Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square), Venice > Reviews (5)

PIAZZA SAN MARCO. is like falling in love with a Beautiful Woman, when with her you can not stay long enough, when away you can not wait to return to her.

You may speak to people who have only visited her on a Day trip, they will probably have not been impressed. They will only have seen her in the company of thousands.

To see the Piazza at its best and Romantic you must Visit her late at night with your wife, husband, lover or just a friend. The sqaure seems to be your own, so beautifully lit. Which really highlights the shape of the square.

When you enter from the Grand Canal DO NOT WALK BETWEEN the two columns, in the past you only passed between when being sent for execution.

The Doges Palace is on your right, this is well worth a Tour, get there early to beat the queues. (Day Trippers normally decend on Venice about 09:45). Beautiful rooms and full of history. On this trip you cross over the Bridge of sighs to visit the prison.

Further on the right hand side you can not mistake SAINT MARKS, from 10:00 there will be long queues, but they move along failry well. st Marks although very Beautiful is not excessively large. Assecd to the first floor not only to go onto the Roof for the Views but to see the original 4 HORSES, absolutly STUNNING, the ones outside on the front are mere Copies.

To beat the queues who are allowed in at 10:00, if you are religious there is a small side door to the left near the venitian Lions, which is open for early morning prayers, at 10:00 those in for prayer have immediate access to the Basilica,

Around the square are Numerous High Priced shops selling very stylish goods and of course Morano Glass.

The 15c Clock has finaly been restored and I feel is better than the one in Prague.

There are two main Cafe's on the square, one on the right as you have St Marks at your back, and on the other side Florins. This is the only cafe in Venice where the price to drink inside is greater than at an outside table. Stunning interior and sevice at the price.

Remember in bars/cafe's there are 3 price levals. First standing at the Bar (Cheapest), Second at inside table, third and most expensive at outside table. There is a logic to it all, after all why should the customer at the Bar pay for the Tables/Chairs and service he is not using. Bear this rule in mind and there should be no shocks. You will find the prices listed on the wall somewhere in the establishment. But remeber when you have payed for your drink at the outside table , the table is your until You finish, dont rush your drink, Italians can make a Coffee lat 2 hours.

Remember as you move away from Siant Marks Square the prices in the Restaurants will become less expensive and the quality will probably be better.

Feeding the Pigeons at only 1 euro for those who do not mind being covered in the Birds (Rats with wings as they have been called) is an interesting experience.

Try St Marks Square early not at the end of hours walking about as ther are no Free Seats in the square, only the Cafe Ones, except at the end of the Winter Floods when the Tables used for walking on may still be available.

If you can Visit for carnival the Square is filled with People with the most Beautiful and elaborate contumes. We find out the theme of the Carnival and try to make a costume to feel part of it.

But remember Late at Night with the One you love waltz around the square, no one will yhink you are crasy.