One of the simplest ways to get to know central Venice is to walk between Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge. Both are easy to reach from Hotel Orion, and the route takes you through a lively part of the historic centre.
Follow the city, not just the signs
From Spadaria, head toward the streets connecting San Marco with Rialto. The Mercerie form a well-known pedestrian route between these two landmarks, passing shops, narrow calli and small junctions where the city briefly opens up before closing in again.
Hotel Orion is about a five-minute walk from Rialto Bridge under ordinary conditions. Allow more time when the streets are busy or when you stop to explore. In Venice, a short walk is often more interesting than a strictly timed one.
Pause at the Grand Canal
At Rialto, the setting changes. The Grand Canal comes into view, with boats moving between the banks and palazzi lining the water. The bridge is a useful landmark, but the viewpoints nearby are also worth a few minutes of your time.
Consider spending a little time in the Rialto area before returning toward San Marco by a different street. You need not create a long itinerary to appreciate the variety of Venice’s historic centre.
A convenient base for short explorations
Staying centrally means you can divide a day into smaller walks rather than trying to see everything at once. From Hotel Orion, Piazza San Marco is approximately 50 metres away, and Rialto is within easy walking distance.
For practical information about the hotel’s address and the surrounding area, visit How to reach us. You can also browse the rooms at Hotel Orion.
Photograph: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
