St Marks questions

We went to the basilica and the museum upstairs. I would guess we were there for 2 hours.

I don't see that you can currently buy timed entry. We just waited in line last summer. On line it says "You can visit St Mark Basilica from 9.30am (Sunday and Solemnities ‘of precept’ from 2pm) to 5.15pm (last admission: 4.45pm; ticket: 3 €; ) and the Museum – Loggia dei Cavalli (supplement: 7 €; free for children up to 6 years of age). If you entered at 4:00 pm, it seems you would have an hour and 15 minutes.

There is a cafe just as you exit Doge's Palace. We ate lunch there the day we went to Doge's palace (which was a different day than we went to St. Mark's). We were there longer than 45 minutes but not sure how long. Our feet were tired and we were not in a hurry. Very pleasant surroundings.

After lunch, we went to by vaporetto to Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and went to the the bell tower. You then look back on St. Mark's. It was recommended over the clock tower by friends of ours from Milan. We liked it very much.

We were last there in 2018. The Church didn’t take too long but the museum did. We were at least an hour. We did spend some time sitting outside, behind the statues just looking out onto the square and people watching. The tower doesn’t take as long to visit as waiting on the line. We took a tour at the Doge’s Palace later in the day when it was less crowded. We didn’t eat nearby.

We took the Walks from Italy tour which included the Doge’s Palace, Prison, and St. Marks and it was in total about 3 hours. If we were doing this on our own, we probably would have spent about 2 hours.

We ate at Rosa Salva which is about 10 minute walk to St. Marks. They had wonderful salads, sandwiches and pastries. You can definitely eat in less than 45 minutes. It does get crowded, so you may wait awhile for a table if you go at lunch.

Sandy

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I'd give St. Mark's 2 hours. You will want to walk all around and go upstairs to the little museum like space where the original bronze horses are. You will also want to step out onto the balcony about the entrance and take in the scenery, its quite beautiful. I hate to feel rushed by an itinerary as well so extra time to soak it in is always a good idea for me.
The Caffe Florian is a historic cafe with good food and excellent atmosphere. It's a little pricey but worth it.
We usually go up the Campanile and to the upper level of St. Mark's. Those two views are enough for us. The Bell Tower won't give you anything you won't get from the other two and we have skipped it on every trip since our very first.
I have never visited with a timed entry. I am sure they will give you plenty of time. Check their website for hours of operation too.

Venice is amazing and it has been a favorite of mine for many years. Good luck with your trip!