San Polo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Polo showing a bay or harbour and heritage architecture
San Polo featuring heritage architecture
San Polo showing a river or creek and heritage architecture
San Polo which includes a lake or waterhole and a coastal town
San Polo showing a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza
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

Activities


Our pick of the best San Polo Hotel Deals

Hotel Guerrato
Hotel Guerrato
Calle Drio La Scimia 240a, Venice, VE
The price is AU$168 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$168
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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! (336 reviews)
"The staff are very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 8 Mar. 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 AU$300 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$300
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
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! (1,018 reviews)
"This was really a great property to stay. My wife and I stayed 10 days 9 nights in the Grand Deluxe Canal View room. We had a great view of the Rialto Bridge and Canal. The place is very strategic and central, being near the Realto Bridge. Sylvia and other staff were very helpful and courteous. We ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 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 AU$412 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$412
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
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 7 Mar. 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 AU$406 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$406
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (980 reviews)
"Staff was extremely friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
DIMORA CAPULETI
DIMORA CAPULETI
Calle del Campaniel 1796, Venice, VE
The price is AU$221 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$221
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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 20 Nov. 2019

DIMORA CAPULETI
Locanda Poste Vecie
Locanda Poste Vecie
San Polo 1612, Pescheria Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is AU$213 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$213
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (706 reviews)
"Room was just lovely! Staff so friendly/helpful, but onsite only until 9pm. No elevator, but if you check in b4 9pm, stall will assist with luggage."

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 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.

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 Grand Canal 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(162 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 Grand Canal.

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

Cannaregio

4.5/5(119 area reviews)

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

Cannaregio
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Santa Croce

4.5/5(62 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

5/5(30 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Grand Canal or Maritime Station 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

San Polo Travel Guide

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