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WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE

Where to stay in Venice

Which is the best location to stay in Venice?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

Venice is a veritable labyrinth of islands, canals, bridges and laneways that is sure to charm any visitor. This is a city that oozes beauty, with stunning Gothic palaces, glorious churches and breath-taking Renaissance masterpieces - all with not a single car in sight. By day, enjoy wandering the beautiful neighbourhoods and fascinating museums that have made Venice a world class destination.

 

At night, the city comes alive with lively wine bars and elegant restaurants serving tantalising Venetian seafood. For the best views of Venice head to Campanile di San Marco, a 318-foot-high bell tower from which you can survey the rooftops and waterways of the city.

 

If you’re looking for convenience and atmosphere, the best area to stay in Venice is the San Marco neighborhood, around Piazza San Marco. In San Marco, you’ll be within walking distance of many of the major sites such as St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge.

 

There are plenty of restaurants and bars here to take your fancy, and some great designer shops. From here you can walk the bridge to Dorsoduro, which is more tranquil, but still features some interesting sites such as the famous Gallerie dell'Accademia. In both of these districts, you’ll be within easy reach of the Grand Canal, with plenty of waterbuses and water taxis to transport you.

BEST LOCATED HOTELS IN VENICE
Hotel   Avg price
Hotel Ala
Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 2494
205€ - 223$
Hotel Becher
San Marco, 1857
230€ - 251$
Rosa Salva Hotel
Calle Fiubera, 951
302€ - 329$
Hotel   Avg price
Ruzzini Palace Hotel
Castello 5866
329€ - 359$
Hotel Palazzo Stern
Dorsoduro 2792-2794/A-2792/B
378€ - 412$
Hotel   Avg price
Sina Centurion Palace
Dorsoduro 173
749€ - 816$
Hotel Londra Palace
Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4171
904€ - 985$
Luna Hotel Baglioni
San Marco 1243
904€ - 985$

 

If you are interested in where to stay in Venice, you may also be interested in where to stay in Florence, where to stay in Milan and where to stay in Naples.

 

San Marco, the best area to stay in Venice

 

San MarcoSan Marco is a beautiful district with a slow pace and relaxing feel. These feelings are expressed very well in Caffe Baglioni. This is a great stop over on your sojourn through Piazza San Marco, here you will always find great coffee or wine and you will always here the pianist playing a wafting melody that puts you at ease. This café is also connected to a great hotel to stay at. The hotel, “Luna Balioni” is conveniently in the same exact spot, so this is a good place to set up shop for your trip.

 

A fantastic site just a few blocks away from this spot is that of, “Teatro La Fenice” this location is one of Italy’s oldest opera houses and has had many exciting premiers in its day. This place currently hosts a symphony, opera, and holds dance performances. This is a place of class and prestige and is well worth a look and listen.

 

Around the corner from the opera house is a classic little coffee and pastry shop that is a local treasure. The pastries are delicious and reasonably priced and the coffee is always hot and refreshing. This place is open every day to, so it would be the perfect place to visit on a Sunday when other places are closed.

 

Just a short trek from Rialto Bridge there is an excellent wine bar that has a great selection of vintage wine dating back to 1936. Called the, “Enoteca Al Volto”, this wine bar is very private with comfortable lighting and the walls and ceilings are decorated with wine labels giving the whole place a comfortable vintage vibe. There is also good food served daily at this location as well. The Enoteca Al Volto is just one of many great spots to unwind, and have some fun during your stay in Venice.

 

 

Hotels around Piazza San Marco

 

 

 

Other areas to stay in Venice main island

 

Remember that Venice is relatively small and can be explored on foot or by using vaporetto services. These additional areas provide different experiences and allow you to explore different aspects of Venice's rich history and culture. Consider your preferences and interests to choose the area that aligns best with your desired experience.

 

 

Dorsoduro

Known for its bohemian atmosphere, Dorsoduro is home to the Accademia Gallery and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. It offers a quieter and more local experience with charming streets, art galleries, and picturesque canals.

 

 

Cannaregio

Located in the northern part of Venice, Cannaregio offers a mix of tourist sites and local residential areas. It's a great choice if you prefer a more authentic and laid-back vibe. The Jewish Ghetto and Fondamenta della Misericordia are notable attractions in this area.

 

 

San Polo

Situated near the Rialto Bridge, San Polo is one of the oldest and liveliest areas of Venice. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with bustling markets, quaint shops, and plenty of dining options. The Rialto Market and the Church of San Polo are highlights here.

 

 

Santa Croce

This neighbourhood is located close to the Piazzale Roma (the main transportation hub in Venice) and is a convenient choice if you have heavy luggage. It's a quieter area with narrow streets, local shops, and easy access to the Grand Canal.

 

 

Castello

Located in the eastern part of Venice, Castello is the largest sestiere (district) and offers a mix of residential areas and popular sights. You can explore the beautiful gardens of the Biennale and visit the historic Arsenale shipyard.

 

 

 

Staying in a small island close to Venice main island

 

The smaller islands near Venice offer a delightful and distinct experience for travellers seeking a unique stay. These islands, located in close proximity to the main Venice island, provide a tranquil escape with their own captivating charm. From the serene residential environment of Giudecca to the beachside relaxation of Lido di Venezia, each island has something special to offer.

 

 

Giudecca

Giudecca is an island located across the main Venice island, accessible by a short vaporetto (water bus) ride. It offers a peaceful and residential environment with stunning views of the city. The island has some luxury hotels and a laid-back atmosphere.

 

 

Lido di Venezia

If you prefer a beach destination, Lido di Venezia is a great option. It's a long strip of land separating the Adriatic Sea from the lagoon. Lido offers sandy beaches, charming Art Nouveau villas, and a more relaxed atmosphere. It's just a short vaporetto ride away from the main island.

 

 

San Giorgio Maggiore

This small island is situated just across from St. Mark's Square and offers breathtaking views of Venice. It's known for the iconic San Giorgio Maggiore Church and the panoramic terrace of the Campanile, which provides stunning views of the city.

 

 

Murano

If you're interested in glassmaking, consider staying on the island of Murano. Known for its glass factories and workshops, Murano offers a quieter escape from the main island. You can witness glass-blowing demonstrations and explore the Murano Glass Museum.

 

 

Burano

Famous for its colourful houses and lace-making tradition, Burano is another island worth considering for a unique stay. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere, picturesque canals, and local seafood restaurants. The Lace Museum is a must-visit attraction here.

 

 

Torcello

For a serene and off-the-beaten-path experience, you can opt to stay on the island of Torcello. It's the oldest populated area of Venice and offers a peaceful retreat with its ancient churches, quiet canals, and lush greenery.

 

 

 

Where to stay near Venice

 

Whether you're seeking affordability, convenience, or a different experience altogether, these nearby locations provide excellent alternatives. From the bustling urban area of Mestre to the charming cities of Padua and Treviso, and even the beachside resort town of Jesolo, there's something to suit every traveller's preferences.

 

 

Mestre

Located on the mainland, Mestre is the most populous urban area in the Veneto region. It's connected to Venice by a bridge and offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels and budget-friendly options. Staying in Mestre can be more affordable compared to the city centre, and it provides easy access to Venice via train or bus.

 

 

Marghera

Situated near Mestre, Marghera is an industrial area that offers more affordable accommodations than Venice itself. It's a convenient option if you're looking for budget-friendly hotels, and it's well-connected to Venice by public transportation.

 

 

Padua (Padova)

About 40 kilometers west of Venice, Padua is a historic city with its own unique charm. It's known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant piazzas, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto. Padua offers a range of accommodations and is well-connected to Venice by train, making it an excellent base for exploring the region.

 

 

Treviso

Located approximately 40 kilometers north of Venice, Treviso is a picturesque city with canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. It's known for its charming historic center, lively squares, and Prosecco wine production. Treviso has a variety of accommodations and is well-connected to Venice by train.

 

 

Jesolo

If you're looking for a beach resort experience near Venice, Jesolo is a popular choice. Situated on the Adriatic coast, it offers a long sandy beach, a vibrant promenade, and a range of hotels, resorts, and entertainment options. Jesolo is about an hour's drive or a direct bus ride from Venice.

Carles BarceloCarles Barceló

Running Best Location Hotels since 2009, I've always had a deep curiosity for uncovering new destinations and discovering exceptional hotels. It brings me immense pleasure to share these experiences with the thousands of readers who visit us year after year. Join me on my journey to explore the best destinations worldwide!

 

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