Piazza San Marco

It's a beautiful place, no need for tickets here, unless you want to visit the Palace. There are a lot of people all the time, so not many chances to achieve the perfect picture.

I visited on the Christmas Eve. Everything was closed and it was dark as well. And cold. But was was very cool and nice. It is on the other side of the city. More like the dead opposite of the station. It was decorated nicely at certain places and there was a Christmas tree as well.

I went during the carnival season in February and the entire place was buzzing! Full of life and people in masquerade. One of Europe’s most beautiful squares definitely recommend as there’s quite a lot to see nearby as well easily spend a good chunk of the day it just exploring the little streets around the square to there is a little antique stamp shop in the corner that is also worth going to.

Nice city with nice view But need to be careful when it rains Some area tend to get flood. And some people will sell plastic shoe covers and rain coat with expensive price. Food has good variety. And good place to purchase souvenirs Overall small city and can walk around to enjoy the city or take boat to go around

One of the biggest and gorgeous squares of Europe. It is a happening place buzzing with tourists and a lot going on pretty much all the time (during the day). Quite a few of the major tourist attractions of Venice such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, The Clock Tower etc are quite literally located on this square.

This is a must-do for your first visit, but not necessarily the end-all, be-all for your visit to Venice. The size of the Piazza is definitely spectacular and overwhelming at first. But be aware, this place can be crowded and therefore makes a great place for pick-pockets to lurk amongst the distractions and crowds. It makes a good launching point from which you can walk and explore all the other treasures Venice has to offer.

Fairly self explanatory. Free to visit, though you can pay to climb to the top, but not really worth it. Best viewed in the early evening when the tourists have moved on….alternatively late afternoon combined with a trip to Caffe Florian, where you can enjoy the Piazza from the terrace!

Beautiful place. Art and history. Restaurants and stores. Note:not allowed to sit on the stairs police is monitor the Plaza . If it rains, you may possibly see flooding . Enjoy the view ! Always watch your surroundings.

It's a beautiful place, no need for tickets here, unless you want to visit the Palace. There are a lot of people all the time, so not many chances to achieve the perfect picture.

I visited on the Christmas Eve. Everything was closed and it was dark as well. And cold. But was was very cool and nice. It is on the other side of the city. More like the dead opposite of the station. It was decorated nicely at certain places and there was a Christmas tree as well.

I went during the carnival season in February and the entire place was buzzing! Full of life and people in masquerade. One of Europe’s most beautiful squares definitely recommend as there’s quite a lot to see nearby as well easily spend a good chunk of the day it just exploring the little streets around the square to there is a little antique stamp shop in the corner that is also worth going to.

Nice city with nice view But need to be careful when it rains Some area tend to get flood. And some people will sell plastic shoe covers and rain coat with expensive price. Food has good variety. And good place to purchase souvenirs Overall small city and can walk around to enjoy the city or take boat to go around

One of the biggest and gorgeous squares of Europe. It is a happening place buzzing with tourists and a lot going on pretty much all the time (during the day). Quite a few of the major tourist attractions of Venice such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, The Clock Tower etc are quite literally located on this square.

This is a must-do for your first visit, but not necessarily the end-all, be-all for your visit to Venice. The size of the Piazza is definitely spectacular and overwhelming at first. But be aware, this place can be crowded and therefore makes a great place for pick-pockets to lurk amongst the distractions and crowds. It makes a good launching point from which you can walk and explore all the other treasures Venice has to offer.

Fairly self explanatory. Free to visit, though you can pay to climb to the top, but not really worth it. Best viewed in the early evening when the tourists have moved on….alternatively late afternoon combined with a trip to Caffe Florian, where you can enjoy the Piazza from the terrace!

Beautiful place. Art and history. Restaurants and stores. Note:not allowed to sit on the stairs police is monitor the Plaza . If it rains, you may possibly see flooding . Enjoy the view ! Always watch your surroundings.

This is an extremely busy area in Venice. This might be the heart of Venice. It seems like everything connects to this Piazza. There's so much here to do and see. There's plenty of shopping, food options, a church and lots of historical buildings. Everything is connected to this square. I call it a square, but I'm not sure if that is the right shape. It might be more rectangular or octagonal lol

The St Mark's Square has its ornate arches, canals and buildings give the impression that it's been back in time. It's the top tourist attraction in Venice, and you can walk by and feed the pigeons. There are churches and museums within walkable distance, and I would suggest to spend at least a couple of hours here.

This is a tough one. I can hear you already saying "if its so tough then why the 5 Stars???" The sheer crouds and the pricing of the area are a downside of this popular place The location is iconic and there is a ton of things to see packed into a relatively small location. From the Basilica to the Doge's Palace, you could spend a full days here and not get through it all. There is a legendary and quite old eateries like Cafe Florian and Harry's Bar. There is also shops, but it is jammed packed and the prices are airport on steroid levels. But its a must see and for at least one dedicated stop here and walking through it did not disappoint.

An amazing Piazza in Venice with lots of action happening. One of the centerpieces of the Piazza is the Doge's Palace. The piazza has various of coffee shops, restaurants and bars to frequent. You can sit and people watch as you sip on a coffee or have a beer or something eat. As you walk up to the Piazza they are plenty of vendors and shops to find whatever souvenir you may want to take home. Also it is the entry way to various alleys to find shops, bars and restaurants and your ride on a gondola.

Busy main square museums, basilica, tower & cafes are here. Gondolastation was here. We came by Water Taxi and disembarked at the San Zachariah Station. St Mark's Basilica dominates the huge square. The western facade with its great arches & marble Romanesque carvings around the central doorway and, the 4 horses which preside over the whole piazza are symbols of the pride & power of Venice. The Genoese said in 1379 that there could be no peace between the two cities until these horses were bridled. Across the piazza in front of the church are 3 large mast-like flagpoles with bronze bases decorated in high relief by Alessandro Leopardi in 1505. The Venetian flag of St Mark used to fly from them in the time of the republic of Venice now flies the Italian flag. The St Mark's Clocktower from 1499, is above a high archway where a main thoroughfare of the city leads through shopping streets to the Rialto, the commercial & financial center. St Mark's Campanile is a prominent tower in the square. Adjacent to the campanile, facing towards the church, is the small building known as the Loggetta del Sansovino, built by Sansovino in 1537-46 and used as a lobby by patricians waiting to go into a meeting of the Great Council in the Doge's Palace and by guards when the council was sitting. The famous Caffè Quadri, which was patronized by Austrians when Venice was ruled by Austria in the 19th century. Venetians preferred Florian's on the other side of the piazza.

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) is an iconic spot to visit in Venice! Only a short walk from being dropped off via water taxi. I first learned about this piazza when studying Italian in high school and dreamt of visiting- it was everything I imagined it to be. July is peak tourist season so the piazza was crowded at all points of the day but definitely filtered out at night. In Piazza San Marco, you can find San Marco Basilica, Doge's Palace, the Museo Correr and the Campanile (the Basilica bell tower) and shops/restaurants all around. It was surreal seeing these in real life and they did indeed take my breath away. Day and night are complete opposites. Daytime is bustling with tourists and locals alike- taking photos, shopping and eating at cafes/restaurants. Nighttime is a bit more quiet with romance and magic in the air- I really can't describe it. There are some restaurants with live bands with couples and families dancing, strolling along, or enjoying a meal. There are a lot of street vendors selling all different types of things- in the daytime, its kiosks full of souvenirs and at night its single vendors selling all objects from fans to roses to light up toys you can shoot into the sky. If you're looking for daytime shopping, don't get too lost at browsing within the piazza and explore beyond the square! If designer shops is your thing, there is a whole area right outside the square (with items that go for much less than they are in the US plus are tax-free!) If you're looking for stationary within the square, I recommend the shop "Foto Record 90". It was full of bookmarks & postcards (my fav thing to collect during traveling) plus stationery. We happened to visit during the Festa del Redentore, which is a firework festival that happens in the summer in Venice. Unlike past years and a new routine during Covid, you had to place a reservation to watch the fireworks anywhere near the water (for free). We weren't able to do this but Piazza San Marco provided a beautiful place to watch this without making a reservation. Or be like me and watch it in the comfort of my hotel which was located right outside Piazza San Marco. Can't wait to be back again, Piazza San Marco!

Everything about Venice is absolutely gorgeous. The square is a great place with beautiful architecture with the churches and buildings. There are cute little shops and places to eat. Lot of history there and wonderful views of the canal. A great place to walk around and learn about the history of Venice!

The monuments in this piazza is absolutely timeless and incredible to see. Wow! Tons of people weaving in and out of a crowded area. Lots of Gondolas here so you can book one easily. I took the private boat and it worked out way better for me

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) in Venice is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy. They're on my travel to-do list! I am happy I finally saw it in person. I feel very peaceful and highly impressed with the beautiful views when standing in the middle of Piazza San Marco. I love to enjoy my drinks and watch all the people come and go. I saw some elderly couples, some younger families, and lots of the happiest tourists like my friends and me. We're just a passerby; it happened here today. But I love the atmosphere of Piazza San Marco can give me.

Piazza San Marko, or as I call it St. Mark's Square is the top highlight of my first trip to Italy. There's shops around the perimeter. I watched a glass blower create beautiful vases. I purchased several souvenirs that I'm sad to say broke or were lost during my many many moves in life. You can buy beautiful jewelry and other accessories in the small shops. I went to mass at St. Mark's Church one morning. And also had a date in the evening with an Italian boy that worked in my hotel dining room. That was quite an experience with the language barrier. We walked around and sat in the Piazza. We wrote to each other a couple times after my vacation and then after one of my letters he didn't answer anymore. I still have the letters and the photos of the two of us together in the Piazza. Fond memories of my youth. I definitely recommend any trip to Italy include a visit to the Piazza San Marko. I'm still hoping to return one day. If not, I still have my photos and my memories.

There is no way any traveler to Venice is not visiting Piazza San Marco. It ain't happening. St Mark's Square has been the same touristy, busy hub of adventures in Venice for centuries ... elevating its cultural relevance to "must-see" levels while the historical significance should never be forgotten by locals or visitors. I encourage everyone to consider the variety of famous, infamous, and regular people just like you & me that have strolled across the same iconic stones while marveling at Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark's Campanile), Museo Correr (Corner Museum, or, of course, Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Cathedral). Few plazas around the world can match the legendary status of this one. Photos (or paintings) are not optional. The Piazzetta di San Marco (with Biblioteca Marciana plus the Lion of Venice and St. Theodore towers) and Canal Grande are adjacent to Piazza San Marco as you walk to Ponte Sospiri (the famous Bridge of Sighs). If you know, you know. If you don't, go ... because all roads may lead to Rome, but all canals lead to Piazza San Marco.

I honestly have no historic facts or fascinating knowledge about this place. I came for the typical touristy reasons... Photo ops. But once within the square, I fell in love with its charm. (To be honest, you'll fall in love with everything in Venice.) There are so many intricate details in every nano-inch of every structure. The architecture of every column, shutter, edifice, etc... Nothing was left as a blank canvas. True artisan talent is bountiful in Italy and displayed in la Piazza San Marco. I took my time to stroll around the square, leaving no stone unturned. As expected, there was a summer crowd, but it was not unbearable. The most touristic thing to do here is to stand in the square with your arms stretched out on both sides while the pigeons flock and fly around you, making for some iconic shots. I'm an animal lover, but I am way too OCD for that, or maybe I've seen one too many Hitchcock movies. Have fun with that though! The piazza also houses the Basilica di San Marco. Another breathtaking piece of Italian mastery with no shortage of visual pizazz. When you're done walking and gawking, hitch a ride on a gondola to top off your day or evening. On the more superficial side, of course there's shopping and eating to accomplish in the square, neither of which I partook. In essence, if you're in Venice, the piazza is a must see, must do.

The place is considered to be the heart of Venice. Whilst St. Mark's Basilica is the most famous building in Venice, St Mark's Square is the most famous and only piazza in the city. All other squares are campo. Located on the Grand Canal, this square holds huge importance in Venice and is a truly spectacular place to visit. Four of Venice's major sites are located in this square: the Basilica di San Marco (a Byzantine marvel), Campanile di San Marco the Torre dell'Orologio, and the Doge's Palace Lining the square are multiple numbers of restaurants, making it the perfect spot for leisurely people-watching and wine sipping. Well feeding the pigeons, it's everywhere. But if its city's prominent square, pigeons have to be there ;) Just pick up a gondola hat or a carnival mask, this is the place you will find them. History: that was also the seat of the government under the Venetian Republic. This square really is the perfect place to start your tour of Venice and tick off some of its most impressive sights.

This is truly the heart and soul of Venice. All things surround this square here in Venice. It is a good focal point and center for this city and life in this city, it's beautiful, so alive and energetic at all hours. It's beautiful during the day as it is at night. It can be a complete river runs through it during flood season. Amidst the fun energy of this square, lies the beauty of Saint Mark's Basilica; so serene, peaceful amidst the crowds and buzz of the square. There are many great cafes and shops in and around the square. I can't recall which cafe it was, but I had the best hot chocolate I have ever imbibed in my life and all around the world. Made from real chocolate, so decadent and delectable. Too good to share. My husband had to get his own. This square has so much enigmatic and evocative magnetism. I really could see myself here for longer term.

Love it. It took me some time to get there on foot, but when I finally made it, there was singers singing, people walking around and it thankfully wasn't too crowded so I could really enjoy and soak it in. I wanted to dine there, but had to catch my boat to enjoy the waters of Venice so alas I could not. One day..

We visited Venice for the day and landed here with the vaporetto. The square itself, with the Doge's palace and the San Marco basilica to the side is a lovely place. Yes, the food and drinks are expensive, but it is a very natural place to start a visit to Venice.

Yes, Piazza San Marco is the very center of Venice and it's hard not to be overwhelmed by the sense of history and art all congregating here. But it's been ruined by the thousands of tourists here at almost any given time of the day, It's become a bit of a circus if you ask me. If you were expecting to see the San Marco of old from films in the 1950's or 1960s like David Lean's "Summertime" with Rossano Brazzi shooting amorous looks at Katherine Hepburn in the piazza, you're out of luck. That old ambiance is gone and the place seems to be a parody of itself now. There's hawkers selling tacky tourist stuff, everyone and their dog is taking a selfie of themselves, the entire piazza is surrounded by either extremely expensive shops or cafes that rob you blind with their prices. Also, Piazza San Marco is the lowest part of Venice, so when the floods come in, the Acqua Alta, it hits hardest here. This was evident in the last few days when Venice had to be evacuated because of waist-high flood waters. I'm lucky I came a few weeks ago but I could see them starting to set up the raised walkways for the expected floods.

Since our hotel was a 3 minute walk from here, we spent just about the entirety of our time in Venice going in and out of St. Mark's Square! During the daytime hours it can get very crowded and very busy. (Be mindful of people around you, as I guess pickpockets are known to really frequent this area.) It is still very impressive to see! The Champanile, St. Mark's Basillica, Doge's Palace...it is all just so magnificent! The best views of the square IMO are at dusk and at night! The crowds thin out a bit and you are treated to some fantastic views! St. Mark's Square is essentially the centerpiece to Venice and no visit to this beautiful city would be complete without seeing the area for yourself. 4 stars.

Came back to Venice for the third time. A visit to Piazza San Marco is always on our list. It's always nice to see the famous landmarks of Basilica di San Marco, the Campanile di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale or the Colonne di San Marco e San Teodoro. This time we came here at the peak time (after lunch), so it was pretty crowded. But do as we did last time - if your time permits - and arrive later on the afternoon before or while it gets darker. Charming, romantic...and pretty empty. But even at peak times it's worth checking this Piazza out, except you want to visit the Palazzo or the Basilica....then you better expect to wait in a long line. Some stalls are selling souvenirs, bags (and knock-offs) and other stuff. Prices were surprisingly fair. The prices at the restaurants around the Piazza are not on the other hand. But it's common knowledge. And if you're willing to pay, it's a nice place to sit down and watch the world go by. A visit to Venice - even not your first time - is just not complete without this Piazza. Even though it's a lot nicer to just get lost in the countless narrow lanes in Venice and just explore the city.

Piazza San Marco is the must-see Venice attraction with a huge beautiful piazza, St. Mark's Church, Doge Palace, the Campanile bell tower and more. The Piazza was a short stroll from our hotel but when we visited on a Friday afternoon for the first time we were literally engulfed by a sea of people. Naturally, this is on EVERYONE'S must-see list, and it may seem like everyone is there at one time! The crowds are dramatically different if you can come in the early evening. The cruise ship crowds depart by late afternoon so in mid-September around 7 PM the Piazza was delightful, much fewer people. The live music would play from the surrounding restaurants and you can either listen from a distance or pay for a costly drink/meal and sit at a table. But mostly it's fun to just wander around with hopefully enough light to still take acceptable pictures. A beautiful piazza and a memorable part of any Venice trip - avoid the heavy daytime crowds for the best experience.

I honestly could not enjoy this place with comfort or ease! I am deathly AFRAID of birds!! Pretty much anything that has feathers and flies - I'm not getting anywhere near them unless its completely necessary. And walking through or around this Piazza was not a necessary fear factor adventure for me! This square is quite lively with musicians playing and sometimes you'll catch musician's playing outside a restaurant. Very visually entertaining and quite amusing just to people watch. You can read all the other reviews that talk about the beautiful yada, yada, yadas.....this review is about the gross population of very aggressive birds!! Beware! They are fearless and will wing-slap your head or face in mid-flight (I've seen it)!!! It doesn't help that everyone feeds the birds. Uh...that's why they keep coming back. I saw a little girl literally swarmed over by a flock of birds with screaming and crying ensuing. Yea...no thank you! If you're not afraid...venture on and explore the famous church and surrounding restaurants. Good luck with that.

We took the Water Taxi to this remarkable Square... An amazing spot for photography. And, that is exactly what we did!

Piazza San Marco (also known in English as St Mark's Square) is the main square of Venice. It is the social, public and religious center of the city and is absolutely stunning. You will find some very important buildings around this square. You will be amazed by the Basilica of St Mark's, the Campanile (bell tower) and the Doge's Palace, plus so much more. It's a great place to visit at ANY time. We were surprised to see how the time of day changes the atmosphere of the square.

Relatively underwhelming, despite all the wonderful reviews I read about the piazza. I recommend coming here with zero expectations so that your opinions can only go up from there. We came from the Ponte di Rialto and followed the signs to Piazza San Marco. Yes, it is indeed possible to walk the strange and confusing streets of Venice, and still find yourself at Piazza San Marco at the end of it all. On our first trip here we opted to use Google Maps like the tourists that we are. In retrospect, and upon further walks to the piazza, we just followed the signs on the street that led us back here. Should you find yourself at Piazza San Marco, you will find San Marco's Cathedral and a mix of souvenir stands, restaurants, and shops. The restaurants here will be significantly more expensive than if you were to go a little further down to the dock, but they certainly can boast of their live music which can be quite a treat.

Celebrating the centuries old legacy of Venice as a maritime republic, Saint Mark's Piazza is the heart of Venice. It was first constructed in the 9th century in front of the Basilica of San Marco, the rectangular floor plan has enlarged through the years and has transitioned to a natural stone flooring. These are some of the main attractions at Piazza San Marco. The two large columns by the waterfront support the patron saints of Venice, Saint Mark (a winged lion) and Saint Theodore. They were constructed in the 12th century. St. Mark's Basilica on the east end of the rectangle features Byzantine, Islamic and western European elements. It houses the Basilica museum and important artifacts including the bronze horses brought back from Constantinople during the 4th century. Purchasing the San Marco Museum Pass entitles you to admission to the Basilica, Doge's Palace, Museo Correr, Archaeological museum, and the Biliotech Nationale Marciana. The 323 foot high Campanile Bell Tower. It contains five bells which chime on the hour.The golden weathervane atop is crowned with an image of archangel Gabriel. In 1609. Galileo used the Campanile to demonstrate his telescope. The Doge's Palace is adjacent to the Basilica and features ornate ceilings, assembly halls, apartments and the infamous prison accessed by the Bridge of Sighs. Cassanova was once imprisoned here. Doge's ruled for life but were always much older men when placed in office. Founded in 1523 the National Archaeological Museum houses Greek, Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian artifacts, as well as, an assortment of Venetian art through the centuries. The Biblioteca Nationale Marciana contains 1,000 of works between the 16th-17th centuries. It has one of the greatest collections of classical works in the world. The Museo Correr is located on the upper floors of the Procuratic Nuave (upper floor of the shops that line the north side of San Marco Piazza. It features Venetian art and historical artifacts. The Procuratic has a line of shops and restaurants. It is essentially three connected buildings. Everything here is purchased at a premium including the Bellini (a cocktail of Prosecco & peach nectar invented in 1931). A word of caution. Don't feed the pigeons because it might cost you 50-200 Euros.

Must visit spot in Venice! I came once during Carnevale and once during non-festive times. Bring your selfie stick to take a bunch of pics. There are loads of eateries surrounding the piazza, but Cafe Florian is one of the top picks, as they have classical musicians performing in evenings and it is visited by many famous people.

I visited Piazza San Marco six years after my first visit on March 25, 2017 and it was amazing. We got really lucky and the weather was perfect. It's so much easier taking photos when it isn't overcast and gloomy. It's always pretty busy in the Piazza, but my son's choral group sang some songs in the middle. It got a lot more crowded and then security ended up telling them to stop due to safety reasons. After that they sang during mass at The Basilica San Marco. That was a really memorable day.

Piazza San Marco is Venice's main square, named after the patron saint of Venice, St. Mark (symbolized by the winged lion that you will see just about everywhere in the city). Aside from being a tourist attraction in and of itself, the most important sights of Venice are located here - the Doge's Palace (https://www.yelp.com/biz/palazzo-ducale-venezia?hrid=_vDWScXd7uKgAZt40nm74g), St. Mark's Basilica (https://www.yelp.com/biz/basilica-di-san-marco-venezia?hrid=BfTsvsZduYrH7vf9IuhoIQ) and its bell tower. Additionally the Correr Museum and the clock tower are worth checking out if you have the time. Getting there: Both the vaporetto lines 1 and 2 and Alilaguna blue line service Piazza San Marco through two stops: San Marco and San Zaccaria. Personally San Zaccaria's less crowded and is situated near the Doge's Palace but the San Marco stop is more accessible for getting to St. Mark's Basilica. Coming from the other sestiere just find any sign that says "San Marco" to take you there. Technically Piazza San Marco is the square that has the Correr Museum in the back looking towards St. Mark's Basilica. An addition ("piazzzetta") - technically not part of the main square - is closer to the water and is adjacent to Doge's Palace. Still most people consider it part of St. Mark's Square. There are lots of photo-ops featuring the square, so take that perfect shot for your Instagram. The scene's quite lovely even at night. However always be aware of your surroundings as it's a prime place for pickpocketing but truth to tell I was more afraid of the pigeons. Those birds are certainly not afraid of people and will go after any morsel of food you have! If you are going to do your gondola ride I would advise against getting a gondola parked outside the square. Look for gondoliers outside the main touristy areas and you will get much more of that side-canal views that look better in photos (plus it's more romantic). Supposedly Cafe Florian is one of the oldest cafes in the world and people are willing to spend over €10 on a coffee just to be able to sit on the square. While it's certainly okay to do this provided you know exactly how much you're spending, I'd rather spend the same amount on a rooftop bar situated in Giudecca Island. The view's better up top.

This day July 31st, 2018, was very hot hot at 101 degrees with humidity; although I had a great time here at the square in Venice and can't wait to return again soon.

St Mark's Square is the most popular church to check out in Venice. It's iconic with the enrich architectural structure that makes St Mark unique with it's own kind. The Las Vegas Venetian Hotel architectural designed is credited from the St Mark's Square. St Mark's is a perfect place to hang out and people watch. This place is walking distance within the shopping area and most people will stop by around lunch during a nice warm day. Prices is on the high end since this is a very popular tourist stop It's also extremely crowded with tons of ppl taking pictures and walking around the square. Parking isn't allowed here but it's an easy walk into the plaza. Grab a cup of Italian coffee or gelato and enjoy the ambience. Note: Watch out of the local pick pocket and beware the outrageous food prices.

Well, I suspect that this place has changed a lot since I was here, namely because the main reason you come here is for the pigeons. Basically, if you happen to be carrying pigeon food, they literally swarm all over you simply to get at the food. It is actually pretty cool, though the authorities have a bit of a problem with that because the pigeons sort of leave stuff all over the place, and it is a pain in the neck cleaning it up. As such, because, as one of the vendors pointed out, that it is forbidden to feed the pigeons, I really can't encourage anybody to do it, because we don't really want you to get into trouble when you are in Venice, do we?

Crowded, particularly during tourist season? Yes. Too many places selling souvenirs? Probably. A must cross-through to enter the city on the water, and while you're at it stop at Levanna and the Florian, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica? An expected first before you are able to wind your way through the endless maze of intricate walking only paths and over countless bridges? Also a resounding yes! The enormous piazza is all a part of Venice's wonderful charm, and it will always welcome you with open arms.

St Mark's Square is the biggest, most popular piazza in Venice. It was one of my favorite piazza's during my entire trip in Italy. This plaza is bigger then most. It is one big square surrounded entirely by buildings. No cars. There are shops and restaurants. You can see the Grand Canal here. You can hop on a gonadal. You basically can do all the Venice touristy things here. It will obviously be packed because it is the top places in Venice so expect crowds. At the plaza, you can see the Basilica di San Marco (church), St Mark's Campanile (bell tower), Torre dell'Orologio (clock tower), Doges Palace, and much more. Not much seating here because it is an open square. But still a fun place to chill and people watch. A Venice must see!

A visit to this iconic square was the first thing on our agenda after having breakfast at some pastry shops. I agree with Teri that there's little more too be said. We were there in early September and the high water is generally in the winter months so everything was dry for us. Seeing the square early in the morning is a plus. Once the tour ship passengers leave their ships for a tour of Venice, it becomes very crowded with long waits for St. Mark's Cathedral, the Campanile, and other must see places. We were able to miss some lines because of good timing. It truly is a remarkable sight!

This place is very beautiful, but super super crowded! so plan accordingly! Been to this place several times in the past several years on multiple visits to Venice. It's definitely very different from anything we have in the US. However there are a few downsides: the crowds are horrendous, and sometimes it's hard to even walk through the people. Watch out for pick pockets, and other weird criminals. The shops and restaurants in and around the plaza are super expensive due to the real estate prices, so be prepared to fork out some make $$$$. Every photo you take is like "where is Waldo?", good luck finding yourself in a ocean of other people. It's one of those places you go once and say you've done it, and never come back to really.

I can't desribe it. I had so little expectations of Venice - wow was I so wrong. The history of the Doge's palace, the charm of the streets, the fantastic food and OF COURSE - the Piazza San Marco. it is the definition of Venice, Italy. The palace, the Basilica... Spectacular everything. This is the place to go in Venice.

This is the best sight in the City of Venice. There is of course Palazzo San Marco, and an array of restaurants and shops, I especially loved the high end designer shops. From here, you can also access a pier and catch water taxis, or the tour boats. The view from the water is amazing. Down side, there are no benches or places to sit, and if you sit on any of the steps surrounding the piazza, you are asked to stand. This is standing room only. If you want to sit, you have to eat at a restaurant in the piazza. Amazing architecture of course, jaw dropping actually. When coming yo Venice, be prepared to walk... a lot!

This is the heart of Venice .. it's super crowded .. great people watching .. as with all popular tourist areas you should be cautious of pick pockets. architecture, history, art, palace/museum. The restaurants are more expensive here because it' s the prime location to be. Our tour didn't include the basilica since it was a Sunday so they were having services ... we would have had to wait in a longggg line .. so missed out on that.

The history here! The square is 800 years old and is a sight to behold! Despite it being FULL of tourists (and we were there in the off season...), it is still awe inspiring. The executions that took place between the two pillars at the end, the dozens of Doge's that ambulated through here over the last thousand years and even Napolean walked through here at one point. It's a beautiful spot full of history and is a must see.

Aside from conjuring up images of gondolas, canals, and bridges, the word "Venice" pretty much starts at this area for most folks. Rewind to the early 2000's, back at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. As we were walking around, my spouse told me that he was surprised at how detailed their scaled-down version was of the real deal. I was so excited to see it as I've only dreamed of going to Italy and Venice especially. A few years later, here we were, sailing into Venice aboard our cruise ship, freezing our butts on our stateroom's balcony, a tear falling down my cheek. The early morning fog was thick, but parts of San Marco were visible through breaks in the mist, with the Campanile (bell tower) most prominent. As soon as we docked, we headed straight here. Talk about tourist overload. And if you're afraid of birds or grossed out, avoid this area. The place is infested with pigeons and fecal matter everywhere, yuck. The piazzetta is the small section that connects the Grand Canal section to the main piazza. The two columns at the entrance marks the spot where prisoners were publically executed. The main piazza is a wide open, rectangular courtyard. It's anchored on one end by St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and lined with cafes, shops, and a library on the other 3 sides with offices above. The area did get a little flooded one day we were there, but they're well-prepared with portable, elevated walkways stacked up everywhere. Some nearby attractions which are must see's and do's are The Bridge of Sighs, and Harry's Bar for their bellinis.

St. Marks Square, what can I say. Total chaos most days with queues across it and, therefore, difficult to wander around. However, the magnificence cannot be lost. From the Campanile to the Doges Palace and St. Marks cathedral, wonderful. Avoid the restaurants around the square unless you are very rich. Stories are often heard of coffee at 12 euro being the cheapest. While we were there there was a slightly higher tide and that evening parts of the square were flooded. Having said all of that, it is a must visit. Maybe get there early before the trips come in.

The main square in Venice is Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square). It is flanked by St. Mark's Basilica, along with an array of shops, cafes, offices and alleys. It's a tourist trap with a lot of history. The Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio) was completed in 1499. Lions are featured throughout the square as it is one of the most recognized the symbols of Venice. Caffè Florian has been in business since 1720 and is located here. Caffè Quadri is located across the plaza. When the tide rises, they set out platforms for people to walk on. No joke. Venice floods in the winter. These platforms are at least 3 feet off the ground. On the day we were there, some of the platforms were stacked up but as it continued to sprinkle, they started putting the platforms out. It's kind of interesting to see how they deal with rising water. Not to mention the city is slowly sinking. It's definitely something to see while in Venice.

Great location and very attentive staff. They went out of their way to find a table for us even though the place was packed. Food is decent.

I'm not sure what the fuss is all about. The main square is beautiful, surrounded by nice restaurants, the Basicilica di San Marco is a sight to behold and it's just a great place to take pictures. But, the PIGEONS! They. Are. EVERYWHERE. No thanks, I don't want to walk around and risk bird poop on my head.

There is a reason why almost all travelers trek across Venezia to reach this square. Praised by Napoleon as "the drawing room of Europe", Piazza San Marco is like no other in this world, even in this city of marvels! The towering Campanile, the exotic Basilica, the extravagant Palazzo Ducale...To top this marvelous sight, the Piazza's branch opens completely to the Venetian lagoon that calls hither like a beautiful Siren to travelers who may comply even if it means defying the deadly taboo of walking between the columns of the winged lion and St Theodore! Yet many knew the Piazza only in her festive mood at daytime when it's bustling with people from various corners of the world today like it was during her days as the center of Repubblica Serenissima. Come right before sunrise and you will find a sleepy Piazza, only to be awakened by eager photographers who are positioning for the perfect shot of the sunrise. Stop by nightfall, and as each hour passes, you will share this formerly bustling but now serene square only with fewer and fewer stray lovers. Aside from the canals, perhaps the first thing you will notice once you arrive in Venice is the multitude of "Per San Marco" sign, either as an actual signpost or a wall graffiti made by locals who are tired of answering "dov'e San Marco". Today's tourism that focuses on off-the-beaten-path itineraries may advise you to go to opposite direction of what the sign suggests, but ignore that advice once in a while: After all, how can you leave Venice without witnessing her grandest pride?

Piazza San Marco or St. Mark's Square is one of the main attractions of Venezia. On first sight, I immediately thought of "The Italian Job" and half expected to see Mark Wahlberg walk across the square to greet our tour group. Anchored by St. Mark's Basilica (church) and the Campanile (bell tower), the square is the central hub of Venezia and is abuzz with tourists, vendors, and pigeons. All I can say is "wear a hat!" We were advised by our tour guide to stay away from the piazza's perimeter cafes and restaurants because they charge extra for the view. As it turned out, the open square was a heat magnet, so we opted for taking the narrower paths to see the Rialto Bridge upclose.

Beautiful Piazza next to The Campanile, St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. We came around 8am after a rainy morning and was pleasantly surprised to only see two dozen folks roaming around the large piazza. You can get wonderful photos in front of the basilica and campanile, walk around and see the Bridge of Sighs. When we left around lunch time, it was a human circus, so it can be overwhelming and impossible to get a good photo.

Yes, Piazza San Marco is indeed the "Drawing Room of Europe" and a great place to gaze at the Church of San Marcos, the Doges Palace (we took a tour this time around), the Clock Tower, the Campanile, and Napoleon's hand in Plaza building and the returned collared that were previously spirited away to France. Erin, Jim, Gayle and I also spent a most pleasant evening listening to the pop orchestras while seated at one of those overpriced cafes. p.s. - It was worth it. I've been here before, in fact every trip I've made to Venice over the years must include a visit to the Piazza San Marco. I learn a little history, feel I couldn't have learned more, and come and go as I explore other parts of Venice. At the same time, I'm not a fan of the crowds, the pigeons, or the huge advertising banners in and out of the Plaza. The bonus this time around was the chance to see part of the Plaza complex from a boat both at sunrise and sunset.

This is one of the main squares in Venice. Extremely crowed between 10-5. Once the cruise ship people leave it is much nicer. Plenty of shops just like all over Venice. You can go into St. Marks Bell Tower, Ducal Palace & The Old Prisons. The views are fantastic. Watch out for the pigeons. We were told they are dirtier than NYC rats.