Venice is divided into several neighborhoods, called sestieri, each with its own charm and atmosphere. Where you stay can make a big difference in your experience. Some areas are busy and close to famous places, while others are quieter and feel more local.Today, I’ll be sharing some of the best areas to stay in Venice, why you should choose them, what makes each neighborhood special, and other key details you need to know for your trip. So, let’s dive in!
San Marco (Central and Famous)
San Marco is the most famous and busiest area in Venice. If it’s your first time in Venice, staying here puts you right next to the city’s most popular sights, like St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. You can easily walk to all these attractions. Because it’s the most central area, it’s also the most crowded, especially during the day when tourists fill the square. At night, it’s quieter but still magical, with St. Mark’s Square beautifully lit up.
San Marco is ideal for visitors who want to be close to everything and don’t mind paying a bit more for convenience. Hotels here can be luxurious, offering amazing views of the square or the canals.
– Best for: First-time visitors, travelers who want to be close to Venice’s main attractions.
– Hotel budget: Expect to pay around €200–€500 per night. Luxury hotels near St. Mark’s Square can be even more expensive, especially with views of the square or lagoon.
Cannaregio (Local Feel and History)
Cannaregio is one of Venice’s largest and most authentic neighborhoods. It’s a great choice if you want to experience local life in Venice. This area is less crowded than San Marco but still close enough to the main attractions. Cannaregio is known for its beautiful canals, lively squares, and the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in Europe. You can stroll along quiet streets, visit local markets, and enjoy traditional Venetian food in small restaurants.
Cannaregio is perfect for people who want a more relaxed, local vibe. The area is also more affordable than San Marco, with plenty of mid-range hotels and budget options.
– Best for: Travelers looking for a quieter, local atmosphere.
– Hotel budget: Around €100–€250 per night. You can find good deals here, with mid-range and budget hotels offering comfort at lower prices.
Dorsoduro (Arts and Culture)
Dorsoduro is Venice’s artsy district. This area is home to some of the city’s best museums and galleries, like the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Dorsoduro is also known for its university, so there’s a lively student scene here, especially around the Zattere promenade, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Giudecca Canal. The area has a mix of vibrant energy and quiet streets.
Staying in Dorsoduro is a good choice for art lovers and travelers who want to be in a cultural part of the city. The area is quieter than San Marco but still very close to the main attractions, just a short walk or boat ride away.
– Best for: Art lovers, those looking for a peaceful yet lively neighborhood.
– Hotel budget: Around €150–€300 per night. There are boutique hotels and charming guesthouses that provide a more artistic feel.
San Polo (Historic and Central)
San Polo is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Venice, and it’s home to the famous Rialto Market, where you can find fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits. This area is lively and full of energy, especially around the Rialto Bridge, which is a must-see spot in Venice. Staying in San Polo means you’ll be in a central location, with easy access to other parts of Venice by foot or by vaporetto (waterbus).
San Polo offers a mix of history and convenience. It’s great for travelers who love exploring local markets and want to be close to major attractions without being in the busiest part of town.
– Best for: Food lovers, central location, those who enjoy historic markets.
– Hotel budget: Around €150–€350 per night, depending on how close you are to the Rialto Bridge and market area.
Castello (Quiet and Authentic)
Castello is Venice’s largest neighborhood, stretching from near St. Mark’s to the far east of the city. It’s one of the most peaceful areas, especially the farther east you go. This neighborhood feels very local, with wide streets, green spaces, and fewer tourists. Castello is home to the Arsenale, a historic shipyard, and the Biennale Gardens, where the famous Venice Biennale art festival takes place.
Staying in Castello gives you a chance to see the quieter, more authentic side of Venice. It’s great for travelers who want to stay in a local neighborhood but still be within walking distance of the city center.
– Best for: Peaceful stays, art lovers (especially during the Biennale).
– Hotel budget: Around €100–€300 per night. The farther east you go, the more affordable it gets.
Santa Croce (Quiet and Budget-Friendly)
Santa Croce is one of the lesser-known neighborhoods in Venice, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter stay. It’s located near Piazzale Roma, where buses and cars enter Venice, so it’s very convenient if you’re arriving by car or taking day trips. Santa Croce is less touristy than other areas, offering a more peaceful atmosphere.
This area is great for budget travelers or those who want to be close to transportation hubs. While it’s not as close to the main sights as San Marco, it’s still within walking distance, and you can enjoy a quieter side of the city.
– Best for: Budget travelers, quieter stays, easy transport access.
– Hotel budget: Around €80–€200 per night, with some good budget hotel options.
Giudecca (Peaceful Island Retreat)
Giudecca is a peaceful island located just across the canal from the main city. It’s quieter than central Venice and offers beautiful views of the city skyline. Giudecca is known for its relaxed atmosphere, with fewer tourists and more locals. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to Venice but away from the busy crowds.
The island is just a short vaporetto ride away from San Marco, making it easy to explore the main city during the day and return to a calm retreat in the evening. Giudecca is perfect for travelers who want a peaceful, relaxed stay.
– Best for: Quiet stays, travelers looking for a peaceful retreat.
– Hotel budget: Around €120–€300 per night. Some luxury hotels here offer stunning views of the lagoon.
Lido di Venezia (Beach Escape)
If you love the beach, staying on Lido di Venezia is a great option. This island has sandy beaches along the Adriatic Sea and is just a 10-minute vaporetto ride from Venice’s historic center. Lido is popular in the summer, especially during the Venice Film Festival, which is held here every year.
Lido offers a mix of beach relaxation and easy access to the main city. It’s perfect for families or travelers who want to combine sightseeing in Venice with some time by the sea.
– Best for: Beach lovers, families, summer stays.
– Hotel budget: Around €100–€250 per night. During the Venice Film Festival, prices can go up.
Among the many beautiful neighborhoods in Venice, we’ve highlighted our top picks for the best places to stay. The list of amazing areas in Venice could go on forever, as there’s something special around every corner!
No matter what you’re looking for—whether it’s a central location, peaceful retreat, or something that fits your budget—Venice has something for everyone. Just remember to book early, as the most popular areas fill up fast.
Come and explore Venice with me! If you have any favorite neighborhoods or hidden gems to add to the list, I’d love to hear from you. There’s always something new to discover in this magical city.
