Where to Stay in Venice: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

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Venice is a bucket list destination that has to be visited on any trip to Italy.

But where should you stay in Venice to truly capture its essence?

The best area to stay in Venice depends on what you’re looking for. Do you crave the hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots or the quiet charm of off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods? 

Are you seeking romantic accommodations with incredible views, or are you more interested in budget-friendly options that offer a taste of local life?

The best part about Venice is there is a lot more variety than people are aware of. 

In this guide, I will go over the different neighborhoods and break them down into bite size pieces so you can understand which Venice neighborhood is best to stay in for your needs. 

Overview of the Areas In Venice

Venice is a city of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and character. There are six sestieri (Venice neighborhoods) along with other islands in the lagoon and even mainland Venice to choose from. Here’s an overview of some of the most notable ones:

San Marco

The heart of Venice, San Marco, is where you’ll find many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Piazza San Marco, often known as Saint Mark’s Square, is the city’s main public square and a hub of activity. This is where you’ll find the glorious Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Caffè Florian, and the famous art gallery for Renaissance art, the Correr Museum. This neighborhood is a blend of grandeur and elegance, making it a top choice for those seeking a luxury stay in Venice.

San Polo

Known for its bustling markets and historic churches, San Polo is the smallest of Venice’s six sestieri. The neighborhood is centered around Campo San Polo, the city’s largest square after Piazza San Marco. The Rio di San Polo canal adds to the area’s charm, making it a picturesque place to stay. But, of course, the star of the show in San Polo is the majestic Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal.

Santa Croce

Santa Croce offers a mix of the traditional and the modern. It’s home to Piazzale Roma, the city’s main bus station, making it a convenient base for exploring Venice and beyond. The neighborhood’s blend of residential areas and tourist attractions offers a taste of local life.

Cannaregio

As the largest of Venice’s neighborhoods, Cannaregio is a vibrant area known for its bustling streets, beautiful canals, and the Jewish Ghetto.  It was the first ghetto for Jews in Europe, and today, it’s a peaceful neighborhood with synagogues, museums, and kosher restaurants. Cannaregio is a great place to stay if you want to experience the local Venetian lifestyle.

My only advice is to be careful near the train station for pickpockets. Venice is very safe, but mind your belongings in crowds.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is the neighborhood of choice for art lovers. Home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia Gallery, it offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than some of the busier central neighborhoods.

Giudecca

Once a center of industry, Giudecca is now known for its residential areas, local restaurants, and beautiful waterfront views. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a quieter, more local experience.

Lido di Venezia

The Lido is Venice’s beach resort, known for its beautiful beaches and the Venice Film Festival. It’s a great place to stay if you want to combine city sightseeing with some relaxation time on the beach.

Mestre

Located on the mainland, Mestre is a more affordable option than staying on the Venice islands. It’s well-connected to Venice by train and bus, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.

San Marco: Best Place to Stay for One Night

San Marco, the heart of Venice, is a dream destination for many travelers. With its proximity to iconic landmarks, luxurious hotels, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to stay for a night in Venice.

San Marco is a district that never sleeps, offering a myriad of activities for every traveler with the Piazza San Marco as its centerpiece. This awe-inspiring square has been the heart of Venice’s spiritual and political life for centuries, encircled by iconic structures such as the Basilica San Marco, celebrated for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and Campanile di San Marco (bell tower) that offers unparalleled views of the city. 

The intricate rooms of the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) and its Bridge of Sighs, as well as the Museo Correr, housing a vast collection of archaeological treasures and art, including Carpaccio’s Courtesans, are also part of this ensemble. You can even climb up the square’s Torre del Orologio (clock tower) to observe its internal mechanism. 

While I generally suggest dining away from the bustling tourist hub, it’s worth indulging in one of the piazza’s “big three” historic cafés, despite their steep prices: Caffè Florian, established in 1720, boasts the most lavish interior, Caffè Lavena was Wagner’s preferred spot, and Gran Caffè Quadri is home to an upscale restaurant. 

For a taste of how the people of the Belle Epoque used to eat, head to Harry’s Bar. Try their famous Bellini and Carpaccio for a truly Venetian experience. 

After that, a leisurely walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni is a must. Admire the Bridge of Sighs and treat yourself to a gelato from one of the best gelaterie in Venice. As the day winds down, enjoy a drink on the rooftop bar, Terrazza Danieli. The stunning views of the Venetian Lagoon with a sparkling glass of prosecco make it the perfect way to end your day in San Marco.

Best Hotels in San Marco:

Luxury – The St Regis Venice Hotel

Boutique – Novecento 

Best Value – All’Angelo Art Hotel

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Cannaregio: Best Place to Stay for Budget Travelers

Cannaregio is a district that offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Venetians. It’s a place where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a slower pace of life and is one of the most budget-friendly areas in Venice for accommodation. 

The Santa Lucia train station is conveniently located within walking distance here, and there are excellent water bus services connecting public transportation to other parts of the city.

Cannaregio is particularly famous for the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo. Venice’s Jewish ghetto is recognized as the world’s first Jewish ghetto, its name derived from the local term for “foundry.” Despite the Jewish presence in Venice since the 12th century, it was during the medieval period that Jews seeking refuge from persecution in other parts of Europe were given a designated area, albeit with a curfew at sundown.

Key attractions in Cannaregio include the Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum, currently under renovation) and the nearby synagogues, which are open for guided tours. The bustling shopping street of Strada Nova, the Ca d’Oro (a stunning Venetian palace and art gallery on the Grand Canal, home to Mantegna’s St. Sebastian), the Venetian Renaissance Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, and the Church of Madonna dell’Orto (the final resting place of the renowned painter Tintoretto, where some of his finest works are exhibited) are also worth a visit.

For a unique experience, seek out Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in the city. Then, when the sun goes down, the nightlife comes alive at spots like Paradiso Perduto or Al Timon, offering a taste of local entertainment.

Best Hotels in Cannaregio:

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San Polo: Best Neighborhood for Sightseeing

San Polo, one of the oldest districts in Venice, is a vibrant neighborhood on the Grand Canal in central Venice that beautifully blends the city’s rich history with the bustling rhythm of everyday life. This district offers a central location which makes it ideal for those that want easy access to sightseeing.

San Polo’s charm lies in its ability to transport visitors back in time while offering a taste of the city’s vibrant local life. The district’s proximity to the famous Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, means that you’ll have a front-row seat to the stunning views of the Grand Canal and the city’s historic architecture.

The Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, believed to be Venice’s oldest operating church, is another testament to the district’s rich history. It offers a respite from the heat and crowds just a few meters away as there are rarely any tourists inside. 

The lively Rialto Market is a stone’s throw away, offering a unique shopping experience. Here, you can mingle with locals, sample fresh produce, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. This bustling hub of activity provides a glimpse into the everyday life of Venetians, making your stay in San Polo all the more authentic.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Camerlenghi Palace, located near the Rialto Bridge. This Gothic-style palace, once the residence of the Camerlenghi (financial officers), is now a symbol of the city’s rich history and offers amazing views of the Grand Canal through its infinite windows.

Best Hotels in San Polo:

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Santa Croce: Best Neighborhood for Museums

Santa Croce, often overlooked by tourists, is a district that offers a unique blend of the traditional and the modern. It’s a great place to stay if you want to experience a different side of Venice, away from the usual tourist hotspots and a relaxed nightlife scene.

Santa Croce is a district that offers a unique perspective of Venice. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the city’s history and culture without the crowds. The district is home to several notable landmarks, including the Church of San Giacomo dell’Orio, one of the oldest churches in Venice, and the Fondaco dei Turchi, a striking Byzantine palace that now houses the Natural History Museum.

Santa Croce is also home to the Piazzale Roma bus station and car park in Venice and just a short walk to the Santa Lucia train station. This makes the district a great choice for exploring the rest of the city and the surrounding region.

In terms of accommodations, Santa Croce offers a range of options, from budget hotels to affordable apartments. While it may not have as many luxury options as districts like San Marco, it offers excellent value for money and a chance to experience Venice like a local. One notable exception is the Palazzo Venart luxury hotel which offers spacious rooms and a generous buffet breakfast. 

The neighborhood is home to some excellent museums. The Ca’ Pesaro museum, for instance, is a grand palace of Gothic origin that was extensively rebuilt in the 17th century. It was the residence of the San Stae branch of the Mocenigo family, one of the most important families of the Venetian patriciate. The museum houses Rococo or Neo-classic style frescoes and furnishings that mostly date back to the second half of the 18th century. Many of the rooms are decorated with paintings celebrating the family’s glories, the climax of which was when Alvise IV was doge, (1763-1778).

The Palazzo Mocenigo is another must-visit museum in Santa Croce. It’s a large building of gothic origin that was extensively rebuilt at the beginning of the 17th century. The palazzo is characterized by its large Serlian windows, a common feature in Venetian architecture during the 17th and 18th centuries. The interior of the palazzo is typical of all Venetian patrician homes, with a large central hall (pòrtego) used for official functions and flanked by other rooms.

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, another gem in Santa Croce, is a lay confraternity founded in 1478. The Scuola is named after San Rocco, who was declared a saint in 1580. The building is one of the most ornate in Venice, with a stunning collection of artworks, including those by Tintoretto.

The Basilica dei Frari, one of the greatest churches in the city, stands as a monument to the city’s wealth and artistic taste. The church is a treasure chest of art and faith, housing a selection of the most important works you can see in Venice. The church is open for visits, and you can plan your visit to the Basilica dei Frari by checking the Basilica’s visiting times.

As you can see, Santa Croce is packed with things to do that are often ignored by the masses of tourists who head right for San Marco area, and the Rialto Bridge. 

Best Hotels in Santa Croce:

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Castello: Best Neighborhood to Stay in for Families

I’ve been living near Venice for the last 6 years with my family. We’ve visited Venice as a family two to three times per year. In all that time, the neighborhood where we spend the most time is easily Castello. It is ideal for families as it is quiet and has the most green space anywhere in Venice proper. 

Castello, the largest of Venice’s six sestieri, stretches from the east of Piazza San Marco to the eastern tip of the city. It is where the Giardini della Biennale are located. This park, filled with pavilions from different countries, is a haven of tranquility away from the bustling city center. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Being mere steps away from the major sites while also feeling far from the large crowds of St Mark’s Square makes it the ideal place to stay in Venice. One of the must-visit places in Castello is the Arsenale, once the heart of Venice’s naval industry. This massive complex, which played a crucial role in the city’s maritime dominance, now hosts part of the Venice Biennale, a world-renowned contemporary art exhibition. Nearby, the Naval Museum offers a fascinating insight into Venice’s seafaring history.

For a breath of fresh air, head to the Giardini della Biennale. This park, filled with pavilions from different countries, is a haven of tranquility away from the bustling city center. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing and has some playsets for little kids to burn off some energy. If you have a dog, then this is also the ideal place to take it for a walk. 

When it comes to accommodation, Castello caters to all budgets. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel with amazing views of the lagoon or a cozy guesthouse tucked away in a quiet street, you’ll find it here. And while the district might not have as many restaurants as others, the ones it does have are worth seeking out for their authentic Venetian cuisine.

Best Hotels in Castello:

Luxury – Hotel Danieli

Boutique – Ai Reali

Best Value – Liassidi Arco

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Dorsoduro: Best Neighborhood in Venice for Nightlife

For those seeking a more relaxed and authentic Venice experience, Dorsoduro is the perfect choice. The district offers a more local atmosphere, with fewer tourists and more Venetians. It’s a great place to wander and get lost in the maze of narrow streets and canals.

Art enthusiasts will be in their element in Dorsoduro. The district is home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of the most important museums in Italy for European and American art of the first half of the 20th century. Housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the museum presents Peggy Guggenheim’s personal collection of 20th-century art, masterpieces from the Gianni Mattioli Collection, the Nasher Sculpture Garden, as well as temporary exhibitions.

Dorsoduro is also a great neighborhood is you are looking for some nightlife after a long day of seeing the sites. It is the best choice to spend the aperitivo hour before dinner and then a great place to return to for a nightcap after.

One of the best places to enjoy aperitivo in Dorsoduro is Campo Santa Margherita. This lively square is lined with bars and cafes, each offering their own version of aperitivo. Here, you can sit outside, watch the world go by, and enjoy a spritz with a selection of cicchetti. It’s a quintessential Venetian experience that shouldn’t be missed.

One of the highlights of Dorsoduro is the Zattere, a long promenade along the Giudecca Canal. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy stunning views of the city. The Zattere is also home to several charming cafes and gelaterias, making it a great place to relax and watch the world go by. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset aperitivo.

For a more upscale aperitivo experience, head to one of the luxury hotels in Dorsoduro along the Grand Canal. Many of these hotels have beautiful bars or terraces where you can enjoy a cocktail with a view. While the prices might be higher, the atmosphere and the views are worth it.

Best Hotels in Dorsoduro:

Luxury – Nani Mocenigo Palace

Boutique – Ca Maria Adele

Best Value – Casa Accademia

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Giudecca: Best Neighborhood for a Quiet Time

Giudecca, a serene island in the Venetian Lagoon, offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city of Venice. This district, separated from the main city by the Giudecca Canal, is a place where you can experience a slower pace of life, away from the crowds of tourists.

One of the main advantages of staying in Giudecca is the stunning views it offers. From the island, you can enjoy some of the best views of Venice, particularly of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square. The island’s waterfront promenade is the perfect place to take in these views, especially during sunset. In fact, the views from the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore are better than the ones in San Marco and with almost no tourists. 

Despite being less touristy, Giudecca is not devoid of attractions. The island is home to the Church of the Redentore, one of the most important churches in Venice, known for the annual Festa del Redentore. The island is also home to the Hilton Molino Stucky, a former flour mill transformed into a luxury hotel, known for its rooftop pool and panoramic views of the city.

Giudecca offers a more authentic Venetian experience. Here, you’ll find local shops and markets where you can sample local produce and Venetian specialties. The island’s restaurants are also worth exploring, offering a range of dining options from traditional Venetian cuisine to international dishes.

However, it’s worth noting that Giudecca is a bit isolated from the main parts of Venice. To reach areas like San Marco or Dorsoduro, you’ll need to take a boat ride. While this can be an enjoyable experience in itself, it might be inconvenient for some.

Best Hotels in Giudecca:

Luxury – Hotel Cipriani

Boutique – Al Redentore Di Venezia

Best Value – Hotel Giudecca

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Mestre: Best Are to Stay if You Plan to do Day Trips

Mestre, located on the mainland of Italy, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of its more famous neighbor, Venice. However, Mestre has its own advantages that make it worth considering as a base for your Venetian adventure.

One of the main advantages of staying in Mestre is the cost. Accommodation and dining options in Mestre are generally more affordable than in Venice proper. This makes Mestre a great choice for budget travelers or those planning a longer stay.

Mestre’s location on the mainland also makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of Italy. Regular trains connect Mestre with cities like Milan and Florence, making day trips easy and convenient.

Despite being less touristy, Mestre is not devoid of attractions. The town center has a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. Mestre also has a number of parks and green spaces, providing a nice contrast to the canals and narrow streets of Venice.

Mestre is definitely very rough around the edges, however. There is a lot of traffic and parts of it are rundown and ragged, particularly the area around the train station. With that said, there are some excellent accommodations close to the train that are very nice and provide all the comforts you expect from the best hotels. It’s also a good place to stay if you are arriving in Venice by car, since there is plenty of parking.

Best Hotels in Mestre:

Luxury – Hotel Villa Barbarich

Boutique – Casa Serenissima

Best Value – Hotel Adria

Is Venice Worth It?

Venice is more than just a city; it’s a living, breathing masterpiece that captivates the heart and soul. Here are some unique features that make Venice an irresistible destination:

• Architectural Marvels: Venice is a city of architectural wonders, where every building tells a story. From the ornate Doge’s Palace to the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, the city is a treasure trove of Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine masterpieces that reflect its rich history and cultural diversity.
• Gondola Rides and Vaporetto Trips: A trip to Venice wouldn’t be complete without a gondola ride through its winding canals or a vaporetto trip along the Grand Canal. These traditional modes of transport offer a unique perspective of the city and a chance to experience Venice as the locals do.
• Exploring the Venetian Lagoon and its Islands: The Venetian Lagoon is a world of its own, with charming islands waiting to be explored. Whether it’s the colorful houses of Burano, the glass-making heritage of Murano, or the tranquil vineyards of Sant’Erasmo, each island offers a unique slice of Venetian life. Venice is also situated well to enjoy a lot of other day trips.
• Traditional Osterias and Trattorias: Venice is a gastronomic delight, with traditional osterias and trattorias serving up authentic Venetian cuisine, such as cicchetti which is Venetian style tapas. From fresh seafood to classic risottos, these local eateries offer a taste of Venice that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Romance Everywhere: Venice is synonymous with romance. Whether it’s a sunset gondola ride, a stroll through its narrow alleyways, or a candlelit dinner by the canal, the city exudes a romantic charm that’s hard to resist.
• Famous Art Galleries: Venice is a haven for art enthusiasts. The city is home to world-renowned art galleries that house masterpieces from various eras. The famous art gallery Peggy Guggenheim Collection, for instance, is a treasure trove of modern art, featuring works by Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock, among others.

Wrapping It Up

The best place to stay in Venice depends on your personal preferences and what you want to get out of your visit. Each district has its own charm and advantages, so take the time to explore what each one has to offer before making your decision. Hopefully, this article helped you understand the differences between the various areas in Venice to stay. 

No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to fall in love with the unique beauty and charm of Venice.