San Polo

Venice

San Polo which includes heritage architecture and a bay or harbor
San Polo showing heritage architecture
San Polo showing a river or creek and heritage architecture
San Polo which includes a coastal town and a lake or waterhole
San Polo featuring a city, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
The smallest of Venice’s six districts, this is also one of the oldest. It offers many tourist sites in its palaces, its churches and the Rialto Bridge.

Known for its impressive stone bridge and great shopping, San Polo is a favorite spot along the Grand Canal for both tourists and locals. While it can become crowded in the late afternoon, earlier or later in the day it is the perfect place for authentic Italian shopping. Explore this gem of Venetian culture and buy some souvenirs.

Perhaps the biggest attraction in San Polo is the Rialto Bridge. This 1591 construction is the latest of several iterations that date back to the 12th century. All have played important roles in the Venetian economy. Cross the Rialto Bridge on foot using the exterior staircases and enjoy panoramic views of Venice along the Grand Canal. Glide beneath the bridge on an intimate gondola tour if you have the time.

Any first-time visitor to San Polo must see the area’s churches and museums. Start by visiting the Church of San Polo. Take time to appreciate the numerous artworks that fill the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, while not itself a church, houses Christian commemorative paintings by Tintoretto that rival any of those in the churches.

Wander through the markets and alleys common in this area. The fashion stores here range from as specific as wallet and watch and glove shops to full boutiques. Purchase produce from the vendors around the Rialto Bridge, fresh from the morning delivery. Stock up on vegetables, fish and spices and prepare an authentic Italian dinner.

San Polo is on the upper part of the Grand Canal, a short walk north from San Marco. Stay in one of the hotels near the Rialto Bridge, optimally located for accessing the sights at St. Mark’s and elsewhere. While you’re here, try a pizza at Birraria La Corte, which was once both a bull stable and a brewery. This restaurant has delicious Italian entrees and a notably wide range of famous pizzas. Together, they give you a wonderful reason to return to this sestieri multiple times, whether or not you stay here.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in San Polo

Hotel Guerrato
Hotel Guerrato
Calle Drio La Scimia 240a, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,653 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P5,653
P6,717 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this guesthouse in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (337 reviews)
"The staff are very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Hotel Guerrato
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Calle del Sturion 678, San Polo, Venice, VE
The price is P9,481 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
P9,481
P10,866 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"We enjoyed our 4 night stay at this well located hotel. Only steps from the famous Rialto bridge, water bus and gondola rides. The staff was excellent. They even arranged a free water taxi ride to Murano and paid our entry into the glass factory. The room is small but nothing to complain about."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
H10 Palazzo Canova
H10 Palazzo Canova
4.5 out of 5
San Polo - Via Riva del Vin 744, Venice, VE
The price is P13,061 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P13,061
P14,930 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (885 reviews)
Great stay!
"Beautiful hotel and perfect location. The staff was very accommodating and kind. They upgraded our room for no additional charge and were quick to give recommendations and directions."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2025

H10 Palazzo Canova
Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
4.5 out of 5
Sestiere San Polo - Riva de L Ogio 1777, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P12,777 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P12,777
P14,617 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (980 reviews)
"Staff was extremely friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2025

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
DIMORA CAPULETI
DIMORA CAPULETI
Calle del Campaniel 1796, Venice, VE
The price is P7,061 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P7,061
P7,954 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, satellite TV channels, and air conditioning. Popular attractions St. Mark's Square and Grand Canal are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (187 reviews)
"Place is great comfortable and clean. left my passport book with $400 in it. They call me and everything was there. They accommodate me in every request. I would go back there."

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2019

DIMORA CAPULETI
Locanda Poste Vecie
Locanda Poste Vecie
San Polo 1612, Pescheria Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is P6,678 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P6,678
P7,721 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this affittacamere in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (710 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2025

Locanda Poste Vecie
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Dorsoduro featuring heritage architecture and a coastal town

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San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

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San Marco
Venetian Ghetto showing boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

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Cannaregio
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Santa Croce

5/5(1 area review)

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal while in the area.

Santa Croce
Dorsoduro showing a river or creek and a bridge

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Dorsoduro
La Giudecca featuring a lake or waterhole

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La Giudecca

San Polo