Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Venice: The Canal City

Venice, the City of Canals, has captivated visitors for centuries with its ethereal beauty and rich history. Stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, the gentle lapping of water against ancient stones will make you ask yourself why you haven’t visited this place sooner.

Venice isn’t just a city; it’s a living, breathing work of art. But with over 30 million tourists visiting annually, finding the right place to stay can make or break your Venetian dream. We are sure our guide here of the city’s best places to stay in Venice’s top neighborhoods will help you find your perfect Venetian retreat.

Table Of Contents

The Top 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Venice
Two Neighborhoods to Avoid Staying
Conclusion

The Top 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Venice

1. San Marco: The Heart of Venice

San Marco is the heart of Venice, home to the city’s most iconic landmarks. Staying here means you’re a stone’s throw away from the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and the grand Doge’s Palace. The neighborhood buzzes with energy, filled with high-end shops, charming cafes, and some of the best people-watching spots in the city.

The best places to stay in Venice’s San Marco neighborhood:

Solo Travel: Hotel Firenze. A cozy boutique hotel with friendly staff and a perfect central location.
Budget-Friendly: Locanda Fiorita. A charming, no-frills guesthouse offering great value in a prime location.
Couples Escape: The St. Regis Venice. Luxury redefined with stunning Grand Canal views and impeccable service.
Family-Friendly: Hotel Bisanzio. Spacious family rooms and a welcoming atmosphere close to major attractions.
Group Travel: Palazzo Selvadego. Elegant apartments perfect for groups, steps away from St. Mark’s Square.
High-End Luxury: Aman Venice. An opulent 16th-century palazzo offering unparalleled luxury and privacy.

2. Cannaregio: Local Flavor

Cannaregio is where you’ll find the authentic Venice. Home to the historic Jewish Ghetto, this neighborhood is less crowded and offers a glimpse into everyday Venetian life. Wander along the Fondamenta della Misericordia for some of the city’s best cicchetti bars.

The best places to stay in Venice’s Cannaregio neighborhood:

Solo Travel: Carnival Palace Hotel. Modern comfort in a quiet location with easy access to transport.
Budget-Friendly: Hotel Arcadia. Stylish rooms at affordable prices in a renovated historic building.
Couples Escape: Ai Mori d’Oriente. A romantic 4-star hotel with a beautiful garden, perfect for couples.
Family-Friendly: Pesaro Palace. Spacious suites in a historic palazzo, ideal for families.
Group Travel: Casa Caburlotto. Simple but comfortable accommodations perfect for larger groups on a budget.
High-End Luxury: Venissa Wine Resort. An exclusive retreat on the island of Mazzorbo, connected to Burano.

3. Dorsoduro: Artistic Haven

Dorsoduro is Venice’s artistic soul, home to world-class museums like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia. This neighborhood offers a perfect blend of local life and tourist attractions, with charming squares, authentic restaurants, and picturesque canals.

The best places to stay in Venice’s Dorsoduro neighborhood:

Solo Travel: Casa Rezzonico. A quaint B&B in a quiet location, ideal for solo explorers.
Budget-Friendly: Hotel Tiziano. Comfortable rooms at reasonable prices in a less touristy area.
Couples Escape: Ca’ Maria Adele. A romantic boutique hotel with uniquely themed rooms and exceptional service.
Family-Friendly: Hotel American Dinesen. Spacious rooms and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near major museums.
Group Travel: Palazzo Veneziano. Modern luxury with options for connecting rooms, perfect for larger groups.
High-End Luxury: The Gritti Palace. A 15th-century palazzo offering timeless elegance and breathtaking views.

4. Castello: Off the Beaten Path

Castello is Venice’s largest sestiere, offering a mix of tourist hotspots near San Marco and quiet, residential areas further east. It’s home to the Arsenale, once the largest naval complex in Europe, and the lush Giardini, site of the Venice Biennale.

The best places to stay in Venice’s Castello neighborhood:

Solo Travel: Hotel Indigo Venice – Sant’Elena. A tranquil retreat in a former convent, perfect for solo travelers seeking peace.
Budget-Friendly: Hotel Agli Artisti. Simple, clean rooms at great prices near the Arsenale.
Couples Escape: San Clemente Palace Kempinski. A luxurious island resort offering unparalleled romance and seclusion.
Family-Friendly: Hotel Bucintoro. Spacious rooms with lagoon views, close to family-friendly attractions.
Group Travel: Residenza Ca’ Malipiero. Elegant apartments suitable for groups, centrally located in Castello.
High-End Luxury: Metropole Hotel. Opulent rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant near St. Mark’s Square.

5. Santa Croce: Gateway to Venice

Santa Croce is often overlooked by tourists, but it offers a strategic location for those arriving by car or bus. It’s home to Venice’s main transport hub, Piazzale Roma, and offers a mix of local life and easy access to major attractions.

The best places to stay in Venice’s Santa Croce neighborhood:

Solo Travel: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal. Comfortable rooms with easy access to transport and major sights.
Budget-Friendly: Hotel Arlecchino. Great value accommodations steps away from Piazzale Roma.
Couples Escape: Hotel Antiche Figure. Romantic rooms in a 15th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal.
Family-Friendly: Bellini Venezia. Newly renovated rooms and family suites near the train station.
Group Travel: NH Venezia Rio Novo. Modern hotel with spacious rooms, perfect for groups exploring Venice.
High-End Luxury: Santa Croce Boutique Hotel. Luxurious rooms and impeccable service in a quiet corner of Santa Croce.

Two Neighborhoods to Avoid Staying

Mestre: While technically part of Venice, Mestre is on the mainland and lacks the charm and character of the historic center. It’s often cheaper, but you’ll miss out on the magical atmosphere of staying in Venice proper.
From Venezia-Mestre station, it is about a 10-minute bus or train ride into the eastern end of Venice in Santa Croce. It is then about another 20 minutes by vaporetto (water buses) or 45 minute hour walk to get to the main center of San Marco.
Giudecca: Although it offers stunning views of Venice, Giudecca can be inconvenient for first-time visitors. The need to rely on the vaporetto (water buses) to reach the main islands can eat into your sightseeing time and budget.

Conclusion

Venice is a city like no other, where every corner tells a story and every canal reflects centuries of history. Whether you choose the bustling energy of San Marco, the artistic vibrancy of Dorsoduro, or the local charm of Cannaregio, you’re in for an unforgettable Venetian experience. Remember, the best way to discover Venice is to get lost in its labyrinthine streets and let the city reveal its secrets to you.

So pack your bags, book your perfect Venetian accommodation, and prepare to fall in love with the Floating City. Buon viaggio!

Visiting other parts of Italy? Check out our other ‘Best Towns and Neighborhoods to Stay’ pages for a deeper look into the different regions and cities across Italy!