Where To Stay In Venice: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Are you traveling to Italy and wondering where to stay in Venice? As one of Italy’s most popular cities, famous for its romantic canals, Saint Mark’s Square, and historic bridges, Venice offers plenty of good accommodation options.

As more tourists arrive every year, hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses have popped on virtually every corner of the city.

I have been to Venice many times – including very recently, last December – and I have stayed in various neighborhoods of the city so I am ready to share my thoughts on the best places to stay in Venice, based on your travel needs and budget.

But there’s more! My cousin lives in Treviso, a smaller city just 30-minutes from Venice and actually a good choice for where to stay in Venice on a budget (because it’s not actually in Venice, and therefore, doesn’t have Venice prices). I have found staying there quite convenient in the past.

For an overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Venice, and the best places to stay in each of them, continue reading this post as I will go over every detail. But first, let me sum up what I believe are the best hotels in Venice for first time visitors – with something for any budget.

Overview Of The Best Hotels In Venice

This is my personal pick of the best places to stay in Venice. There’s something for every budget and taste. I provide a short description, but for more information and for the latest rates click on the name of the hotel:

• Hotel Danieli – By far the most famous luxury hotel in Venice, it’s where some scenes of the James Bond movie were filmed. It’s located in a 14th century palace on Riva degli Schiavoni, so a perfect base to explore.
• H10 Palazzo Canova – Close to Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal, this 4 stars hotel has a wonderful rooftop terrace for incredible views and modern rooms.
• Residenza Veneziana – One of the best mid-range priced hotels in Venice, it has plush rooms overlooking the canals, in the Castello Sestiere.
• Donà Palace – If location is everything, this is the best place to stay in Venice. You’ll be just 2 minutes away from St. Mark’s Square and 8 minutes from Rialto Bridge. The hotel is located in a 14th century building and features spacious comfortable rooms.
• Casa Favaretto – This guesthouse in Castello is one of the best places to stay in Venice on a budget. Rooms are plain, but the location is fantastic and the prices are hard to beat.
• Hotel Abbazia – Located in Cannaregio, Hotel Abbazia features classic rooms with all comforts and amenities, at a very reasonable price. It’s close to Santa Lucia Train Station so perfect if you are in Venice for a quick visit.

I have written a detailed post with the Best Venice Travel Tips, but there’s one that I need to stress right here: book your accommodation in Venice well ahead of your visit, to avoid skyrocketing prices (this is especially important if you are visiting in the peak season) and for more convenient choices.

Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Venice? (Neighborhoods and Recommendations)

Venice isn’t just one island; it’s a bunch of different neighborhoods (called sestieri) spread across multiple islands. And trust me, picking the right area to stay can make or break your trip.

I’ve explored every corner of Venice, from the city’s tourist hotspots to the quiet local areas, and here’s what you need to know about the best neighborhoods in Venice.

San Marco: where to stay in Venice for first-timers

San Marco is easily where to stay in Venice for first-timers, and honestly, there’s a good reason for it. This small but lively area takes its name from Venice’s patron saint and is home to the city’s most famous spots like Saint Mark’s Square – where you can visit St. Mark’s Basilica and go up the Campanile – the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.

Sure, you’ll find tons of tourists here and restaurants with menus in five different languages (but also some that are not so touristy), but don’t let that put you off. It’s an easy place to base yourself if it’s your first time in the city.

During high season, it gets pretty crowded (I mean really crowded), but if you’re only in Venice for a few days, the convenience of staying here is hard to beat.

It’s also one of the most expensive areas to stay in Venice (because the location is so convenient).

On the plus side, you’ll be close to all the main attractions in Venice, and it is well connected to other areas of the city and even Murano and Burano with the public vaporetto (Venice water bus). It’s also connected to Venice Airport thanks to the Alilaguna, which stops in San Zaccaria and in San Marco on Riva degli Schiavoni.

My post The Best Things To Do In Venice highlights all the most important attractions and activities you shouldn’t miss if you are visiting Venice for the first time.

Here are the best places to stay in Venice’s San Marco district:

• Hotel Danieli – Luxury. An iconic hotel with beautiful rooms. By far the best place to stay in Venice if you have the budget to splurge.
• Egò Boutique Hotel The Silk Road – Luxury. With antique furniture, views of the Grand Canal and close to Rialto Bridge, this hotel is expensive but worth it.
• Al Theatro Palace – Mid-range. Steps away from Teatro La Fenice (Venice’s famous opera house that’s been around since 1792) and close to St. Mark’s Square, a stay here includes a delicious breakfast too.
• Hotel Firenze – Budget. One of the best budget hotels in Venice, it also has a wonderful terrace for impressive views of the city.

Cannaregio: best place to stay in Venice on a budget

Cannaregio is the northernmost district of Venice and the second largest, taking its name from the Cannaregio Canal that once served as the main route into Venice before the railway arrived.

This neighborhood gives you that authentic slice of Venice you won’t find in the most touristy areas. Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Venice (certainly better than those you will find in the areas more crowded with tourists) and lots of good bacari (traditional wine bars serving cicchetti, Venetian-style tapas).

The history here runs deep, especially in the Jewish Ghetto, which dates back to 1516. The area was once locked down at night and guarded until Napoleon arrived in 1797 and removed the gates.

Today, many places in Cannaregio keep a strong Jewish character – there are a couple of synagogues you can visit too.

The main landmark is the Ca’ d’Oro, a stunning white palace from 1430 that used to be covered in gold leaf.

Staying in Cannaregio means you’re perfectly positioned to explore Venice, with the train station on the west making arrivals and departures a breeze. The eastern side of Cannaregio is closer to Rialto Bridge, whereas the northern bits remain more local and more authentic.

While budget-friendly prices and a more local atmosphere are reasons enough to stay in Cannaregio, one thing you need to consider if you decide to base yourself here is that you’ll be quite far from the main attractions.

Here are the best places to stay in Cannaregio:

• Venice Times Hotel – Luxury. This hotels represents the perfect balance between modern and old-world Venice. Breakfast is included in the price, and there’s a beautiful garden where you can relax.
• Pesaro Palace – Mid-range. Located in a 15th-century palace, the hotel is next to the Ca’ d’Oro vaporetto stop. Rooms are decorated in a classic style, with Murano glass lamps. Breakfast is included and there’s also a bar.
• Leone Hotel – Budget. One of the best cheap hotels in Venice, it’s close to Santa Lucia Train Station. Rooms are modern and comfortable, if only a bit plain. The vaporetto stop nearby makes it easy to reach the main attractions in the city.

Dorsoduro: where to stay in Venice for a quieter area

Over in Venice’s southeastern quarter, Dorsoduro brings a different energy to the city. This district grew up around the Giudecca Canal since the 6th century, and today, it’s where you’ll find the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and Venice International University.

The student presence gives the area a lively vibe with cool bars and creative spots you won’t find in other parts of Venice. Unlike the tourist-heavy San Marco, Dorsoduro feels more authentic, and it’s still within easy walking distance to the main sights.

The neighborhood isn’t just about nightlife, though. The stunning Santa Maria della Salute church, built in 1687, stands guard at the entrance to the Grand Canal, and the Ca’ Rezzonico palace shows off the best of 18th-century Baroque style.

Other places to visit in the area include the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia. There’s also the Squero di San Trovaso, one of Venice’s best hidden gems where you can still see how gondolas are made.

The Ponte dell’Accademia (Accademia bridge) connects you straight to San Marco when you want to explore – and it’s one of my favorite viewpoints in Venice. But you might want to stick around Dorsoduro’s artsy streets and local wine bars.

The main downside of staying in (some parts of) Dorsoduro is that it can be quite far from the main attractions – which remain easy to reach by vaporetto. But if you have – say – 5 days in Venice it’s quite a nice area to stay.

These are some of my favorite places to stay in Venice’s Dorsoduro district:

• Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection – Luxury. Located between Rialto Bridge and La Fenice Theater, rooms are classic with all the modern comforts. Parquet floors and marble bathrooms give it an even more elegant touch. Book in advance for rooms with canal views.
• Hotel Moresco – Mid-range. This hotel is nicely located so that while being in a quieter area of the city, you will also be close to all the best attractions. Rooms are incredibly elegant – classic, with some contemporary touches.
• Ca’ della Corte – Budget. This nice hotel is located in a 16th century building and an easy 7-minute walk from Piazzale Roma (where buses to Venice arrive). Rooms are cozy and comfortable.

San Polo: where to stay in Venice for short trips

San Polo sits right in the heart of Venice and is one of its oldest areas, as well as Venice’s smallest sestiere. It’s super compact but packs a real punch, nestled among the Rialto Islands with the Grand Canal flowing along its edges. Its location is the reason it’s so good for short trips.

The famous Rialto Bridge connects it to San Marco, making this neighborhood perfect for anyone who wants to be in the middle of everything without the intense tourist crowds you’ll find across the water (though the market area can be particularly busy).

The neighborhood has been home to Venice’s main market since 1097, and that market energy still pulses through its streets today. It’s a nice mix of local life and historical treasures.

The stunning Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari anchors the neighborhood, while the Scuola Grande di San Rocco shows off incredible Tintoretto paintings that most tourists never see.

One of the main issues you’ll encounter if you wish to stay in San Polo is that the offer of accommodation here is smaller compared to other sestieri, so you really need to book in advance.

The following are my favorite hotels in San Polo.

• H10 Palazzo Canova – Luxury. One of the best places to stay in Venice, it’s located in a historic building but the interiors are quite modern and elegant. You can get views of the Grand Canal from the hotel terrace. It’s located by the Rialto Bridge, thus exploring the city is very easy.
• La Villeggiatura – Mid-range. This small boutique has carefully decorated rooms that mix Venetian elements with modern comforts. It’s about 1 km (0.6 miles) from St. Mark’s Square.
• Ca’ Angeli – Budget. This small hotel is an incredible find. Located close to San Silvestro vaporetto stop, some rooms have views of the Grand Canal.

My post How Many Days Do You Need In Venice will help you decide how long to spend in the city. I also have a One Day In Venice Itinerary that will help you plan if you are short on time.

Castello: where to stay in Venice for local life

Castello stretches from the tourist bustle near San Marco to the quiet local areas near the old naval shipyards, making it feel like two worlds in one neighborhood. It’s Venice’s largest district, with roots from the 8th century.

The name comes from a fortress that once stood on the island of San Pietro di Castello, but what shaped this area was the Arsenale, the massive naval yard that made Venice a maritime powerhouse.

The western side bordering San Marco gets busy with tourists, but walk east, and you’ll discover a quieter and more authentic side of Venice. Here, you’ll find the impressive Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, where 25 doges are buried.

If you’re into Venice’s seafaring history, don’t miss the Naval Historical Museum. It opened its doors in 1919 and tells the story of Venice’s incredible maritime past.

The main downside of Castello is that there are fewer accommodation options. Here are my favorite picks:

• Ca’di Dio – Luxury. This recently renovated hotel captures 800 years of Venetian history in its walls. There’s a cozy reading room, a hidden courtyard garden, and a terrace with classic Venice views.
• Aqua Palace – Mid-range. With rooms looking the peaceful Rio della Guerra canal and a breakfast room floating above the canal, this hotel is a few minutes walk from St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge, making it a great base to explore the city.
• Casa Favaretto Guest House – Budget. This would be my top choice for a place to stay in Venice on a budget. You’re an easy walk from both St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge but far enough away to feel like you’re in a real neighborhood. You can opt for rooms with a private or shared bathroom – they are spotless.

Giudecca: best place to stay in Venice away from the crowds

Just across the water from busy Dorsoduro lies Giudecca, a long, skinny island that feels worlds away from tourist Venice. This little slice of Venice keeps the old-school local vibe alive. You won’t find any cars or motorbikes, and most tourists never make it across the water, which is exactly what makes it special.

While you’re separated from the main islands by the Giudecca Canal, getting back and forth is simple on the affordable water buses and takes between 7 and 20 minutes.

The best part about staying here is the view. You get to look at postcards of Venice all day long, with St. Mark’s bell tower and basilica creating that perfect skyline across the water.

The island has its treasures, too, like the Casa dei Tre Oci, which hosts interesting exhibitions throughout the year, and the Church of the Redeemer, built in 1577 as thanks for the end of a terrible plague.

It’s a very budget-friendly area to stay in Venice, but because it’s separate from the main city you need to take a vaporetto all the time – which may put you off.

Below are my favorite places to stay in Giudecca:

• Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel – Luxury. This hotel is in a league of its own. The hotel overlooks the lagoon, for wonderful views of the city. There’s an outdoor pool and in-house restaurant too.
• Hilton Molino Stucky Venice – Luxury. I have already mentioned this hotel in my post about the best views of Venice, because the terrace (open to the public) offers wonderful views. It’s a large hotel with all the comfort and amenities you can expect from a luxury place to stay.
• Casa Eden – Mid-range. Here you’ll find both apartment and suites, and all rooms have balconies for beautiful views. There’s a shared kitchen too, and a garden perfect for relaxing.
• Ca’ Delle Erbe – Budget. This spacious apartment gives you a real taste of local Venice life. Tucked away on a quiet side canal, it’s the perfect escape from the tourist crowds while keeping you connected to everything. It’s perfect for a family.

Santa Croce: where to stay in Venice for easy access to the city

Santa Croce might be your spot if you’re looking to dodge the tourist crowds. This laid-back neighborhood sits north of San Polo, and since it doesn’t border the busy San Marco area, it keeps that peaceful local feeling.

Interestingly, it’s the only part of Venice where you’ll see cars because this is where the city’s main entrance is. Piazzale Roma is here, where buses connect you to Marco Polo and Treviso airports.

While the western part does feel a bit industrial (there’s a huge parking island called Tronchetto), don’t let that put you off. Santa Croce hides some amazing historic treasures. The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Giacomo dall’Orio is a lovely 9th-century church named after a long-gone laurel tree.

You’ll also find the fancy Baroque Chiesa di San Nicola da Tolentino and the small but beautiful San Simeone Profeta tucked away in the back streets. The waterfront Church of San Stae is another gem with its stunning decorated facade.

The main plus side of staying in Santa Croce is the availability of places for any budget, but if I have to mention a downside that would be that it’s quite far from the more famous attractions.

Here’s my selection of hotels in Santa Croce

• Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli e Gran Canal – Luxury. Located in a 16th century building, you’ll have the Grand Canal views you dream about in Venice. The cozy rooms have all the modern comforts. The coolest part is Mozart’s family once stayed here.
• Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo – Mid-range. This small hotel is spread across two floors of an old Venetian building. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the Rialto Bridge,
• Casa Caburlotto – Budget. Located in a former convent still run by nuns, staying at this hotel is a unique experience. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and having breakfast included is a nice bonus. It’s near Piazzale Roma but tucked away on a quiet street.

Lido di Venezia: where to stay in Venice to enjoy the beach

This is Venice’s beach escape, stretching 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) along the lagoon. While most people know it as home to the glamorous Venice Film Festival at the end of summer, this long island has a way more interesting story.

People have lived here since ancient Roman times, back when it was called Metamaucum (now Malamocco) in the southern part of the island. The whole shoreline is dotted with old forts and military buildings from centuries of conflict, especially the fights between Venice and Genoa in the 1300s.

These days, Lido is Venice’s beach playground. It’s not the best beach in Italy, but it’s been a summer hotspot since the early 1900s, and Italians still flock here when the weather warms up.

I stayed in Lido during a work trip to Venice years ago and loved how different it feels from the main islands. You get that local vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere, plus getting to the famous sights is easy by vaporetto (though keep in mind it’s still a 20 minutes ride every time you want to go to central Venice).

While you shouldn’t expect the white sand beaches of Sardinia or crystal clear waters, it’s a perfect spot to mix some beach time with your Venice exploring.

On the plus side, staying in Lido is quite cheaper than staying in central Venice.

Here are my recommended places to stay in Lido di Venezia:

• Villa Gabriella B&B – Luxury. This beautiful Art Nouveau villatakes you right back to Lido’s early days as a fancy beach resort. It’s family run and there are both rooms and apartments, as well as a rooftop terrace.
• Hotel Rivamare – Mid-range. The whole place has this cool mid-century vibe with retro furniture and lots of houseplants that make it feel alive. Breakfast is included in the price, and bike rental is also available.
• Hotel Giardinetto Venezia – Budget. This small hotel proves you can find a clean, comfortable place to stay in Venice without spending a fortune. You’ll have a comfy room, fresh towels daily, and all the toiletries you need. Breakfast is included, and there’s a vaporetto stop right nearby.

Murano and Burano: where to stay for colorful and unique vibes

Most people will tell you not to stay in Murano or Burano, even though it’s a popular day trip from Venice. These islands pack so much history and character into their narrow canals.

Murano is seven tiny islets connected by bridges, and it’s been the glass-making capital of Venice since 1291 when the city forced all the glass furnaces to move here because of fire risks. Walking around Murano today, you can still feel that artistic heritage.

Burano takes the charm factor even higher with its rainbow-colored houses lining the canals. These aren’t just pretty paint jobs. Each house color follows strict rules, and homeowners need city permission to paint their houses to keep the color harmony perfect.

Beyond the famous colored houses, Burano is known for its incredible lacework tradition – but the accommodation options there are very limited.

Once day-trippers leave Murano and Burano, you’ll have the islands to yourself and find a more local, relaxed atmosphere. The downside of staying here is that if you wish to explore Venice it’s always a vaporetto ride.

Here are the best places to stay in Murano and Burano:

• Casa Sulla Laguna – Luxury. This is the place to stay in Murano for impressive views. There are plenty of restaurants nearby. Rooms are simple and elegant.
• NH Collection Murano Villa – Mid-range. This hotel really offers a luxury experience without the top-tier prices. There’s a fitness center, a spa, and carefully designed interiors. You’ll also enjoy a breakfast buffet every morning.
• Al Soffiador – Budget. Close to the vaporetto stop and to restaurants and cafés, rooms are simple but comfortable, and they all have air-conditioning which is a must in the summer.

Treviso: where to stay near Venice

Many will suggest that the best place to stay near Venice on a budget is Mestre, but I prefer Treviso.

This small town sits 30 minutes from Venice by train and is one of the best hidden gems in Italy. It also offers significantly lower accommodation prices. You can use it purely as a base for Venice trips, but it holds its charm and character.

Since my cousin lives here, I visit frequently and can tell firsthand that getting to and from Venice is simple and quick.

The city joined the Venetian Republic in the early 1200s and still showcases its heritage through preserved walls and meandering canals. But what really sets Treviso apart is its food scene.

The city birthed tiramisu, one of Italy’s most famous desserts. It’s also known for its unique eel dishes served with creamy polenta, and the surrounding region is the original home of prosecco. It’s a great place to stay if you want a more authentic Italian experience.

Below is my selection of places to stay in Treviso:

• Dimora del Teatro – Luxury. Close to the train station, the Venice commute from here is a breeze. Each room has its personality, with elegant decor that makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere truly special.
• Dafne B&B – Mid-range. Dafne is a wonderful place to stay in Treviso. The friendly staff will welcome you with wine or champagne in your room, fresh fruit, and treats. It’s close to the train station, which makes commuting very easy.
• B&B Hotel Treviso – Budget. This clean, modern, and affordable bed and breakfast is within walking distance to the train station. The staff speaks great English, and the rooms (which are a bit plain) are spotless.

Conclusions On Where To Stay In Venice

Choosing where to stay in Venice depends on what kind of experience you want. If you dream of classic Venice views, San Marco puts you in the heart of it all. For a more local feel, Cannaregio lets you experience the city like a resident, while Giudecca offers peace and quiet with those postcard views.

With so many neighborhoods and countless hotels ranging from historic palaces to cozy guesthouses, you’ll find something perfect for your style and budget.

Looking beyond the main islands, Venice offers even more variety. Both Murano and Burano give you color and culture without the crowds, while Lido adds a beach escape to your Venice adventure.

And if you’re exploring more places in Italy, Treviso has an excellent base, offering easy access to Venice and the bonus of experiencing another authentic Italian city. No matter where you stay in the city, you’re sure to find your perfect corner here.

PIN IT!