Navigating St. Mark's Square : Answers to common questions
- Washrooms: Public washroom facilities are available in the area but may require a small fee.
- Hours of Operation: St. Mark's Square is open at all hours, but individual attractions have specific opening times. The square can be particularly enchanting at night.
- Important Information: St. Mark's Square, the principal public square of Venice, is surrounded by some of the city's most iconic buildings, offering a window into the art, history, and culture of Venice.
- Admission Fee: There is no admission fee to enter St. Mark's Square, but attractions within the square, like the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, have entrance fees.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors can spend anywhere from an hour to an entire day in St. Mark's Square, exploring the various sights, museums, and shops.
- Parking: Parking is not available at St. Mark's Square due to Venice's unique structure. Visitors typically use public water transport or park at designated areas on the mainland.
- Family Friendly: The square is family-friendly, offering a vast open space and attractions like the Campanile and Doge's Palace, though children should be monitored due to the crowds.
- Photography: Photography is a popular activity in St. Mark's Square, with its iconic buildings and lively atmosphere offering numerous photo opportunities.
- WIFI: Public WIFI may be available from nearby cafes and restaurants, but there's no dedicated public WIFI in the square itself.
- Picnic Area: While there are no designated picnic areas in St. Mark's Square, visitors can find spots to sit and enjoy a quick snack while absorbing the surroundings.
- Handicap Accessible: St. Mark's Square is accessible to visitors, with flat and even surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though it can be crowded.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in the square but should be kept on a leash, and owners must ensure they do not disturb the pigeons or other visitors.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for St. Mark's Square and its surrounding attractions, providing historical context and interesting anecdotes about this famous site.
- Restaurant or Cafe: Numerous dining options are available around St. Mark's Square, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, though prices can be higher in this tourist-centric area.
- Gift Shop: Shops around St. Mark's Square offer a range of products, from luxury brands to typical Venetian souvenirs and artisan crafts.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
More in our list of Things To Do In Venice
;Venice Current Weather
Local Temp: 21.3℃ / 70.3℉
High: 22.8℃ / 73℉
Low: 20.1℃ / 68.2℉
Humidity: 52 %
Local Time: 14:13
Map for St. Mark's Square
Did You Know?
Café Florian, located under the Procuratie Nuove on the western side of the Square, is the oldest café in the world still in operation. Opened in 1720, it has been a meeting place for prominent artists, writers, and political figures throughout history.
The Campanile di San Marco, the square's bell tower, offers one of the best views over the city and the lagoon. Originally built in the 9th century, the current form dates back to 1912 after the original tower collapsed in 1902. This event was seen as a tragedy but also provided an opportunity for archaeological study of the Square.
The Square is actually shaped more like a trapezoid than a square and has been a significant center of Venice's social, religious, and political life for centuries. Historically, it was the only place in Venice where gambling was legal.
The Basilica of St. Mark, located at the eastern end of the Square, is one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture in the world. It was originally the Doge's chapel but has been the city's cathedral since 1807. Its opulent design and golden mosaics earn it the nickname "Chiesa d'Oro" (Church of Gold).
St. Mark's Square, known locally as Piazza San Marco, is the principal public square of Venice, Italy, where it is generally known just as "La Piazza." All other urban spaces in the city (except the Piazzetta and the Piazzale Roma) are called "campi" (fields). The Square is renowned worldwide for its beautiful and historical architecture and artworks.
Travel Information for
Venice Visitors
Time Zone: Venice operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
Weather: Venice has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm and humid with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F), while winters are cold with temperatures averaging around 3°C (37°F). Acqua alta (high water) is a phenomenon that causes flooding in Venice, typically occurring in autumn and winter.
Population: Venice has a population of about 260,000 residents. However, this number is steadily decreasing due to various factors, including rising living costs and flooding issues.
Size: The city covers an area of about 414.6 square kilometers (160.1 square miles), including both the lagoon and the historical city.
Language: Italian is the official language. Venetian, a distinct dialect of Italian, is also widely spoken. English is commonly used in tourist areas.
Currency: Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always useful to have cash for smaller shops and restaurants.
Safety: Venice is generally safe for tourists. However, like in any major tourist destination, it's wise to be cautious of pickpockets and scams targeting tourists.
Tipping: Tipping in Venice is not obligatory, but it's appreciated. In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a small tip (around 5-10%) if the service is good.
Electricity and Plugs: Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs, and the standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different standards will need adapters.
Water: Tap water in Venice is safe to drink. In fact, it's known for being high quality.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for St. Mark's Square
Address:
30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Latitude: 45.4345
Longitude: 12.3389
More Places and Things To Do in Venice Within 500 km/300 mi of St. Mark's Square
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Distance from St. Mark's Square to The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is 0.7 KM / 0.4 MI
The Dorsoduro neighborhood
The Distance from St. Mark's Square to The Dorsoduro neighborhood is 1 KM / 0.6 MI
