How about right in front of the Basilica?

The actual belltower (single tower) of San Marco is currently rather fenced off as it is undergoing some repairs. Do you by any chance mean the Clocktower? Very busy around there with people coming and going.

Perhaps less busy at the far end opposite the Basilica. If by chance it is raining you could then shelter under the archway leading to he steps up to the Correr Museum

Two bell towers? There is only one campanile at the square.

…photobucket.com/albums/…

You don't mean by chance the two pillars, one with St.Mark and another with St.Mark's Lion on top?

…photobucket.com/albums/…

Meeting point: How about in front of the oldest café in the world (so I read), Caffè Florian on the square under the arcade?

…photobucket.com/albums/…

The two columns referred to by kat1 are a well recognisable meeting place.Don't meet between them bcause executions used to take place there centuries ago and Venetians are superstitious about them.

If you are tired and willing to spend the money there is a cafe on the corner directly facing them (opposite the Doge's palace) where you can have a coffee-overpriced as everywhere on the square.The view across the water is free.

The front of the Basilica is the most crowded spot and I wouldn't waste money at the cafe unless you plan to sit there for a long time to make the cost of paying for the music worthwhile.

My suggestion is under the portico of the Doge's Palace - the long covered archway at the base of the palace. This has two advantages - it's covered if it is raining and there are seats if you have to wait for your friends. The seats do tend to be occupied but if you have to wait a while, one will become free. Also you can enjoy the music from the cafe opposite without having to pay (and you are out of the way of the pigeons).

Hi Kat1 don’t want to sound too pedantic, but of the 2 columns you mention in your post, 1 indeed is crowned with the Lion of St Mark. However the other is crowned with St Theodore, the original Patron Saint of Venice.

Hi, Colin. Pendantic? No at all. Thanks for the correction! I assumed it was St.Mark without really reading my guide book.

Don't forget the crocodile.

A great place to meet that my friends and I have used is the park that is just by the vaporetto stop for San Marco. It is right along the waterfront, just to the right of the two columns (as you are facing the water) about 20 yards. You can either sit on the benches right out front of the gates or those right inside the small park. We've never had problems finding each other here and there are few crowds.

Ciao! LL