San Polo Travel Guide

Venice

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

Hotel Guerrato

Hotel Guerrato

Calle Drio La Scimia 240a, Venice, VE
The price is Rp1.535.809 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.535.809
Rp1.841.075 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (540 reviews)
"Perfect choice for us"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Hotel Guerrato
H10 Palazzo Canova

H10 Palazzo Canova

4.5 out of 5
San Polo - Via Riva del Vin 744, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp5.158.729 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp5.158.729
Rp5.844.840 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"The staff people were so nice and helpful and the breakfast was delicious. We had a good experience at this hotel."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 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
The price is Rp4.531.084 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
Rp4.531.084
Rp5.154.431 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
"This property is AMAZING. Right on the canal. It exceeded my expectations. Room was a good size and the bed comfy. The biggest bonus was how close it was to the Water bus system and many amazing restaurants. I would definitely stay here again! We loved it!!"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia
Palazzetto Madonna

Palazzetto Madonna

4 out of 5
Fondamenta del forner 2902, Venice, VE
The price is Rp3.743.740 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp3.743.740
Rp4.288.352 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (989 reviews)
Great hotel fairly central to Venice centre.
"The hotel looks recently refurbished to a high and sumptuous standard. The rooms were well presented, although the superior room was on the small size. The shower had a secondary hand held outlet. Breakfast was a plentiful continental affair but with a very limited hot selection. Roughly 25 mins ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Palazzetto Madonna
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Calle del Sturion 678, San Polo, Venice, VE
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff were so helpful giving us loads of ideas on where to eat!"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

3 out of 5
Isola Nova del Tronchetto 17, Venice, VE
The price is Rp2.149.471 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp2.149.471
Rp2.496.825 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and Grand ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (274 reviews)
"Great location and easy to access water bus or ground transportation (flix or other bus ) brand new hotel , very clean and modern."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova
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(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 Grand Canal.

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 Grand Canal and Casino of Venice.

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 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