How many times have you heard a city call itself the “Venice of the (geographical region)“? Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but we can positively tell you there’s nothing like the original. Famous for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice is known for its winding canals sprinkled with gondolas, gorgeous squares, palaces, churches and bridges. A major cultural centre in Italy, the “Floating City” is also home to important museums, art galleries, theatres and, of course, world-renowned festivals like Carnevale di Venezia, the Venice Art Biennale and the Venice Film Festival.
Located in northeastern Italy, on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals in the Venetian Lagoon, Venice is the capital of the Veneto region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. Some of its most popular attractions include Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark’s Basilica. Considered one of the most romantic cities in the world, Venice is home to a broad offer of small luxury hotels. That said, this Italian city also features some budget accommodation options.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time visiting Venice or if you’re looking for that one special romantic area, keep reading this article to find out more about our top picks of the best areas to stay in Venice for tourists.
Accommodation Options in VeniceIf you don’t have the time or the patience to read the full post, here is a quick summary of our recommended quarters to stay in Venice. Keep reading to find out more information about each of these areas.
- Best area for sightseeing: Centro Storico (Historic City Centre)
- Most exclusive area in Venice: San Marco
- Most charming area to stay: Dorsoduro
- Best quarter for a short visit: San Polo
- Best area for a honeymoon or romantic trip: Canal Grande (Grand Canal)
- Best area for shopping: Calle Larga XXII Marzo (San Marco)
- Cheapest areas to stay in Venice Old Town: Cannaregio | Santa Croce
- Cheap area to stay near Venice: Mestre
- Best location for Venice Biennale: Castello
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Venice?
The best area to stay in Venice is Centro Storico, particularly if it’s your first time visiting the city. This area, located on both sides of the Canal Grande, is made up of dozens of islets and canals connected by bridges. Most of Venice tourist attractions, Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark’s Basilica and Square, and Teatro La Fenice are located in this district, which is also home to the best-rated hotels in Venice.
Find Available Accommodation in Centro Storico.
Best Hotels in Venice City Centre
- Best five-star hotel: The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Best four-star hotel: Al Ponte Antico
- Best three-star hotel: Rosa Salva Hotel
- Best budget hotel: Hotel Bartolomeo
- Best B&B: Friendly Venice Suites
Where to Stay in Venice for Sightseeing
As we’ve mentioned above, Centro Storico is the best location for tourists in Venice. Venice’s Historic City Centre is divided into six sestieri (literally ‘sixths’), each one with a different flavour and attractions. These are some of the most interesting:
- While it is not not an official district, the Grand Canal is the main waterway of Venice. Nicknamed “The Most Beautiful Avenue in the World,” Canal Grande flows next to some of Venice’s most popular attractions, bridges and palaces. Some of the best-rated canalside hotels in Venice include the 4-star Egò Boutique Hotel The Silk Road and Al Ponte Antico,
- Considered Venice’s true heart, the San Marco quarter is where you’ll find the famous Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace and Duomo di Venezia. Some great properties here include The Gritti Palace and Corte di Gabriella.
- Across from San Marco lies San Polo. This charming little quarter holds the Rialto Bridge and Campo San Silvestro and is also home to lovely boutique properties like Hotel L’Orologio and Grifoni Boutique Hotel.
- Located on the city’s east end, Castello, also known as the Biennale quarter, is home to most of the city’s festival venues including the Venetian Arsenal and the Giardini della Biennale. Some of the best hotels in Castello include Ruzzini Palace Hotel and Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia.
- Cannaregio, home to Santa Lucia railway station and the Old Jewish Ghetto is a charming and not-so-touristy area packed with small locande (B&Bs) such as Casa Colleoni and Scalon del Doge.
- Another great district for tourists in Venice is Santa Croce. Home to the central bus station, Santa Croce is also where most budget hotels in Venice are located. Some great affordable hotels in Santa Croce include Hotel dalla Mora and Hotel Locanda Salieri.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Venice: District by District
1. San Marco: Best Location for a Luxury Trip to Venice
Home to some of Venice’s most visited tourist attractions, San Marco is the quintessential Venetian sestiere and the best area to stay in Venice to be near the action.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Venice:
- Heart of the city
- Great area for sightseeing
- Piazza and Basilica San Marco
- Doge’s Palace
- Luxury hotels, restaurants and shopping
- Calle Larga XXII Marzo
- Teatro La Fenice
Centred around the namesake piazza and located on the Grand Canal’s east side, sestiere San Marco is considered Venice’s heart.
Piazza San Marco, often referred to as St. Mark’s Square in English, dates back to the 12th century and is home to iconic Venetian sights including St. Mark’s Basilica and its Campanile, the Doge’s Palace, Torre dell’Orologio, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Venezia
and the Bridge of Sighs.
Being the epicentre of tourist activity in the city, the streets around the square are packed with snack bars and souvenir shops. Not far, Salizada S. Moise and Larga XXII Marzo streets are lined with upscale fashion boutiques. Situated right at the district’s geographical centre, Teatro La Fenice is an 1800s-style grand opera house where many famous premieres were performed.
When it comes to accommodation, San Marco is, understandably, one of the most elegant and upscale areas to stay in Venice. While there are a few budget properties in the area, this quarter is famous for its luxury hotels.
Best Hotels in Sestiere San Marco
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Restored to its original splendour, The Gritti Palace is set in a former noble residence on Venice’s Grand Canal, with views of Santa Maria delle Salute Church. All luxurious rooms feature antiques and Murano glass.
Egò Boutique Hotel The Silk Road
Attractively located in the San Marco district of Venice, this boutique hotel is situated a few steps from Rialto Bridge. It offers a concierge service and luggage storage space, a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.
Rosa Salva Hotel
Rosa Salva Hotel is one of the most historic hotels in Venice and is set just 100 m from St. Mark’s Square. It offers basic, spacious rooms with a private bathroom. The hotel serves a varied buffet breakfast and WiFi access is available throughout.
Hotel San Salvador Basic & Local 2 stars Hotel
Set in a historical building in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a 5-minute walk from Castel Sant’Angelo, Boutique Hotel Atelier ‘800 offers modern-style rooms with city views. Free WiFi is provided in the entire hotel.
Friendly Venice Suites
Friendly Venice Suites is a 3-minute walk from the Fine Arts Academy and 5 minutes from Saint Mark’s Square. This B&B offers suites with free Wi-Fi.
2. San Polo: Best Location for a First-Time Visitor to Venice
Across the Grand Canal from San Marco, sestiere San Polo is a very central district in Venice and the best area for first-time visitors to the city.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Venice:
- Rialto Bridge
- Super central location
- Near San Marco and Santa Croce
- Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
- Variety of accommodation
- Rialto Market
Home to the world-famous Rialto Bridge, San Polo is arguably the best-located quarter in Venice. This lively Venetian district, the smallest in the city centre, is located between the San Marco, Cannaregio, Santa Croce and Dorsoduro sestieri and, as such, is the best quarter to stay close to everything. It is a particularly convenient area to base yourself when visiting Venice for the first time or if you only have one or two days to discover the city.
The western part of sestiere San Polo is known for its many squares and churches, while the eastern part, sometimes referred to as the Rialto, is known for its lavish palaces.
Other than Rialto Bridge, San Polo hosts several popular Venetian attractions like the Rialto Market, as well as beautiful squares like Campo San Polo, Campo San Silvestro and the romantic Campo San Tomà. The Church of San Giacomo di Rialto is said to be the oldest in the city and the 14th-century Gothic-style Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari hosts Titian’s tomb and a couple of his paintings. Meanwhile, the Ponte delle Tette (Bridge of the Breasts) is famous for being the heart (and boobs) of the city’s former red-light district.
San Polo is home to a broad offer of accommodation properties ranging from luxury canalside palaces on its eastern end to small B&B and mid-range hotels as you move west away from Rialto.
Best Hotels in Sestiere San Polo
H10 Palazzo Canova
H10 Palazzo Canova is situated in Venice and features a terrace and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers free WiFi. The property is close to popular attractions like Ca’ d’Oro, Rialto Bridge and San Michele Cemetery.
Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
Located in the San Polo district, Riva del Vin BOUTIQUE HOTEL offers rooms with free WiFi in central Venice, 100 m from Rialto Bridge and a 10-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and Basilica.
Pensione Guerrato
Just 100 m from the Rialto Bridge, Pensione Guerrato offers classically furnished rooms with air conditioning and private bathroom, as well as apartments set within a 15-minute walk from the main building St Mark’s Square is less than a 10-minute walk away.
Antica Locanda Sturion Residenza d’Epoca
Just 100 m from Rialto Bridge, and a 10-minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square, Antica Locanda Sturion is located on the third floor of a historic building with no lift and offers immediate access to Venice and its monuments.
3. Castello: Best Location for Biennale di Venezia & Venice Film Festival
Sestiere Castello is a quiet, upscale area on Venice’s east end.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Venice:
- Venetian Arsenal
- Public gardens & parks
- Luxury hotels
- Riva degli Schiavoni
- Best area for the main cultural events in Venice
- Museo Storico Navale di Venezia
Castello is the largest sestiere in Venice. Located north of the Grand Canal and east of San Marco, this expansive district is home to the Venetian Arsenal, a former complex of shipyards founded in the 12th century used for exhibitions, trade fairs and cultural events including the Venice Film Festival and the Biennale.
Although Castello is not the most central district in Venice, its western portion, bordering St. Mark’s Square, is very lively (albeit touristy) and home to a large number of upscale shops, eateries and accommodations. However, as you move east, away from San Marco, the vibe gets more and more laid back. The area around Via Garibaldi offers cool nightlife venues and restaurants, while Giardini della Biennale park, surrounded by charming canals and low rise buildings, has an almost suburban feel to it.
In line with its position as Venice’s major event district, hotels here are for the most part luxurious. The area bordering Piazza San Marco hosts many 4 and 5-star palazzo-style properties, while the district’s outer sections are home to a few budget hotels, B&Bs and tourist apartments.
Best Hotels in Sestiere Castello
Hotel Londra Palace
Located on the Riva degli Schiavoni, Hotel Londra Palace is just a 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with antique furniture. Some offer views of St. Mark’s Basin and St. George Island.
Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena is a former Venetian convent with well-kept gardens, offering charming rooms with modern design and a LCD 40-inch TV. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Hotel Le Isole
Set in a restored 16th-century building, Le Isole is a boutique hotel offering air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV. The Ducale Palace and St Mark’s Square are 2 minutes’ walk away.
Hotel Rio
Hotel Rio is located in the centre of Venice, just 250 m from Saint Mark’s Square. Free WiFi access is available in all areas.
3C B&B
With free Wi-Fi in all areas, 3C offers rooms with free breakfast in Venice. It is just 100 m from the San Zaccaria Vaporetto waterbus stop and 300 m from Saint Mark’s Square.
4. Dorsoduro: Quiet & Romantic Location in Venice
Located in Venice’s southern end, Dorsoduro is a quiet area to enjoy the esence of Venice away from the masses.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Venice:
- Most charming quarter in Venice
- Alternative area
- Great nightlife and restaurants
- Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
- Inexpensive accommodation
- Gallerie dell’Accademia
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Sestiere Dorsoduro, (literally “hard ridge”) is situated in the south end of Venice’s Centro Storico and west of the Grand Canal. Traditionally the city’s university district, this area is known for its lively food scene and nightlife, particularly around Campo Santa Margherita, as well as for being home to important museums.
Perhaps the most visited attraction in Dorsoduro, the Gallerie dell’Accademia hosts an extensive collection of pre-19th-century Venetian and European masterpieces including works by the likes of Canaletto, Leonardo da Vinci, Tintoretto and Titian. Meanwhile, the waterside Peggy Guggenheim Collection houses contemporary works by artists such as Duchamp, Dalí, Miró, Picasso, Kandinsky and Magritte.
Situated in Punta della Dogana and completed in 1681, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute was built as a votive offering for the city’s deliverance from a bubonic plague outbreak. This Baroque-style church, highly visible from the Grand Canal, inspired artists like Canaletto and Francesco Guardi, who portrayed it on many of their cityscapes.
Although it is true that Dorsoduro hosts many important attractions, most of its tourist activity is focused on its eastern side. As you move west, away from the Grand Canal, you’ll discover this sestiere is indeed a lovely and quiet district full of charming little canals, off-the-beaten-path squares and churches, and some of the most authentic restaurants in town.
Best Hotels in Sestiere Dorsoduro
Sina Centurion Palace
Overlooking the Grand Canal, next to the Basilica of Chiesa of Santa Maria della Salute, Centurion Palace offers 5-star luxury in Venice. Drinks are served in the hotel’s private courtyard.
Hotel Moresco
Offering 19th-century Venetian styling, Hotel Moresco is just a 5-minute walk from Piazzale Roma. With free Wi-Fi, its elegant rooms are a luxurious mix of old and new.
Hotel Tiziano
Hotel Tiziano is set in a 15th-century building in the Dorsoduro district, a short walk from San Nicolò dei Mendicoli Church. All rooms are furnished in a typical Venetian style.
Hotel Al Malcanton
Hotel Al Malcanton is in Venice’s Dorsoduro area, a 10-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge and 25 minutes on foot from St Mark’s Square. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi.
B&B Casin dei Nobili
Featuring views of the canal, every room has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. A spa bath is also featured.
5. Santa Croce: A Very Convenient Location in Venice
Santa Croce is a great location in Venice for all types of travellers and budgets.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Venice:
- Near Santa Lucia railway station
- Piazzale Roma Bus Terminal
- Most convenient area if you travel by car
- Closest area to the cruise and ferry port
- Varied accommodation
- Giardini Papadopoli
- Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo
Santa Croce is located south of the Grand Canal, across from Cannaregio and Santa Lucia railway station.
One of the oldest districts in Venice, Santa Croce’s eastern portion is mostly medieval in origin, while its easternmost area (which includes the cruise and ferry port and the Tronchetto island) is mostly made up of reclaimed land.
Piazzale Roma, located near the railway and bus terminals, is home to the city’s car parks. Cars are strictly banned in Venice; there are no roads, just footpaths and canals, and tourists arriving by car via Ponte della Libertà must park in one of the authorised facilities for the duration of their stay.
Tourist attractions in this area can be found mostly in the quarter’s eastern part. These include the Fondaco dei Turchi, home to the Natural History Museum of Venice, Palazzo Ca’ Pesaro and the Museum of the History of Fabric and Costume at Palazzo Mocenigo.
The accommodation found in Santa Croce is very varied; while the area around the bus station is home to a wealth of budget properties, the canalside eastern portion houses impressive 4 and 5-star hotels.
Best Hotels in Sestiere Santa Croce
Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
Housed in a 16th-century building overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice, Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, as well as a fine restaurant. Guests can relax in the property’s courtyard.
Santa Croce Boutique Hotel
Santa Croce Boutique Hotel is situated in the Santa Croce district of Venice and is a 10-minute walk from Rialto Bridge. This non-smoking hotel features a garden and a bar and is 1 km from La Fenice theatre.
Hotel Antiche Figure
Directly on the famous Grand Canal, Hotel Antiche Figure is in Venice, just across the canal from Venice Station. Decorated in traditional Venetian style, it offers a varied breakfast buffet and free internet.
Albergo Marin
The completely air-conditioned Albergo Marin is just a few minutes walk from Venice’s Santa Lucia Train Station and is even closer to the famous Grand Canal. All rooms have a private bathroom, and self-catering apartments are also available.
Campiello Zen B&B
Campiello Zen B&B is situated in the Santa Croce district in Venice, a short walk from the Grand Canal.
6. Cannaregio: Best Location for a Cheap Holiday in Venice
Cannaregio is a well-connected, centrally-located and budget-friendly quarter to stay in Venice.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Venice:
- Santa Lucia Station
- Well-connected by vaporetto
- Old Jewish Ghetto
- Cheapest area to stay in Venice
- Budget restaurants and bars
- Casa del Tintoretto
Cannaregio is the northernmost of the six central sestieri of Venice. The most populous area in the historic centre, this large district is home to Stazione di Santa Lucia, the city’s main railway station and transport link between Venice and the mainland. Other than the Grand Canal, which borders it to the south, the main waterway in the district is Canal de Cannaregio, the only other canal crossed by vaporetti (steamboats).
Traditionally one of the poorest areas in Venice and somewhat out of the typical tourist trail, Cannaregio today is a very interesting area with many untouched canals, narrow streets, small bars and restaurants, and artisan workshops. Perhaps more importantly, this sestiere is the cheapest area to stay in central Venice, with dozens of small locande and budget hotels.
While not as visited as San Marco and San Polo, sestiere Cannaregio has a lot to offer. At its heart lies the Old Ghetto of Venice, the city’s historic Jewish quarter is home to two synagogues, kosher shops and the Jewish Museum of Venice. Another attraction in this lovely Venetian district is the 16th-century former townhouse of Tintoretto.
Best Hotels in Sestiere Cannaregio
Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience
Housed in a 16th-century building in Venice, Ca’ Bonfadini offers elegant accommodation, a restaurant, and free WiFi throughout. Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station is 550 m from the property, while Rialto Bridge is 1.6 km away.
Madama Garden Retreat
Boasting a garden, Madama Garden Retreat is set in Venice, a few steps from Rialto Bridge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms have a patio.
Arcadia Boutique Hotel
Set in a 17th-century building in the Cannaregio quarter of Venice, Hotel Arcadia offers elegant air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi. This boutique hotel features a large Venetian reception room with a Murano glass chandelier.
Albergo Al Gobbo
Set in Campo San Geremia, this simple hotel offers rooms with a private bathroom. Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station is a 5-minute walk away.
Alloggi Santa Sofia
Set in the Cannaregio district of central Venice, Alloggi Santa Sofia offers simply furnished rooms just 150 m from the Grand Canal and the Cà d’Oro Vaporetto water bus stop. Wi-Fi is free in public areas.
7. Giudecca: Most Peaceful Area to Stay in Venice
Separated from the main island by the namesake canal, Giudecca seems a world away from Venice’s overcrowded central quarters.
The island of Giudecca is located on the far south edge of Venice, from which it’s separated by the Giudecca Canal.
This quiet island used to be one of the main industrial districts in the city before WWII. Today, Giudecca is largely residential and a resort town known for its long dock and its churches, including Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore.
There are no bridges between Giudecca and the rest of the city, so the main mean of transportation to get around is the vaporetto. While this can be a huge inconvenience for some visitors, its relative isolation makes it the best area to stay in Venice for those looking for peace and quiet away from the thousands of tourists swarming the centremost districts of the city.
Best Hotels in Giudecca
Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
Set on Giudecca Island, Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice offers stunning views of Venice Lagoon and the Doge’s Palace. It features a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and luxury wellness facilities.
Hotel Giudecca Venezia
Set on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Hotel Giudecca Venezia offers spacious, elegant rooms with wood-beamed ceilings. Saint Mark’s Square is just 10 minutes away by public transport.
Blue Lagoon
Attractively set in the Giudecca district of Venice, Blue Lagoon offers air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle and a private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the guest house also have free WiFi.
8. Mestre: Cheapest Area to Stay near Venice
While not nearly as interesting or beautiful as Venice, Mestre offers budget accommodation and convenient train connections to Santa Lucia railway Station.
Mestre is the most populated town of the comune of Venice. It is located on the mainland, some 10 kilometres away from Centro Storico, to which it is connected by buses and trains.
Frequent Trenitalia regional trains connect both cities. The journey from Venezia-Mestre to Venezia-Santa Lucia stations takes approximately 9 minutes. Alternatively, bus line B1 and tram line T1 also travel between Mestre and Venice.
The main reason to choose Mestre when deciding where to stay in Venice is the fact that Mestre is much more affordable than Central Venice.
An upscale hotel in Mestre can have the same price (or even be cheaper) as a 1-star in Venice!
Best Hotels in Giudecca
Leonardo Royal Hotel Venice Mestre
Offering air-conditioned rooms near Stazione Mestre, the 4-star Leonardo Royal Hotel Venice Mestre is 2.3 km from Museum M9. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi.
UNAWAY Ecohotel Villa Costanza Venezia
Villa Costanza is a 3-star superior hotel 250 m from Mestre Train Station, with frequent departures for Venice. Rooms offer 3 free drinks in the minibar, free Wi-Fi, and free national landline calls.
Hotel Delle Rose
Set on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Hotel Giudecca Venezia offers spacious, elegant rooms with wood-beamed ceilings. Saint Mark’s Square is just 10 minutes away by public transport.
Residenza Giacomuzzi
Located in Mestre centre, 300 m from Toniolo Theatre, Residenza Giacomuzzi offers air-conditioned rooms with light-coloured interiors. Free WiFi and free on-site parking are available.
Where to Look for Accommodation in Venice: Useful Info
Because of its popularity among travellers from all around the world and the fact that the Venetian accommodation is not exactly cheap, it is very convenient to start thinking about where to stay in Venice as soon as you make the decision of visiting the city. Here you will find a small guide with the best areas to stay in the city, as well as the top neighbourhoods for a great holiday.
As is the case in most must-see cities around the world, Venice has a wide range of places to stay for every type of traveller. From small, family-owned pensions to the swankiest of luxury hotels by the Canal. As mentioned above, it is good noticing that Venice is by no means cheap, so it is better to start planning ahead and try to book your accommodation well in advance.
So, in order for you to get a clearer idea about where to book your accommodation in Venice, we will show you here some of the best areas to stay in Venice and around with a hand-picked selection of our favourite budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in each area.
Generally speaking, rates at Venice hotels are quite expensive and the quality of the accommodation here is usually not the best. Before you get to your hotel to find that you have paid a small fortune for a hole in the ground, it is best to take a look at the comments of other customers who have stayed there.
Obviously, the best area to stay in this city is the city itself and the closer to the centre, the better.
However, for reasons of hotel availability, as well as for economic reasons, you may want to rethink where to stay during your trip. As you will discover as you read further, you also have the possibility to stay in other places near the island, such as Mestre and Lido.
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