The Best Places To Stay In Venice, Italy

Find your ideal staycation spot within Venice's vibrant districts
Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated February 29, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  1. Venice comprises six unique districts, each with its own charm and appeal for travelers.
  2. Consider your interests and budget when choosing where to stay in Venice, as each district offers different experiences.
  3. The Vaporetto waterbus is an excellent mode of transportation in Venice, providing easy access to various districts

If you’re seeking a place to stay in Venice, you’ve come to the correct spot! Venice is a city built on over 100 tiny islands in the Adriatic Sea and is in northern Italy. You may rest assured that Venice has no roadways; instead, there are canals filled with magnificent Renaissance and Gothic structures. There are several attractive options for Venice accommodation that we’re sure you’ll enjoy, consisting of six significant districts or sestieri.

The city of Venice comprises six sestieri: San Marco, San Polo, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, and Santa Croce. Each has its distinctiveness and charm!

We’ve listed the most fantastic places to stay in Venice by sestiere, price, and neighborhood feel. And if you want to do a self-tour in Venice, no problem! We’ll discuss the finest locations to visit. Get a sense of the distinct feel and atmosphere that each sestiere offers so you can choose something appropriate for your interests. There’s something for everyone, and we’re sure there’ll be something for you as well! This breakdown will give you a better idea of which Venice hotel and area is ideal for you. 

Interesting Read: Where to Stay in Florence?

Understanding The Venitian Districts

Venice, a city in northern Italy’s Adriatic Sea that has been romanticized for ages, is a dream destination on a lagoon. The world has been enthralled by this incredibly uncommon city that sits right on the water, from Shakespeare to Indiana Jones. You’re undoubtedly one of those in awe of this magnificent and historic city, seeing as you are looking for where to stay in Venice. We are too! So, when deciding which neighborhood is best for you, remember that they’re all fantastic!

Different Neighborhoods, Different Sights

The neighborhoods of San Marco, San Polo, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, and Santa Croce in Venice each have their flavor and flair, as well as distinct features that you should be aware of when selecting where to stay in Venice. For example, you might wish to visit all the districts during your stay in Venice, but choosing where to stay is crucial in planning your trip.

Depending on your travel goals, requirements, and interests, understanding the distinctions between each sestiere may assist you in deciding which one to stay in. San Marco, for example, is perhaps the most popular and touristy neighborhood, whereas Cannaregio is best if you’re on a budget. However, you won’t go wrong with any of them since they all have plenty to offer. Furthermore, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the city and traveling between districts, as where else can you discover such excellent public transportation on the water?

The Vaporetto is excellent public transportation in Venice that runs on water, and it’s the city’s best mode of transport! You’ll have a wonderful time riding around this way because you’ll have a lot of fun and feel like a local. Vaporetto line 1 service every stop on the Canal Grande (The Grand Canal), making public transportation simple and handy to utilize. As you can see, there’s no incorrect way to choose where to stay in Venice. Reminder, once you find a place to stay, remember the things you should NOT do in Venice.

DistrictHighlightsIdeal forNotable HotelsUnique Attractions
San MarcoIconic landmarks, tourist hubFirst-time visitorsHotel Danieli, Residenza NobileSt. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace
San PoloRialto Bridge, historic charmFamilies, history loversCà Riva del VinChurch of San Giacomo, Campo dei Frari
CannaregioLocal vibe, budget-friendlyBudget travelersAlla Vite Dorata, Hotel Agli ArtistiJewish Ghetto, Ca d’Oro, Madonna dell’Orto
CastelloAuthentic Venetian experienceOff-the-beaten-path seekersSan Lio Tourist House, Hotel Locanda CanalArsenale, Basilica of Santi Giovanni Bellini
DorsoduroArt galleries, lively nightlifeArt enthusiasts, nightlifeApartment Mymagic Venice, Pensione SegusoAccademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Santa CroceTransportation hub, affordableTravelers with vehiclesPalazzo Venart Luxury Hotel, Hotel Al Duca di VeneziaChurch of San Giacomo dell’Orio, Fondaco dei Turchi

San Marco- Popular Among Tourists!

The San Marco area perfectly symbolizes the dreams of visiting Venice! St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs are all iconic sights in San Marco, which is known as the tourist center of Venice. It’s no surprise that San Marco is the tourism focal point of central Venice with the great Piazza San Marco. 

San Marco is considered the lowest point in Venice. It’s widely recognized that Venice is constructed on water, and Piazza San Marco happens to be the area closest to the water level. The square is positioned at approximately 90 cm above sea level and is upheld by a foundation of 100,000 wooden piles.

If you want to be amidst the Venetian experience, prefer a more touristy atmosphere, and don’t mind crowds, choose a hotel in San Marco! San Marco is probably the best choice when planning your first trip to Italy. This area will provide you with all of the popular attractions that you could think of while

Given that it’s the most popular and touristy destination expect large numbers of people, particularly from March through October, and bring a big budget for food and gondola rides!

Best Hotels To Stay In San Marco:

Hotel Danieli

It is one of the finest hotels in Venice and one of the most popular! This fantastic hotel is worth considering if you need a unique place to stay in San Marco that won’t cost a fortune. It faces the water, the cathedral, and the city’s best attractions. It consists of three buildings and, unlike other service providers, offers a genuinely unrivaled level of service! The rooms are exquisite, with several overlooking the Venice canals.

Residenza Nobile

If you don’t want to spend much, Residenza Nobile is the place to stay! Only 2,650 feet away from Saint Mark’s Square and just a five-minute walk from Palazzo Grassi Palace. Air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs are available at Residence Nobile, along with some Campo Santo Stefano Square views. Marco Polo International Airport is only 12 miles away and is easily accessible.

San Polo- A Great Choice For Families

San Polo is the smallest out of the six districts, which only spans 86 acres or 35 hectares along the Gran Canal, and it is also one of the oldest areas of central Venice, a beautiful and charming part of the city. If your trip to Venice is limited, you might want to consider staying in San Polo for its ambiance, close tourist attractions, and central locations.

The famous Rialto Bridge may be the single most notable feature of the sestiere, but San Polo is also famous for the city’s first Church, known as the Church of San Giacomo. The Campo dei Frari and San Rocco are two important historical sights in San Polo. Campo San Polo, the second largest piazza in Venice, is also here.

San Polo is a beautiful area to stay while visiting Venice, and it’s especially ideal if you’re traveling with children. San Polo has so much to offer that you may easily spend the entire day here without going anywhere else.

While it may seem a little off the beaten path, San Polo is unquestionably a very touristy sestiere that can get overcrowded, especially along popular spots like the road from Accademia to the Rialto Bridge. Another major attraction of San Polo is that it is home to some of Venice’s best restaurants where Italia restaurant etiquette applies.

Best Hotels to stay in San Polo:

Cà Riva del Vin

If you’re looking for more than a hotel room while visiting San Polo, Cà Riva del Vin is a fantastic choice! This apartment, located near Ca’ d’Oro, provides stunning sights of the city and is air-conditioned. It also has a stovetop, microwave, washing machine, and free wifi. It’s ideal for preparing your meals from the local market!

Cannaregio- For A More Local Feel

If you’re searching for a place to stay in Venice, that’s a little less pricey while retaining a local vibe. The Cannaregio sestiere is the area to visit! It’s where most of Venice’s citizens reside and where the Jewish Ghetto is located. It is also the second most populous district in Venice with a population of around 11,000 people. During the Christmas season, you may witness Cannaregio’s spectacular Hanukkah parties.

The Ghetto, Ca d’Oro, an incredible Venetian palace, and the Church of Madonna dell’Orto, which houses some of Tintoretto’s most famous paintings and is his final resting place, are among the landmarks worth seeing in Cannaregio.

Cannaregio is a fantastic location to stay in Venice if you want a quieter, more local atmosphere and especially if you are for a budget hotel! You may discover some great lodging options that are far less expensive than those in other sestieri.

Best Hotels To Stay in Cannaregio:

Alla Vite Dorata

Alla Vite Dorata is a gorgeous Bed and Breakfast in the Santi Apostoli area, complete with some of the most beautiful rooms you’ll ever see! Every room has magnificent wood-beamed ceilings and beautiful bedding, with some having a four-poster bed. The rooms are designed with modern flair and all feature a lovely canal view. A continental breakfast buffet is available in a beautiful dining room with views of the canal. Rialto Bridge is only a ten-minute walk from the B&B.

Hotel Agli Artisti

The Agli Artisti is a beautiful spot to stay in Cannaregio, with the Venice Santa Lucia Sation only 659 feet away. Other sightseeing options, such as the Jewish Ghetto, are just a stroll away. The rooms are pleasant and include wifi connection. Some of the units include a balcony! When making reservations, remember that some rooms have shared restrooms; others, on the other hand, offer private bathrooms.

Castello- For Uniqueness And Authenticity 

Castello is the most populous sestiere in Venice with over 1.722 km district area, and it’s another excellent choice if you want a neighborhood slightly off the path. While certain parts of the sestiere, such as the western side near St. Mark’s, are highly touristy, most of it has a much quieter local vibe. This is an excellent option if you want a truly authentic Venetian experience.

The most unusual aspect about Castello is that it developed around a naval dockyard, and the Arsenale used to be the city’s largest shipyard. This will be a significant highlight of your journey, making Castello the ideal location for you. There are lovely sights to see in the Arsenale, such as the Basilica of Santi Giovanni Bellini and Santa Maria Formosa Cathedral and Campo.

Best Hotels To Stay In Castello:

San Lio Tourist House

The San Lio Tourist House, a stunning retreat in Venice built during the 14th century, is an attractive option for accommodation. It’s conveniently near St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, and some beautifully decorated rooms offer views of the San Lio Church and square. The rooms include free wifi, an air conditioner, and a private bathroom.

Hotel Locanda Canal

Hotel Locanda Canal is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a great location in Venice. The hotel is located just behind St. Mark’s Square and within a building from the 18th century! The rooms include beautiful antique furniture, free internet, and hydro massage showers! There’s a fantastic breakfast buffet available.

Dorsoduro- For Art Lovers

The Accademia, Venice’s most famous art gallery, can be found here on Dorsoduro. The Church of San Sebastiano contains works by Veronese, Tintoretto, and Titian, as well as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which features modern works by figures like Dali, Duchamp, Picasso, and Mondrian.

One of the most iconic spots to visit is the Ca’ Rezzonico, a 17th-century palazzo that was once inhabited by the Rezzonico family and later by Pope Clement XIII. The building has since undergone major renovations and now contains a collection of 18th-century artwork.

The Dorsoduro district is more than a collection of important art museums. It’s a moderately busy area with a laid-back vibe during the day. The neighborhood, however, may very well be the most lively for crazy nightlife. Campo Santa Margherita features a vibrant nighttime scene and is a hot spot for nightlife in Venice, but if you’re searching for something more subdued and charming, the area south of it has everything you need!

The island of Giudecca is part of the Dorsoduro sestiere, which makes Dorsoduro a truly unique place.

Apartment Mymagic Venice

Mymagic Venice is a lovely apartment with a fantastic canal view that will make your stay in Venice even more pleasant. You may cook your meals in the fully equipped kitchen with an oven, dishwasher, and microwave that comes with the property. Mymagic Venice is the ideal location to stay if you want to be close to Dorsoduro’s nightlife center.

Pensione Seguso

Pensione Seguso is a lovely and traditional building that is only 650 feet from a Vaporetto stop, making it highly convenient. All of the rooms are beautiful, with several having views of the canal as well as balconies. Free wifi throughout the premises and a continental buffet breakfast are available.

Santa Croce- Transportation Hub

Despite being the least touristy sestiere in Venice, Santa Croce may still be a fantastic spot to stay! It’s just as lovely as the other Venetian sestieri, with its unique charm and gorgeous architecture. Still, it’s less crowded and more affordable than San Marco or San Polo due to its lesser popularity! But, given that Santa Croce is the transportation center of Venice, it’s also a great place to stay!

Although Santa Croce isn’t the center of Venice, it has many lovely historic structures to visit. The Church of San Giacomo dell’Orio and the Fondaco dei Turchi, a former one-building ghetto for Ottoman Turkish inhabitants in Venice. Today, it houses the Museum of Natural History.

Another interesting spot in the district is The Basilica of Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world. Throughout its history, it has been an important site associated with St. Francis of Assisi, who has been the patron saint of Italy for over 85 years since 1939. The church contains artwork and other elements that reflect the history of art and faith in Western culture. 

Santa Croce is a fantastic location to stay if you’re traveling in a rental vehicle! There are several large parking garages where you will be leaving your car while in Venice, as well as the Piazzale Roma (bus station) and numerous ferry terminals, making it a convenient destination to visit for convenient travel.

Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

The legendary, luxurious Venetian dream vacation experience awaits! Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel is located on the Grand Canal and features private marble bathrooms and a courtyard with a canal view. In addition, there’s an excellent restaurant on-site, where you may tuck into enticing cuisine without leaving the comfort of your hotel room.

 Hotel Al Duca di Venezia

Hotel Al Duca di Venezia is an excellent choice of Venice accommodation with beautiful and elaborate rooms! Each room has its bathroom, antique furnishings, and free wifi, and the continental breakfast offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. The hotel is conveniently located near the Museum of Natural History and Santa Lucia Train station, which is only five minutes away.

Luxury Hotels in Venice Italy

Here are some of the most luxurious Hotels, mainly 5-star hotels in Venice:

Hotel Metropole Venezia

If you enjoy the luxury of ancient Italian aesthetics, this 5-star hotel will be right up your alley. There was no expense spared in its richly decorated. The spa is in a hallway lined with museum-quality antiques and artifacts. Also, the cuisine is exceptional. Fine dining that stands out from the crowd.

Hotel Danieli

This boutique hotel is the premier 5-star accommodation in Venice, Italy. I love being so close to the Saint Marks Basilica and located on the banks of the Venetian Lagoon. And this property’s history is quite fascinating. It’s built from three palaces from the 14th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel

This 15th-century palace is a magnificent 5-star, and the pool is equally so. Rooms have beautiful gardens or lagoon views with traditional Venetian décor and offer panoramic views of the city. Their concierge, a connoisseur of secret Venice gems, is a must-see for any lover of this unique city!

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

This hotel’s rooftop bar, pool, and size of the rooms make it an outstanding 5-star choice. A shuttle (small fee) to Venice leaves every two hours, which is convenient. In the off-season, you may save a lot at this property. It offers an on-site spa.

Al Ponte Antico

This 4-star hotel provides a peaceful patio to enjoy the quiet neighborhood in a city with a tight space. Some rooms have decorative wood from the 15th-century palace that has been intricately carved. It’s ideal for couples and newlyweds and offers a peaceful setting.

FAQs

Where is the main area of Venice?

It is San Marco. This district of Venice is named after St. Mark and is considered the heart of the city. Located there are St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace, which are among Venice’s most well-known landmarks.

What is the coldest month in Venice?

In Venice, January has the lowest average monthly temperatures out of the year. Average high temperatures in Venice during January range from +4°C (39°F) to +7°C (45°F). Be sure to bring a sweater!

Final Words

There are many fabulous places to stay in Venice, Italy, depending on your budget and preferences. For example, Venice has something for everyone, from luxurious hotels to more modest accommodations. And there are a lot of things to see and do in Venice everywhere you stay. So, no matter where it is you choose to stay, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.