Planning a trip to Venice but unsure where to stay? We’re here to help! Venice is a special city divided into neighborhoods that each have a unique character of their own. Whether you want to be in the thick of things or in a quieter area with locals, our local expert has put together this guide to help you find the perfect place to stay in Venice.
There’s no one-size-fits-all Venice neighborhood. Some give you glam Grand Canal views, others let you sleep soundly away from the crowds. The best base depends on your budget, vibe, and how much you like walking (or waiting for a ferry).
Tucked along the southern edge of Venice’s main islands, Dorsoduro feels more lived-in than polished. This is where university students rub shoulders with gallery-goers and locals linger over late dinners in tucked-away osterias. It’s the right neighborhood if you want culture and calm without sacrificing access to top sights.
Why Stay in Dorsoduro
This is one of Venice’s best-kept secrets: a central location without the chaos. It’s close to big sights, but still feels authentic.
Culture without the crowds: Visit top-tier museums like the Peggy Guggenheim and Punta della Dogana—minus the tour groups.
Relaxed but central: From Campo Santa Margherita to the Accademia Bridge, you’ll have easy access to nightlife and main attractions without the noise.
Less glam, more grit: It’s not as polished as San Marco, and some streets feel more residential than romantic.
Hotels in Dorsoduro
Excess Venice Boutique Hotel & Private Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Garden & Terrace • Private Spa
Romantic, adults-only villa with a sunny garden and private spa, just a short stroll from Campo Santa Margherita’s nightlife.
San Marco is Venice’s most famous district, and also its busiest. If you want to be in the thick of things, from sunrise views in St. Mark’s Square to late-night cocktails near the Rialto, this is where it all happens. It’s walkable from every major sight, and ferries are just a few minutes away.
Why Stay in San Marco
San Marco is all about location. You’ll be right in the middle of it all, with minimal need for transport and maximum access to Venice’s big-ticket sights.
Icon central: From basilicas to bridges, you’re a short stroll from nearly every must-see spot in the city.
Shopper’s paradise: Fashion boutiques, artisan glass shops, and café-hopping galore line the lanes.
Touristy, but that’s why you’re here: It’s busy, but nowhere else in Venice looks quite this iconic.
Hotels in San Marco
Nolinski Venezia – Evok Collection ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Indoor Pool • Cool Bar • Spa
A high-design retreat with piano lounge vibes and a luxe spa, this one’s for travelers who want Venice with a modern twist.
Follow the lagoon east of St Mark’s and the crowds thin into Castello, Venice’s biggest—and most authentic—sestiere. Naval shipyards, cicchetti bars, and Biennale buzz share space with everyday life here. Arrive on foot in minutes or via the vaporetto stops at Giardini and Arsenale.
Why Stay in Castello
This is where Venice slows down a bit. There’s more room to breathe, a strong local food scene, and plenty of personality.
Artsy and open: Castello is the cultural heart of the Biennale and home to modern art spaces, bookstores, and leafy gardens.
More local than luxe: Great for travelers who prefer trattorias to tourist menus and want to explore lesser-known corners.
Not for nightlife lovers: But perfect if you’d rather wake up to church bells than party crowds.
Hotels in Castello
Hotel Metropole Venezia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Decadent Decor • Antique Furnishings
From salon antiques to a candlelit spa, everything here screams opulence—perfect for couples planning a “just‑this‑once” Venetian splurge.
Cannaregio stretches from the train station to the edge of the lagoon, covering a lot of ground with surprisingly few tourists. Its centerpiece is the lively Fondamenta Misericordia, lined with canal-front bars and no-fuss trattorias. This is also where you’ll find Venice’s historic Jewish Ghetto and wide canals perfect for slow evening walks.
Why Stay in Cannaregio
This is where the city’s true personality shines through. You’ll eat better, sleep easier, and get a more grounded take on Venice.
True Venetian dining: From Al Timon to hidden cicchetterie, you’ll eat and drink better for less.
Roomy canals, roomy budgets: Wider waterways feel open and airy, and hotel rates trend friendlier than in the south.
Less romantic, more real: It’s not all gondola views and marble bridges, but it’s one of the most genuine parts of Venice.
Hotels in Cannaregio
Madama Garden Retreat ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elegant and Refined • Outdoor Terrace
A genuine garden escape with stylish rooms and discreet room service, perfect for travelers craving quiet nights near Fondamenta Misericordia.
Just south of the main islands, Giudecca offers a slower, more spacious take on Venice—think rooftop pools, garden terraces, and fewer people around every corner. It’s home to some of the city’s top luxury stays and faces San Marco with uninterrupted views across the water. You’ll need to ferry or boat-hop to get to the main sights, but the quiet payoff is worth it.
Why Stay in Giudecca
Giudecca is a great place to stay if you’re looking for luxury with space to breathe. It’s removed from the chaos of central Venice but still close enough to dip in and out when you want
High-end hideaway: Home to some of Venice’s swankiest properties, often with pools and private docks.
Gorgeous and grounded: Enjoy local wine bars, galleries, and strolls along the waterfront without the tourist crush.
Slightly detached: Boat rides are a daily must, but that distance helps keep things blissfully crowd-free.
Hotels in Giudecca
Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Olympic‑Pool • Lagoon Views
Wake to lagoon sunrises, spend afternoons beside the iconic pool, then boat across for dinner in buzzing San Marco.
First-timers: San Marco puts you steps from Venice’s most iconic sights and ferry connections.
Couples: For scenic strolls and art-filled afternoons, stay in Dorsoduro or Giudecca.
Families: Cannaregio gives you room to stretch out and easier access to trains and ferries.
High-end travelers: Stay in Giudecca or near the Grand Canal for luxury hotels with spas and private boats.
On a budget: Head to Cannaregio for great food, lower prices, and a local feel.
Looking for calm: Stay in Castello or Giudecca for crowd-free mornings and quiet evenings.
Best Tours and Experiences in Venice
If you’re short on time, book a tour. Professional guides turn history into gripping stories, steer you around crowds, and handle boat logistics to the outer islands.
You won’t ruin your trip by staying in these areas. However, if your goal is to avoid crowds and have easier access to everything, consider somewhere else.
Murano and Burano: These colorful islands are charming in daylight and absolutely worth the ferry ride. But they’re far from the action, and you’ll spend a lot of time (and money) getting back and forth. Save them for a day trip, not your base.
Santa Croce: It’s the first stop for trains, buses, and parking garages, which means lots of hustle and bustle. It’s not terrible, just not tranquil. Plus, you’re right on the main tourist corridor that funnels toward St. Mark’s.
San Polo: Home to the iconic Rialto Bridge and market, San Polo is worth visiting—but sleeping there means you’re in the middle of a constant photo op. The energy is high, the streets are packed, and it’s not ideal for early nights or quiet mornings.
Where To Stay in Venice FAQs
Is it expensive to stay in Venice?
Yes, but neighborhoods like Cannaregio and Castello have affordable hotels and guesthouses.
What’s the best area to stay for first-time visitors?
San Marco is the most central and close to all the main sights.
Can you visit Athens without renting a car?
Yes, Athens is very walkable and well-connected by metro, buses, and taxis—there’s no need for a rental car within the city.
What’s the best time of year to visit Athens?
The best time to visit Athens is from April to June or September to October when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
Is Giudecca a good place to stay?
Yes, especially for luxury or quiet getaway. But be prepared for daily ferry rides to reach the main islands.
Where should I stay in Venice on a budget?
Cannaregio has great prices, authentic charm, and easy transport options.
How many nights should I stay in Venice?
Three nights is a sweet spot for sightseeing, food, and a day trip or tour.
Which Venice neighborhoods are the quietest?
Giudecca and Castello are peaceful, especially at night.
What’s the most romantic area in Venice?
Dorsoduro and Giudecca offer beautiful views, art, and quieter streets for couples.
Final Thoughts
Whether you crave rooftop pools on Giudecca or back‑street cicchetti in Cannaregio, remember everything is a short ferry or an unforgettable stroll away. Choose wisely and let the lagoon do the heavy lifting for the rest of your trip.
Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!
