San Polo is the smallest and most central of the six sestieri (districts) of Venice, northern Italy, covering 86 acres (35 hectares) along the Grand Canal. It is one of the oldest parts of the city, having been settled before the ninth century.
The district has been the site of Venice’s main market since 1097 and has been connected to the eastern bank of the Grand Canal by the Rialto Bridge since the thirteenth century. The western part of the quarter is now known for its churches, while the eastern part, sometimes just called Rialto, is known for its palaces and smaller houses.
Attractions in San Polo include the Rialto Bridge, the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto (according to legend, the oldest in the city), Campo San Polo with its Church of San Polo, the House of Goldoni, the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the Church of San Rocco, and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
There are many great places to shop in San Polo. You can find a variety of shops selling shoes, clothes, and jewelry. Some popular shopping destinations include Mercati di Rialto, a flea market that offers specialty cheese, meat, and other gourmet food shops as well as small coffee shops and cafes. Another popular art gallery is Laboratori Artigiano Vetro Calchera Fabio, offering shopping and fashion experiences. You can also check out Antichità Guarinoni, an antique shop or Atelier d’Arte La Colonna, another art gallery.
If you are into nightlife, there are many great clubs and bars in San Polo. Some popular ones include Do Mori, a traditional bacaro that dates back to 1462 and offers red and white house wine, sandwiches, and cicchetti. Another popular one is Al Mercá, a food counter with a standing area outside that is popular with market shoppers during the day and busy during the traditional aperitivo hour between 5 pm and 7 pm. You can also check out Naranzaria, a family-owned restaurant and stylish bar that offers beautiful views of Canale Grande with its outside seating area.
One popular restaurant is Pizza 2000 which offers tasty pizzas that you can either eat in or take away. The process is quick and the pizza is fresh, crispy yet chewy. The service is very good and prices are super cheap compared to other places nearer to San Marco.
Finally, there are two public restrooms located in Calle Large dell’Ascensione and Rialto Novo (Campo Rialto Novo). To get to Calle Large dell’Ascensione restroom from Piazza San Marco go through the archway from the square turn right and look for WCs (which are down a short alley off the left side of pedestrian street).