Where to Stay in Venice: Top 9 Best Places for Visitors

In today’s blog, I’ll explore where to stay in Venice and the nine top spots for visitors. For a very long time, I’ve found Venice to be one of the most romantic places on earth. Its meandering canals, elaborate bridges, and drifting gondolas create a magical atmosphere. From modern tourist destinations to historical sites, Venice offers a plethora of things to see and do.

1. San Marco: Welcome to Venice’s Heartbeat

When deciding where to stay in Venice, I always start with San Marco. Being the most central of all the districts on the central Venetian islands, San Marco is the greatest place for first-time visitors to Venice. Here, you’ll be in the center of everything, within walking distance from many eateries, pubs, and stores in Venice as well as its well-known attractions.

Key Attractions in San Marco

The crown of San Marco is the Basilica of Saint Mark, built in the eleventh century. I find the majestic domes and towering steeples of the magnificent church atop its imposing, arched façade breathtaking. Inside, the gilded highlights and exquisite mosaiced walls impress me even more.

I also love visiting the magnificent Doge’s Palace next door. Even the elaborate exterior of Doge’s Palace, which overlooks the Grand Canal, is worth admiring. When I have time, I enter the palace to see various displays from its history as a royal home and jail.

More Highlights in San Marco

Across the Rio del Palazzo canal from Doge’s Palace, the well-known Bridge of Sighs, created by Italian architect Antonio Contino, connects the prison. However, I think the old bridge is best appreciated from the Ponte Della Paglia. East of Saint Mark’s Square lies the Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Although it may become quite crowded, I find this plaza from the 12th century a well-liked meeting spot for both visitors and locals.

For a magnificent vista of Venice, I recommend scaling the top of the towering bell tour from the twelfth century in the middle of the Piazza. If you’re like me and wish to capture the romantic ambiance of Venice, San Marco is one of the best places in the city, with its many old structures and quaint side alleyways. Moreover, three sides of the Grand Canal offer plenty of chances for private riverbank strolls as well.

Accommodations in San Marco

Since San Marco is one of the busiest and most central neighborhoods in Venice, lodging costs can rise dramatically. Luxury is something San Marco offers in plenty. Once you move a short distance from the river, you’ll find several more mid-range possibilities. However, if you’re determined to stay in the San Marco area and want a room with views of the famous canals and lagoon, expect to pay a premium.

2. Dorsoduro: The Meeting Point of Culture and Art

Dorsoduro is second on my list of the best places to stay in Venice. Located over the Accademia Bridge from San Marco, Dorsoduro boasts some of the most well-known art galleries in the city together with a thriving nightlife. Within easy walking distance of your hotel, you can explore the sights and activities of San Marco to the east and San Polo to the north. Additionally, the Santa Croce transportation hub is conveniently located next door, making it simple to go to and from your bus, train, or automobile.

Cultural Highlights in Dorsoduro

Naturally, Dorsoduro offers plenty of advantages of its own, and visiting here has perks beyond the local area. Among the main cultural organizations in Venice, I love visiting the Gallerie dell’Accademia, the most well-known art gallery in the city. The gallery showcases classical artwork from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries, providing an ideal chance to get a thorough examination of the historical changes in Venetian art and fashion.

If you prefer more current and contemporary work, I suggest visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The surroundings are as impressive as the works of art by well-known painters like Dali and Picasso. The stunning Basilica of Santa Maria Della Salute is located further east in Dorsoduro. This stunning domed Basilica, dating back to the 17th century, is one of Venice’s loveliest structures.Peggy Guggenheim CollectionBasilica of Santa Maria Della Salute

Social Scene in Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro, a well-liked meeting spot for Venetians day and night, centers on Campo Santa Margherita. Situated among stores, market stalls, and homes from the 14th and 15th centuries, it’s also a fantastic nightlife destination. I enjoy views of the Giudecca Canal and a stroll along the picturesque Fondamenta Zattere promenade to the boatyard of Squero di San Trovaso.

Apart from the artistic features, Dorsoduro serves as the University neighborhood of Venice. The local student body frequents most of the local retail and hospitality establishments. As such, the streets are lined with chic cafes and fashionable stores. Because they cater to students, the cafes and restaurants in this area of town are typically more affordable than those in the tourist area.

Accommodations in Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro exudes a more relaxed atmosphere than the more manufactured tourist traps in San Marco. In the evenings, the youthful student body influences the bar scene. I find the greatest selection of bars in Dorsoduro, making it my top bet for entertainment after dark. Though Dorsoduro is near the city center, lodging costs are not as outrageous as you might think. While it’s not the least expensive part of Venice, there are still a lot of mid-range hotels to pick from, as well as a few more reasonably priced ones.

3. San Polo: A Sneak Peek at Venetian Legacy

San Polo ranks as the third-best location in Venice to stay. Situated in one of Venice’s oldest and smallest sestieres, San Polo lies directly across the Grand Canal from San Marco. It’s super central, with quick access to the public waterbusses of Venice. Another excellent place to stay for people who wish to be in a convenient location to see as many of the main sights as possible is San Polo. Families love San Polo since it’s not as busy as the center San Marco area but nevertheless accessible to a lot of well-known sites.

San Polo District

Historic Attractions in San Polo

I especially enjoy the old buildings and streets of San Polo. The famous Rialto Bridge is located here. Among Venice’s most well-known sites is the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the bridges crossing the Grand Canal to link San Polo and San Marco. Beyond being a footbridge, the Rialto Bridge provides a unique shopping experience with arcades of stores and kiosks offering anything from jewelry to trinkets along its entire length.

It’s not the same as the Rialto Market stores on the Rialto Bridge. One of the city’s oldest organizations, the Rialto Market dates back to the 11th century and predates the bridge. San Giacomo di Rialto church, near where the market is held, has been here for almost a millennium, thought to have been founded in 1071. Visiting this area offers an amazing opportunity to experience a piece of history.

Rialto Market

More Highlights in San Polo

In San Polo, you’ll also find some of Venice’s oldest churches and cathedrals. The Basilica Dei Frari, constructed in the early 1300s, is situated at the other end of the area from the Rialto Bridge. Next door to it is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, constructed less than 200 years later. The public space Campo San Polo lies at the center of the neighborhood. Apart from being a handy meeting spot, the area frequently hosts events. In a breathtaking historical setting, it presents concerts and seasonal events dating back to the 1400s.

Basilica Dei Frari

4. Santa Croce: A Calm Haven in the Middle of the Action

Santa Croce ranks as the fourth place to stay in Venice. This more peaceful and residential area is mostly grouped to the east of the town. Santa Croce primarily consists of infrastructure and transportation terminals, but you’ll find several beautiful museums towards Villaggio Eden.

Santa Croce District

Dining and Social Scene in Santa Croce

Generally speaking, the area offers far less upscale and pretentious retail and hospitality than you’ll find in the heart of Venice. I enjoy savoring the neighborhood eateries and cafes managed by families. It’s a great place to take a more leisurely break and socialize with the locals.

Santa Croce is well-connected to public transportation. Here, next to one another, you’ll find Venice’s main bus station and port. Staying in the Santa Croce area will save you time and effort getting to and from your hotel if you’re entering Venice by bus or boat. Additionally, situated directly over the Grand Canal is the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, the train station in central Venice. You’ll only need a short walk from the train station to your accommodation because Santa Croce connects to it by multiple bridges.

Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia

Accommodations and Accessibility in Santa Croce

If you’re driving into Venice, Santa Croce lies directly at the foot of the Ponte della Libertà bridge, the traffic and train bridge linking the Venetian islands to the mainland. No roads or automobile parking exist on the major Venetian islands except for Santa Croce. Staying here provides the quickest hotel access if you prefer not to deal with the hassle of lugging your stuff onto a ferry or water taxi. However, as parking is limited on the islands, I recommend inquiring about pre-arranged parking to avoid any last-minute surprises.

5. Cannaregio: The Meeting Point of Authenticity and History

Cannaregio is fifth among the greatest places to stay in Venice. Budget travelers should consider staying in Cannaregio since hotels here are typically less expensive than in central Venice while still being near the main sites. Cannaregio, formerly a thriving industrial district, is now the most populous residential neighborhood in Venice. I find it a lovely spot to stay, offering a more authentic neighborhood feel compared to other sestieri.

Cannaregio District

Historic Highlights in Cannaregio

Historical records show that Cannaregio housed the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, the first Jewish ghetto in history. Here, you’ll find numerous antique buildings, some of the oldest synagogues in the region, and a museum honoring the Jewish history of this part of Venice. These buildings date back to the early 16th century. I enjoy exploring the variety of kosher stores and delis in addition to the historic 16th-century structures. If you find yourself in town during the December Hanukkah celebrations, make sure to visit Cannaregio and take in the festive atmosphere.

Campo di Ghetto Nuovo

Shopping and Nightlife in Cannaregio

If you like to shop but value independent businesses and vintage boutiques over well-known brand names, Cannaregio is a fantastic place to go. Both residents and tourists particularly enjoy the Strada Nova shopping street. Ca’ d’Oro Palace is a stunning waterside mansion from the fifteenth century located in this area. It houses collections of Renaissance furniture and paintings by well-known Venetian artists.

Ca’ d’Oro Palace

Cannaregio also boasts the narrowest street in Venice, Calle Varisco, which is just 53 cm wide. Next to it, you’ll find the Fondamenta Ormesini, one of Venice’s top nightlife destinations.

Accommodations in Cannaregio

If you’re taking the train to Venice, Cannaregio is especially convenient. The Santa Lucia Train Station lies at the furthest point of the neighborhood. Staying here makes it much easier to get from the train station to your hotel compared to other areas.

6. Castello: Peace Among Ageless Beauty

Castello is one of the biggest neighborhoods in Venice and comes in sixth position on my list of the finest places to stay. Encompassing most of the city east of San Marco, Castello provides a prime location near the city’s main attractions without the overwhelming number of tourists.

Castello District

Historical and Cultural Highlights in Castello

Historically, Castello served as the marine center of Venice. A large portion of the historic shipping and industrial infrastructures have been maintained and now function as popular tourist destinations. I enjoy the fascinating displays on Castello’s history as a Venetian navy base at the Naval History Museum. The shipyard known as the Arsenale di Venezia originated in the early 12th century Byzantine era, and today, a number of events take place in the surrounding buildings.

Naval History Museum

The Venetian Biennale centers at the Arsenal. The Venice Biennale, an artists organization, plans several festivals throughout the year, each concentrating on a different area of the arts. Among these events is the well-known Venice Film Festival. Even when the Biennale isn’t holding any festivals or events, there’s always a ton of shows to see. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to many theaters and opera houses, complementing the array of museums and art galleries typical of Venice.

Parks and Gardens in Castello

East of the Castello neighborhood, I often visit the Biennale Gardens. The gardens offer a wonderful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, with unobstructed views over the Venice Lagoon and expansive stretches of greenery. However, during the Biennale’s festivities, the neighborhood becomes busier, and lodging prices can rise. Keep this in mind when making hotel reservations in Castello.

Biennale Gardens

7. Giudecca: A Calm Haven from the Masses

Giudecca, a big, long island located south of Venice’s main city, ranks as the seventh-best place to stay. The principal islands and Giudecca aren’t connected by bridges, so staying here means relying on ferries to travel to and from the city’s central area.

Giudecca Island

Artistic and Natural Attractions in Giudecca

The area has transformed significantly from its days as a military station and later a prison island. Today, Giudecca serves as a verdant suburban haven for the city’s creative population. I find Giudecca beautiful, with many verdant parks and gardens on the island itself. The vistas from the beach are breathtaking. Many studios and tiny galleries, owned by the independent artists living in Giudecca, are dispersed among the homes. This is a great location to explore if you want to see more contemporary works than the classics.

I particularly enjoy visiting the Santissimo Redentore Church, built by Palladio in the sixteenth century. Annually in July, the church hosts the Redentore festival.Santissimo Redentore Church

Accommodations in Giudecca

Being so remote from the main city has the benefit of making Giudecca far less popular than Venice’s major islands. If you want to stay in Venice away from the throngs, Giudecca is a wonderful choice. Relatively speaking, Giudecca offers some really affordable lodging options.

8. Lido di Venezia: A Beachside Haven

It comes eighth on my list of the best places to stay in Venice. Lido is the best Venetian area if you’re thinking about taking a beach holiday rather than a city trip.

Lido di Venezia

Beach and Social Scene in Lido di Venezia

Lido is ideal for a holiday spent lounging on the sand because it boasts the beautiful Blue Moon beach running along the eastern side of the island. While this area of Venice doesn’t have many attractions, you’ll have no trouble finding stylish waterfront cafes and cocktail bars to unwind at, so you won’t run out of things to do.

Blue Moon Beach

There are no bridges connecting Lido to the city core across the Venice Lagoon from the major islands. Consequently, you’ll need to rely on ferry services if you wish to do any sightseeing in the main city. It’s not too difficult; several routes go to different parts of Venice. The Venice Film Festival mainly takes place here. If you’re coming especially for the event, the Lido is where you want to stay. However, if you aren’t coming during the festival, you might wish to choose another time or location as it gets costlier and more crowded.

Venice Film Festival

Natural Attractions in Lido di Venezia

Renting a bike allows me to explore Alberoni’s natural oasis and dunes, Oasi WWF Dune degli Alberoni, a protected natural reserve on the south side of the island. Lido is among the few places in Venice that allow cars, making it more practical and accessible for those with mobility issues who find it challenging to navigate the main islands’ ferries and pedestrian lanes.

Oasi WWF Dune degli Alberoni

9. Mestre: Reasonably Priced Luxury Outside of the City

Situated within a short distance by public transportation from Venice, Mestre ranks ninth on my list of the finest places to stay in Venice.

Mestre District

Attractions and Accessibility in Mestre

As car parking and lodgings in Mestre are far less expensive than in Venice, I find it one of the greatest places to stay in Venice on a budget or with a car. Though the more well-known islands are home to the majority of the famed Venetian attractions, Mestre offers plenty of things to see and do. Dating back to the 1800s, Forte Marghera is a very unusual venue for events and art galleries. Museum M9 provides an alternative perspective on how technology impacts our personal and family lives. It makes forecasts on how technology might affect our future civilizations. Observing how accurate those forecasts turn out to be fascinates me.

Forte Marghera

The numerous waterways on the Venetian islands make it impossible for cars to reach the main city. This fact can challenge people with mobility issues who depend on shaky ships and little bridges. Staying in Mestre removes that problem. While touring might require a workaround, getting your stuff to your accommodation won’t be difficult.

Accommodations in Mestre

Getting into Mestre is generally easier than entering several of the island districts. Apart from driving into Mestre, you can also travel directly into Venezia Mestre rail station, located in the center of the Mestre district. Venetian trains take about ten minutes and cost less than €2. Hotels in Mestre are incredibly reasonably priced since they’re outside the city core. Staying in Mestre might save you a lot of money, even after factoring in the extra expense of getting to and from any attractions you wish to see. If money is tight, Mestre is the greatest spot to stay, but if you’re visiting Lagoon City for the first time, I think Venice is the better option.

Venezia Mestre rail station

Conclusion: Select Your Venetian Journey

That’s where I recommend staying in Venice and the nine greatest places to stay in Venice. All things considered, San Marco’s excellent location makes it the ideal place for first-time visitors to stay in Venice. You’ll be in the center of everything if you stay here, walking distance from the best tourist spots in Venice as well as eateries, pubs, and stores.