Zen Chapel, and Saint Mark’s relics with a multilingual audio guide.

  • Enjoy fast-track entry to Doge’s Palace and key museums, discovering grand halls, armories, prisons, and celebrated art collections at your own pace.

  • Save time and money by booking one ticket that covers Venice’s essential cultural landmarks.

  • Upgrade with 1- or 2-day ACTV water bus and mainland bus passes for easy travel across Venice and its islands.

from €53
€46.93

11% off

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
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
€56.60
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

Pro tips to help you make a pick

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
Did you know?

Why visit St. Mark's Square?

Plan your visit

Millions love heading out with us

Alessandro Boggi

Alessandro

Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image
All fast and practical, great service that allowed me to be able to travel with absolute peace of mind using both k regional trains and public transport in Mestre and the vaporetti in Venice Recommended

Combo: St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets + St.Mark's Museums and Doge's Palace Access with Optional ACTV Transport Pass

Maignan patrick
FR

Maignan

France
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+2 more

24-hour pass! Very practical and inexpensive to visit Murano, Burano, Torcello and take advantage of the Grand Canal by day and night.... To include in a 3 or 4-day getaway to Venice

Combo: St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets + St.Mark's Museums and Doge's Palace Access with Optional ACTV Transport Pass

Lim Xuan
SG

Lim

Singapore
Dec 2025

review-image

review-image
These tickets granted us fast and easy access that made entering the palace a smooth journey. We had direct entry through a separate entrance that was conveniently located next to Ponte della Paglia. Definitely a great and worthwhile visit to understand the history behind the Most Serene Republic of Venice!

Combo: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Venice Boat Tour + 3-Museum Pass + Doge's Palace Tickets

Sinclair Hutcheson
GB

Sinclair

United Kingdom
Dec 2025

review-image

review-image
The place is truly spectacular. From the wonderfully crafted finishes and paintings, to the wonderful architecture and spaces. The visitor journey is through all the key areas of the building, private quarters, civic spaces, jail, etc. Awesome!

Combo: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Venice Boat Tour + 3-Museum Pass + Doge's Palace Tickets

Philip Hobbs
GB

Philip

United Kingdom
Nov 2025

review-image
What a magical experience. you have the whole basilica to yourselves ( there were fewer than 20 of us) and got to see corners of the building you I would never see as an ordinary visitor. Phillipo, our guide, was absolutely superb-the most incredibly succinct and funny explanation of St Marco's place in history but also how the building worked. But the greatest coup de theatre was the start, when the lights inside were slowly turned on and we saw the full extraordinary beauty of the space. The fastest and most incredible hour I've spent in years, and couldn't recommend it highly enough.

St. Mark's Basilica Night Tour with Optional Doge's Palace

Sandra Healy
IE

Sandra

Ireland
Sep 2025

review-image

review-image
Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. She was passionate about the stories and facts this made the tour engaging and fun. I would highly recommend.

St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Jennifer Susan Kelly
GB

Jennifer

United Kingdom
Sep 2025

review-image

review-image
I found this tour by chance after my usual excursion site had nothing available until our departure day—and I’m so glad I did! From start to finish, the experience was seamless and exceeded expectations. The app made everything incredibly easy. I especially loved the built-in Google Maps directions to the meeting point—no guesswork, no stress. It was practically idiot-proof, which is exactly what you want when navigating Venice’s winding alleys. Our guide was phenomenal. Her knowledge and passion for Venetian history were unmatched—I could’ve listened to her for hours. She brought the grandeur and intrigue of the Doge’s Palace to life with vivid storytelling and fascinating insights. After the guided portion, we were free to explore at our own pace, which was a perfect way to soak in the atmosphere and details. I had some doubts after reading mixed reviews, but honestly, most of the complaints seem to come from people who didn’t read the app info properly. Everything you need to know is clearly laid out—just take a moment to check it before you go. Highly recommend this tour if you want to skip the lines and dive deep into Venice’s rich history with a truly engaging guide!

Doge's Palace Skip-The-Line Guided Tour

Marquita Elaine Mihaliak
US

Marquita

United States
Sep 2025

review-image

review-image
Thr Doge Palace was breathtaking, and enormous. Our guide Marina was outstanding! We were on the English speaking tour and she explained everything about the Palace in great detail. Highly recommend.

Doge's Palace Skip-The-Line Guided Tour

Download app section background

We've served 47 million+ guests and we are here for you

47 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime