San Pietro Di Castello

Venice is like a wonderful treasure chest, overflowing with surprises! San Marco and Castello are two of the most exciting areas to explore. Castello is the largest district in Venice in Italy They're packed with amazing things to see and do, from grand palaces to secret staircases. This itinerary will show you the best bits, making your trip to Venice memorable!

Morning Magic in San Marco!

Start your Venetian adventure from San Marco. It's home to Venice's most famous sights. The heart of San Marco is San Marco Square or Piazza San Marco. The main attraction of this grand square is the St Mark's Basilica. The whole building is covered in shiny mosaics. Arrive early to avoid long queues. Feeling brave? Climb the bell tower for a bird's-eye view of the whole city!

Right next door is the Doge's Palace, the grand seat of Venetian power for centuries. Look out for the fancy paintings and posh Doge's apartments—they're right royal!

After all that history, enjoy a coffee at the Quadri or Florian cafés. Take a souvenir photo of the San Marco Column with the lagoon as a backdrop. Head to the Bridge of Sighs for some souvenir photos. After that, take a stroll along the Riva degli Schiavoni, a lovely walkway beside the calm waters. You'll see amazing views of the lagoon! Once you pass the Rio della Pleta canal, cross the Ponte del Sepolcro bridge. Keep an eye out for a little hidden alleyway called Sotoportego dei Preti - look for the cute brick heart! This is a great spot to stop for lunch and try some delicious Venetian food - there are loads of restaurants to pick from!

Afternoon Adventures in Castello

After lunch, walk through Campo della Bragora. Cross Ponte Storto, and take a souvenir photo at Ponte del Purgatorio, a tribute to the poet Dante Alighieri. A few steps away, you will find yourself at the Arsenale di Venezia, in the heart of the Castello district. It was once a colossal shipbuilding complex. This historic site offers a glimpse into Venice's maritime power and industrial ingenuity. Today, the Arsenale is not only a tourist attraction but also the venue for the Venice Biennale.

Take a vaporetto from the Arsenale and get off at one of the two stops, Giardini or Giardini Biennale. It's always nice to jump on a vaporetto!  Once off the vaporetto, stroll through the Biennale Gardens. These gardens were created by Napoleon. Today it houses the 29 exhibition pavilions of the various countries.

Castello isn't just about canals and boats. There are hidden squares waiting to be discovered! One such gem is Campo San Giovanni e Paolo. It's a lovely open space with a giant church of the same name. Inside, you might even see the tombs of famous doges! And if you're feeling peaceful, pop into the beautiful Church of San Zaccaria. Explore the tranquil church, known for its stunning altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini. If you are a ship lover, you can visit the Naval History Museum in Venice. It is an almost compulsory destination if you love ships.

Evening Enchantment

As the sun dips below the horizon, capture the magical play of light on the canals. This is the perfect time to find a nice comfy seat at a bar right next to the water. These are called 'canal-side bars', and they're brilliant for watching the world go by. Enjoy an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) soaking in the romantic atmosphere.

Take a vaporetto again, get off near San Marco Square. With the help of our Venice map, look for a bacaro where you can have something to eat and drink.

Tips:

  • Buy a Venezia City Pass for discounted entry to major attractions and public transportation..

  • Take advantage of vaporetto (water buses) to navigate between San Marco and Castello.

  • Be prepared for crowds, especially at St. Mark's Square. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more relaxed experience.

  • Wear comfortable shoes; Venice is a city best explored on foot.

With its captivating blend of history, art, and charm, San Marco and Castello offer an unforgettable Venetian experience. So lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the magic of this extraordinary city.