Piazza San Marco, Veneto, Italy

4Chris H 5:00 PM Oct 21, 2022

Lots of walking, but need to plan if you want to get in the top places
First of all, we did not have enough time for everything. Walking around means lots up and down over the many, many bridges, and my wife struggled. That said, by walking around on our own, we saw loads and went into several Churches and temporary displays which we found down side alleys. These were mostly free and beautiful, interesting, and worth the walk. Note where the sun is though, as keeping it behind, or in front of us kept us at least in the right general direction. It is so easy to get turned around, and constantly referring to the map is not for us. If anywhere, this is the place to just wander around and see what you can see. Getting into the Doges Palace, Tower or Basillica must be planned as the opening hours are short on some days, big queues if you don't have an express ticket, and get expensive. The Cafe Florian was a great place to have a drink and relax and watch the Piazza. Weddings and people dressed up, people watching. All great, but be prepared for the eye watering bill where they even add 6-Euros each for listening to the band play, despite the already high prices. So, my advice, don't book a tour unless that is your thing. Leave plenty of time to do your own thing and don't be afraid to leave the main area and explore.

4Brita S 5:00 PM Aug 7, 2022

Must see - especially nice in the evening
San Marco's plaza is definitively a tourist trap, but one that has to be seen. We like it best at night, when the bands at the cafes play music. Be aware of buying anything here though - it's utterly expensive. You can listen to the music without buying that 11 Euro espresso! During the day it's quite crowded, but evening is not so bad, as many tourists are day tourists only and leave in the evening.