Ah, Venice! With all its beauty, history, and art, Italy’s floating city is undoubtedly one of the most magical places to visit in the world. But while it’s true that planning what you’ll do on your trip is half the fun, choosing where to stay in Venice can cause a few headaches.
Venice is relatively small, but it maintains the ancient administrative division of six neighbourhoods called sestieri, three on each side of the Grand Canal. The different sestieri have their own distinct features and highlights, including a peculiar street number system that can confuse even the most seasoned travellers.
There isn’t just one best place to stay in Venice, but there’s something for every individual preference and budget. In this guide to the best hotels in Venice, you’ll find everything you need to know to help you pick the best accommodation.
From crowded San Marco to relaxed Cannaregio, below you’ll find an introduction to the six sestieri and some essential hotel tips to help you plan where to stay in Venice on your next trip.
Map of Venice neighbourhoods
Here’s a map showing each of the 6 sestieri (neighbourhoods) in Venice. Use it as a reference to get your bearings when reading about each sestiere. These include: San Marco, San Polo, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Giudecca.
Now let’s take a look at the best neighbourhoods to stay in in Venice, and why!
San Marco
THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN VENICE FOR: the postcard-perfect sights you’ve always dreamed about
Those visiting Venice for the first time will likely spend a lot of time in San Marco, the largest and most famous of the city’s sestieri. There’s plenty to keep you busy, with many of the must-see spots you have to see like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.
Dubbed by Napoleon as Europe’s grand drawing room, San Marco is also an excellent place for designer shopping and people watching. Taking in the parade of passersbys while enjoying a cup of coffee or a Bellini at the Florian (the world’s oldest café) is definitely one of the top things to do in Venice.
How to get to San Marco
- From the airport: take the Aligaluna – blue line towards Ferrovia and get off at “San Marco Giardinetti” (about 1h30min, €15 one way).
- From the train station: the fastest Actv Vaporetto line is 5.1; from the “Piazzale Roma” station you’ll cruise along the Grand Canal up to “S.Marco S.Zaccaria F” (about 15min, €7.50 one way). Alternatively, it’s about 20 minutes by foot.
Where to stay in San Marco
View of St. Mark’s Bell Tower from my room at Relais Piazza San Marco
View of St. Mark’s Basilica from my room at Relais Piazza San Marco
Luxury: The St. Regis Venice – One of the most beautiful places to stay in Venice, this 5-star hotel sits on the Grand Canal overlooking iconic Venetian landmarks. Services offered are top quality and include SPA suites, a gym, an Italian-landscaped garden, and fabulous butler service.
Mid-range: Hotel Firenze – A charming boutique hotel inside a 16th-century palace, with elegant rooms decorated in typical Venetian style and a panoramic terrace. Its location on the main shopping street, only 30 metres from St Mark’s Square, makes it a popular pick when deciding where to stay in Venice.
Mid-range: Relais Piazza San Marco – From what the staff told me, there are only 8 rooms that overlook Pizza San Marco and this is one of them! Located right next the St. Mark’s Basilica, the is the only hotel which gives you a direct view of St. Marks Basin. Choose either a room decorated in either classic Venetian decor or go some something more contemporary. Both are equally lovely.
Budget: Hotel Orion – Among the best hotels in Venice for budget travellers, the Orion stands out for its location in the heart of San Marco and is a stone’s throw from all the major attractions. It offers simply-furnished, comfortable double and triple rooms, plus a fully-furnished apartment.
Apartment: The Campiello Charm – This large apartment with a rooftop terrace overlooks a typical Venetian courtyard. Interiors are elegantly decorated with a mix of antiques and contemporary pieces, and the fully equipped kitchen also has an espresso machine and a dishwasher.
San Polo
THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN VENICE FOR: a central yet family-friendly stay
Second only to San Marco in popularity, San Polo is one of the oldest sestieri in Venice and also the tiniest. Bordering the Grand Canal, Dorsoduro, and Santa Croce, it’s perfect if you’re looking to stay in an area that’s central but also relaxed and typically Venetian. There are lots of bacari (traditional taverns), and lovely open-air squares where younger travellers can run around and burn off their energy.
In San Polo, you’ll find the world-famous Rialto Bridge as well as the centuries-old Rialto market, which gives the area a chaotic yet charming character. Also, don’t forget to check out its other attractions like Titian’s stunning works at Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and Tintoretto’s famous cycle at Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
How to get to San Polo
- From the airport: take the Aligaluna – orange line towards S.M. Del Giglio and get off at “Rialto” (about 1h, €15 one way).
- From the train station: getting to the central part of San Polo takes around 15 minutes by foot. You can also use the Actv Vaporetto service lines 1 and 2 from “Ferrovia”. The main stops are “Rialto Mercato” and “San Tomà” (about 20min, €7.50 one way).
Where to stay in San Polo
Luxury: Hotel L’Orologio – A short walk from the Rialto Bridge, this boutique hotel offers both rooms and apartments themed around collectible watches. Inside, the minimalist decor is accented by watch-related artworks, while the terrace on the fourth floor provides a welcome break from the city.
Mid-range: Hotel Marconi – A comfortable hotel overlooking the Rialto Bridge, once used as the set for several Italian movie productions. It boasts Venetian-styled interiors decked out in rich colour palettes to bring a sophisticated appeal. Guests can enjoy drinks with a view from the canal-side tables outside.
Budget: San Polo Star – This guesthouse is basic but comfortable; better yet, it’s only 5 minutes from Venice central station. There are double and triple rooms equipped with a private bathroom, desk, flatscreen TV, and air-conditioning.
Apartment: Another Level – Perfect for families or groups of friends, this grand apartment offers 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms in a splendid palazzo dating from the 18th century. The top attraction here is the terrace, with amazing views over the Grand Canal and the St. Mark’s bell tower.
Cannaregio
THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN VENICE FOR: local vibes with easy access to the train station
Cannaregio is a great option for where to stay in Venice if you want something a little less expensive and quieter. It’s located in the northernmost part of Venice, just above the Grand Canal, and you’ll likely have to walk a lot or take public transport to get to some of the city’s famous sights. For example, St. Mark’s Basilica and Rialto Bridge are a 15-minute walk away.
Once the home of great personalities like Marco Polo, Titian and Tintoretto, today Cannaregio is a low-key, residential neighbourhood where most locals live. Highlights include the Jewish Ghetto, the first one in the world, and the grand Ca’ d’Oro palace with artworks by Venetian masters. You’ll also find the Renaissance jewel of Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the Church of Madonna dell’Orto where Tintoretto is buried.
How to get to Cannaregio
- From the airport: take the Aligaluna – orange line towards S.M. Del Giglio and get off at “M. Dell’Orto” or “Guglie” (about 45min, €15 one way).
- From the train station: Cannaregio is only a quick stroll away from the train station and it’s served mainly by Actv Vaporetto lines 1, 2 and N, with major stops at “Ca’ d’Oro”, “San Marcuola-Casinò”, and “Ferrovia”. This sestiere is also marked by a series of canal-front streets called fondamenta (literally, foundations) from where the Actv Vaporetto line 12 departs for the lagoon islands Murano and Burano.
Where to stay in Cannaregio
Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience
Camera degli sposi (Newlyweds room) at Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience
Luxury: Palazzo Nani Venice – Near the Jewish Ghetto, this 5-star hotel occupies the former residence of the Nani family, whose involvement in the Republic’s political and cultural life is recalled in the interior decor. There are 52 rooms and 3 apartments perfectly combining history and design, plus a garden, a frescoed fitness room, and a restaurant.
Luxury: Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience – Imagine sleeping in a lavish palace with frescoed walls and ceilings, where every room tells a unique and special story and every ornament and piece of furniture is designed by a local artisan. Well, that’s exactly what staying at Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience feels like. This isn’t just a 5-star hotel, this is a museum that invites you to explore every corner of every room.
Set over 3 floors, the building dates back to 1661 and was owned by the noble Bonfadini family. Later, when the Serenissima aka the Venetian Republic fell in 1797, the Bonfadini family left and moved to the mainland. It was then that the palace was subdivided and part of it was occupied by the Vivante family. It wasn’t until 1815 that they then bought the entire building and developed and enriched it with stunning frescoes that you still see today.
Each room is unique with its own story to tell. For example, I stayed in the Camera degli Sposi, which translates to the Newlyweds room. This was where Pietro Bonfadini stayed with his newly wedded wife Orsetta Giovannelli.
Mid-range: Hotel Giorgione – A family-owned boutique hotel in a 14th-century building decorated with damask fabrics and period furnishings. There are both suites and rooms available, all oozing old-fashioned charm, and a jacuzzi pool with salt water in the delightful internal courtyard.
Budget: Hotel Mezzo Pozzo – A cozy hotel in a historic palace a few steps from Ca’ d’Oro, offering a selection of wallet-friendly double, triple and family rooms. Interiors retain original features like stucco ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers, mahogany doors, and a 16th-century well.
Apartment: The Velvet Merchant – With an enchanting canal-side entrance, this two-bedroom apartment beautifully mixes modern design with exposed brick walls and exposed wood-beamed ceilings. Its furnished terrace is ideal for enjoying sunset drinks.
Castello
THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN VENICE FOR: soaking up the local way of life
Arsenale at sunset
Palazzo Grimani
Castello is the largest sestiere in Venice and has kept its small-town feel more than any other, despite the crowds at the border with San Marco. Its name derives from an old castle that was built in the area during the Roman Empire.
Castello may not have the shiny attractions of St Mark’s, but there is still plenty to explore among its quiet streets. Most notably, the Arsenale, the city’s historic shipyard that earned a quotation in Dante’s Divine Comedy and today is the venue for the Biennale.
Also not to miss are the Basilica of Santi Giovanni and Paolo, the city’s largest church with the tombs of 27 doges, and the Church of San Zaccaria with a fascinating flooded crypt and Giovanni Bellini’s stunning altarpiece.
How to get to Castello
- From the airport: take the Aligaluna – blue line towards Ferrovia and get off at “Arsenale” (about 1h15min, €15 one way).
- From the train station: take the Actv Vaporetto lines 1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, and 6; the main stops are “Arsenale” and “Giardini Biennale” (about 20-50min, €7.50 one way). Walking will require at least half an hour.
Where to stay in Castello
Libreria Acqua Alta
Luxury: Hotel Bucintoro – This beautiful 4-star hotel located near the Biennale, overlooking St Mark’s basin, features elegant interiors that evoke Venice’s maritime heritage. All rooms have lagoon views and are named after historic sailboats.
Mid-range: Hotel Sant’Antonin – This hotel offers a peaceful and tranquil getaway just a short walk from the Bridge of Sighs. It’s set inside a 16th-century palace and hides a dreamy garden filled with trees and flowers. Rooms boast beautifully refurbished period furniture.
Budget: Hotel Rio – Near the San Zaccaria Vaporetto stop, this 2-star hotel offers cozy, affordable rooms in different sizes with private bathrooms, kettles, and welcome trays. It overlooks a typical campo, with St Mark’s Square only 300 metres away.
Apartment: Gilt Edges – A tranquil one-bedroom apartment about 10 minutes’ walk from St. Mark’s Square. Equipment includes a microwave and a washing machine. Wood-beamed ceilings and antique details remind guests of the property’s history, creating a refined vibe.
Santa Croce
THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN VENICE FOR: staying away from the crowds and close to the transportation hub
The Santa Croce neighbourhood is a great location to consider when planning where to stay in Venice because it offers convenient access to the city’s main transportation hub and is a lot less touristy than districts like San Marco or San Polo. It’s full of Venetian charm which you can enjoy at a fraction of the price! It’s also the only place where you’ll spot cars in Venice since it’s the sole point connecting the island to the mainland.
The best things to see in Santa Croce include the Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo exhibiting 18th-century clothing and perfume, and Ca’ Pesaro, a beautiful baroque palace home to the Museum of Modern Art with works by Klimt, Chagall and Kandinsky. Another highlight is the Church of San Giacomo dell’Orio, with its paintings by Veronese.
How to get to Santa Croce
Getting to Santa Croce is easy since it’s close to bus, train, and ferry stations. However, getting to Venice’s big sights requires a lot of walking and public transportation.
- From the airport: take the Aligaluna – blue line towards Ferrovia and get off at “Tronchetto” or “Ferrovia” (about 2h, €15 one way).
- From the train station: the heart of the neighbourhood is only a quick stroll away. The area is served by Actv Vaporetto lines 1, 2, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6 and N, with main stops “Piazzale Roma” and “Riva De Biasio”.
Where to stay in Santa Croce
Luxury: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel – One of the best hotels in Venice, with 18 luxurious rooms designed to reflect unique aspects of local history and culture. Highlights include a tranquil garden facing the Grand Canal and an exclusive 2-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Mid-range: Hotel Olimpia Venezia – This charming hotel is located right next to Piazzale Roma and is steps away from the Vaporetto that cruises up to St Mark’s Square. There’s a lovely garden and a bar overlooking Rio delle Burchielle, and rooms are decorated in 18th-century Venetian style.
Budget: Hotel Falier – A great little hotel if you are looking for good facilities with a limited budget. Conveniently located next to the Frari Church and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, it’s got cozy rooms with damask fabrics and a charming private garden to relax in the shade of wisteria.
Apartment: Venetian Palace – A stunning apartment in a historic palace complete with frescoed ceilings dating from the 17th century, hand-painted dressers, and even a private water door for gondola arrivals. The apartment has two bedrooms and is on the second floor, accessible via ancient spiral staircases.
Dorsoduro
THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN VENICE FOR: enjoying art and the nightlife scene
View of Grande Canal from Ponte dell’Accademia
Lo Squero di San Trovaso
Dorsoduro is a lively neighbourhood southeast of the city, just across the Accademia Bridge from San Marco. It’s home to the Ca’ Foscari University, which makes Campo Santa Margherita one of Venice’s most vibrant and enjoyable squares. This sestiere is also home one of the few remaining gondola boatyards in all of Venice, the squero di San Trovaso.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Venice that’s near the main museums, then Dorsoduro is an excellent option. Here you’ll find the Accademia art gallery, home to the world’s most extensive collection of Venetian art from the 14th to the early 19th century, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which showcases modern art by the likes of Picasso, Dalì, and Mondrian. Additionally, there’s the Ca’ Rezzonico museum of 18th-century Venice and the grand Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute with Tintoretto’s “Marriage at Cana” painting.
How to get to Dorsoduro
- From the airport: take the Aligaluna – orange line towards S.M. del Giglio and get off at “Ca’ Rezzonico” (about 1h15min, €15 one way).
- From the train station: take the Actv Vaporetto lines 1 and 2; the main stops are “Ca’ Rezzonico”, “Accademia”, and “Salute” (about 30min, €7.50 one way). Walking to the Accademia bridge would take about half an hour.
Where to stay in Dorsoduro
Luxury: Sina Centurion Palace – Located on the Grand Canal, next to Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, this 5-star hotel offers comfort, slick design, and a modern take on Italian classics in its award-winning restaurant. Rooms have stunning views of either the canal or the lovely internal garden.
Mid-range: Pensione Accademia-Villa Maravege – A former patrician residence turned exclusive hotel nestled within a private garden right next to the Grand Canal. Cherished by movie directors and illustrious personalities, it offers elegantly furnished rooms, including some larger ones for families.
Budget: Hotel Galleria – A lovely little hotel with only 9 rooms right by the Accademia bridge. Its cheerful atmosphere, cozy furniture, and delicious breakfast make it a great place for a budget-friendly stay in central Venice.
Apartment: To The Nines – Located on the top two floors of an ancient palazzo, this beautiful apartment was once the home of fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy and boasts marble, elegant wallpapers, and state-of-the-art facilities. It’s less than 5 minutes from the Accademia Gallery and has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace.
Giudecca
THE BEST AREA TO STAY IN VENICE FOR: authentic island life
View from San Giorgio Maggiore
Technically part of the Dorsoduro sestiere, Giudecca is a fascinating microcosm of its own. This idyllic island sits only a few hundred metres from the coast of Venice, but it feels a world away. Simple and relaxed, it provides a window into everyday island life.
Giudecca is a charming residential neighbourhood that still bears the evidence of its former life as a fishing village and industrial area: two gondola shipyards are still operating and a former flour mill is now home to the Hilton Hotel.
Its main attraction is the Redentore Church built by Palladio for the Senate of the Republic to thank Christ the Redeemer for saving Venice from plague in the 16th century. One of Venice’s biggest traditional events, Festa del Redentore, is held here in July.
How to get to Giudecca
- From the airport: take the Aligaluna – blue line towards Ferrovia and get off at “Giudecca Stucky” (about 1h40min, €15 one way).
- From the train station: take Actv Vaporetto lines 2, 4.1, and N and get off at “Zitelle” or “Redentore” (about 15-25min, €7.50 one way).
Where to stay in Giudecca
Luxury: Belmond Hotel Cipriani – Among the best hotels in Venice, this one is the perfect spot for unrestrained indulgence, offering everything from flawless hospitality to signature spa treatments, Michelin-starred dining and unrivalled views of Venice.
Mid-range: Al Redentore di Venezia – Five luxurious, fully-equipped apartments near the Redentore Church, sleeping between 2 and 6 guests. They are decorated with a mix of antique and modern features, and some also have exposed beams and parquet floors.
Budget: Generator Venice – Occupying a former warehouse, this design hostel beautifully combines modern-day sophistication with its industrial heritage. There’s no shared kitchen but hungry guests will find a restaurant and café.
Apartment: Observation – A modern two-bedroom apartment on the southern side of the island, boasting a stunning rooftop terrace with 360º views across Venice and the lagoon. It’s on the third floor (accessible with a lift) and is complete with WiFi and air-conditioning.
Allora, Eccoci qua! (So, there we have it!) My complete guide on where to stay in Venice. Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below.
Don’t miss my guide to unique things to do in Venice
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