San Marco, Venice guide

San Marco is crisscrossed with some of Venice’s most famous bridges. The ornate Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) connects the Doge’s Palace to the old prisons, while the Rialto Bridge offers some of the best views of the Grand Canal. Don’t forget to explore the neighbourhood’s narrow ‘calli’ (streets), where you’ll find smaller scenic footbridges away from the main tourist trails.

There’s plenty more to sink your teeth into here besides the history. Step into legendary Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of both the Bellini cocktail and beef carpaccio. For something humbler but no less delicious, duck into a traditional ‘bacaro’ (tavern) and try ‘cicchetti’ (small appetisers) like ‘baccalà mantecato’ (creamed cod on toast) or ‘polpette’ (fried meatballs).

Few spots rival San Marco for its waterfront setting. Stand on the Molo to watch gondolas glide past the Doge’s Palace — at sunset, the domes of Santa Maria della Salute glow across the lagoon. For citywide views, the top of Saint Mark’s Basilica’s bell tower is hard to beat. Book skip-the-line tickets to ride the lift all the way to the top.

Soak up the lively atmosphere of Piazza San Marco before cooling off with a cone from one of the neighbourhood’s gelaterias. For a gondola ride, head to the quieter boarding points near Campo Santo Stefano or along the smaller canals to avoid the busiest tourist spots — consider booking a ride in advance to avoid queuing.

You’ll find some of Venice’s most famous museums in San Marco. See mosaics and rare relics at St Mark’s Museum on the basilica’s mezzanine floor, and wander the gilded halls and secret passageways of the Doge’s Palace early in the morning to beat the crowds. Across Piazza San Marco, Museo Correr showcases Venice’s history through ornate ballrooms, paintings and sculptures.

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in San Marco, skip the tourist traps on the main square and head into the side streets, where family-run ‘osterie’ serve authentic Venetian dishes. For history, stop by Caffè Florian. Open since 1720, it’s a great spot to enjoy coffee and pastries. Or shop at Rialto Market, across the Rialto Bridge, for fresh seafood and seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Much of San Marco’s nightlife is centred around the historic bars and wine taverns around Campo San Bartolomeo and the streets near Riva degli Schiavoni. Walk in the footsteps of literary greats like Hemingway and grab a drink at Bar Longhi inside the Gritti Palace. Try to score a seat on the terrace for sunset views of the Grand Canal.

Browse for Murano glass trinkets and Venetian masks along busy Le Mercerie, then explore the many souvenir shops within the arcades of the Procuratie Vecchie in Piazza San Marco. In the mood to spoil yourself? Make a beeline for Salizada San Moisè and Calle Larga XXII Marzo, known for their luxury Italian and international fashion boutiques.

Piazza San Marco hosts the city’s winter Carnival celebrations, a centuries-old tradition featuring masked balls, parades and elaborate costumes. The square also kicks off the water parade during the Festa della Sensa on the Feast of the Ascension, honouring Venice’s maritime heritage. And don’t miss the Christmas market that lights up Campo Santo Stefano in December.