Palazzo Fortuny
It is run by the Civic Museums Scheme of Venice and is housed within a lovely old Gothic palazzo once owned by the illustrious Pesaro family.
Palazzo Grassi
This magnificent 18th century palazzo now houses the (highly) contemporary art collection of French businessman, Francois Pinault.
Palazzo Franchetti
Palazzo Franchetti is an important building on the Grand Canal close to the Accademia bridge.
Clock Tower (“Torre dell Orologio”)
Located in St. Mark’s Square right by the Basilica, this is one of the most significant Renaissance buildings in Venice and was built between 1496 and 1506.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Unless you get there early, be prepared to wait in a sometimes lengthy queue to get into the Basilica.
Campanile (Bell Tower)
This is the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica which was rebuilt in 1912 in the same style after it collapsed in 1902.
Museo Correr
This is housed in the magnificent Napoleonic Wing of the Procuratie Nuove set of buildings in St. Mark’s Square.
Doge’s Palace
The “Doge” was the name given to the elected leader of the Venetian Republic and this position existed until 1797 when the last Doge, Ludovico Manin abdicated on the conquest of the city by Napoleon.
Vivaldi Concerts
These are held in the Church of San Vidal near the Accademia Bridge.
Teatro La Fenice
Hosts opera, ballet and classical music in the most opulent of settings.
Shopping in San Marco
Designer Shopping is on Salizada San Samuele which is the main route between St. Mark’s Square and Accademia Bridge.
Gardens and Green Spaces in San Marco
There are the Royal Gardens close to St. Mark’s Square, visible from the vaporetto as you pull into the San Marco vaporetto stop.
Churches of San Marco
Aside from St. Mark’s Basilica, there are numerous churches in the San Marco district that are well worth a visit.
Hotel Flora
This is a very charming hotel in a great, but quiet, location in San Marco with a courtyard garden which is a very welcome respite in the summer.
Hotel Ala
This is a really well located hotel in a relatively quiet though central part of San Marco.
Luxury Hotels in San Marco
My main recommendation here is the Gritti Palace which has undergone a very extensive renovation.
Gritti Palace Hotel
This famous luxury hotel, occupies arguably, the finest position in Venice, on the Grand Canal, close to St. Mark’s Square and opposite the Salute church.
Hotel Cipriani
Fabulous but very expensive. Not in San Marco, but the hotel provides a boat that goes between the hotel and St. Mark’s Square very regularly.
Mid range restaurants in San Marco
These are in very short supply. If either the Osteria Enoteca San Marco or the ABC Bistrot Quadri do not appeal, I would recommend making your way across the Grand Canal to the Dorsoduro sestiere.
Osteria Enoteca
This contemporary styled osteria is open all day from 12.30pm and is located very close to St. Mark’s Square.
