Deciding on where to stay in Venice can be time-consuming. Despite its relatively compact size, the structure of Venice can confuse even experienced travelers. Yes, the city is a paradise to walk due to its stunning palazzos and incredible vistas, but understanding the differences in its neighborhoods (Italian: sestieri) will give you an idea of what to expect when booking a room.
In this guide, you’ll find the best areas to stay in Venice and background info about its districts. Moreover, I handpicked the best hotels in each neighborhood and added various travel tips for a perfect vacation in the floating city. In addition, since I have visited the town a couple of times, I’ll share my opinion about where to stay in Venice for first-timers but also for returning visitors. Lastly, at the bottom of this post, you’ll find an interactive map featuring the best hotels in town.
So, let’s break down the different districts of Venice and see which are the top areas for your upcoming journey to the Serenissima.
*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Where to stay in Venice: Sestiere Overview
In Italian, the word “sestieri” refers to the district -and the plural version is “sestiere.” Venice is split into six districts, but some of them include smaller neighborhoods. So, in this initial section of Venice’s areas, let’s get some quick info about its sestieri.
Santa Croce. This area is near the train station and the city’s parking lot. It gives easy access to the city and is a good option for budget accommodation.
Dorsoduro. If you’re an art lover, that’s the place to stay in Venice. It’s full of galleries and iconic museums, and it takes fifteen minutes to get to St Mark’s Square.
Giudecca. Technically belonging to Dorsoduro, Giudecca is a separate island. You’ll need a Vaporetto or a water taxi to visit the main attractions, but it has a laid-back atmosphere and easy-going nightlife. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Venice if you want to be away from the crowds.
San Marco. That’s the heart and soul of Venice. Everything you ever daydreamed about is here: Piazza San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace, Cafe Florian, etc. It is hands down the best place to stay for first-time visitors who want to soak in everything the city offers. The downside is that it’s always crowded and expensive.
San Polo. This miniature district is next to the iconic Rialto Bridge. Despite its central location, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere and traditional Venetian accommodations. The prices are lower compared to San Marco, and it’s a good option for families.
Castello. It’s one of the largest districts, and it’s always quieter. You’ll often feel alone in Castello, and it’s a perfect area to stay for a romantic journey.
Cannaregio. The former Jewish quarter might initially seem sleepy, but it has a terrific atmosphere and probably the most affordable accommodations in downtown Venice.
Lido. Known for its iconic film festival, Lido is actually the only island in the Venetian lagoon where you’ll see cars. Its elegant style and the beautiful villas are not the only highlights. That’s also where you can swim in Venice: its beaches are stunning. Plus, you’re just fifteen minutes with the Vaporetto from St Mark’s Square.
Murano. Although technically not a sestieri, Murano is conveniently located in the city’s north. Although you’ll need 45 minutes to get to San Marco, reaching Castello only takes a quarter. Staying in Murano is a great option if you want to avoid the crowds at night.
Where to stay in Venice, Italy: the areas & the hotels
After this short introduction to Venice’s districts, it’s time to dive into the areas and the hotels. Therefore, in the following lines, you’ll find extra information about its sestieri and see the hotels I handpicked. Since I don’t want to overload you with an extensive list of accommodations, I added an interactive map at the bottom of the article.
Santa Croce
Located at the city’s entrance next to the Santa Lucia train station, travelers often overlook Santa Croce. Often mistaken as just a transportation hub, this small sestieri has retained an original Venetian touch. Although it’s not the most scenic neighborhood, Santa Croce has a fair amount of sightseeing. That’s where the Ca’ Pesaro and the Natural History Museum are, and paired with local eateries and bars, it’s an excellent option for families with kids visiting Venice.
Where to stay in Santa Croce
The Santa Croce hotels are more down-to-earth, and the prices are more affordable compared to the rest of Venice. Here are my picks:
Hotel Olimpia Venice, BW Signature Collection. Set in a 16th century building, that’s one of the most charming Santa Croce hotels. See prices and availability for Hotel Olimpia.
Hotel Ca Zusto Venezia. An old-fashioned Venice hotel that serves daily breakfast and is just a few minutes from the Vaporetto stop, Ca Zusto is another excellent choice. See prices and availability for Hotel Ca Zusto.
Dorsoduro
The district of Dorsoduro features one of the most impressive viewpoints in Venice. Standing on top of the Ponte dell’Accademia Bridge gives magnificent vistas of the palazzos, the Santa Maria della Salute, and the lagoon. The bridge is also a shortcut toward San Marco, and you can be at Doge’s Palace in just fifteen minutes.
However, Dorsoduro is also famous for its art life: the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Galleria Dell’Accademia, and loads of smaller art galleries are located on its soil. That’s the best area to stay in Venice for art lovers.
Where to stay in Dorsoduro
The artsy neighborhood of Dorsoduro is home to classy accommodations. Here are my Dorsoduro picks:
Hotel Ca’ Pisani. That’s a wonderful hotel just two minutes from the Guggenheim Collection. Set in a 16th-century building, this hotel is decorated with original Art Deco furniture. See prices and availability for Ca’ Pisany here.
Hotel Palazzo Stern. The impressive Palazzo Stern is located straight at the water, in front of a Vaporetto stop. It offers splendid views of the Grand Canal, and it’s a fantastic accommodation option in Dorsoduro. See prices and availability for Palazzo Stern.
Giudecca
Although it belongs to Dorsoduro, Giudecca is a separate island. It takes just a couple of minutes by Vaporetto to the small island, and I must admit that Giudecca always impresses me. You must visit Giudecca to get a real idea of local life, and staying there feels less touristy. The small bars, the restaurants, and the relatively empty streets will give you a more relaxing Venice experience.
That’s where I’ll stay the next time I visit the city: no crowds, fantastic skyline views, and proximity to every attraction with the water bus. If you want a relaxing time and don’t always want to be close to landmarks, look no further. Read my Giudecca guide and discover more about this stunning Venetian island.
Where to stay in Giudecca
There are just a few accommodations in Giudecca, and here are my top choices:
Hotel Cipriani. One of the finest options for your accommodation in Giudecca, Hotel Cipriani offers luxurious rooms and a swimming pool. The rooms are spacious, and that’s an exception in Venice. See prices and availability for Hotel Cipriani.
Hotel Giudecca. This 3-star hotel is one of the most affordable options for your stay in Venice. The hotel enjoys canal views and is a cozy place to unwind after a long day out. See prices and availability for Hotel Giudecca.
San Marco
One could talk endlessly about San Marco. That’s the district embodying the beauty and elegance of the Serenissima and the reason why travelers visit the city. San Marco is the best area to stay for first-time visitors to Venice or for people with limited time in town.
Booking a hotel in San Marco means that you’ll be constantly exposed to architectural marvels and legendary landmarks. The downside is, of course, that it’s often packed beyond words, and accommodations are expensive (and usually overpriced). If you can afford it and you don’t mind the crowds, that’s the area to stay in Venice.
Where to stay in San Marco
There are tons of hotels and apartments in San Marco. Here are my choices, but feel free to use the interactive map for more options.
Hotel Flora. Given the prime location, Hotel Flora is a down-to-earth hotel in San Marco. The rooms are old-fashioned but still transmit the city’s atmosphere. See Hotel Flora here.
Hotel St. Regis Venice. Now, if you’re ready to splurge, then St. Regis is among the top hotels in Venice. Obviously, this is one of the priciest places to stay in Venice, but the luxury and services will fascinate you. See Hotel St. Regis here.
San Polo
Compared to San Marco, San Polo feels more down-to-earth. Attached to the Rialto Bridge, San Polo has numerous places to stay, and it’s an excellent option for families with kids. The proximity to landmarks and the iconic Grand Canal make San Polo a great option if you’d like to be close to the city’s life but not always in the middle of it.
I have stayed in San Polo, and I found it charming. However, most accommodations show their age and have a traditional touch that might not be for everyone. In general, San Polo offers a good level of relaxation without being too far from points of interest.
Where to stay in San Polo
The convenient location of San Polo makes it a preferred district among international travelers. Here’s where I’d stay in San Polo:
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel. As its name suggests, the Riva del Vin is a boutique hotel in San Polo’s heart. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and Rialto Bridge is just around the corner. See prices and availability for Riva del Vin.
Ca Angeli. Significantly less luxurious but equally charming, the Ca Angeli enjoys a prime location at San Polo. The rooms are simple, but the location is truly unbeatable. See Ca Angeli here.
Castello
Castello is one of the quietest areas of Venice. Located on the eastern side of the Serenissima, it borders San Marco but extends well beyond it. The sestieri is always preferred by Biennale visitors because that’s where the main venues of the art fair are: Arsenale and Giardini della Biennale. However, people searching for a quiet place to stay usually prefer Castello due to its laid-back atmosphere.
I have also stayed in Castello, and I appreciate its easy-going vibes and the local eateries hidden in its streets. Families with kids and solo travelers will find their paradise in Castello. However, be prepared for longer walking times if you book accommodation on the district’s edge.
Where to stay in Castello
More and more people prefer Castello for their Venice holiday, and this demand has created more rentals. My Castello picks are:
Hotel Rio. A small, budget hotel in the heart of Castello. The rooms are small and simple, but the location is fantastic, and it’s a fantastic option for people on a budget in Venice. See Hotel Rio.
Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel. That’s one of Venice’s best-kept secrets. The Ca’di Dio is a 5-star hotel featuring a garden (a rarity in Venice) and incredible canal vistas. See the Ca’di Dio here.
Cannaregio
The sleepiest Venetian sestieri is actually among the most charming. Located in the former Jewish ghetto, Cannaregio has a fantastic atmosphere and century-long history. It might feel empty compared to San Marco or Dorsoduro, however, I find it charming beyond words. Although walking to the main attractions might take a bit longer, Cannaregio has the most affordable accommodations in Venice.
If budget matters the most to you but still don’t want to stay at Mestre, then Cannaregio is the place to look for an old-fashioned yet moderately priced place to stay in Venice.
Where to stay in Cannaregio
Here are my top Cannaregio tips:
P 1779 Hotel. The somewhat enigmatic name of this hotel doesn’t betray its charm. The P 1779 in Cannaregio guarantees a beautiful stay, offers a garden to unwind, and is one of the most unique places to stay in Venice. See the P 1779 Hotel.
Arcadia Boutique Hotel. That’s another great option for your Cannaregio stay. The Arcadia is a small boutique hotel known for its high-quality services and fantastic location. The Arcadia Boutique Hotel.
Lido
To some, Lido might look utterly posh. The truth is that Lido doesn’t feel so Venice as other neighborhoods. This oblong island is famous for its film festival, and you’ll be surprised to see cars. Moreover, the beautiful villas of Lido won’t remind you of Venice’s architecture: here’s everything about the Liberty style. However, Lido is among the few places you can swim in Venice, and its beaches are beautiful: the sand stretches for kilometers, and some of the greatest hotels are here.
If you want to be away from the crowds and don’t mind being 15-20 minutes by Vaporetto from Venice, Lido is a great option for beach holidays in Venice and for returning visitors.
Where to stay in Lido
There’s no lack of accommodations in Lido, and you’ll find spacier rooms than in central Venice. I found Lido regularly priced for Venetian standards, and here are my best picks:
Ausonia Hungaria Hotel. If you’re ready to splurge, just a few hotels can beat the charm of the Ausonia Hungaria Hotel. Set in a historic property, that’s hands down one of the top hotels on this side of Italy. See the Ausonia Hungaria Hotel.
Villa Casanova. Definitely more humble, but with high-quality standards and a convenient location in Lido, Villa Casanova offers a very local experience. See the Villa Casanova.
Murano
Although it’s a sestieri of Venice, I added Murano to this list due to the proximity to the city. The iconic glass island offers a fair amount of sightseeing and easy access to Venice: from Fondamente Nove, it’s just 15 minutes by Vaporetto to Castello. However, if you want to see mainly San Marco, then it’ll take 45 minutes because the water buses circumnavigate the city.
Murano is an excellent choice for returning visitors to Venice: it is quieter, and the rooms are bigger. Plus, when the daytrippers depart at night, you’ll have enough breathing space to enjoy walking along its miniature canals.
Where to stay in Murano
Murano is lately preferred by travelers seeking a relaxing time in Venice and not exclusively sightseeing. There are plenty of hotels nowadays, and here are my Murano choices:
Casa Sulla Laguna. Enjoying a strategic position in Murano, the Casa Sulla Laguna enjoys views of the lagoon and Venice’s skyline. A simple yet elegant place to stay that comes at an affordable price. See the Casa Sulla Laguna here.
NH Collection Murano. Now, if you’d like to stay in a bigger and better-known hotel, the NH Collection Murano is the place to be. The rooms are spacious and stylish, and you can expect high-quality services. See the NH Collection Murano here.
A map with the best hotels in Venice, Italy
So, now that you have a good overview of the best areas to stay in Venice, feel free to see more accommodations in town. As I already wrote, I didn’t want to overload this article with extensive hotel lists. But if you’d like to search more for your hotel in Venice, you can use the interactive map below. It contains the best hotels in Venice, and you can search every area that interests you.
The best areas to stay in Venice: my choice
So, here are the best areas to stay in Venice:
- Giudecca, for a less-crowded yet very local experience.
- Castello, if you want to be close to the attractions but also to enjoy some open space.
- San Marco is the best area to stay in Venice for first-time visitors.
- Cannaregio, if you are on a budget.
- Lido, for a beach holiday.
- Dorsoduro, if you are an art lover and want to walk around easily,
Where to stay in Venice: Frequently Asked Questions
In the final section of this article about the best areas to stay in Venice, Italy, I will reply to frequently asked questions. Deciding where to stay in Venice is a matter of personal taste, and that’s why I wanted to give you some extra insight. Therefore, imagine this section as Venice travel tips that intend to improve your stay in the City of Bridges. If you don’t find the reply you’re looking for, please comment below, and I’ll do my best to assist you.
What is the best area to stay in Venice for first time visitors?
San Marco. Although it’s always crowded, nothing beats the charm of San Marco. That’s where the most famous landmarks are, and you can spend days exploring each narrow street. Staying at San Marco is expensive but will show you everything Venice is about.
Where to stay in Venice on a budget?
Cannaregio. That’s where you’ll find the most affordable hotels in Venice. The former Jewish district offers various accommodations, and if budget matters and you don’t want to stay in Mestre, that’s where you should search for a room.
Where to stay in Venice with family and kids?
Castello. That’s the quieter district in downtown Venice, and there’s enough open space for the kids to enjoy. Castello is not that far from the main attractions and, especially in its easternmost parts, is really relaxing.
Where to stay in Venice for one night?
San Marco. If you only have one night in Venice, you should stay in San Marco. You want to see as much as possible, and that’s where every iconic landmark of the floating city is: St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, etc.
What is the best area for solo travelers to stay in Venice?
Giudecca. As a dedicated solo traveler myself, I always found Giudecca to be the most easy-going area to stay in Venice. I enjoyed its tranquility, observing the locals’ rhythms, and loved its bars and eateries. Socializing in Giudecca is easy, and it became my go-to area in Venice.
How many days do I need in Venice?
I would recommend at least 3 days. Even a week might not be enough to see everything in Venice. However, three full days will let you explore the city at your own pace. You can see the main attractions in three days and visit most of the city’s districts.
Does it make sense to stay in Burano when visiting Venice?
I wouldn’t consider staying in Burano unless you’re a returning visitor to Venice. Burano is one of the most beautiful places in Venice, but it’s too far from the city. It takes 45 minutes to Fondamente Nove and more than one hour to San Marco. For first-timers, I wouldn’t recommend staying in Burano.
Is accommodation in Venice expensive?
Yes, accommodation in Venice is expensive. Apart from sightseeing and dining, you’ll probably spend a big part of your budget on accommodation. Even if you travel to Venice on a budget, it would be hard not to exceed it. However, the city is stunning, and it definitely deserves visiting if you can afford the cost.
Is it cheaper to stay outside Venice?
While staying in Mestre will reduce costs, keep in mind that you’ll have to travel back and forth by bus and Vaporetto. Therefore, the accommodation might be cheaper in Mestre if you calculate these costs, but it might not make a big difference.
Where to stay in Venice: Conclusion
As you’ve read in this extensive guide, there’s no easy answer on where to stay in Venice. Although pretty compact, the city has various neighborhoods, and finding the best area to stay in Venice might not be easy. In my opinion, you should set a maximum budget for your accommodation and then conduct your research. Although the best place to stay in Venice for first-timers is San Marco, it’s not always a rational decision to book a hotel room there.
On top of that, you should always consider that there are no cars or public transport in Venice apart from the Vaporetto. That being said, finding a very isolated spot to stay might make your days in Venice more tiring. Venice is a lifetime experience, so you should try to enjoy it fully. The Serenissima is one of those cities where you’ll probably spend more money than you calculated.
On the brighter side of life, Venice is a journey you’ll never forget. So book a room according to your budget and enjoy one of the most stunning cities in the world.
More about Venice: Venice Gondola Guide, Marco Polo Airport Guide, Vaporetto Guide, How to get to Murano
Pin it for later
Sharing is caring. Share this article about the best areas in Venice, Italy, with your friends.
Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos