Where to stay in Venice [Best Places to Stay for 2025]

With so many interesting tourist attractions and activities, choosing where to stay in Venice Italy is an important part of your trip planning.

Whether you are looking for family friendly Venice accommodation or budget friendly hostels in Venice, we can help you find the best place to stay in Venice.

Keep reading to find out which Venice neighborhood, or sestieri, is right for you. With so many hotels in Venice, Italy, let us help you narrow them down.

We will cover off all types of Venice accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Venice hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Venice Italy 2025.

This guide shows the best Venice hotels, best places in Venice to visit, the best places to stay in Venice, hotels near Venice attractions, Venice neighborhoods guide and many more.

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Venice? Below are 7 of the best neighborhood to stay in Venice to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Venice for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Venice so you can use this as a go to guide to pick the best accommodation in Venice for you.

San Marco – Where to stay in Venice for first timers

Wondering best area to stay in Venice Italy for first time visitor? The best area for tourists who are deciding where to stay in Venice for one night is the San Marco neighborhood. The majority of Venice attractions are located in this region, which centers around St. Mark’s Square.

Expect to pay a premium price to stay this close to central Venice, but if you are short on time, you’ll get the most bang for your buck at a Venice hotel in San Marco. San Marco is one of the best area to stay in Venice for one night.

Restaurants and shopping will also be more tourist-oriented, but you can’t beat the proximity to Venice’s best attractions, like the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal.

You can easily get around by foot, by vaporetto, or by water taxi, which is a quintessential experience for anyone visiting Venice. Some of the best hotels in Venice are located in San Marco.

San Marco neighbourhood is the perfect place for a first-time traveler to Venice, Italy. Its main attractions such as St. Mark’s Square with St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs will offer an unforgettable experience.

Tourists can also explore the numerous streets filled with shops selling Venetian glassware, souvenirs, fashion boutiques, art galleries and snack bars where they can sample local cuisine.

The views along the Grand Canal are some of Europe’s most iconic scenes – multi-hued buildings reflecting off still waters and interspersed by bridges that span centuries of history.

There are plenty of accommodation options near San Marco, ranging from luxury hotels to hostels and guest houses, so visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding their place to stay in Venice!

San Polo – Where to stay in Venice for tourists

Across the Grand Canal from San Marco is the area of San Polo, the smallest neighborhood of Venice.

San Polo is not very different from staying in San Marco; all of the best attractions are easily reached by foot or water taxi, and you’ll still find many tourists milling about the area.

Wonder where to stay in Venice for 3 nights? San Polo is perfect as its close to all of the major attractions, making sight seeing super easy.

One distinction, however, are the fish, fruit and vegetable markets which San Polo is known for. Campo San Polo is the second largest square in Venice, after St. Mark’s.

If you are short on time in Venice, but can’t find suitable accommodation in San Marco, then San Polo is a great alternative.

San Polo is the perfect area for tourists and travellers looking to experience the city of Venice. It is home to some of the most iconic sites like Rialto Bridge, and the Rialto Market.

The canalside Erbaria area, where locals meet for aperitifs and “cicchetti,” or small plates, before heading to dinner at trendy eateries. The Basilica dei Frari houses masterpieces by Titian and other Renaissance artists.

The level of activity in San Polo makes it a great spot for people looking to explore the city and its unique attractions. Whether its immersing themselves in Venetian culture or visiting one of the many historical churches, there’s something for everyone in this area.

Additionally, there are plenty of shopping opportunities as well as some delicious restaurants to choose from if you’re feeling hungry.

The diversity of San Polo is what makes it so unique. Not only can you explore history and culture but you can also taste some amazing local food or go shopping in one of its boutiques.

It’s all about finding your perfect balance when visiting this neighborhood which is why it’s always been such a popular destination with tourists and locals alike.

Dorsoduro – Where to stay in Venice for backpackers

If you want to stay close to central Venice but out of the craziest tourist crowds, then Dorsoduro is a good compromise.

The quiet streets of Dorsoduro definitely have a more “local” feel and you won’t feel as much like you are getting ripped off by tourist prices and menus.

This area is home to many artists, so it has a fun, bohemian vibe as well as a lively nightlife scene. Campo Santa Margherita is the hub of this Venice neighborhood. Budget travelers deciding where to stay in Venice on a budget should look closely at Dorsoduro.

Dorsoduro is a wonderful place to find backpackers and budget travellers. Campo Santa Margherita is known for its unpretentious eateries, indie shops and vintage fashion boutiques, with informal bars providing a great spot for locals of all ages.

For art lovers, the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection are close at hand, offering the chance to explore some of Venice’s greatest artistic achievements.

Dorsoduro offers something for everyone in its quaint cobbled streets, making it one of the best places to stay in Venice for those travelling on a budget.

Cannaregio – Where to stay in Venice for a local feel

The largest district of Venice, and the most densely populated, is Cannaregio. Many locals live here, so it’s possible to get off the tourist track, but there are also many attractions to see in Cannaregio.

This is where you’ll find the Jewish Ghetto of Venice and the Jewish Museum, as well as Ca d’Oro Palace and the Church of Madonna dell’Orto.

With so many locals living here, it’s a great place to try authentic Venetian cuisine, as opposed to the “tourist friendly” Italian food served near San Marco. Cannaregio has several vaporetto stops, so getting around Venice is easy, no matter what you want to see.

Cannaregio is the largest and most populated sestieri in Venice, making it a great area for travelers looking to explore the city like a local without hordes of tourists. Take a stroll through the winding streets and admire some of the ancient architecture that has been preserved throughout centuries.

Relax by taking a gondola ride through Venice’s many canals, or visit Isola di San Michele, one of Venice’s cemeteries located in Cannaregio. It was once used as a quarantine area to keep diseased people away from other areas of Venice.

Now it’s known as one of the best spots to find peace and quiet in the busy city. From historic buildings to tranquil waters, Cannaregio is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience while visiting Venice.

Santa Croce – Where to stay in Venice on a budget

Many travelers arrive or depart Venice through Santa Croce. This is the location of the Santa Lucia train station, the Piazzale Roma bus station and the ferry terminals.

There are fewer things to do in Santa Croce, but it’s great for travelers seeking budget friendly accommodation, as you can easily get to anywhere in Venice, but not pay San Marco prices.

Rather than the big tourist attractions, what you will find in Santa Croce are picturesque canals, small squares and quaint cafes. Making this area the best location to stay in Venice on a budget.

The nearby streets are filled with local eateries and bars that offer budget conscious travelers a chance to experience the real Venice. Through these streets, visitors can stumble upon small market stands offering fresh produce and souvenirs.

Campo San Giacomo dall’Orio is an area slightly off the beaten track that still retains its local charm. Here, travelers will find plenty of outdoor seating for their morning coffee or aperitivo in the evening.

On the Grand Canal lies Fondaco dei Turchi, which has been beautifully restored and now houses exhibits on natural history for all to learn from and enjoy. A short walk away is Ca’ Pesaro Palace, a museum full of contemporary art from European artists as well as Asian decorative arts.

When it comes to budget accommodation in Venice, Santa Croce gives you access to some of Italy’s finest accomodation options without breaking the bank. With its convenient location close to all major attractions in the city, Santa Croce provides charm and comfort at an affordable price.

Castello – Where to stay in Venice with family

Wondering best place to stay in Venice with family? West of San Marco is the area known as Castello. You can stay in Castello and still be just minutes from St. Mark’s Square, or you can go further east to quieter parts of Castello.

There’s a lot of green spaces and parks in Castello, making it a great place for travelers seeking family friendly places to stay in Venice.

Highlights include the gardens at Giardini della Biennale, the Venetian Arsenal, the Naval & Maritime History Museum, plus many churches and squares.

Visiting Castello is an ideal holiday spot for families with kids. There’s a wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets; from luxury hotels right by St. Mark’s Square to more casual bars and eateries tucked away in the quieter corners.

Kids will love exploring the vibrant area, with its many shops, restaurants and attractions catering to everyone’s tastes.

The locals are always friendly and welcoming, making it a great place for parents to relax while their children enjoy themselves.

Plus, Castello has plenty of parks and green spaces where they can run around and play – perfect for getting some fresh air after 2 days in Venice sightseeing!

Giudecca – Where to stay in Venice for slower travel

If you want to visit Venice with the least amount of tourist crowds, then Giudecca is the place for you. This island sits across from the main area of Venice, and is not connected by any bridges.

This alone keeps the tourist crowds low. What you will find in Giudecca are amazing views across the lagoon, and an overall slower pace than other parts of Venice.

Despite being across the lagoon from Dorsoduro, you can still reach the main part of Venice in under five minute by Vaporetto.

This is the perfect option for travelers who want to see the Venice highlights, but enjoy quiet evenings in a local neighborhood.

Giudecca is a great place to stay for the slow traveller who wants to relax in Venice. Here, tourists can experience a more laid-back lifestyle and take in the sights at their own pace.

The long dock of Giudecca provides stunning views of the city and an opportunity to appreciate the Venetian culture, while its churches are a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Il Redentore, designed by Palladio, is especially noteworthy as it houses a huge flour mill known as Molino Stucky. This historic building has since been transformed into a luxurious hotel but retains its original beauty.

From Giudecca, travellers can easily explore the other islands of Venice or simply enjoy some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Venice

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