Planning a trip to Venice in Italy and wondering where to stay on your first visit? In this guide, we share our experience-based tips and suggestions for the best neighborhoods to stay in Venice.
For each area, we list the main advantages and disadvantages of staying there and include hotel recommendations for all budgets.
Whether you are interested in sightseeing and cultural attractions, want to experience the more authentic side of Venice, or are looking to combine a city trip with a short beach break, this guide will help you choose the best place to stay in Venice to suit your interests and budget.
For a complete resource on where to stay in Venice, a neighborhood guide (including advantages and disadvantages of each), and our top hotel picks in each area, check out the detailed article below. But first – my personal recommendations for first-time visitors.
My Favorite Hotels in Venice
If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are simply looking for insider tips on the very best places to stay in Venice, here are my hand-picked recommendations for your visit.
Simply click on the hotel name for more details and rates:
- Near the railway station: Hotel Abbazia. Set in a restored monastery, this popular hotel offers excellent value in Venice. It’s located close to all public transport – very convenient for a short visit.
- Very central, walking distance to everything: H10 Palazzo Casanova. This highly-rated 4* hotel has a modern, elegant interior, and a stunning rooftop terrace. It’s located near Rialto Bridge and right on the Grand Canal – the location is pretty much as central as it gets.
- Traditional charm in the heart of old town: Donà Palace. This boutique hotel is located inside the 14th-century buildings and features spacious rooms with classic elegant furnishings. Just 2 minutes walk from St. Mark’s Square and 8 minutes from Rialto Bridge, the location is perfect for sightseeing.
- Hotel Montecarlo – one of the most popular lower-budget hotels in the center offering an excellent price/quality ratio for Venice.
- The most iconic luxury hotel on Riva degli Schiavoni: Hotel Danieli. Housed in a magnificent 14th-century palace, this famous hotel is a symbol of Venetian elegance and history. If you’re looking for a truly iconic and refined stay that captures the grandeur of Venice, this is the place to be.
- Outside the city: Leonardo Royal Hotel Mestre. This location is perfect if you are traveling by car and/or on a lower budget. Just 10-15 minutes by train, tram, or bus from Venice.
PRO TIP: Book your hotel in Venice as soon as you know your travel dates, especially if you are traveling between March and early November. In the warm season, accommodation prices in Venice often go through the roof, especially if you book last minute.
Not booking accommodation (and activities!) well in advance is one of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make. Another one is not checking if the hotel has air conditioning. If you are visiting in the summer, double-check this!
Choosing where to stay in Venice depends on your budget and what kind of trip you want to have. Below, you can find an overview of the best neighborhoods (aka sestiere), including their pros and cons, to help you find the perfect base for your visit.
The numbers on the map above indicating Venice’s neighborhoods correspond with the numbers on our list below.
As you can see, some areas are quite large and spread out. Needless to say, choosing a hotel just near the railway station vs. the eastern side of Cannaregio isn’t comparable. Or staying on the outskirts of Castello vs. in the area that borders San Marco. So a lot depends on where exactly your hotel is located and not just on the neighborhood.
PRO TIP: Get a public transport pass for the entire duration of your trip. No matter where you stay in Venice, using water buses (vaporetto) will save you lots of walking. There are many routes with boats going every 12 minutes.
Vaporetto is the best way to see the entire Grand Canal, visit the smaller islands, and explore Venice to the fullest. This pass is worth it even if you just do 2-3 rides on the water bus, but if you stay in Venice for a few days, it’s a bargain.
Where to Stay in Venice – Neighborhood Guide:
- SAN MARCO: most iconic, best for sightseeing and shopping.
- CASTELLO: central but quieter – perfect for a longer stay.
- SAN POLO: most central, great for exploring on foot.
- SANTA CROCE: good transport connections, best for a short stay.
- CANNAREGIO: good transport connections but also more local atmosphere. Good value for your money.
- DORSODURO: more artsy, best for culture lovers.
- LIDO: more posh, best for beaches.
- GIUDECCA: very quiet and most authentic.
- MESTRE: on the mainland, best for those traveling by car or looking for a much better value on a lower budget.
1. San Marco
The heart of the city, with easy access to all the main sights and lots of shopping and dining options. Perfect for first-time visitors.
San Marco is the heart of the city and is the best area to stay in Venice for first-time visitors. This iconic district is home to St. Mark’s Square with Basilica and Campanile Tower as well as the Doge’s Palace. Staying here is very convenient for sightseeing.
You’ll be within walking distance of all top attractions. Transport connections (by water bus) are excellent too, with direct lines to pretty much anywhere you may want to go – railway station, the airport, nearby islands, and also excursions to Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands.
Advantages:
- Most central location.
- Plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafes.
Disadvantages:
- The most touristy and crowded area.
- Accommodation is more expensive.
- Takes longer to reach the airport or railway station.
Recommended hotels in San Marco:
€€€€€€ Baglioni Hotel Luna.
€€€€€ Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione.
€€€€ Rosa Salva (more modern) and Dona Palace (more traditional) – both offer excellent value in a super central location.
€€€ Hotel Monte Carlo (great value).
€€ Domus Ciliota (very popular).
€ Hotel Caneva.
2. Castello
Convenient for sightseeing, but quieter. Perfect for a longer stay.
If you’re looking for a more tranquil experience in the center, the Castello neighborhood is a fantastic option. It offers a mix of quiet residential streets, charming canals, and easy access to all the main sights. This area also has lots of green spaces and the famous Venice Biennale art exhibitions and international pavilions.
Staying in the western part of Castello, you have pretty much all the benefits as in the San Marco area, but without the huge crowds. The further east you go, the quieter it gets.
Advantages:
- Central, with a bit more authentic local atmosphere.
- Peaceful and less crowded (if you go further east).
Disadvantages:
- Slightly further from Venice’s main attractions.
- Fewer accommodation options.
Recommended hotels in Castello, close to San Marco:
€€€€€€ Hotel Danieli (the most iconic luxury hotel – busy area).
€€€€€ Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel (quieter area).
€€€€ Hotel Bisanzio (great value, quieter area).
€€€ Hotel Commercio & Pellegrino (busy area) or Hotel Scandinavia (better value, quieter area).
€€ Hotel Rio (great value at a very central yet quiet location).
3. San Polo
Most central. Great for sightseeing and exploring the entire city on foot.
San Polo is the smallest and most central neighborhood in Venice. If you would draw a circle around central Venice, San Polo would be right in the middle.
Located between the station and the famous Rialto Bridge, this area offers easy access to pretty much any part of the city – whether on foot or by water bus. Staying here, you are close to all the action without being in the busiest parts of San Marco. That said, the area around Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge can get really busy during the day.
Advantages:
- Close to the Grand Canal and within short walking distance from the station as well as main attractions.
- Lively market scene and plenty of good dining options.
Disadvantages:
- Can be busy, especially around the market area.
- There are just a few hotels here and hardly any lower-budget options.
Recommended hotels in San Polo:
€€€€€ H10 Palazzo Canova (one of our top picks).
€€€€ Residenza d’Epoca San Cassiano.
€€€ Antica Locanda Sturion Residenza d’Epoca.
€€ Hotel Guerrato.
All of these hotels are located right on the Grand Canal, offering great views, except the last one, which is located close to Rialto Market.
4. Santa Croce
Convenient for transportation. Perfect for a short stay.
Santa Croce is a practical choice for travelers arriving or departing Venice, as it’s very close to Piazzale Roma (the main bus terminal) and also near the Santa Lucia train station.
While not as picturesque as other areas, its location makes it a great base for exploring Venice. It’s especially convenient if you arrive by bus (also from the airport) and only plan to stay for a night or two.
Advantages:
- Excellent transport connections.
- Less crowded and cheaper compared to San Marco and San Polo.
- Hotels for all budgets.
Disadvantages:
- Far from the main attractions.
- Some areas can feel more modern and less atmospheric.
Recommended hotels in Santa Croce:
€€€€€ Hotel Santa Chiara (just near the bus station).
€€€€ Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal (across the bridge opposite the train station).
€€€ Palazzo Marcello Hotel Al Sole.
€€ Albergo Casa Peron.
€ Hotel dalla Mora.
5. Cannaregio
WEST – easy transport connections, great for a short stay. NORTH – more authentic, local area. EAST – more central, close to Rialto Bridge. Overall, you can find better value for your money here than in most other neighborhoods.
Cannaregio is a big neighborhood, so it depends a lot on the exact place you decide to stay.
The western part is home to the Santa Lucia railway station and is super convenient for all public transport. If you are looking for a nice hotel where you can easily walk to with your luggage, this is the place to be.
The central part of Cannaregio is home to the historic Jewish Ghetto. The main canals here are lined with restaurants that are especially popular around sunset. It’s a great area to experience a more authentic, local vibe of Venice.
Advantages:
- Good transport connections.
- Authentic and less touristy atmosphere.
- Better value for your money (accommodations and dining).
Disadvantages:
- Not as close to major attractions as other neighborhoods.
- Some areas can feel less lively at night.
Recommended hotels in Cannaregio:
€€€€€ The Venice Venice Hotel (fantastic hotel near Rialto Bridge).
€€€€ Palazzo Nani (not too far from the station) or Pesaro Palace (close to Rialto area).
€€€+ Hotel Principe (on the Grand Canal, near the station).
€€€ Hotel Abbazia (great value near the station – one of our top picks).
€€ Hotel Guerrini (near the station).
€ Hotel Agli Artisti (near the station).
6. Dorsoduro
Central but quieter. Best for culture- and art lovers and more bohemian atmosphere.
Dorsoduro is known for its art galleries and cultural institutions, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia. It’s also home to the famous Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice as well as Venice International University are also located in this area.
The Dorsoduro neighborhood is also quite large and spread out, so also here, a lot depends on where exactly you choose to stay.
Good to know: While a big part of this Dorsoduro borders the Grand Canal and looks very central, the lack of bridges means that you will be more reliant on water buses and your feet if staying here. The area around the Accademia Bridge is super central and just a short walk from the main attractions.
Advantages:
- Rich in art and culture.
- Quieter, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Disadvantages:
- Some parts are quite far from the main attractions so prepare to walk and use public transport a lot.
- Some areas are less vibrant at night.
Recommended hotels in Dorsoduro (all these aren’t too far from Accademia Bridge):
€€€€€ Sina Centurion Palace.
€€€€ Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection (a very popular choice).
€€€ Hotel American-Dinesen.
€€ Salute Palace (great value).
€ Domus Cavanis.
7. Lido
Beach destination, a 10-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square.
Best known as the home to the Venice International Film Festival, Lido is Venice’s posh neighborhood and a popular beach destination.
With miles of sandy shores and a relaxed vibe, it’s a great place to stay in Venice in summer as it provides a perfect mix of a beach vacation and sightseeing. You can take a water bus to Venice whenever you feel like but you can also avoid the biggest crowds of the historic city center altogether.
Good to know: If you decide to stay here, keep in mind that the island is very long. Lido is the only island in Venice with roads and you may have to use a bus, taxi, or a bike if staying further from the main harbor/water bus stop.
Advantages:
- Relaxed, beach destination vibe.
- Quieter with no day tourists.
- Lower accommodation prices than in the center.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a 10-15 minute water bus ride to reach the city center.
- Less atmospheric than central Venice (a totally different vibe).
Recommended hotels in Lido:
€€€€ Hotel Excelsior (on the beach).
€€€ Ausonia Hungaria (iconic hotel in the center).
€€ Residenza d’Epoca Albergo Quattro Fontane.
€ Hotel Le Boulevard.
8. Giudecca
Very quiet, authentic vibe, a 7-17-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square.
Giudecca Island is a peaceful escape from the crowds of Venice, with stunning views of the lagoon and the city’s skyline. It might be a good place to stay for those looking for a slower pace and authenticity, but keep in mind that there is not much going on here and you will need to take a water bus for everything.
That said, transport connections are good and you are a short boat ride away from anything in Venice. Depending on where exactly you stay on Giudecca island and where you are going to, it can be just a 5-minute ride, but for most places, expect to spend at least 15-20 minutes on the boat.
Advantages:
- Authentic and very quiet.
- Affordable accommodations.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a Vaporetto ride for everything.
- Very limited accommodation, dining, and shopping options.
There are just two hotels and a sort of dorm/hostel in Giudecca:
€€€€ Hilton Molino Stucky Venice (nice rooftop terrace).
€€ Hotel Giudecca Venezia.
€ Generator Venice (a super popular hostel).
In addition, you can find some privately-rented accommodations on this island.
9. Mestre
On the mainland, best for those traveling by car or looking for better value on a lower budget.
Mestre is a small town located on the mainland, just a short train, tram, or bus ride from Venice’s historic center (via Ponte della Liberta – the Freedom Bridge). It’s a great choice if you are visiting Venice by car or train and are more budget-conscious.
It’s also a good place to stay if you prefer a local town vibe and a less touristy atmosphere.
Good to know: If you decide to stay in Mestre, look for a hotel within a short walking distance from Venezia Mestre railway station.
Advantages:
- Accommodations here are significantly more affordable and you get a lot more for your money than anywhere in Venice.
- Easily accessible by car and convenient transport links to Venice (trains, buses, trams).
Disadvantages:
- Lacks the charm and unique ambiance of Venice’s canals.
- Commuting to the main attractions can take 20-50 minutes.
Recommended hotels in Mestre (very close to the station):
€€€ Staycity Aparthotels Venice Mestre (also great for families).
€€ Leonardo Royal Hotel Venice Mestre (super popular, offers great value).
€ ECO UNAHOTELS Villa Costanza Venezia (great reviews).
So, this is our guide to the very best places to stay in Venice. I hope that this gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
Each of Venice’s neighborhoods has its own charm and character, so no matter where you stay, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
However, when choosing where to stay, consider what matters most to you – proximity to landmarks, tranquility, or budget. In addition, don’t forget practical aspects, especially things like accessibility, air conditioning, stairs, elevators, room space, or even the height of the ceiling… Make sure to read the descriptions and customer reviews so that you know exactly what to expect. And if you find a place that you like and the price is reasonable, book asap!
More travel guides for Venice:
- Best Things to Do in Venice
- 1 Day in Venice
- 3 Days in Venice
- Tips for Visiting Doge’s Palace
- Venice Gondola Ride (tips for a better experience)
- Venice by Car (driving, parking)
- Visiting Venice with a Baby or a Toddler
- Venice in December (seasonal guide)
- For more city guides and destinations all over Italy, please see our Italy travel guide.
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