One of the most unique destinations in the world, a trip to Venice takes some very strategic planning. To make the most of your holidays, it is important to research the city’s different neighborhoods closely when deciding where to stay in Venice.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, to explore unique experiences, or are a lover of art and history, each area of Venice offers something for everyone. To help you with your choice, here are our top picks for the best neighborhoods to stay in Venice during your next vacation, from the vibrant district of San Marco to the quiet Cannaregio.
Best areas to stay in Venice
Cannaregio
Cannaregio is known for being one of the quietest neighborhoods in Venice due to its low tourist affluence. It is the perfect place to stay if you love to live more on the local side of a destination and have a relaxing experience. Among its main tourist attractions are Il Ponte delle Guglie, Palazzo Savorgnan, Santuario di Santa Lucia, and the Jewish Ghetto.
One of the best things about staying in Cannaregio is that the lodging options tend to have a good quality-price ratio compared to other more popular neighborhoods, where you can find B&Bs from 70€ to 1000€ if you prefer luxury accommodations.
Pros:
- Quiet and less touristy compared to other areas in Venice.
- Good local food options.
- Proximity to important landmarks such as the Jewish Ghetto and the church of Madonna dell’Orto.
- Good transportation connections to other parts of the city.
- The train station is located in this neighborhood, making it very easy to take day trips from Venice.
Cons:
- Can be prone to flooding (Acqua Alta) due to its location in the northern part of Venice.
- Some parts of the neighborhood can be less well-maintained or run-down.
- May require a bit more effort to reach popular tourist sites compared to other central locations in Venice.
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is known for its authentic Venetian life and is located in the northeastern part of Venice. Combined with Cannaregio, this neighborhood has the most local life on the island, making it perfect if you’re looking for a genuine Venice experience, as well as the only one with car access because of its connection to Mestre.
Although it does not have many tourist attractions, Santa Croce is a great place, especially if you want to find good prices on accommodation, ranging from 55€ (depending on the season of visit).
Pros:
- Santa Croce is one of the cheaper neighborhoods in Venice, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
- The neighborhood has a charming, local feel, with narrow, winding streets. It is an ideal place to experience authentic Venetian life.
- Santa Croce is well-connected to the rest of Venice by public transportation, making it easy to explore the city without relying on taxis or water taxis.
Cons:
- There are not many attractions in Santa Croce.
- Santa Croce is not known for its shopping or nightlife scene.
- The narrow, winding streets of Santa Croce can be challenging to navigate, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the city.
San Polo
San Polo is one of the most beloved neighborhoods in Venice. It’s a great place to stay while exploring the city, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities.
One of the best things about San Polo is the many workshops where you can appreciate the locals honing their craft, as well as bacari (tapas bar), where you can enjoy the delicious cicchetti and a traditional Venetian spritz. As for the stay, hotels in this neighborhood start at 100€ depending on the season.
Pros:
- San Polo is located in the heart of Venice, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.
- It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Venice and is steeped in history and tradition.
- It is a neighborhood with plenty of local shops, cafes, and markets.
- It has a good connection to the rest of Venice, with water buses and gondolas easily accessible.
Cons:
- Being a popular neighborhood, it can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
- Although San Polo is more affordable than other areas in Venice, it’s still not a cheap place to stay. Accommodation, food, and drinks can be quite expensive, especially for travelers on a tight budget.
San Marco
This is the most famous neighborhood in Venice and a favorite of many travelers. Since this area is home to the main attractions, including San Marco square, the San Marco cathedral, the Doge’s palace, and the most famous hotels and restaurants, it is always vibrant.
Due to its fame, finding quality/price-friendly accommodations is difficult. So, you can get from 200 € to 3000 € per night.
Pros:
- San Marco is one of the most central neighborhoods in Venice and is located close to major tourist attractions.
- The area has a rich history, making it a perfect place for history buffs to stay.
- It is home to many high-end restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal place to try some of Venice’s famous cuisine.
- The area is also a great place to go shopping, with a wide range of luxury boutiques and souvenir shops.
Cons:
- San Marco is the most popular tourist area in Venice, which means that it can get very crowded, especially during the high season.
- Due to its central location and popularity, San Marco is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Venice, and it can be difficult to find affordable accommodation.
- The area can be quite noisy, with a lot of street vendors and street performers adding to the commotion.
- As a result of the high tourist traffic, it can be difficult to find authentic local experiences.
Traveler’s tip: No matter what neighborhood you choose, check out our list of the 7 top sights in Venice to make the most out of your stay!
Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is one of the most evocative districts of Venice, located on the south bank of the Grand Canal. It stands out for its great cultural heritage and artistic legacy.
The sestiere of Dorsoduro is home to several attractions, including Peggy Guggenheim, Galleria dell’Accademia, the Santa Maria della Salute church, the Punta della Dogana, and the Squero di San Trovaso, among others. Known for its unique atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Grand Canal, it is popular with tourists as well as locals alike.
In this part of Venice, it is possible to find B&Bs or hostels for 60€, but in the low season and booking well in advance. Otherwise, you will usually find prices from 150€ and up.
Pros
- Dorsoduro is located on the southern edge of Venice, away from the busy crowds and noise of the city center.
- It is home to several important museums and cultural institutions.
- It is the home to the beautiful public garden, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Dorsoduro is located along the Grand Canal, making it easy to access boats and water taxis for a different perspective of the city.
Cons
- It is a residential neighborhood, meaning that there are fewer restaurants, shops, and services available in the area.
- The narrow and winding streets can be challenging to navigate, especially for first-time visitors.
- Accommodations and dining options in Dorsoduro can be more expensive compared to other neighborhoods in Venice due to its proximity to the Grand Canal and cultural institutions.
Best places to stay in Venice: A final note
Although it might be daunting when trying to decide where to stay in Venice, there are great options in each of these areas. Whether you’re looking for a bustling central neighborhood near the city’s top attractions or a quiet, authentic area away from the crowds, our list should help you decide.
And once you’ve picked a place, make sure to check out our incredible walking tours of Venice. From an exclusive tour of St. Mark’s Basilica After Hours to a Murano glass making class and a wine tasting, we’ve got great experiences for everyone.