San Polo City Breaks

Find your perfect holiday

A district of two halves

San Polo, Venice, Italy, is the city’s smallest neighbourhood. But thanks to its prime spot right in the middle of the historic centre, you can’t miss it. This old district is located just minutes from all the major attractions, within easy walking distance of St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and plenty more.

This really is a sestiere – a neighbourhood – of two halves. Over on the chilled-out western side, you can wander around, quietly gazing up at some of the most magnificent churches in the city. And in the lively eastern side – known as ‘Rialto’ by the locals – you’ll find an energetic hub of activity.

That’s the great thing about San Polo; it’s got a little bit of everything. There’s an animated tourist centre, coupled with tiny off-the-beaten-track lanes that open up to huge, peaceful squares. The biggest is Campo San Polo, which is Venice’s second biggest square after the iconic Piazza San Marco.

San Polo Venice hotels offer central accommodations near the heart of all the action. So if you’re dreaming of being close to the city’s most famous sights, this can be an ideal place to stay.

Best things to do

Church of San Polo
You can’t visit San Polo without stopping by to see its namesake church. The church you’ll see now was built in the 17th century, but the doorway on the south side is from the 9th century original.
Rialto Market
Right by the Rialto Bridge, this historic market is always on the go. From fresh fruits and veggies to cheap trinkets and other low-cost souvenirs, there are all sorts of cool stalls to check out.
Da Vinci Interactive Museum
With 50 exhibitions across 500 square metres of space, this one-of-a-kind museum shows a different side to Da Vinci. Mostly known for his artwork, Leonardo was also a keen engineer, and this museum showcases his best designs and inventions.

Explore our map of San Polo

Why book with us?

Your San Polo questions, answered

What is the nearest airport in Venice to San Polo?

The nearest commercial airport to San Polo is Marco Polo Venice – Aeroporto Venezia. It’s located on the mainland, in the Greater Venice area, and it takes around 50 minutes to get to and from there by boat.

Can you drive from Marco Polo Venice to San Polo?

Almost! Venice has a car-free historic centre, so cars, buses, and taxis can only take you as far as Piazzale Roma. From there, you can walk or take the water bus to San Polo.

Is San Polo a good place to stay in Venice?

San Polo is great if you want to be close to all the action without staying in the main tourist hub. It’s quieter than busy San Marco, but you can walk right across the Rialto Bridge to all the main sites.

Where are the best places to eat in San Polo, Venice?

Some of the best restaurants in San Polo, Venice, can be found along the Grand Canal between the Rialto Bridge and the old markets. Enjoy prosecco and nibbles while you watch the gondolas pass by.