Where to Stay in Venice

Are you traveling to the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region? Venice is built on multiple small islands in the Adriatic Sea and is lined with stunning architecture from the Renaissance Era.

This breathtaking water-bound city is a traveler’s dream come true. With so much to see and do, it may be hard to choose where to stay in Venice. Venice is made up of six different neighborhoods or sestieri in Italian, each with its own unique charm and appeal.

Venice is booming with opportunities to explore, learn, and enjoy the beauty of a place that looks as if it was frozen in time.

Read on to learn all about the top neighborhoods in the stunning and romantic city of Venice. Plus, find out what the most popular activities and attractions which sestieri has to offer.

If you’re in a hurry…

Best Hotels in Venice

Best Luxury Hotels in Venice
Hotel Danieli • Hotel Metropole

Best Boutique Hotels in Venice
Residenza Veneziana • Ca’Nobile Corner • Hotel Marconi

Best Cheap Accommodation in Venice
Generator Venice

How to Get Around Venice

Venice is a big comune, much bigger than the overwater area surrounded by canals where most tourists wants to stay and see. If you google “Venice” you can be tempted to book accommodation that looks good and cheap, but you may find yourself an hour away by bus from the actual overwater Venice.

If you’re coming by train you need to get off at Venezia Santa Lucia station. The overwater part of Venice is not anywhere near Venezia Mestre train station.

If you’re coming by plane to Marco Polo Airport you can take a water taxi (private or shared boat) to Venice directly or take a bus to Piazzale Roma, which takes about half an hour.

You need to walk around Venice as there are no cars allowed on the island (apart from Santa Croce where I don’t recommend staying – it’s really industrial and ugly), but you can take water taxis. There are local small boats that will get you across smaller canals or bigger “bus-type” water taxis.

If you’re staying in Guideca (which is usually where budget accommodation is and Venice’s best hostel) you’ll need a water bus (vaporetto) to get across. It works just fine and takes 3 minutes to get to San Marco square, but it requires a single ticket (7.5 EUR valid for 75 min) or tourist pass (unlimited rides for 3 days for 40 EUR) – it’s a no-brainer, get a pass.

San Marco – Best for First Timers in Venice

Most consider San Marco to be the touristy heart of Venice. It’s the oldest and most famous neighborhood in Venice. Have you heard of the famous St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge? You’ll find most of the better-known tourist attractions in San Marco.

The nicest thing about staying here is that you won’t have to travel too far to see some of the most popular sites in Venice, and some you may even be able to see from your hotel room.

Usually, when you see photos of Venice, most of them will be taken in San Marco. This neighborhood is made for taking stunning pictures.

Venice is not known to be a ‘party city’, but if you’re looking to get out at night, check out the local bars in San Marco. Young Venetians and tourists come together to sip on beer, drink wine, and grab a bite to eat after the sun goes down.

Top 3 Activities in San Marco

1. Visit one of Venice’s most iconic buildings, Doge’s Palace, or Palazzo Ducale. This is the place to come to see masterful Gothic architecture. It’s the former residence of the Doge of Venice.

2. When you want to take a break and have a little bit of caffeine, head over to Caffe Florian. It’s one of the oldest and most famous coffee shops in Venice. You will find it right in the heart of St. Mark’s Square. They also hold events throughout the year; the most popular ones are around Christmas and the New Year.

3. Take a gondola tour. While that may seem a bit cliche, how can you not when you’re in Venice? Take a ride on one of the small boats through all of San Marco and see all the best tourist locations from the canals. The gondola drivers, called gondoliers, will be clad in traditional Venetian clothing. They power the boats by hand using long oars.

Fun Facts About San Marco

With great popularity comes a lot of people. Thousands of tourists flow through San Marco each day.
While Venice is a great place for shopping, San Marco, in particular, is known for having the most traditional shops.
Rumor has it that Napoleon called San Marco “the drawing room of Europe.”

Where to Stay in San Marco

Luxury Hotels in San Marco

The St. Regis Venice
Featuring panoramic views of the Grand Canal, nothing can beat the lavishness and luxury of the Venetian-styled St. Regis hotel.

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Once a noble residence, the Gritti Palace now offers elaborately designed rooms with ornate furnishings just a short walk from Saint Mark’s Square.

Hotel Danieli
The most famous hotel in Venice, featured in many movies. Traditional furnishings and terrace views of the Grand Canal are just perfect!

Budget Hotels in San Marco

Hotel Firenze
This tasteful hotel dates back to the 16th century and is right in the heart of San Marco next to Saint Mark’s Square.

Hotel Santo Stefano
This hotel is located in an old 15th-century Gothic watchtower within walking distance of Piazza San Marco.

Antico Panada
This hotel is located in two historic buildings from 1889 set just a stone’s throw from Saint Mark’s Square. Fitted with red and white marble interiors, it overlooks Calle degli Specchieri.

Cannaregio – Best for a local experience in Venice

For the most authentic Venice experience, you’ll want to stay in Cannaregio, located along the Grand Canal. Most of the local Venetians call Cannaregio home, and this neighborhood isn’t flooded with tourists. Visiting here is like taking a walk through history.

Cannaregio is famously home to Venice’s Jewish Ghetto plus many stunning churches. It’s also hugely popular for crafts and vintage goods. People come from all over Venice to shop here for things they know they can’t find in mainstream shops.

If you’re looking for fine Italian craftsmanship, look no further. Find handmade jewelry, furniture, and accessories here. Local artists will surely be on the street, showcasing their work and trying to make a quick sale.

Top 3 Activities in Cannaregio

1. Visit the Ca D’oro Palace. It’s a stunning building on the Canale Grande, or Grand Canal. Famous architect Giocanni Bon designed the building during the 15th century. Today, it’s an art gallery that’s open to the public.

2. You won’t want to miss out on seeing the Jewish Ghetto. This was the neighborhood where the Jewish population was forced to live in. The area is flooded with the