Are you heading to Venice for the first time and thinking about heading up to the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower?
Maybe you’re already in Venice and can’t decide where you want to see Venice from above.
I live in Italy and make trips to Venice with and without my family. I’ve been up to the top of the Campanile di San Marco multiple times and it’s always an amazing spot to take in views of Venice.
Let’s take a look at:
- If St. Mark’s bell tower is a good option for you
- Bell Tower Basics (how to get to the top, hours, height, amenities, etc)
- Ticket options
- What to do at the top of the campanile
- Going to the top of Saint Mark’s bell tower with kids
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Head to the Top of Saint Mark’s Bell Tower If…

You want epic views without sweating. Or, you’re exhausted after a day of exploring Venice. The elevator whisks you up to the top and back down.
You have bad knees that don’t do well walking down steps. Elevator to the rescue.
You’ve got small kids. This is an easy way to get really high above Venice, which little kids love!
Skip St. Mark’s Bell Tower If…

You want to exercise and get some steps in. You get to the top of the bell tower by elevator.
Your kids need to get some energy out. Choose a Venice climb with steps instead.
You want a peaceful viewpoint all to yourself. St. Mark’s is Venice’s most popular tower ‘climb.’
You’re not a fan of loud bells.
St. Mark’s Bell Tower – The Basics
History: Basilica di San Marco – Campanile
Opening Days & Hours: Always check the official website’s section ‘Notices and Days Closure Basilica’ for the most up-to-date info. This is really important because it will close for holidays, events, and maintenance!
Height: Just under 99 meters. The viewing platform is at about 60 meters.
# of Steps: It doesn’t matter – you’re taking the elevator!
Amenities: None. Be sure to use the toilet before you go up. You can buy something from a bar and use its toilet or use the public toilet at the other end of Piazza San Marco (exact location here) for a cost of €1.50.
Crowds: This is one of Venice’s most popular climbs, so you’re likely to encounter crowds. In summer months, the line at the ticket booth can get long (think 45 minutes to an hour). The viewing platform is also crowded. If you’re trying to avoid crowds, try visiting when it opens in the morning or in a quieter month (like November).
Good To Know: If you’re visiting Venice in the winter, think twice about going to the top of St. Mark’s bell tower in the early morning. While you may avoid crowds, you could be faced with spectacular views of morning fog.
Buying Your Tickets to St. Mark’s Bell Tower
There are three main ways to buy your tickets:
- You can purchase tickets in advance on the official site’s ticketing page up to 3 months in advance. You choose a 30-minute time slot and you get a 5-minute grace period to enter. You won’t get kicked out at the end of your time slot – most people stay 20-40 minutes at the top.
- You can buy your tickets through 3rd party sites (like GetYourGuide), but they’re a lot more expensive (more than double the official price). This is a good option if you waited to buy your tickets and find the official site is sold out for your date/times.
- You can also buy tickets at the base of the bell tower at the ticket office (located here). Don’t count on availability during busy times (basically any months other than November, January, or March, but even then there’s no guarantee). There were day-of tickets available on my November visit, but if it’s a must-do activity for you, book ahead.
What to Do at the Top of the Campanile di San Marco

Admire the views! As much as I love some of the other climbs in Venice, the top of St. Mark’s bell tower gives some of the viewpoints of the city, including:
- Piazza San Marco
- Basilica di San Marco
- Venice’s rooftops
- The Clock Tower
- Other islands like San Giorgio and Guidecca
Check out the bells.
Use the app with the panorama boards.
Helpful Tip: There can be a line for the elevator to get back down. Plan accordingly (if you’ve got an aperitivo reservation after your bell tower visit, keep an eye on the line for the elevator down so you can make it to your aperitivo).
Climbing St. Mark’s Bell Tower with Kids

This is a great climb for kids who like to ‘be on top of the world.’ It’s Venice’s tallest viewpoint. It also works well for small kids, because you take the elevator up.
Kids 6 and under are free.
You can leave your stroller down below, or, if your baby is small, you can ask permission to bring your baby in the stroller in the elevator.
There’s no toilet, so make sure you take a potty break and change diapers before you head to the campanile.
I’m not a huge fan of having a strict itinerary when I’m traveling with my kids. If you’re the same, know that you can probably get tickets just walking up to the ticket booth (at the base of the tower) if you’re visiting outside of the high season. In the summer, the line will likely be long, and not fun to wait in with small kids, so try to buy tickets in advance. As always, if this is a ‘must do’ for your family, be sure to purchase tickets in advance.
Point out landmarks like the Isola San Giorgio bell tower, the Clock Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, and see if you can make out the Dolomites in the distance if it’s a clear day. Check out the bells (and plug your ears if you’re up top when the largest bell (Marangona) rings at 12:00pm).
In Venice with your family? You may want to read
Venice with Kids
Venice with a Toddler
Venice Playgrounds & Parks We Love
Taking Your Kids on a Gondola in Venice
Where to Eat with Kids in Venice
Looking for other climbs in Venice? Check out my guides to
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
The Venice Clock Tower
I hope this helps simplify getting to the top of St. Mark’s bell tower! Enjoy the ride up (if you decide to do it) and your time in Venice!
You may also want to check out
16 Things to Do in Venice
Going on a Gondola Ride in Venice
Islands of Venice – Which Should You Visit?
Venice at Night
How to Take a Florence to Venice Day Trip