I have had many a visit in Venice and Italy, in general, this is one beautiful city that I have continuously returned to. In this post, I am going to guide you on where to stay in Venice so you can enjoy all that is on offer in the beautiful and magical city that draws in so many. Built on more than 100 small islands on an Adriatic sea lagoon.
Each and every corner on the grand canal showcases beautiful architectural gems, from Renaissance and Gothic Palaces, stunning piazzas like Piazza San Marco which has the gorgeous St Mark’s Basicilla, in fact our last stay in Venice was only a short walk from San Marco Square. You can also read about how you can book a luxury taxi ride straight from Venice airport without breaking the back.
Also See:
- How to Arrive on Venice Canals With Breaking The Bank
- Top Tips On How To Have A Lux Stay In Venice On A Budget
- The Best Photography Spots In Venice
- A Guide To Exploring Sintra’s Pena Palace
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Where To Stay In Venice | Best Areas To Stay In Venice
Whether you are looking for a hotel view with an eye-catching stretch of the Grand Canal, or hotel looking across the water to Santa Maria Della Salute, perhaps a hotel close to St Marks Square under the watchful eye of the Campanile and St Marks Basilica and Doge’s Palace surrounded by Museums.
If you want to be a quick walk to Rialto Bridge, stay near the picturesque corner of the Cannaregio district or in the Jewish Ghetto, Venice is beaming with hidden alleyways harbouring beautiful hotels that make it so had to chose which to pick but not with the Venice neighbourhood guide below. You can choose where to stay in Venice as I tell about the best areas to stay in Venice below and all this recommended places to stay in Venice within each price brack for each area.
Stay In San Marco
San Marco is the most famous district in Venice and has one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – the Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). As such, San Marco is often one of the pricier destinations in Venice, but it is worth it.
Located at the center of Venice, this district houses the largest number of tourist attractions, monuments, and museums. San Marco is loved by both Venetians and visitors. From short stays to day trips, San Marco offers something for everyone visiting this neighborhood in the heart of Venice. Click here for hotels in San Marco and to compare reviews and rates.
The Best Hotels In San Marco
- Hotel San Samuele
- B&B Fortuny
- B&B Residenza Corte Antica
- Rosa Salva Hotel
- Hotel Bartolomeo
- The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
- Ai Patrizi di Venezia
Stay In Castello
Castello is on the quieter eastern side of the city bordering San Marco and Cannaregio. Though Castello is the largest of the six districts in Venice, it is one of the few places in Venice that you can truly enjoy a quiet and peaceful experience. It is also the only neighborhood that doesn’t face the Grand Canal.
But, Castello is in close proximity to all the major tourist attracts in the area, and you can take the ferries to nearby islands such as Murano and Burano. One of its major attractions is the Venetian Biennale, the cultural institute that hoses architecture and art exhibits. In Castello, you can traverse one of Venice’s rare straight and wide boulevard in Via Garibaldi. Click here for hotels in Castello and to compare reviews and rates.
The Best Hotels In Castello
- La Porta D’Oriente B&B
- Biennale APT Balcony
- Mascherone Apartment
- Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia
- Residence Ca’ Foscolo
- Liassidi Wellness Suites
- Hotel Ai Reali – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Stay In Cannaregio
Cannaregio is located on the banks of the Grand Canal. But unlike San Marco, it is less crowded. Cannaregio can therefore offer a more authentic Venetian experience because it is not one of the most frequented tourist areas in Venice.
The neighborhood has several historic landmarks including the Jewish Ghetto, home to the Jewish Museum. From renaissance art to architecture, Cannaregio offers much to explore. If you still want the major tourist attractions in San Marco, it is only a 15-minute walk away.
With nearly one-third of the population living in Cannaregio, it is easy for visitors to find local amenities such as grocery stores, banks etc. The neighborhood boasts numerous restaurants that serve local dishes and bars where you will often see local Venetians. Click here for hotels in Cannaregio and to compare reviews and rates.
The Best Hotels In Cannaregio
- Asteria Venetian Suite
- Aquavenice
- Al Ponte Antico
- Charming Palace Corte del Teatro
- Arcadia Boutique Hotel
- 3749 Pontechiodo
- Ca’ Amadi
- Palazzo della Torre
Stay In San Polo
On the opposite side of the Grand Canal to San Marco and Cannaregio is the smallest of Venice’s six districts, San Polo. But despite its size, it is nonetheless and one of the busiest neighborhoods in Venice.
There are four foot-bridges that offer pedestrians staying in San Polo (and Santa Croce behind it) quick access to the major attractions in the heart of Venice. But, San Polo does offer its share of history, culture, and architecture. Amongst its famous attractions is the Rialto Bridge along the Grand Canal. And there is also Campo San Polo, the piazza that is at the heart of the district. Click here for hotels in San Polo and to compare reviews and rates.
The Best Hotels In San Polo
- Palazzo Morosini Degli Spezieri Apartment
- Antico Mercato
- Sweet Home and Garden
- B&B Rialto Dream
- Anne Apartment
- Hotel Palazzo Barbarigo Sul Canal Grande
- Hotel L’Orologio
Stay In Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is the artsy Venetian district bordering San Polo and across the Grand Canal from San Marco. Dorsoduro is a popular destination for young people partly because of the towns bohemian charm as well as its exciting nightlife.
Bars and clubs are open until late and you can find bars with a relaxed atmosphere that serve affordable drinks until the early hours of the morning. Then, two of the major attractions in Dorsoduro that feeds your rhapsodian desires is the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and the Galleria dell’Accademia di Venezia, both of which carry priceless pieces of artwork. Click here for hotels in Dorsoduro and to compare reviews and rates.
The Best Hotels In Dosoduro
- Primaluce
- Hotel Ca’ Nobile Corner
- Color Apartment Venice
- Ca’ Zose
- Suite735
- NH Venezia Rio Novo
- Hotel Moresco
- Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Stay In Santa Croce
In the western corner of the Venice lies Santa Croce. This district is bordered by the districts of Dorsoduro and San Polo, and the Grand Canal which is lined with palaces. Santa Croce was named after a former monastery which was demolished in 1810 and now stands as a public park.
One of Venice’s busiest spot – the bus station at Piazzale Roma – is located in Santa Croce. It has picturesque canals and corners that bears exploring. It’s also easy to access the town center and other districts from here either on foot or by taking the bus. The district is graced with centuries-old buildings and small vendors selling handicrafts that make excellent souvenirs. Click here for hotels in Santa Croce and to compare reviews and rates.
The Best Hotels In Santa Croce
- Albergo Marin
- Hotel Falier
- Hotel Arlecchino
- Hotel Olimpia Venezia
- Corte Realdi Suites Venezia
- Hotel Santa Chiara & Residenza Parisi
- Santa Croce Boutique Hotel
- Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
Also See:
- A Quick Guide To Italy’s Lake Garda
- Where To Stay In Lake Como
- A Weekend In Warsaw
- 20 Things To See And Do In Paris
Pin For Later
Johnny
I pretty much like Castellon because it is on the quieter eastern side of the city and I’m lucky I know someone there who would help me see the place through a local’s eye. I’ve heard a lot about it and I can’t wait to visit. Would love to explore the Grand Canal. This post makes me so excited about our visit to Venice.
Jessie
I do wish we could’ve afforded to stay in San Marco when we visited Venice, but I’m not too sad about it. We ended up staying in Dorsoduro and it was still mindblowingly beautiful, which isn’t too surprising because… well, it’s Venice, of course it’s beautiful. If I had unlimited money I’d love to travel to Venice every year and stay in every district just to see how they compare.
Matthew
Looking to try to Venice in the near future, this definitely gave me some great advice looking into the different areas to stay in Venice. I think my eye is current draw towards Santa Croce, will be doing some further research, thanks for the tip!
Bianca
You are welcome, I am sure you will love Venice when you do visit.
Rukky Pelsk
It is obvious the best place to stay in Venice and quickly get in touch with Venice’s ancient but beautiful landmarks is the district of San Marco. from the article, it seems their hotels there are quite expensive but do you know the average cost of a suite in a hotel in this district.
Bianca
San Marco is a popular place and hotel suites in Venice will vary in price depending on the season. When we were looking some were starting from around £500+ into the thousands depending on the hotel and star rating.
Joyce Wesley
I have always thought of visiting San Polo, around the summer. What is the average cost for booking any of the best hotels in San Polo?
Campbell Kerr
This is such a useful post, thank you! The pictures are also beautiful <3
Bianca
Awesome. Glad to hear you found the post useful. Venice is one of my favourite cities in Italy. So glad you found the Venice neighborhood guide useful.
Thandi
I am visiting Venice in June, I am so happy I stumbled onto your post. So many amazing tips. Just amazing that now I get to find someone to stay in Venice with all the wealth of information on the best areas to stay in Venice. Hopefully, I can find a great place to stay in Venice on a budget.
Bianca
Wonderful that you found this useful. There are so many amazing places to stay in Venice so I am sure you will find something within your budget.
Emma
Such an informative post Bianca.I Wish i took explore Venice soon.