The best time to visit Palazzo Venicie is during the early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 5 PM) to avoid crowds. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Entry to St. Mark's Basilica is free, but there may be long queues. You can book a skip-the-line ticket or guided tour for a fee. Special areas like the Pala d'Oro, Treasury, and Museum require separate tickets.
From Marco Polo Airport, you can take the Alilaguna water bus (blue line) directly to San Marco, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take a water taxi (faster but more expensive) or a bus to Piazzale Roma and then a vaporetto.
When visiting St. Mark's Basilica and other religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be walking on cobblestones. Avoid high heels.
Piazza San Marco is accessible, but many buildings have steps. St. Mark's Basilica has a wheelchair-accessible entrance on the right side. The Doge's Palace has elevators. Contact venues in advance for specific accessibility needs.
Photography is allowed in St. Mark's Basilica, but flash photography is prohibited. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Be respectful of worshippers and maintain silence.
Acqua alta is the seasonal flooding of Venice, typically occurring from October to March. When water levels exceed 110 cm, raised walkways (passerelle) are installed in San Marco. Check tide forecasts before visiting.
Yes, San Marco has many restaurants, from historic cafés like Caffè Florian to fine dining establishments. Note that restaurants in the main square are typically more expensive. Explore side streets for better value.