San Marco, Venice

Piazza San Marco, the historic square that is home to the glorious Basilica San Marco and Palazzo Ducale, is the center of activity for art, commerce, and cultural tourism, and has thus shaped the incredibly rich neighborhood of San Marco.

At night, the crème de la crème of Venice dress to the nines and splurge at the swanky restaurants, landmark bars and lounges, and refined entertainment venues like Teatro La Fenice.

Although there are a few down-to-earth locales scattered between Campo San Bartolomeo and Campo San Luca, the overall vibe of San Marco’s social scene is one of civilized sophistication centered on the gorgeous setting and romantic atmosphere of the moonlit piazza.

By day, San Marco is the elite shopper’s paradise, with winding streets full of boutique windows and their dazzling displays of both traditional finery and contemporary designer labels.

A radical makeover occurs during Carnevale, however, when the peaceful square turns into a mecca for costume-clad revelers and thousands of tourists.