This blog post is about Where To Stay In Venice Italy.
Venice is one of those places that honestly feels almost unreal when you arrive.
Between the beautiful canals, colorful buildings, all the boats and gondolas drifting by, the hidden alleyways, it’s extremely easy to fall in love with Venice instantly.
Although Venice is a small city, every neighborhood here has a completely different vibe, and although this a small city, staying in the wrong area can make getting around harder than it needs to be.
This guide breaks down where to stay in Venice Italy for first timers, including the pros, cons, who each neighborhood is best for, and hotel recommendations for every budget.
Whether you want romantic canal views, easy transportation, or a quieter local experience, this guide will help you pick the perfect area for your Venice trip!
Let’s get started! ✈
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Where To Stay in Venice Italy
Table of Contents
Which part of Venice is best to stay?
The best neighborhood to stay in Venice mainly depends on the atmosphere you prefer, your budget, and your travel style.
San Marco is the most popular choice for first-time visitors, and we will discuss more about it in a minute.
It’s the most central location in Venice, and is a short walking distance from the most iconic landmarks in the city.
TOP 3 Areas to Stay in Venice Italy (Quick Overview)
- San Marco – best for sightseeing and iconic Venice views.
- Dorsoduro – best for art, cafes, and a quieter atmosphere.
- Cannaregio – best for budget travelers and local vibes.
1. San Marco - Best for first-time visitors & sightseeing
If you want the full Venice experience, staying in San Marco is THE place to stay.
This is the heart of the city, and is home to many of Venice’s most famous attractions like the St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and of course Piazza San Marco.
Staying in San Marco means you can wake up early and explore Venice before the crowds arrive, you’ll be a short walking distance from all the famous attractions and locations, and it’s just a beautiful, romantic area to stay at that is very convenient for sightseeing.
Though of course, it is the most expensive part of Venice, and also the busiest area especially during peak season.
The San Marco area is best for first time visitors, couples, and for those who are staying for 1-2 nights and want to be close to everything.
Walking distance to major attractions
Perfect for first time visitors
Lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Walking distance to major attractions
Perfect for first time visitors
Lots of restaurants and cafes nearby
Expensive accommodation
Tourist-heavy atmosphere
Expensive accommodation
Tourist-heavy atmosphere
Best Hotels in San Marco:
Baglioni Hotel Luna is a luxurious 5-stars hotel located only a few steps away from Piazza San Marco, right in the heart of Venice!
Beyond the elegant Venetian-style rooms and luxurious vibe of the hotel, you can also enjoy the hotel’s beautiful canal views, relaxing lounge areas, and also check out the hotel’s Italian restaurant.
There’s also a delicious breakfast served daily at the hotel, making it a perfect luxury stay in Venice for first time visitors.
Guests are loving this hotel, giving it a great reviews score of 9.1 out of 898 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby Attractions:
- Piazza San Marco – 3-minute walk.
- Doge’s Palace – 5-minute walk.
- Ponte di Rialto – 9-minute walk.
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo – 6-minute walk.
Numa Venice Palazzo Orseolo is a lovely 4-stars hotel located only a few steps away from Piazza San Marco, right in the heart of Venice.
The rooms are modern and beautifully designed, and you can also enjoy stunning canal views from the hotel.
It’s a peaceful hotel, although you are located so central in the city.
Some rooms even come with kitchenettes, and some rooms includes stunning views of the canals.
It’s the perfect hotel for first time visitors who want to easily explore Venice, while having a peaceful stay in the heart of the city.
Guests are loving the hotel, giving it an excellent reviews score of 8.7 out of 881 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby attractions:
- Piazza San Marco – 2-minute walk.
- Doge’s Palace – 6-minute walk.
- Ponte di Rialto – 7-minute walk.
- Basilica Santa Maria della Salute – 12-minute walk.
Hotel Do Pozzi is a lovely 3-stars boutique hotel, located in San Marco, only a short walking distance away from Piazza San Marco and many of the city’s main attractions.
It’s a cozy Venetian-style hotel, and the whole atmosphere is very welcoming and peaceful.
The hotel offers a lovely courtyard, elegant interior design, and is perfectly located in the heart of Venice, surrounded by beautiful canals, restaurants, and cafes.
If you wish, there’s also a delicious breakfast served daily at the hotel, making it a perfect option for first time visitors looking for a budget-friendly stay in the heart of Venice.
The hotel also received a great reviews score of 8.2 out of 2,797 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby attractions:
- Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto – 4-minute walk.
- Piazza San Marco – 5-minute walk.
- Doge’s Palace – 8-minute walk.
- Campo Santo Stefano – 5-minute walk.
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2. Dorsoduro - Best Neighborhood For Cafes & Art Lovers
Dorsoduro is the best neighborhood for art lovers, and also offers some amazing cafes. It’s a more relaxed neighborhood, offering a unique artistic atmosphere compared to the busier parts of Venice.
In the Dorsoduro neighborhood, you can find beautiful canals, stunning streets, art galleries, charming cafes, and more.
If you want to stay somewhere that feels authentic but still central, this is an amazing choice.
I would say that Dorsoduro is best for couples, art lovers, or if it’s NOT your first time visiting Venice, and you want to stay somewhere central but not as touristy.
Less crowded
Romantic vibe
Great cafes and restaurants in the area
Less crowded
Romantic vibe
Great cafes and restaurants in the area
Fewer hotel options
Slightly farther from major landmarks
Slightly farther from major landmarks
Fewer hotel options
Best Hotels in Dorsoduro:
Excess Venice Boutique Hotel & Private Spa is a luxurious 5-stars boutique hotel located in the heart of Dorsoduro.
This peaceful neighborhood, and the hotel specifically is only a short distance away from major attractions like Piazza San Marco and Doge’s Palace.
You fill the luxury design and experience in the hotel rooms, and the hotel in general is very elegant and romantic.
There’s also a private garden at the hotel, as well as amazing spa facilities, a sunny terrace, and beautiful canal-views suites.
The hotel is set inside a charming 15th-century building, giving the entire stay a unique and authentic Venice feel.
There’s also a delicious breakfast served daily at the hotel, making it a perfect luxury stay for couples and travelers wanting a quieter and more romantic side of Venice.
Guests are loving the hotel, giving it a 8.9 reviews score out of 534 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby attractions:
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum – 6-minute walk.
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo – 22-minute walk.
- Piazza San Marco – 20-minute walk.
- Rialto Market – 25-minute walk.
Hotel Pausania is a beautiful 3-stars boutique hotel located in the heart of the Dorsoduro neighborhood.
It is only a short walking distance away from the Grand Canal, and is close to many of Venice’s famous attractions.
Beyond the beautiful Venetian-style rooms, and the welcoming atmosphere at the hotel, you can also enjoy the hotel’s lovely garden terrace, and the peaceful local vibe surrounding the hotel.
This is the perfect location for travelers wanting a quieter stay, while still being central and close to restaurants, cafes, and Venice’s main sights.
By the way, the hotel also offers a delicious breakfast every morning at the hotel, making a great option for travelers looking for a comfortable and authentic stay in Venice!
Guests love this hotel, giving it an excellent reviews score of 8.7 out of 814 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby attractions:
- Gallerie dell’Accademia – 7-minute walk.
- Campo Santo Stefano – 12-minute walk.
- Piazza San Marco – 16-minute walk.
- Rialto Market – 20-minute walk.
Hotel Ca’ Nobile Corner is a lovely 3-stars boutique hotel located in Dorsoduro.
It’s only a short walking distance away from the Grand Canal and from many of Venice’s main attractions.
The rooms elegant and designed in a Venetian-style, and you can also enjoy the hotel’s beautiful historic interiors, quiet surroundings, and the authentic local feel of the neighborhood.
The location is perfect for travelers wanting a more relaxed stay while still being close to restaurants, cafés, and Venice’s famous sights.
There’s also a delicious breakfast served daily at the hotel, making it a lovely option for travelers looking for a peaceful and authentic stay in Venice.
Guests love this hotel, giving it a great reviews score of 8.7 out of 814 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby attractions:
- Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari – 8-minute walk.
- Grand Canal – 8-minute walk.
- Campo Santo Stefano – 14-minute walk.
- Piazza San Marco – 18-minute walk.
3. Cannaregio - Best Budget-Friendly Area In Venice
Cannaregio is one of the best places to stay in Venice if you want a more local and budget-friendly experience, while still being central and close to the major attractions.
This neighborhood feels more local, less touristy than San Marco, but still has beautiful streets to explore, charming canals, and great restaurants.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the location near Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station, making arrival and departure much easier
I would say that Cannaregio is best for budget travelers, for those who are staying longer in Venice and want to stick to a budget, and for travelers who want to experience the local side of Venice.
More affordable hotels
Local atmosphere
Great food spots
More affordable hotels
Local atmosphere
Great food spots
Some areas feel quieter at night
Fewer famous landmarks in the area
Fewer famous landmarks in the area
Some areas feel quieter at night
Best Hotels in Cannaregio:
The beautiful Radisson Collection Hotel is a luxurious 5-stars hotel located in the heart of the Cannaregio neighborhood.
It is only a short walking distance away from Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station and many of the city’s main attractions.
The rooms are luxurious and beautifully designed, and you can also enjoy the hotel’s beautiful interior, there’s also a great fitness center in the hotel, a bar, and two restaurants inside.
The hotel perfectly combines modern luxury with classic Venetian charm.
There’s also a fantastic breakfast served daily at the hotel, making it a perfect luxury stay for travelers wanting comfort, convenience, and a quieter atmosphere in Venice.
This hotel received a wonderful reviews score of 9.3 out of 1,051 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby attractions:
- Jewish Quarter (Ghetto Ebraico) – 3-minute walk.
- Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art – 12-minute walk.
- Rialto Market – 19-minute walk.
- Ponte di Rialto – 22-minute walk.
Numa Venice Forcola is a stunning 4-stars boutique hotel located in Cannaregio.
It is very close to the Grand Canal, and is only a short distance away from Venice’s main attractions.
Beyond the beautiful and comfortable rooms, the hotel also offers a perfect location, surrounded by local restaurants, cafes, and beautiful canals.
The area feels more authentic and peaceful compared to busier tourist areas in Venice. The hotel also offers a great Italian breakfast.
Guests love this hotel, giving it a great reviews score of 8.7 out of 618 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby attractions:
- Jewish Quarter – 8-minute walk.
- Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art – 8-minute walk.
- Rialto Market – 12-minute walk.
- Basilica di San Marco – 21-minute walk.
Hotel Cannaregio 2357 is a lovely 3-stars boutique hotel located in Cannaregio, only a short walking distance from the Grand Canal and from the Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station which is very convenient.
The rooms are beautifully designed in a Venetian aesthetic, and the whole vibe of the hotel is very welcoming and warm.
The hotel offers a quiet and local location, there are many local restaurants and cafes around the hotel.
The neighborhood offers a more authentic and relaxed side of Venice while still being well connected to the city’s main sights.
There’s also a delicious breakfast served daily at the hotel, making it a great budget-friendly option for travelers visiting Venice for the first time.
The hotel received an excellent reviews score of 8.7 out of 1,438 reviews on Booking.com!
Nearby attractions:
- Jewish Quarter – 6-minute walk.
- Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art – 8-minute walk.
- Ponte di Rialto – 15-minute walk.
- Basilica di San Marco – 21-minute walk.
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Where NOT to Stay in Venice Italy?
While Venice is a pretty small cities, some areas are less ideal for first time visitors.
While staying too far from the main islands or in Mestre on the mainland will save you money, but by staying there you’ll miss out on the magical atmosphere of Venice.
If your budget allows, it’s usually worth staying directly in Venice itself, even for just a night or two.
How to Choose the BEST Area for Your Trip?
Choosing where to stay in Venice really depends on your travel goals and interests.
Here’s a quick neighborhoods & travel style overview to help you decide:
- First time/short trip → San Marco
- Budget-friendly & local atmosphere → Cannaregio
- Relaxed, romantic & artsy vibe → Dorsoduro
- Luxury & peaceful stay → Giudecca
That’s it for today! I hope you got an idea of where to stay in Venice Italy, and found some nice Venice hotels to stay at!
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