Where To Stay In Venice: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Venice is made up of more than 100 small islands, linked by hundreds of bridges, and each area has its own personality. Some streets are packed with famous sights and visitors. Others feel surprisingly quiet once you turn down a narrow side street.

San Marco puts you right in the middle of the action, with St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge nearby. Cannaregio has a more local feel, with quieter canals, old churches, and plenty of small restaurants. Dorsoduro is a good pick for art lovers, while Santa Croce and San Polo make it easy to get around without being quite as busy.

Then there’s Castello, a larger and more laid-back neighborhood that stretches away from the main tourist areas. We also like looking beyond the historic center, especially if you want more space or a different side of Venice.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Venice and what makes each one worth considering. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve already lost count of your trips to the city, there’s a neighborhood here that should fit your plans.

In this travel guide:

Dorsoduro

Best area for: culture, art

To kick off this list, we have Dorsoduro. This is a young neighborhood that is very vibrant and has awesome views of the city.

Dorsoduro is full of canals, old palazzi, and tiny bridges, but the pace feels calmer than the rest of Venice. There are also plenty of students around, thanks to Ca’ Foscari University. That gives the neighborhood a more local feel. Dorsoduro’s name comes from the Italian words for “hard back,” referring to the area’s firmer ground compared with the marshier parts of the lagoon.

This is also where we go when we want art. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is right on the Grand Canal, with works by Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, and other big names. Nearby, the Gallerie dell’Accademia is packed with classic Venetian paintings. Together with Palazzo Cini and Punta della Dogana, they form the Dorsoduro Museum Mile.

For us, one of the best parts is the waterfront. The Zattere runs along the Giudecca Canal and is a great place for a slow walk, especially later in the day. We also make time for Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the views around Punta della Dogana.

When you need coffee, Caffè Poggi dal 1919 is a handy stop. For an evening drink, we usually head toward Campo Santa Margherita. It is one of the neighborhood’s main hangouts, with cafés and bars spilling onto the square.

Best place to stay in Dorsoduro

Hotel Sina Centurion Palace. Address: Dorsoduro, 173, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy.

Cheaper alternative:

Ca’ Pisani Hotel. Address: Rio Terrà Foscarini, 979A, 30123 Dorsoduro, Venezia VE, Italy.

San Polo

Best area for: food, shopping, nightlife

San Polo is one of our favorite spots in Venice. It happens to be the smallest neighborhood in the city, but it is also one of the oldest. Merchants first settled the area way back in the ninth century to build markets along the Grand Canal.

The Rialto Bridge dominates the eastern edge of the district. Crossing it early in the morning lets you beat the crazy tourist crowds. Right next to it, check out the bustling Rialto Market. Watching local vendors sell fresh seafood and produce directly off boats is an awesome slice of daily Venetian life.

For art and history, duck inside the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. The walls and ceilings inside are completely covered in massive, stunning paintings by Tintoretto. Later, hang out in Campo San Polo, which is the largest open square in Venice after St. Mark’s. Kids play soccer there while locals catch up over drinks.

If you need lunch, head to All’Arco. It is a tiny standing-room-only bar that serves incredible traditional cicchetti and cold local wine. Try the whipped salt cod on crispy bread. If you want a great dinner, Osteria Bancogiro serves amazing seafood pasta right on the water with views of the Grand Canal.

Best place to stay in San Polo

Hotel Palazzo Barbarigo Sul Canal Grande. Address: San Polo 2765, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.

Cannaregio

Best area for: history, affordable

Cannaregio feels like a different Venice once you get away from the crowds around the train station. You can still walk down busy Strada Nova, but a few turns later, things get much quieter. Long canals, little squares, laundry hanging from windows, and neighborhood bars make this one of the more lived-in parts of the city. Cannaregio is also Venice’s largest sestiere.

The area is best known for the Venetian Ghetto, established in 1516 as a compulsory residential area for Venice’s Jewish population. The word “ghetto” itself is thought to have originated here. You can visit the Jewish Museum and see the historic synagogues tucked into the tall buildings around the square.

There is plenty more to see. The Ca’ d’Oro sits right on the Grand Canal and houses the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti, with an impressive collection of art. We also like stopping at the Madonna dell’Orto, a beautiful Gothic church closely associated with Tintoretto, who lived nearby.

For a morning coffee, we would head to Torrefazione Cannaregio on Fondamenta degli Ormesini. It has been roasting coffee since 1930, and the cornetti are worth getting there early for.

In the evening, we’d make our way toward Fondamenta della Misericordia. The canal-side bars and bacari are a great place for cicchetti, an Aperol spritz, and a much more local side of Venice.

Best place to stay in Cannaregio

Arcadia Boutique Hotel. Address: Rio Terà S. Leonardo, 1333, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy.

Castello

Best area for: life like a local

A fantastic area to stay to avoid huge crowds is Castello. This neighborhood has a very chill vibe, which can be super valuable, especially when you spend your whole day in the tourist-packed San Marco area. Luckily, this is a short walk away from those busy areas, but the energy completely changes.

Castello is the largest of the six districts, stretching all the way to the eastern tip of the island. History here is wild. The whole area grew around the massive Venetian Arsenal, a historic shipyard complex built back in the 12th century. Venice built its powerful naval empire right on that ground.

Today, the vibe is surprisingly peaceful. It feels like a real neighborhood where actual locals live, completely away from the heavy crowds near St. Mark’s.

We spent hours checking out the Arsenale and visiting the Ships Pavilion, which is a cool branch of the Historical Naval Museum. If you visit during the Venice Biennale, the art exhibits inside the Arsenale grounds are unreal.

Kick off your morning with quick espresso and fresh cornetti at Torrefazione Cannaregio nearby, then took a long walk down Via Garibaldi. That wide street is packed with fruit boats and casual local spots. For lunch, grab incredible seafood cicchetti at Osteria al Portego.

If you want a great local dinner, Osteria da Baffo serves huge plates of fresh squid ink pasta. Sitting outside by the canal with a cold Aperol Spritz as the sun sets is pure magic.

Best place to stay in Castello

Hotel Bucintoro. Address: Castello 2135/A, Castello, 30122 Venice, Italy.

Giudecca

Best area for: life like a local, food

Finally, there is Giudecca. This is a neighborhood that is right next to Dorsoduro, but it has a unique identity compared to some of Venice’s other areas. This is a place to stay when you desire a more local experience in this super touristy city. It’s one of the few areas that locals outnumber tourists.

This area is perfect if you want to stay somewhere relaxing and quiet while also being a short boat right away from the main attractions.

The big landmark is the Church of the Redentore. Andrea Palladio designed it in the 16th century after Venice survived a devastating plague. The church is also at the heart of the Festa del Redentore, when fireworks light up the lagoon every July.

We also like the Casa dei Tre Oci, a quirky early 20th-century building with three huge windows facing the water. It has been used as an exhibition space, with photography playing a major role. Further west, the enormous Molino Stucky gives Giudecca a completely different look. The former flour mill dates from the late 1800s and is one of the island’s most recognizable buildings.

For lunch, we would head to La Palanca. It is a small, unfussy spot right by the water. The seafood is good, the atmosphere is local, and the views toward Venice are hard to beat. It mainly serves lunch, so we would plan around that rather than showing up for dinner.

Giudecca is a good pick if we want Venice with a little breathing room. The vaporetto gets us back to the historic center quickly, but staying here lets us escape it just as easily.

Best place to stay in Giudecca

Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel. Address: Giudecca, 810, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy.

Where travel critics stay in Venice

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Venice? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Venice.

Budget

Hostel Combo Venezia.

“Combo, located in a restored ex-convent in the Cannareggio area, is a hostel that brings together students and travelers. The atmosphere is young, welcoming and creative with lots of weekly events, ranging from art exhibitions to DJ sets.” — Telegraph.

Address: Campo Dei Gesuiti Cannaregio 4878, Cannaregio, 30123 Venice, Italy.

Mid-range

Hotel Locanda Vivaldi.

“Most of the 27 rooms have views — either of the side canal or the lagoon itself. The look is traditional — heavy drapes and deep colors — and for those wanting a more home-from-home experience, the hotel also has a hot tub-equipped apartment, Ca’ Bollani, in an adjacent building.” — CNN.

Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4150-52, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.

Luxury

Gritti Palace Luxury Hotel.

“Gritti Palace is probably what you have in mind when you think “Venetian hotel”—Grand Canal views; beautiful, exquisitely detailed rooms done up in rich fabrics; and above-and-beyond service.” — Fodor’s.

Address: Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy.

FAQ: Venice hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Venice? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Venice hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Venice.

Best time to visit Venice

The best time to visit Venice is typically during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) months. During these periods, the city experiences mild weather with lesser crowds, offering a pleasant atmosphere for sightseeing and exploring the city’s historic sites.

Additionally, these seasons also present a great opportunity to witness Venice’s vibrant cultural scene with various local festivals such as the Festa della Sensa in May or the Historical Regatta in September.

The summer months (June to August) are generally not recommended because they are typically marked by high temperatures and humidity. Venice gets packed during the summer due to the influx of tourists from all over the world.

This leads to long queues at major attractions and high rates for accommodation. Although experiencing the city in its busiest season has its charm, it can also hinder a relaxed exploration of this historic city.

The winter months (November through March) are often less crowded but can be cold and damp with the possibility of high tides causing minor flooding in parts of the city. Yet, this season holds its charm with events like Venice Carnival in February, attracting visitors from around the world.

Best things to do in Venice

There are numerous things to do in Venice and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Venice:

Legendary Venice St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Group or Private Tour

Your first stop is legendary St. Mark’s Basilica. Wander around the mosaic-covered interior and Byzantine treasures while a local guide fills you in on how this collection came to be. Then continue to the Doge’s Palace to explore the former political heart of Venice. Price: $83. More info.

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

Cruise to the islands of Murano, Torcello and Burano in the Venetian Lagoon. The most famous of the Venetian islands, they are known throughout the world for their picturesque scenery, handicrafts, and history. Price: $21. More info.

Murano & Burano Islands Half-Day Guided Tour by Private Boat

Watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano, and marvel at the detailed stitches of exquisite Burano lace. Price: $47. More info.

More things to do in Venice

Deciding where to stay in Venice

As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Venice so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.

Top 5 areas to stay in Venice

• San Polo
• Castello
• Cannaregio
• Dorsoduro
• Giudecca

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Venice is important. Whether you stay in San Polo, Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro or Giudecca, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Venice.

Venice overview

More Venice tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Venice:

Hotels in Venice

Hostels in Venice

Boutique hotels in Venice

Luxury hotels in Venice

Cheap hotels in Venice

Sustainable hotels in Venice