San Polo Travel Guide

Venice
San Polo showing 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 favourite 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

Locanda Poste Vecie
Locanda Poste Vecie
San Polo 1612, Pescheria Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is £130 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
£130
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this townhouse in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping and a TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (535 reviews)
"Nice little place. Not easy to find, but they gave great directions. Tucked away, but close to shopping, restaurants and water taxis."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

Locanda Poste Vecie
Hotel Guerrato
Hotel Guerrato
Calle Drio La Scimia 240a, Venice
The price is £140 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
£140
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this guesthouse in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (85 reviews)
"Helped to have free breakfast with great selection"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Hotel Guerrato
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Calle del Sturion 678, San Polo, Venice, VENEZIA
The price is £233 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
£233
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (757 reviews)
"Excellent location right by the Rialto Bridge. Lots of restaurants very close by. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the rooms were very clean. The canal view was an added bonus. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

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 £359 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
£359
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (652 reviews)
Great spot and great hotel
"Great position near the Rialto bridge. Easy to get to South half of Venice. Outside patio terrace was lovely although cool at beginning of March. Hence patio heaters in use. Breakfast was very nice, and staff were super friendly."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

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
The price is £276 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£276
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (994 reviews)
"Nice property, staff are very friendly and it is very clean! The rooms are very hot though and when we opened the window, we got bitten by mosquitos! Air con needs to improve in the rooms"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
The price is £145 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£145
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Perfect for our stay-family of 4. Loved the location. Just a one minute walk to St. Marks Square. Staff was so helpful and accommodating. Many bakery and dining choices nearby. Gondolas outside the hotel. Cute bar to sit and view the canal. Lovely! We’ll be back!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
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.

Other neighbourhoods around San Polo

Dorsoduro which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Teatro Goldoni while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Marco which includes a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing

San Marco

4.5/5(1,050 area reviews)

San Marco is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

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

Cannaregio

4.5/5(577 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Jewish Museum of Venice and Venetian Ghetto.

Cannaregio
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Santa Croce

4.5/5(210 area reviews)

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 which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(297 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Maritime Station or Campo Santa Margherita might round out your trip.

Dorsoduro
La Giudecca featuring a lake or waterhole

La Giudecca

La Giudecca is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Giudecca 795 or Mulino Stucky.

La Giudecca

More to explore for San Polo


San Polo Travel Guide

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