Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco is the main square of Venice in the Veneto, Italy. It is lined by the arcades of the Procuratie Vecchie and the Procuratie Nuove. The main sights include St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) and the Museo Correr; the Doge’s Palace lies right next to it.

Reid’s Guides calls the basilica Italy’s most mosaic-covered cathedral and warns of possibly long queues. On the north side stands the Torre dell’Orologio, and the Campanile faces the basilica; the lift ride to the top is considered one of the best ways to take in the square. In winter the square is sometimes under water at high tide (acqua alta).

At midday it is crowded, whereas early in the morning and late in the evening it is almost empty. Lonely Planet recommends arriving around 6:30 am, when the rising sun first hits the dome. The cafés are expensive, but Reid’s still finds a slow cappuccino with a view of the bustle worthwhile. The nearest vaporetto stops are San Zaccaria, San Marco-Giardinetti and San Marco-Vallaresso; check lines and timetables in advance.