San Polo
4.5
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Venice district that offers many interesting historic sites such as the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, thought to be the oldest church in Venice.
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Neighbourhood: San Polo
The Rialto Bridge is the most famous sight along the Grand Canal in San Polo, smallest of Venice's six sestieri (districts) and by far the busiest neighbourhood. Morning Venetians arrive to peruse the markets for fish, fruit and vegetables, while shops display goods from cheese to wine to desserts. San Silvestro and Rialto Market vaporetto (water taxi) stops add to the steady stream of foot traffic. San Polo is defined by churches including Basilica dei Frari, one of the most important churches sought by art lovers.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
243 reviews
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REDMAN
Egaleo, Greece5,019 contributions
May 2019
Out of the buzzing crowds and a dive into the 1700s. You will find quality Italian tamperamento here and style!
Written 12 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LWL3333
Wellington, FL17,965 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
Be sure to get off the main route between Pizzale Roma and Rialto Bridge to see quieter locales where the Venetians live, work and play. Get lost walking the back streets and visiting the shops where the locals go, not the touristy souvenir shops where each sells exactly the same junk as the one next door. Two of our favorite restaurants in Venice are here so we often return to eat and stroll around. In the 43 years that we have been travelling to Venice not much has changed in this neighborhood.
Written 18 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LWL3333
Wellington, FL17,965 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
In my previous review of this neighborhood of Venice I mentioned but did not name two of our favorite restaurants in Venice, both of which are located near each other and the Frary church. One is "Frary's", just across the canal from the Church, which is Greek/Lebanese cuisine and is owned by a father-and-daughter team; the other is "Ganesh Ji", the only Indian restaurant in Venice and it's run by the charming and knowledgeable Patricia, a Venetian who lived for many years in India. Both of these restaurants are reasonably priced (especially Frary's) and, best of all, neither serves Italian food! This can be a big plus when you've been traveling in Italy for so long that you feel that you will scream if you eat pizza or pasta one more time. We have eaten at each of these restaurants multiple times over the years. Frary's is especially good for lunch at which time they offer a very reasonably priced, and very delicious, daily lunch special. Ganesh Ji offers a very nice prix fixe dinner with more food served than we can eat. Both are within easy walking distance of most neighborhoods in central Venice. See my reviews of both of these restaurants elsewhere on Trip Advisor.
Written 17 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raffiella11
Leicestershire, UK4,765 contributions
Feb 2020
The true heart of the city since the 16century, the Rialto Bridge and bustling fish/vegetable market which first opened in 1097, secluded Palazzo’s down narrow alleyways, this area is full of fascinating history.
Best time to visit early or late in the day - or disappear off the beaten tourist runs, otherwise you have the hassle from masses of day tourists. Most just look, not knowing or caring about the fabulous history/culture of the area, take time to read about San Polo’s history, and you will recognise/enjoy things you see.
Stray away from the market area - just get lost and enjoy. Mix with true venetians, see local food/wine shops, the orginal 16c spice street, fabulous cheese shops, bakeries etc.
Do not miss the beautiful old San Giacomo di Rialto Church, and the statue of Gobo – the hunchback. Under the arches Banco Giro which was the site of the first bank in the world. now a wine bar/restaurant, great to sit outside and people watch at the side of the grande canale. Lots of interesting musuems - my favourite Palazzo Mocengo – well worth a visitSanta Maria Gloriosa dei Frari church, very plain exterior, but once inside wow!! totally fabulous, and enormous.
Deep in the heart of San Polo are narrow alleyways, pretty canals/peaceful squares/unusual churches, fabulous individual designer shops whether clothes/art etc, plus fabulous restaurants either for a casual lunch, or upmarket dining .
Take the vaparetto from Rialto at night north along the Grande Canale, we love the wonderful 16/17th century Palazzo’s all different shapes/ styles, with there glissening murano chandeliers, the reflection on the water - truly magical.
Best time to visit early or late in the day - or disappear off the beaten tourist runs, otherwise you have the hassle from masses of day tourists. Most just look, not knowing or caring about the fabulous history/culture of the area, take time to read about San Polo’s history, and you will recognise/enjoy things you see.
Stray away from the market area - just get lost and enjoy. Mix with true venetians, see local food/wine shops, the orginal 16c spice street, fabulous cheese shops, bakeries etc.
Do not miss the beautiful old San Giacomo di Rialto Church, and the statue of Gobo – the hunchback. Under the arches Banco Giro which was the site of the first bank in the world. now a wine bar/restaurant, great to sit outside and people watch at the side of the grande canale. Lots of interesting musuems - my favourite Palazzo Mocengo – well worth a visitSanta Maria Gloriosa dei Frari church, very plain exterior, but once inside wow!! totally fabulous, and enormous.
Deep in the heart of San Polo are narrow alleyways, pretty canals/peaceful squares/unusual churches, fabulous individual designer shops whether clothes/art etc, plus fabulous restaurants either for a casual lunch, or upmarket dining .
Take the vaparetto from Rialto at night north along the Grande Canale, we love the wonderful 16/17th century Palazzo’s all different shapes/ styles, with there glissening murano chandeliers, the reflection on the water - truly magical.
Written 27 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrChipB
Purcellville, VA769 contributions
Sept 2015
The three main islands that constitute Venice are divided into seven districts, similar in a sense to New York's burroughs, but generally smaller. San Marco is the magnet for tourists, with its palaces, attractions, and St. Mark's Square cramming multiple sites in a relatively small area. Small area plus tourists equals crowds in the peak season. However, take a hike over the Rialto Bridge to the adjoining district of San Polo, and you will find fewer crowds and a lot of attractive, but lesser known, landmarks, historical sites, plazas, churches, museums, shops, artisans, and places to eat and dine. My wife and I rented a one bedroom flat for a week, just a few minutes from the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and the Pescharia (fish market), but just enough out of the way to be charming and tranquil. In the morning, we were able to go downstairs to the street level, turn a corner, and have excellent coffee and croissants. Wandering around as we did on foot, through 4-5 of the districts, we found a lot to love about San Polo, as I hope the accompanying photos help reveal. We liked San Marco Square, but pushing through tourists in the crowded streets was not what we sought. Better to roam on foot, turn a corner, find a deserted plaza with abundant history and no crowds. Maps help, but remember you are on an island (actually two), so it is impossible to get lost for long, and actually fun when you are.
Written 25 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manswa
Stockport, UK3,915 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
This is an interesting neighbourhood that we visited several times during our stay in Venice - it is a lot more that a through route from Piazzale Roma to Rialto Bridge. There are many churches and museums - in addition, the canals are beautiful - many places to eat or just to stop and admire the view.
Written 18 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raffiella11
Leicestershire, UK4,765 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
The small district of San Polo is one very busy tourist spots in the city ie the Rialto Bridge area is a great draw for tourists, but if you venture away a few streets, much of this district consists of quieter lanes, pretty canals, local restaurants and small squares.
The Rialto area has been the site of Venice's main market/and banking since 1097, and is joined to the other side the Grande Canal by the most famous bridge in the city. One quarter of this area is known for its churches, while the other part is known for its hidden palaces, beautiful churches and smaller houses.
Once over the bridge, turn right at the bottom of the steps, this small square was the original banking area,plus the church of San Giacomo di Rialto although small in size, is said to be the oldest in Venice. The building dates from the 11-12th century and has restored on numerous occasions. Once in the small square, take time to look around and see the beautiful clock on the church, it dates from 1410. It is easy to miss this area on your mission to see the markets.
Directly across from this church is the Colonna del Bando, do not miss the Gobbo di Rialto (Hunchback of Rialto) this is where official announcements were read to the public centuries ago. In all our visits to this area, this is the first time I have found him hiding away.
The liveliest part of San Polo is the Rialto Bridge, which is always packed with tourists, although this year is it covered up due to huge restoration of the bridge and the steps either side which have been worn away over centuries. Around this area there are hundreds of souvenier stalls/shops , some tasteful some not. By the side of the Grand Canal is the famous Rialto markets, take time to wander around the food stalls/fish market, this is a bustling part of the city where locals/and restaurant owners buy there fresh produce. There is also space alongside the Grande Canale, where you can sit at an outdoors table, and enjoy a scenic aperitivo, great they provide blankets in case the weather turns really cold.
Leaving the main Rialto area walking north into the quieter district of San Polo, there are a maize of narrow lanes/small pretty canals, great restaurants and along the way are some fabulous individual shops selling jewellery, art and various souvenirs. It was so great you do not get the tourists in this part, you can have this area to yourselves, only travellers interested in the real Venice head for this area.
The Rialto area has been the site of Venice's main market/and banking since 1097, and is joined to the other side the Grande Canal by the most famous bridge in the city. One quarter of this area is known for its churches, while the other part is known for its hidden palaces, beautiful churches and smaller houses.
Once over the bridge, turn right at the bottom of the steps, this small square was the original banking area,plus the church of San Giacomo di Rialto although small in size, is said to be the oldest in Venice. The building dates from the 11-12th century and has restored on numerous occasions. Once in the small square, take time to look around and see the beautiful clock on the church, it dates from 1410. It is easy to miss this area on your mission to see the markets.
Directly across from this church is the Colonna del Bando, do not miss the Gobbo di Rialto (Hunchback of Rialto) this is where official announcements were read to the public centuries ago. In all our visits to this area, this is the first time I have found him hiding away.
The liveliest part of San Polo is the Rialto Bridge, which is always packed with tourists, although this year is it covered up due to huge restoration of the bridge and the steps either side which have been worn away over centuries. Around this area there are hundreds of souvenier stalls/shops , some tasteful some not. By the side of the Grand Canal is the famous Rialto markets, take time to wander around the food stalls/fish market, this is a bustling part of the city where locals/and restaurant owners buy there fresh produce. There is also space alongside the Grande Canale, where you can sit at an outdoors table, and enjoy a scenic aperitivo, great they provide blankets in case the weather turns really cold.
Leaving the main Rialto area walking north into the quieter district of San Polo, there are a maize of narrow lanes/small pretty canals, great restaurants and along the way are some fabulous individual shops selling jewellery, art and various souvenirs. It was so great you do not get the tourists in this part, you can have this area to yourselves, only travellers interested in the real Venice head for this area.
Written 5 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania36,891 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
Situated in the heart of the town,San Polo is the smallest neighbourhoud of Venice.You can find here Ponte Rialto(Rialto bridge),Mercato di Rialto(Rialto market),the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari-one of the biggest churches in Venice,Campo San Polo,Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the homonym church.
A wonderful neighbourhoud.
A wonderful neighbourhoud.
Written 11 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie S
Draper, UT53 contributions
Sept 2013 • Family
Every guidebook will tell you to wander around Venice, and it's true. That's where the charm of Venice lies. We did two different walks, one in Dorsoduro on a Sunday morning and one in Santa Croce/San Polo on Monday afternoon. I would do Dorsoduro on another day, it was pretty sleepy on a Sunday morning, and the Ca Macan mask shop was closed - rats! Still we had a great time wandering the backstreets of this neighborhood.
We combined some walking tours of the Santa Croce/San Polo areas from the Rialto Bridge to the Piazzale Roma. Favorite stops were Ponte del Tette and Ca' Rampani. Difficult to find, but definitely worth it.
We almost saw the Frari Church, but there was a medical emergency with a tourist and the ticket taker blocked off her booth and shooed us away.
We combined some walking tours of the Santa Croce/San Polo areas from the Rialto Bridge to the Piazzale Roma. Favorite stops were Ponte del Tette and Ca' Rampani. Difficult to find, but definitely worth it.
We almost saw the Frari Church, but there was a medical emergency with a tourist and the ticket taker blocked off her booth and shooed us away.
Written 17 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorowell
Montgomery, AL192 contributions
We stayed in an apartment in San Polo and were so glad to be away from the tourists and see how real Venetians live. There are wonderful sites here (Frari Church, Scuola di Grande San Rocco, etc.), and wonderful restaurants, shops, street musicians.Get out of St. Mark's Square and the Rialto and see the real deal!
Written 11 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If staying in the San Polo area how do you get to hotel from Airport
Written 1 January 2018
There are several options. The absolute best experience, although also most expensive, is to take the water taxi. It's a beautiful way to arrive, and also the fastest, and they take you to a dock near to where you are staying. There is now an inside passageway from the terminal to the water taxi dock. You can also take the Vaporetto, which is like a large water bus that has regular stops along the Grand Canal. You may have to take a shuttle bus to the Vaporetto dock. We took the taxi on arrival and the Vaporetto to return to the airport. Have a great time! I hope you can stay after the crowds are gone (after 5:00) because Venice is a very different place at night.
Written 2 January 2018
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