Having a hard time deciding where to stay in Venice? I get it. There are so many Venice neighborhoods (also called sestieri) to choose from it can be overwhelming. That is why I wrote this guide for the best hotels and neighborhoods in Venice to suit your budget.
Having lived in the city and, also being a frequent visitor, I can give you the low-down on some of the best places to stay in Venice, and insider tips on interesting things to see and do.
Where to Stay in Venice Italy
When choosing where to stay in Venice, it is very important, to plan where you are in relation to the attractions you want to see. Here, I’ll give you lots of information about the five best neighborhoods to stay in Venice, so you can make the best plans.
It’s also good to think about how to get to and from the airport and how you’ll be getting around on your trip. If you want to read my tips, you can skip directly to “getting around Venice” now.
Venice is a muse to many. She is a city that you can (and I have done) visit many times over. While the big-hitters such as Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are fantastic and always worth revisiting, there is a lot more to Venice in the side streets.
1. San Marco – Where to Stay in Venice for First Time Visitors
San Marco is probably the most famous and one of the best areas to stay in Venice. When you think of Venice, the image that comes to mind is the iconic Saint Mark’s Square, or the Bridge of Sighs with a gondola slowly sailing along it.
Making your base in the San Marco area is good for seeing the top tourist sights. Staying there means you can easily enjoy the famous square late in the evening or early morning when it’s much quieter and you can have it almost to yourself.
It also means you’ll be very close to popular attractions such as the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. For the opening in the morning, thus avoiding the long lines that are there usually there later in the day. It has a lot of nice restaurants in it to dine at in the evenings but not late nightlife, so quietens down by around 10pm.
Where to Stay in San Marco
Best 5 Star Hotel in San Marco: Hotel Casanova Just 71 m from Piazza San Marco and 100 m from Harry’s Bar, Hotel Casanova is set in an 18th-century building in the center of Venice. It offers free WiFi throughout. TripAdvisor /Booking.com
Best Mid-Range Hotel in San Marco: Hotel Gorizia a La Valigia – Just a 2 minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square, Gorizia A La Valigia offers a comfortable stay in Venice center. The air-conditioned rooms have either a modern or traditional Venetian design. TripAdvisor /Booking.com
Best Budget Hotel in San Marco: Hotel Caneva Hotel Caneva is set between the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, a 5-minute walk from the Basilica. A great choice if you are interested in old-town exploration, culture, and ambiance. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Best Air B&B in San Marco: GLAMOR APARTMENT AT ST. MARCO SQUARE – Elegant and comfortable apartment, located on the first floor of a historic building, it is a quiet and modern apartment that sleeps up to 4 people, ideal for a family. Check availability on VRBO
Things to see in San Marco
Piazza San Marco – (St. Mark’s Square) – In the heart of Venice is this magnificent square. St. Mark’s Basilica and Museum can have very long lines, so purchase a skip the line ticket and take a tour with a local guide. Book here
Saint Mark’s Basilica – The basilica is one of the most stunning churches I’ve ever seen, with its mosaics, gold leaf and imposing statues.
Saint Mark’s Basilica Museum – Upstairs from the main basilica is the small but interesting Saint Mark’s Museum. Well worth the time and €5 entry fee.
The Bridge of Sighs – The famous bridge is supposedly the last place where convicts heading to Venice’s jail have the sweet view of freedom, therefore sigh as they cross it.
Doge’s Palace – The most important building in Venetian history. Dive into Venice’s history with this 2-hour guided walking tour of Saint Mark’s Square. Including skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace. book your ticket here
Getting to San Marco
- Vaporetto – From the international airport Marco Polo Airport (VCE) you can take a vaporetto directly to the stop at San Marco. These are run by Alilaguna vaporetto (water bus) company, and takes about 70 minutes, and costs €14 per person.
- Bus – You could also take the airport bus to Piazzale Roma, which takes 20 minutes and costs €6. You’d then also need to take a vaporetto from there to Saint Mark’s Square, which will take about 40 minutes more (plus waiting in between bus and water bus), and this costs €7.50 one way
2. San Polo – Where to Stay in Venice with Family
San Polo is Venice’s smallest district, and one of the oldest neighborhoods in Venice. It was first settled in 800AD. Located in central Venice, this area is well known for its vibrant nightlife and fresh fruit and vegetable markets.
This is a great area to make as your base in Venice as it contains many of the major attractions but is a little less crowded and expensive than San Marco.
By day, the main features are the bustling markets, art-filled churches, squares still used by local families and unique shops in its tiny streets. By night, it is livelier than San Marco with many small Cicchetti (Italian tapas) bars, trattoria, osteria and bars that are busy until around midnight.
Where to Stay in San Polo
Best Luxury Hotel in San Polo: H10 Palazzo Casanova – Steps to the Grand Canal, modern hotel with great amenities. One of the best hotels in Venice if you are looking for that modern interior. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Best Mid Range Hotel in San Polo: Locanda Sant’Agostin – Small but elegant boutique B&B in an excellent location just 5-10 minutes walk from every interest point. TripAdvisor /Booking.com
Best Budget Hotel in San Polo: San Polo Star – Quiet hotel, good location and amenities for budget accommodation. TripAdvisor /Booking.com
Best Air B&B in San Polo: Suite Tower Rialto – Located on the third floor of an 18th-century building, it’s the ideal place for those who want to experience a romantic getaway in Venice, or for those who choose Rialto as a strategic point for their holiday. Check availability Air B&B
Things to see near San Polo
Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market- Venice’s most famous bridge is the most photographed bridge in Venice. Book a Gondola Serenade on the Grand Canal for a romantic excursion.
Rialto Market – Starting in the 11th century as the city’s principal fruit and vegetable market. It is full of stores selling Venetian crafts, Murano glass products, jewelry, and higher-end souvenirs. Read more and book your refundable ticket here.
Campanile – The Campanile is the tallest clock tower in Venice.
Campo San Polo – Despite its vicinity to the major tourist attractions, it retains a distinctly local feel. Bordering it is my favorite restaurant for pizza in Venice – Birreria La Corte.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Church – This is San Polo’s most loved church and it is crammed full of incredible religious art.
Get Your Venice Museum Pass for entry to Venice museums like Doge’s Palace and Murano Glass Museum. Valid for 180 days from the moment you exchange your voucher in Venice for the official Venice pass. Book now.
Fondamenta della Misericordia – The long ‘Foundation of Mercy’ street has great transport links to the airport, Mestre and other towns out-with Venice.
Cicchetti – Stop to try Italy’s version of tapas – cicchetti – while in this area. My favorite spot is the “Hostaria Vecio Biavarol dal Puppa.”
Getting to San Polo
- Piazzale Roma bus terminal area and the Piazale Roma vaporetto stop are the most convenient for transport to and around the city and beyond. They are on lines 4, 6, and 7 for vaporetti.
- Zattere is the best stop for the Jewish Ghetto area, with lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 18 serving this stop
3. Cannaregio – The best place to stay in Venice on a budget
Cannaregio is the largest sestiere (neighborhood of Venice, both by size and population. It is chock full of history, tradition and many of Venice’s most beautiful buildings. It spans from San Marco to the Grand Canal and the Lagoon covering much of the northern part of the city.
Part of this area is located just a few minutes walk from the Piazzale Roma, so it has great transport links and is easy to get to and get around from.
The Fondamenta della Misericordia is a particularly good street to make a base with its proximity to Piazzale Rome and the airport buses on one end and heading towards San Polo and Rialto at the other.
Hotels have usually been cheaper in this neighborhood of Venice, but have been going up in price recently with several hotels getting refits as visitors realize more what a good spot for a base it is.
If you are looking for lower-priced Venice hotels this is a great place to start.
Where to Stay in Cannaregio
Best Luxury Hotel in Cannaregio: Carnival Palace Hotel – Modern and stylish 4-star boutique hotel tucked away from the hustle and bustle on the Cannaregio Canal. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Best Mid Range Hotel in Cannaregio: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental – Newly renovated 4-star hotel in the heart of Cannaregio offering large rooms. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Best Budget Hotel in Cannaregio: Hotel Atlantide – Good budget choice. Walking distance to popular Venice Attractions. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Best Air B&B in Cannaregio: Apartment Ca’ Tintoretta – This two-level luxurious apartment( 50mq) has just been restored elegant, bright, comfortable. Is characterized by two balconies that make it very bright. Check availability on Air B&B
Things to see near Cannaregio
Ca D’Oro – Once one of the top addresses for parties in Venice, it is now a palazzo art gallery open to the public. Opening hours: Daily 8.15am-6.15pm.
Jewish Ghetto – A small Jewish community still lives there today and you can visit the five synagogues still there within the Ghetto’s three sections.
Madonna dell’Orto Church – It contains artworks by Venetian Renaissance artist Tintoretto and has a stunning statue of the Madonna and Child. Opening hours: 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, 12pm-5pm on Sunday.
Jewish Museum of Venice (Museo Ebaico di Venezia) – Locals started this museum to protect the area’s history and showcase the textile manufacturing and goldsmith work done here. Opening hours: Daily 10am-7pm.
Getting to Cannaregio
- Piazzale Roma bus terminal area and the Piazale Roma vaporetto stop are the most convenient for transport to and around the city and beyond. They are on lines 4, 6, and 7 for vaporetti.
- Zattere is the best stop for the Jewish Ghetto area, with lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 18 serving this stop.
4. Dorsoduro – Where to Stay in Venice for Nightlife
Dosoduro is the university campus area of Venice, so is where students study and live. This means the area is good for cheaper accommodation and good deals eating out, as well as having the liveliest nightlife in Venice.
The lesser-known Dorsoduro is quieter than most areas, with fewer tourists and lower prices. This makes it a good place to stay in Venice. Fewer tourists mean it’s a more authentic part of the city but still not far away from the main sights. And it still has its share of attractions.
This is where two of the best museums in Venice are located – Galleria L’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Make this your base if you want your Venice accommodation to be near great nightlife, galleries and places to dine out.
Where to Stay in Dorsoduro
Best Luxury Hotel in Dorsoduro: Palazzo Veneziano – Contemporary 4-star hotel right at the waterfront, with two vaporetto stops at its doors. TripAdvisor /Booking.com
Best Mid Range Hotel in Dorsoduro: Casa Accademia – Artsy location near Peggy Guggenheim Museum, churches. Rated one of the best values in Venice. TripAdvisor /Booking.com
Best Budget Hotel in Dorsoduro: Guesthouse Ca’ del Gallo – For budget travelers interested in art museums and churches. TripAdvisor /Booking.com
Best Air B&B in Dorsoduro: Panoramic views on the Frari Church with terrace – The apartment is very bright and sunny with impressive views over the gardens, the Fondamenta, and the rio della Frescada, with views of the famous Church of the Frari and the famous San Rocco school. Check availability on Air B&B
Things to See near Dorsoduro
Galleria dell’Accademia – This gallery complex made up of three buildings that used to have religious purposes before being part of the museum. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 8.15am-7.15pm, Mondays 8.15am-2pm.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection- European and American artists of the 20th century are the main show here, and The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is Venice’s most important modern art gallery. Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily except closed on Tuesdays.
Museum Pass – This is the museum district, so be sure to have your museum pass handy!
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute – This church was actually built by survivors of the plague to give thanks for being saved, as 80,000 Venetians perished with it. Opening hours: 9.30am-12pm, 3pm-5.30pm.
Campo Santa Margherita – This ancient square has been the main hub and meeting point of the area since the 14th century. T
Nightlife – Lining the Campo Santa Margherita is some of the best nightlife spots in the city. Check out Chet Bar for suave cocktails, Café Noir for boho charm and Malvasia all’Adriatico Mar for the wine fans.
Take a Dorsoduro and San Polo Private Walking Tour – Explore this area with a local guide to find hidden gems.
How to Get to Dorsodor
- Bus – From Termini, bus H runs to Viale de Trastavere. From Piazza Venezia, take bus 780.
- Tram – Tram 8 runs from Largo di Torre Argentina along the main drag of Viale di Trastavere.
5. Murano – Where to Stay in Venice for a Local Experience
Murano is the most famous of the 118 islands of Venice. It is famous for its glass factories where local artisans have been creating beautiful art for centuries.
Murano can be reached by vaporetto from the mainland easily, with the waterbuses heading over there every 15-20 minutes. The vibe here is completely different from the mainland of Venice.
It is a lot quieter and more local style. If you’re looking for lively nightlife, Murano is not the spot for you. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then it’s perfect.
The main things to see and do here revolve around the industry of the famous Murano glass, and food. The shoreline of Murano is lined with many small trattorias – family-run restaurants.
Evenings in Murano are best spent enjoying a leisurely dinner at one of these, savoring fresh local seafood and long conversations over a bottle of Veneto area wine.
Where to Stay in Murano
Best Luxury Hotel in Murano: Murano Suites – A romantic hilltop hideaway housed in an elegant villa. Located at Piazza Sant’Anselmo 2. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Best Mid Range Hotel in Murano: Hyatt Centric Murano – Set in the heart of Murano island, Hyatt Centric Murano Venice is your convenient basecamp for exploring Venice. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Best Budget Hotel in Murano: Al Soffiador – Clean budget hotel on Murano Island. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Best Air B&B in Murano: New apartment in Murano the amazing Glass Island – Check availability and reviews on Air B&B
Things to do in Murano
Murano Island Tour – This tour gives you a taste of Murano, Burano and Torcello stopping at each island for 45 minutes. Cruising to each by boat.
Museo del Vetro – Check out Murano’s renowned Museum of Glass to see exactly how the famous crafts are created.
Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato – The mosaic style of this basilica that dates all the way back to the 600s is Murano’s Duomo and most important church. It is dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Donata.
Stroll the waterfront – Mainland Venice can often be too crowded for this simple pleasure, but Murano is perfect for it.
Eat at a trattoria – Osteria al Duomo, Trattoria busa alla Torre, and Acquastanca are particularly known for this using fish caught in the lagoon.Trattoria Valmarana and Trattoria bar Serenella dal Coco have tasty and reasonably priced fixed menus.
Shop – While Murano glass products are the main attraction for shoppers on the island, there is also a flourishing old trade-in lace items.
Venice Island Hopping Tour – Take a private tour island hopping to Murano, Burano and Mazzorbo traveling by ferry with a private guide
How to Get to Murano in Venice
- Take the vaporetto over from the mainland to Murano, on line 3, 4 or 6.
- Remember to check the first and last times of the waterbuses if you’re heading back later in the evening as they often end by 10pm, and earlier in off-season
Best Money Saving Tip in Venice
The best way that you can save money and seeing all of the sites is to get yourself a Venice City Pass from Get Your Guide You can get it for Your 24,48 or 72 Hour pass includes all of these and more:
- Book your Venice Pass Now!
- Enjoy free rides on the city’s water taxis and buses
- Entrance to Doge’s Palace, Correr Museum (Museo Correr), Venice National Archaeological Museu, Biblioteca Marciana.
- Also, take advantage of entrance to 16 of the city’s most beautiful churches.
- For a more detailed outline see: the Venice City Pass Details here.
- Instant confirmation with printed or mobile vouchers accepted and free cancellation with up to 24 hours notice
Best Time to Visit Venice
Venice is popular to visit year round, with spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) providing the most pleasant temperatures of usually around 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit and infrequent rain.
The summer gets very sticky, reaching temperatures over 100 Fahrenheit, especially in August, which is when the locals flee for their holiday homes by the Spiaggia (beach).
Winter (December-February) sees cooler temperatures of usually between 45-65 degrees, and more rain, but also a lot fewer tourists to compete for the sights with.
Getting Around Venice
Venice is tricky to get around, It is built on water and made up of 118 islands but taking a vaporetto (water bus) is the easiest and most convenient way to get from place to place.
A water taxi is an expensive option to get around Venice or vaporetto, which is a waterbus is much more affordable.
Single ticket: €7.50 – If you’re only one or two journeys on your stay in Venice, get single tickets when you need them.
24-hour ticket: €20 – If you’re planning on going on more than two vaporetto trips in 24 hours, this is the way to go for this. Since this is a 24-hour ticket, not a day ticket, so you can use it until the same time the next day, so you can time accordingly to get the most out of it.
Private Half-Day Tour Murano & Burano – It’s a dream to take a private boat in Venice, this tour takes you by private boat from your hotel to Murano and back. (shuttle boat between islands) With a private guide tour the islands, glass factory and get insight into daily life.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO VENICE
- 3 Days in Venice: The Ultimate Itinerary
- 24 of the Best Things to do in Venice
- Venice City tour By Boat
Read all of our articles on Italy in our Italy Travel Guide
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Venice is a true masterpiece of beauty and exquisite architecture. With so much to do and see. Thank you for sharing.
Hi,
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I was planning a visit to Venice and was in quite a dilemma for which hotel should I book. You gave me some good options to consider. Thanks for sharing.
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Super Helpful! Thank you for all this info!
These all pictures are very beautiful and this place is famous for food and very yummy food in Venice.
Venice looks like a very beautiful place. And I’m quite certain the food is out of sight and finger licking good. 🙂