Best Area to Stay in Venice, Italy: Top Neighbourhoods and Hotels

Venice is a picturesque city with fascinating canals, stately architecture and romantic vibes. It is one of the most famous tourist hubs for travelers. A dream destination, the city is unique and magical with a plethora of iconic attractions to explore and amazing fun things to do. Since the city has a seamless transportation network, once you land in the city, you will have a smooth and convenient Venice Airport Transfer. However, finding the perfect place to stay in Venice can be quite a task owing to the city’s confusing layout and several choices for accomodations. 

In this guide, we will make your job easier by giving you an idea of the best area to stay in Venice for the most enhancing travel experience, highlighting the best accommodations and making sure you have an unforgettable stay in this Italian gem. 

1. San Marco: The Heart of Venice

San Marco is one of the most popular and lively neighbourhoods in Venice. It is home to amazing attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. If you choose to stay in this area, you will be in the centre of all the action. With extravagant hotels that have luxurious services and picturesque sceneries, it is the best area to stay in Venice for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to explore the major landmarks.

• Best Hotels in Venice in San Marco: Hotel Danieli, Bauer Palazzo, The Gritti Palace
• Best Venice accommodation in San Marco: Luxurious hotels with beautiful canal views, boutique guesthouses, and high-end apartments.

Why Choose San Marco

This area is centrally located with a smooth connectivity to the city’s famous attractions, and is perfect for sightseeing. You will have a plethora of options for upscale shopping and dining along with a chance to immerse yourselves in a vibrant nightlife scene and attend amazing cultural events. If you are visiting with your loved ones, this is Venice best area to stay with family.

2. Cannaregio: A Local Vibe

A lively and authentic neighbourhood, Cannaregio is an area teeming with exquisite canals and vibrant squares. The hotels here are cheaper and more affordable than San Marco while still being close to the major attractions which makes it the best area to stay in Venice at mid-range prices. The neighborhood has an authentic local vibe about it with its exquisite small shops, quaint cafes and a vibrant nightlife. If you stay here, consider exploring the historic Jewish Ghetto and the beautiful Strada Nova. 

• Best Hotels in Venice in Cannaregio: Hotel Abbazia, Ca’ Sagredo Hotel, Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio
• Best Venice accommodation in Cannaregio: Family-friendly stays, budget guesthouses, quaint bed-and-breakfasts

Why Choose Cannaregio

This neighborhood is affordable with budget-friendly options for stays. The tourists will get a peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists and a local Venetian vibe. There are some popular attractions to explore, especially the historic sites and a peek into a rich Jewish heritage. For those who want dining options with amazing views, this neighborhood has some amazing restaurants and cafes along the canal.

3. Dorsoduro: Artistic and Quiet

Famous for its spectacular galleries and museums, Dorsoduro is a quiet neighbourhood which is the best area to stay in Venice for art lovers and seekers of peace and calm. It is where you will find the display of the popular Peggy Guggenheim Collection and get to soak in amazing views along the Zattere waterfront. This neighbourhood is especially popular among students and artists because of its bohemian vibes. 

• Best Hotels in Venice in Dorsoduro: Hotel American Dinesen, Ca’ Pisani Hotel, Pensione Accademia
• Best Venice accommodation in Dorsoduro: Artistic boutique hotels, peaceful B&Bs, waterside apartments

Why Choose Dorsoduro

This area has amazing cultural attractions and exquisite art museums, and offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds as compared to the central neighbourhoods in the city. You can also get to watch beautiful sunset views along the canals since the area is closer to them. And if you love quirky cafes and art studios, you will love this neighbourhood.

4. Castello: Historical Charm

Castello is a unique neighbourhood with a fascinating blend of historic charm and modern amenities. It is the largest district in Venice and has a plethora of amazing attractions to explore and admire along with the authentic Venetian charm about it. There are exquisite hidden gems to discover and exotic traditional trattorias where you can feast on mouth-watering dishes. The Arsenale and Biennale gardens are famous attractions to explore here. This neighborhood is Venice best area to stay with family.

• Best Hotels in Venice in Castello: Hotel Sant’Antonin, Ca’ Formenta, Hotel Bucintoro
• Best Venice accommodation in Castello: Quaint inns, locally-owned stays, affordable guesthouses

Why Choose Castello

If you want to experience authentic Venetian life, this neighbourhood will give you that experience. It is an amazing place for exploring some offbeat places, and offers a close proximity to the Biennale gardens, historical naval architecture, and peaceful streets. 

5. Santa Croce: Budget-Friendly and Convenient

With quite appealing budget-friendly accommodations, Santa Croce is a convenient neighbourhood which offers a seamless connectivity to the other parts of the city making it the best area to stay in Venice for those who want to save money while staying nearby the major attractions. Close to Piazzale Roma, this neighbourhood is less touristy but a practical option for staying in Venice given its proximity to the main transport hubs. Although it’s quiet and peaceful, it has amazing squares and exquisite artisan shops. 

• Best Hotels in Venice in Santa Croce: Hotel Antiche Figure, Hotel Olimpia, Hotel Papadopoli
• Best Venice accommodation in Santa Croce: Budget hotels, modern apartments, convenient hostels

Why Choose Santa Croce

This neighbourhood has accommodations with affordable rates as compared to central districts. Along with offering good transport connectivity, it has a relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists. If you want to explore authentic local eateries and open spaces, you will have plenty of options to do so in this area.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best area to stay in Venice is a decision that should be taken based upon your preferences, no matter whether you want a luxurious stay, an affordable option or a peaceful retreat. From the best hotels in Venice to more budget-friendly and unique options, there are a wide range of options to choose from.

Ensure that you choose the area of your stay wisely so that you can enjoy the authentic Venetian experience to your heart’s content. Regardless of whether you are looking for Venice best area to stay with family, the best area to stay in Venice for couples or solo travelers, the city has got something for everyone. Rest assured, no matter whether you stay, Venice will surely leave you enchanted with its magic.