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
The price is P6,248 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
P6,248
P7,368 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 27 - Mar 28
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! (347 reviews)
"location was superb"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 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 P9,626 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
P9,626
P11,022 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 27 - Mar 28
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great staff!!! Great location. The breakfast was poor."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 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 P12,947 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
P12,947
P14,799 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 26 - Mar 27
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! (897 reviews)
"Excellent location in Grand Canal, very good price compared to others in location. The hotel is modern which was good, very clean, great breakfast and nice rooftop bar. The concierge was very helpful. The only problem we had was one shower was clogged and flooded the bathroom. The rooms are small ..."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 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 P14,073 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P14,073
P16,037 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! (998 reviews)
"Good service."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
Palazzetto Madonna
Palazzetto Madonna
4 out of 5
Fondamenta del forner 2902, Venice, VE
The price is P9,513 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
P9,513
P11,022 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 26 - Mar 27
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (984 reviews)
"The staff are friendly and helpful! The hotel is gorgeous, the room was clean and comfortable, breakfast was surprisingly good and abundant, the staff were so accommodating, and the location is extremely walkable. Very near the San Toma vaporetto stop, but also easy walk to the main “touristy” Rialto ..."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Palazzetto Madonna
Locanda Poste Vecie
Locanda Poste Vecie
San Polo 1612, Pescheria Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is P7,093 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
P7,093
P8,173 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 26 - Mar 27
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! (712 reviews)
"Right next to to fish market and r Farmers market..Right in middle of historic area."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 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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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