St Mark’s Square is one of Venice’s best-known places, but the way you experience it can change throughout the day. Early in the morning, the surrounding streets often feel calmer, and the façades and arcades are easier to appreciate at an unhurried pace.
Start with the square
Hotel Orion is on Spadaria, approximately 50 metres from Piazza San Marco. That makes the square an easy place to begin a walk before choosing where to go next. Take time to notice the long arcades, the Campanile and the richly detailed exterior of St Mark’s Basilica. You can enjoy the architecture from outside without arranging a museum visit.
Look beyond the main view
The square is only the beginning. Walk along the nearby streets and you will find small passages, shopfronts and changing glimpses of the city. The contrast between the monumental space of the piazza and the narrow Venetian calli is part of the pleasure of exploring this neighbourhood on foot.
If you plan to visit the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace or another attraction, consult its official website for current admission arrangements. Opening hours and access rules can change, especially around religious services and special events.
Return whenever you like
Because Hotel Orion is so close, you can visit the area at different times of day without building your whole itinerary around it. A short morning stroll, a break between visits or an evening walk can each reveal something different.
Find the hotel’s address and arrival information on our Location page, or explore our rooms in San Marco before planning your stay.
Photograph: Armin Kleiner / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
