Where to Stay In Venice: Best Area + Most Unique Places (2024)

Venice is without a doubt one of Italy's most iconic cities. Built entirely upon canals, where people get around by boat instead of car (there are very few places where cars are allowed on the island), there truly is nowhere else like Venice.

From its bustling piazze to its incredible food scene and famed gondola rides, Venice feels almost otherworldly. If you want to feel like you've just walked into a fairytale, Venice should be the next destination on your list.

While simply walking over the canals is an experience in and of itself (the city is home to more than 400+ bridges!), there's also plenty to do here, from the incredible Saint Mark's Square to the fascinating Doge's Palace.

But while it's walkable, Venice certainly isn't small, so choosing the right place to stay to match your preferences is easier said than done.

The good news? I've put together a simple guide to help you do it. Together we'll explore every neighborhood in Venice as well as the city's best and most unique hotels, so you can find the best spot to stay during your Venetian vacation.

The best neighborhoods to stay in Venice

San Marco – For first-time visitors and those only staying a few days in Venice, San Marco should undoubtedly be your destination of choice. The home of Venice's most iconic sights, this thriving tourist haven is everybody's first port of call in la citta sull'acqua, which translates to the city on the water.

Dorsoduro – Want to see a more bohemian side of Venice and enjoy the nightlife in this hipster neighborhood that's home to Venice's student population. During the day, it's peaceful and picturesque, before coming alive at night.

Cannaregio – Take a step back in time in this history-filled neighborhood, home to Venice's famous Jewish Ghetto as well as Venice's narrowest street. After San Marco, Cannaregio is probably the neighborhood with the second most things to do.

Castello – This authentic neighborhood will have you living like a real Venetian. Here you'll find the famous Via Garibaldi, the perfect street to wander down on a lazy afternoon.

Lido – Think Venice isn't suitable for a beach holiday? Think again. Lido, a small island just outside of Venice's main island, is perfect for a laid-back beach vacation with respite from the crowds.

Santa Croce – Lesser known than the other neighborhoods, Santa Croce is an escape from the hustle and bustle with plenty of beautiful churches to see.

San Polo – Located near the iconic Rialto Bridge, San Polo is a vibrant and friendly area known for its food markets.

1. Where to stay in Venice for first-timers: San Marco

San Marco is Venice's historical center and home to many of the city's most famous landmarks and buildings. The neighborhood centers around Piazza San Marco, a breathtaking square home to a basilica of the same name.

Created in the 11th century, the Basilica is one of the most iconic examples of Byzantine architecture and a must-see sight in Venice. If you can bear to battle through the crowds, you'll be rewarded with one of Europe's most impressive structures and most breathtaking squares.

San Marco is also where you'll find the majority of Venice's best-known sights. The Bridge of Sighs, given its name for being the place where prisoners would sigh as they looked out over what could be their last view of Venice, is a must-see spot in this popular neighborhood, as is the well-known Rialto Bridge.

Climb the Campanile di San Marco (a 99-meter tower) to get impressive views of Venice. But the most impressive views can be found on the rooftop terrace at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, where you can visit the rooftop for free, but you have to book here.

Because of its proximity to the center, San Marco is one of the most expensive areas to eat and drink. I recommend you avoid eating in St Mark's Square and walk even a few minutes around the corner to find somewhere more affordable. Generally, restaurants with photos of the food out front and staff that put pressure on you to eat there are tourist traps.

And be warned, San Marco is not for the faint-hearted. Particularly in the height of summer, this neighborhood draws in thousands of visitors from across the world, making it incredibly busy and often very hot.

If you're looking for peace and quiet, look elsewhere. If you can put up with the crowds, you'll reap the rewards.

Things to do in San Marco:

• Visit the Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop

• See the Rialto Bridge

• See the Bridge of Sighs

• Stroll around the Piazza San Marco

• See the Basilica San Marco

Best area for:

• Tourists

• First-time visitors

• Sightseeing

• Short trips to Venice

• History buffs

Best hotels to stay in San Marco

($$$) Baglioni Hotel Luna

($$) Canaletto Luxury Suites

($$) Al Theatro Palace

($) Palazzo Paruta & Wellness Suites

2. Where to stay in Venice for great nightlife and hipster vibes: Dorsoduro

One criticism of Venice often is that it doesn't feel authentically Italian enough. But after a stay in Dorsoduro, no visitor could claim that.

While still being just as beautiful as the rest of Venice, Dorsoduro is a real working Venetian neighborhood with a bohemian edge, where visitors can pull back the fairytale curtain to see how Venice is lived by the locals.

It's also the nightlife hub of the city and only a 30-minute walk from central Venice.

Dorsoduro's nightlife offering centers around Campo Santa Margherita, a charming square filled with quirky eateries and friendly bars. It's also the best place to find non-Italian cuisine just in case you get tired of eating pizza and pasta.

Late at night, Venice's student population floods the square and sits on the steps of the bridges chatting with a beer in hand. It all comes together to make for an incredible atmosphere. It's not only for students and young people though – this inclusive neighborhood has something for everyone.

Here, you'll also find the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, the ideal spot to learn more about the artistic genius. But honestly, walking the streets of Dorsoduro is enough to soak up the atmosphere. From people-watching the neighborhood's artistic population to taking in the bustling vibe of the quirky bars, you'll be anything but bored in the most charming of Venice neighborhoods.

Things to do in Dorsoduro:

• Grab a drink in Campo Santa Margherita

• Visit the famous art gallery/science museum, Museum Leonardo da Vinci

• Take a break from pizza and pasta at Orient Experience, serving Middle Eastern and Asian dishes

• Visit the Ponte dei Pugni, famous for being the ancient site of many fistfights

Best area for:

• Nightlife

• Students and backpackers

• Drinking and eating

• Hipster vibes

Best hotels to stay in Dorsoduro

($$$) Hotel Palazzo Stern

($$) Hotel Ca' Nobile Corner

($) Antica Locanda Montin

3. Where to stay in Venice for families: Cannaregio

If you're looking for somewhere slightly more laid-back without the crowds of San Marco or the nightlife or Dorsoduro, Cannaregio is where you should head. Less well-known than some of Venice's main districts but well worth a visit, Cannaregio is relaxed but friendly and home to plenty of hidden gems.

Here you'll find Venice's Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in the world and a must-visit spot for history buffs. The Jewish Quarter is home to a synagogue and many other relics of this community's history in Venice.

It was actually made famous by Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. For culture vultures who want to get off the beaten path while seeing a different side to Venice's past, Cannaregio is the perfect spot to start.

You should also visit Venice's narrowest street, Calletta Varisco, it's a bit of a squeeze to get down but well worth visiting for the novelty factor. It's only 53cm wide, so don't bring lots of bags with you!

One of the best parts of Cannaregio is the ease with which you can get to popular Venetian day trips, including Murano and Burano, just across the Venetian lagoon. Cannaregio is also close to the most centrally located sights, so you won't have any issues getting around on foot or by taking a water taxi.

While you're there, make today your lucky day by touching the nose of the statue of Sior Antonio Rioba, which is said to bring good fortune. You can find this and other historical statues at Campo dei Mori.

Things to do in Cannaregio:

• Visit the Jewish Quarter to learn more about Jewish history

• Squeeze down Venice's narrowest street, Calletta Varisco

• Grab an espresso at a local coffee shop

• Go on a day trip to Murano or Burano

• See the status at Campo dei Mori

• Head for a drink at the Fondamenta della Misericordia – a bustling drinking street

Best area for:

• Jewish history

• Underrated culture

Best hotels to stay in Cannaregio

($$$) Ai Mori d'Oriente

($$) Hotel Cannaregio

($) Hotel Leonardo

4. Where to stay in Venice like the locals do: Castello

If you like being within walking distance of all the main tourist sights, definitely stay near San Marco, no question about it. But what about travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten path and living like the locals? If you're one of them, Castello has to be the top spot.

One of the best things about Venice is that even its quietest areas have something to do. Whilst Castello doesn't have the tourist draws of San Marco or even Cannaregio, you'll be far from bored staying here.

And it's one of the most beautiful spots in Venice. The first stop on your list should be Santi Giovanni e Paolo – one of Venice's most iconic churches.

Once you've stepped back in time via the church's architecture, stroll down Venice's widest street, Via Garibaldi. The street is actually a filled-in canal and it's the closest you'll get to a sweeping boulevard in all of Venice. Lined with fancy boutique stores and quirky bars and eateries, you could spend an entire afternoon just exploring this one street.

A fun afternoon idea could be to walk down Venice's narrowest street in Cannaregio and then its widest in Castello – from one extreme to another.

In Castello, you'll also find one of Venice's most impressive green spaces in the form of Giardini, offering visitors the chance to enjoy nature in a quiet and peaceful setting. Once you've explored one of Venice's greenest spaces, head to the Arsenale di Venezia, one of the largest production centers in the world that dates back to before the Industrial Revolution. Its most impressive sight is the Porta Magna, the main gate.

Overall, the vibe in Castello is laid-back and much quieter than in central Venice. Away from San Marco Square, you can enjoy some peace and quiet, while still benefitting from easy access to more bustling areas.

Things to do in Castello:

• See Porta Magna

• Stroll down Via Garibaldi

• Pick up some food from the Via Garibaldi markets

Best area for:

• Escaping the crowds

• Seeing a different side of Venice

• Foodies

Best hotels to stay in Castello

($$$) Palazzo Maria Formosa

($$) Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia

($) Hotel Scandinavia

5. Where to stay in Venice for beaches: Lido

Venice isn't the first place that comes to mind for a beach holiday, and while it's true that it's no match for the Amalfi Coast and staying in Cinque Terre, there's actually an underrated part of Venice that you can escape to for a beach resort.

Just across the water from the main Venetian island, Lido is a long and narrow island that's home to beaches and laid-back vibes.

It's isolated enough to feel like you're stepping away from the hustle and bustle of Venice's main stretch, while still having enough amenities to make your stay luxurious. Lido is somewhat of a hidden gem, with most visitors preferring to stay on the main Venetian island.

Be warned though, many tourists are discovering the hidden gem that is Lido, and it's getting more popular by the year. If you want to pay more affordable prices or get the best deals, head there sooner rather than later.

While the architecture on Lido is very similar to that of the main island of Venice, there are still some striking differences that give Lido a truly unique vibe.

In terms of things to do, there's still plenty of wilderness on Lido, so if you're into nature, it's the perfect spot for a walk or hike. Enjoy the sandy coast and bask in Venice's nearly daily sunshine during the spring and summer months.

As you'd expect from a part of Venice, there are still plenty of beautiful streets to walk down as well as charming piazze where you can grab a drink. You won't miss out on the beauty of Venice by opting to stay just slightly over the water.

Things to do in Lido:

• Enjoy a day out at the beach

• Stroll down Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta

• See Tempio Votivo church, an icon of Lido you won't miss

• Check out Byron’s study room in The Armenian Monastery

Best area for:

• Beach holidays

• Seeing a different side of Lido

Best hotels to stay in Lido

($$$) Hotel Excelsior Venice

($$) Hotel Petit Palais

($) Hotel Sorriso

6. Where to stay in Venice to escape the crowds: Santa Croce

While Venice's San Marco is a little in-your-face I want to call it, hitting you with incredible views and world-famous sights, Santa Croce is laid-back, understated, and humble.

If you can't think of anything worse than battling through crowds to see the Rialto Bridge, Santa Croce is a district with much fewer tourists, making for a more peaceful stay.

It is, however, one of the only districts where cars are allowed up to a certain point. If you plan on bringing a car to Venice or you'll be driving in from another city, Santa Croce is nearby Tronchetto, a man-made island in Venice that functions as a parking lot and transport hub for tourists.

There's not a ton to do in Santa Croce, so if you're in the market for historical sites and busy days of activities, it's not the best play to stay. But if you're keen to escape the crowds while remaining within walking or boating distance to the main sights, it's a good idea. Plus, you're much more likely to find budget-friendly accommodation here than in San Marco.

Nevertheless, like any part of Venice, there are plenty of places to eat and drink as well as welcoming cafes where you can sip an espresso and people watch.

And like any good Italian neighborhood, there are beautiful churches in abundance. Check out San Giacomo dall’Orio or San Stae, two of the most beautiful buildings in Santa Croce. You can go for a stroll in Parco Pubblico Giardini Papadopoli as well as explore one of Venice's smaller museums, the Natural History Museum.

Things to do in Santa Croce:

• Check out some of the neighborhood's most impressive churches

• Take a stroll around Parco Pubblico Giardini Papadopoli

• Visit the Natural History Museum

Best area for:

• Escaping the crowds

• Finding accommodation on a budget

Best hotels to stay in Santa Croce

($$$) Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

($$) Hotel Santa Chiara

($$) AC Hotel Venezia by Marriott

($) Hotel Olimpia Venice

7. Where to stay in Venice for underrated culture: San Polo

Centering around the Rialto Bridge, San Polo is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Venice. From here, you can cross the incredible Grand Canal to get to Venice's oldest and best-known neighborhood, San Marco, but it has a personality completely of its own, too.

It's one of Venice's liveliest areas, too, complete with bustling markets and streets, and a good blend of locals and tourists. Here you'll find the impressive Church of San Giacomo di Rialto as well as Campo San Polo, Venice's second-biggest square, where I recommend finding a spot to do some people-watching over a coffee.

From San Polo's center to the Rialto Bridge, the streets are lined with markets, especially those selling fish and seafood. If you plan on cooking for yourself during your visit to Venice, there's no better spot to pick up ingredients.

In terms of vibe and atmosphere, proximity to Rialto gives this area a vibrancy and buzz, making it perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

Things to do in San Polo:

• Hop on a Vaporetto, a public waterbus that will take you around Venice

• See views of the Grand Canal

• Visit the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto

• Walk over the famous Rialto Bridge

Best area for:

• Seeing the Rialto Bridge

• Food markets

• A lively atmosphere with fewer crowds than San Marco

Best hotels to stay in San Polo

($$$) Sina Palazzo Sant'Angelo

($$) Palazzetto Madonna

($) Grifoni Boutique Hotel

Where to stay in Venice – Frequently Asked Questions

🚗 Are cars allowed in Venice?

If you are thinking of hiring a car in Venice, think again. Cars are allowed only until a certain point on the island (near the train station) but after that, your means of transport is either your own two feet or a boat. Luckily, a car isn't necessary, so read on below to discover how to get around without one. Having no cars on the island makes a visit to Venice a truly unique experience. It also means the city planning is centered around walkability and you'll never have to wait at a pedestrian crossing or battle traffic to reach your destination.

⛴️ How do you get around in Venice?

If you're feeling panicked about the lack of cars in Venice, don't be. There are plenty of water taxis, water buses, and gondolas on the island to help you get around. For the most part, it's pretty walkable – I didn't need to use any transport during my trip – but you'll need to pack some comfortable shoes and take a lot of water with you, especially during the summer months.

If you need to get further afield, you'll be fine without a car, too. The Santa Lucia train station in Venice serves plenty of destinations locally, nationally, and even sometimes internationally to other destinations in Europe. This train station, as well as the bus station nearby, will serve as your main link between Venice and the rest of Italy.

📍 What's the most beautiful area in Venice?

The prettiest part of Venice is subjective but, for me, it has to be San Marco. While the lesser-known districts such as Dorsoduro and Cannareggio certainly have their charms, San Marco has the most impressive architecture. In San Marco, you'll see once-in-a-lifetime structures like Basilica San Marco, and the bridges in the area are simply unparalleled. From Rialto Bridge to the Bridge of Sighs, San Marco is a treasure trove of beautiful things. There are impressive views over the Grand Canal and plenty of towers and rooftops where you can overlook the iconic terracotta rooftops of this attractive city.

The truth is, however, that the whole of Venice is very pretty. It's considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world and for good reason. The unique blend of colorful houses, historical bridges, and charming canals in a carless environment makes for a city unlike any other.

❓ Is it better to stay inside or outside of Venice?

Travelers on a budget should consider staying just outside of Venice, in an area like Mestre, which is mainland Venice and still makes it easy to get to the city center without paying the hefty prices for accommodation that central Venice often demands. While it's certainly an option for those who are seriously low on cash, it's not the best way to see Venice. Unless, of course, you want a beach holiday, in which case heading over the water to Lido is your best possible option.

Traveling in and out of the city of Venice daily can be time-consuming and the enjoyment of your holiday is at the mercy of public transport's reliability. Plus, when you stay on the island, you can wake up early and avoid the crowds of tourists that appear later in the day and see major tourist attractions while they're quieter. It may cost you more to stay on the island, but it's worth it. Where possible, save up to stay in a hotel or apartment in one of the districts listed above for the best experience possible.

📅 How many days should you stay in Venice?

Since Venice is relatively compact and walkable, you might be tempted to spend just a couple of days or a weekend in this beautiful city, but I'd advise you to stay there for longer. There's much more going on in Venice than you might think, and for the best possible experience, I recommend you stay for at least four days. That way, you'll get to enjoy as many Venetian neighborhoods as possible. You can even fill a whole week in Venice without issues, so if you're afraid of booking for longer in case you get bored, I can assure you that you won't.

Where to stay in Venice – Final words

Venice is a magical, one-of-a-kind city that you'll fall in love with from the minute you step off the boat. This uniquely car-less environment centered on canals is charming, friendly, and picturesque, with plenty to do for visitors of all ages.

If you've got the budget for it, don't skip a gondola ride, but do pick one up from a less busy area, or you'll be stuck in a traffic jam on the canals!

There's a good range of neighborhoods to stay in Venice, from the bustling Dorsoduro to the laid-back San Polo, but each comes with its own advantages and uniqueness. To choose the best area for your stay, first establish what you want to see on your trip to Venice, then work out which neighborhood best matches it.

The good news is that wherever you decide to stay in Venice, you'll benefit from the unparalleled beauty of this one-of-a-kind city.