St. Mark’s Clock Tower is Venice’s beating heart. Standing tall in Piazza San Marco, this elegant tower doesn’t just tell time—it guards centuries of history. When the hour chimes, the square seems to awaken: locals and travelers alike look up, caught in a shared moment of wonder. Whether bathed in morning light or glowing under evening lamps, it speaks softly of Venice’s enduring soul. A poetic structure that makes you feel the pulse of the city.

This luxurious hotel, perched on the Grand Canal in Venice, was once a 15th-century noble palace, blending history with modern elegance. 82 rooms and suites offer stunning canal views, equipped with premium amenities like Acqua di Parma toiletries for ultimate relaxation. Dining here is exceptional, from crafted cocktails at the Riva Lounge to exquisite Italian cuisine at Club del Doge Restaurant. Don’t miss the Gritti Epicurean School, where you can learn to cook Venetian dishes. The concierge team is always ready to assist, whether arranging a Riva Aquariva Super yacht tour or booking a soothing treatment at the Sisley spa.





Everything you need to know about Clock Tower
Hotel San Marco is highly recommended for its direct views of St. Mark's Clock Tower and the Piazza San Marco from its upper-floor rooms. Located just a 2-minute walk from the clock tower, this luxury hotel offers prime access to Venice’s historic heart. Guests can enjoy private guided tours through hidden alleyways and local artisan workshops.
Another top choice is Palazzo del Lido, situated near the Rialto Bridge. While slightly farther, it features Renaissance-inspired interiors and a private dock for convenient water taxi transfers to the clock tower area. Both properties are within easy reach of vaporetto (water bus) lines, ensuring seamless travel across Venice’s canals.
Join a certified guided tour offering a "Venetian Glassmaking Experience" starting from St. Mark's Clock Tower. Walk 5 minutes to Murano Island, where you’ll craft your own glass bead at a centuries-old glass workshop under expert guidance using traditional blowing techniques. Return via vaporetto for scenic canal views.
Alternatively, visit Mercerie Street near the square, lined with artisan studios specializing in handcrafted leather and intricate lacework. Participate in a half-day workshop to learn traditional Venetian needlepoint embroidery, creating a unique keepsake. These small-group experiences prioritize cultural immersion and personal interaction.
Family-friendly option: Hotel Casa San Marco is ideal for families, located just a 3-minute walk from St. Mark's Clock Tower. The hotel offers spacious family suites with child-safe flooring and a dedicated kids’ reading corner. Free cribs, children’s meal options, and daily afternoon tea with handmade cookies and storytelling sessions are included.
Another excellent choice is Casa sul Canal, featuring a private courtyard, small pool, and parent-child rooms. It provides complimentary vaporetto passes for easy trips to Murano or Burano islands. All properties offer multilingual staff and 24/7 concierge support, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free stay for families.
The best option is taking the vaporetto Line 1 from the San Marco Vaporetto Stop, just a 5-minute walk from St. Mark's Clock Tower. The journey takes about 20 minutes, with departures every 15–20 minutes. This route is covered by the Venice City Pass or Tourist Card.
For a more private experience, book a private water taxi—approximately €60–80, reaching Murano in 15 minutes. Ideal for small groups or families. We recommend departing early to avoid midday crowds and explore the island’s glass workshops and Glass Museum for an immersive cultural experience.
Must-try local specialties: First, noodle pasta with squid ink from Basilini Bakery near Piazza San Marco, served with fresh seafood and black pepper sauce—rich and bold in flavor. Second, Tiramisu at Caffè Rosa, just steps from the clock tower, made with Venice’s signature chamomile syrup, offering a delicate sweetness.
Third, daily limited fried shrimp balls, freshly prepared at a century-old shop beside the San Marco landing. Crispy outside, tender inside, served with lemon and spicy sauce. All restaurants are within walking distance and accept on-site payments or mobile reservations, making them perfect for spontaneous dining.
Start at St. Mark's Clock Tower Square at 9 AM for sunrise photos, then walk to St. Mark’s Basilica for a free morning prayer service. At 10 AM, head to Caffè Royal near Rialto Bridge for a champagne breakfast with canal views.
At noon, take the vaporetto to Burano Island, stroll among colorful houses, and capture picturesque moments. Return to Piazza San Marco by 6 PM to climb the Clock Tower Observation Deck (ticket required) for a breathtaking sunset panorama.
End the day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, enjoying a Mozzarella platter and Chianti wine. Use the Venice Tourist Card to skip lines and enhance your romantic experience.
Hotel St. Mark's Square by Marriott is ideal, located just a 2-minute walk from St. Mark's Clock Tower. The hotel features a Venetian-style courtyard and panoramic rooftop terrace, with select rooms offering views of the clock tower and the Basilica's spires. Complimentary boat transfers are provided, ensuring seamless access to other parts of Venice—perfect for immersing in the romantic charm of the lagoon city.
Walk 5 minutes south from St. Mark's Clock Tower to Albrici, a century-old café renowned for its handmade Italian pastries. For authentic Venetian cuisine, head down a side alley off St. Mark’s Square to Osteria Cà d’Oro, famous for its squid ink pasta with seafood. Dining here offers a scenic view of the canal—ideal for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner. Both are within walking distance and perfect for culinary immersion.
Don’t miss a gondola ride departing from the dock opposite St. Mark’s Clock Tower, gliding through serene canals flanked by historic buildings—pure Venetian poetry in motion. Join a clock tower guided tour to explore its intricate astronomical clock mechanism and rich history. For panoramic views, climb to the dome of St. Mark’s Basilica at dusk, where the illuminated clock tower and square create a breathtaking spectacle—a perfect blend of European artistry and urban rhythm.
See what other travelers say about Clock Tower

This hotel is an absolute must-visit! Staying at The Gritti Palace in Venice feels like stepping into a living piece of history. The views from the windows are breathtaking—just a glimpse of the Grand Canal every morning. I loved how easy it was to explore the city by public transport, with the metro just steps away. The hotel exudes timeless elegance with its luxurious interiors and impeccable attention to detail. Staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive without being intrusive. My room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and the bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway or a family trip, this place delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s not just a stay—it’s a moment to cherish. Highly recommended!

Staying at Monaco & Grand Canal Venice was an absolute highlight of my trip to Venice. The convenience of arriving by water taxi directly to the hotel is unbeatable—gliding through the canals adds such a magical touch to the experience. Of course, buses are also available if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, and getting here from the city center is super easy. Breakfast was fantastic—fresh, plentiful, and full of local flavors. I especially loved the pastries! The room was spotless, comfortable, and well-equipped with individual air conditioning, which made it cozy and warm during chilly evenings. This hidden gem truly delivers on comfort, location, and value. I’d definitely come back again—highly recommend for anyone visiting Venice.

Staying at Palazzo Keller in the heart of Venice's Saint Mark's area was an absolute delight. Just a 3-minute walk from the dock and only 250 meters from La Fenice Opera House, getting around by water bus is incredibly convenient—perfect for exploring the city without the hassle. The hotel itself is a true gem, with a façade that beautifully preserves traditional Venetian palace architecture. Inside, the blend of classic elegance and modern touches creates a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. I was especially impressed by the intricate frescoes on the ceiling in my room, adding a touch of grandeur. The public spaces feature vintage-style tiles and elegant chandeliers, giving the place a timeless charm. Every detail feels thoughtfully curated, making it feel like staying in a private historic residence. It’s not just a hotel—it’s an experience, and I’d absolutely return.

Staying at this private home felt like being welcomed into a beautifully curated Venice villa. The location is quiet yet just a short walk from the main attractions—perfect for exploring the city without the crowds. The interior design captures authentic Venetian charm with elegant details throughout. What truly stood out was the exceptional service from the host and staff; they went above and beyond to accommodate my requests, even arranging special breakfast items based on my preferences. The morning meal was generous and delicious, made with fresh local ingredients. It’s rare to find such personalized attention in a private rental. I’d absolutely book again the next time I visit Venice—this place offers a unique, luxurious experience that feels both intimate and unforgettable.

We booked a room for three, and the hotel kindly provided a connecting room with two bathrooms—no need to rush or wait for the facilities! It was incredibly convenient, especially when traveling with family or friends. The location is super central, just a short walk from the metro station, making it easy to explore Venice’s main attractions. The room was spacious, clean, and well-designed, offering great value without compromising on comfort or style. Highly recommend this hotel for groups or families looking for a hassle-free stay in Venice.

Staying at Sina Palazzo Sant'Angelo in Venice was an absolute highlight of my trip. Located just steps from St. Mark’s Square, the hotel offers unbeatable convenience—everything you’d want to see is within a 10-minute walk. The room was huge and incredibly well-appointed, with a spacious layout that made it feel like a home away from home. The views from the window were breathtaking—overlooking the canal and historic architecture, it felt like waking up in a postcard. The location is perfect for exploring Venice on foot, and the staff were warm and helpful throughout. I’ve stayed at many hotels across Europe, but this one truly stood out. If you’re visiting Venice, don’t miss this gem—it’s worth every penny.

We stayed here with our family, and overall, the experience was excellent. The hotel is incredibly clean, safe, and every little detail shows thoughtfulness—really made us feel at home. One small suggestion: the AC vent in the room was dusty, so cleaning it or replacing the filter would be a great improvement. Also, since we had elderly guests with us, it would be helpful if guest services were more accessible—having to walk around to check in was a bit challenging. Despite that, the location is fantastic, close to everything, and public transport makes getting around Venice super easy. We truly appreciated the attention to cleanliness and security. Definitely a place we’d recommend and return to.

Staying at Hotel Principe was an absolute dream come true. The view from the window overlooks the serene canals of Venice, and waking up to watch the sunrise from the bed was one of those magical moments you don’t forget. The breakfast spread was exceptional—fresh pastries, local cheeses, perfectly brewed coffee, and a variety of wholesome options that made mornings truly special. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from major sights and well-connected by public transit. It’s rare to find such charm, comfort, and value in one place. I’ll definitely be back, and I highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone looking for an authentic, peaceful Venice experience.

The location is absolutely perfect—just a short walk from the train station and only two minutes to a convenient supermarket, which made our stay super easy. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The bed was wonderfully comfortable, and I slept like a baby. The shower provided strong water pressure and consistent temperature—perfect for a refreshing morning rinse. Breakfast was a highlight: a wide variety of options with fresh, delicious fruits that really made the meal special. Everything about this hotel felt thoughtfully designed for guest comfort and convenience. I’m already planning my return visit—this place truly exceeded my expectations.

I highly recommend The Venice Times Hotel—especially if you're visiting Venice during peak season. Located just steps from Venezia S.L. station, the hotel offers a seamless, stress-free arrival without needing to navigate crowded water buses. I stayed in August, when the city was packed with tourists and long lines for water transport made moving around with luggage extremely difficult. Staying here saved me so much time and hassle. The location is perfect—easy access to public transit, quiet yet central, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. Rooms are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. It’s rare to find such a convenient, comfortable stay at this level of quality. If you’re planning a trip to Venice, especially in summer, this hotel should be at the top of your list. A truly excellent choice.

We arrived in Venice early at 6 AM with a flight, and the water taxi took us straight to the hotel dock by 7 AM. I was a bit worried about checking in so early, but the staff were incredibly accommodating and processed our check-in immediately—no issues at all. We originally had planned to stay at Aman, but it was fully booked, so we switched to The St. Regis Venice. Honestly, we couldn’t be happier with that decision. From the moment we stepped onto the private dock, the beauty of the property hit us—elegant architecture, luxurious details, and that unmistakable St. Regis charm. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. The location on the Grand Canal is perfect, and every corner feels like a scene from a movie. If you’re looking for timeless elegance and exceptional service, this is it. Highly recommend—worth every penny.

Staying at Hotel Santa Chiara was a fantastic experience—right next to the train station, just one bridge away, making it incredibly convenient for arrivals and departures. I’m pretty sure it’s the closest hotel on the island to the station, which is a major plus when you’re navigating Venice with luggage. The room itself was clean and well-maintained, with a spotless bathroom and comfortable bedding. The only minor downside was the single-pane windows, which let in some chill during colder nights—but adding an extra blanket easily fixed that. Staff were prompt and helpful; whenever I requested something, it arrived quickly without any hassle. Plus, walking 20 minutes daily to explore nearby attractions wasn’t burdensome at all—Venice is so walkable and scenic that every step feels worth it. Overall, this place offers great value, excellent location, and warm hospitality. Definitely recommend it for travelers who want convenience without compromising on comfort.
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