The passageway to the Old Procurator's Offices:
This is where the path to the supermarket near St. Mark's Square begins.
Venice has a reputation for being an expensive place. But anyone looking for an affordable supermarket near St. Mark’s Square will be surprised: just a few steps away from the magnificent buildings, there’s a place where you can stock up on groceries at completely normal prices. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find this hidden spot.
Avoiding the Price Trap
Whether it’s a bottle of mineral water for 60 cents or a cold soft drink: if you keep your eyes open, you don’t have to spend a fortune on daily necessities in Venice. While the cafés right on the piazza charge a premium for the atmosphere, a nearby supermarket offers the usual selection of a major Italian chain. Prices here are set centrally—so there’s no “St. Mark’s Square surcharge.”.
Directions: How to Find the Market
The path is simple, but to the uninitiated, it may seem at first like a detour down a dark alley. Trust me: It's safe and will lead you straight to your destination.
- Starting point: Stand in the middle of St. Mark's Square and look north toward the Old Procurator's Offices (the long arcades).
- The Archway: To the left of the long-established cafés, you'll find a passageway marked with a sign pointing to the „Piazza San Marco“. See image
- The Bridge: Walk through this archway. After about 10 meters, you'll cross a small bridge over a canal.
- The goal: After another 10 meters, you'll find a branch of the chain on the right Despar (formerly Billa/Cadoro).
What to Expect
Don't expect a huge shopping mall. The market is about the size of a spacious city apartment. However, the selection is perfectly tailored to visitors' needs:
- Chilled Beverages: Mineral water, soft drinks, and juices.
- Travel Provisions: Fresh fruit and small snacks for in between meals.
- Regular prices: Here, you pay the same price as at any other supermarket in northern Italy.
Takeaways for Visitors to Venice
No one goes to Venice just to do their weekly grocery shopping. But when it comes to the „little things in life,“ this market is a real lifesaver for your wallet. It’s these little tricks that make a stay in the lagoon city relaxing and affordable.