Dorsoduro For Active Nightlife In Venice
This is the place to visit if youre into art, culture, and looking for a high-energy vacation to Venice.
The Accademia, Venices most famous art gallery, is located here. The neighborhood is packed with local artists, picturesque canals, and plenty of young students since its close to Venices university.
Dorsoduro is far enough from the center that you wont have to deal with massive crowds of tourists, but still close enough to all of the hot tourist locations, like St. Marks Square or the Doges Palace. Here youll also find a vast range of hotels from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
Dorsoduro: Quiet & Romantic Location In Venice
Located in Venices southern end, Dorsoduro is a quiet area to enjoy the esence of Venice away from the masses.
- Why is this the best area to stay in Venice:
- Most charming quarter in Venice
- Alternative area
- Gallerie dellAccademia
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Sestiere Dorsoduro, is situated in the south end of Venices Centro Storico and west of the Grand Canal. Traditionally the citys university district, this area is known for its lively food scene and nightlife, particularly around Campo Santa Margherita, as well as for being home to important museums.
Perhaps the most visited attraction in Dorsoduro, the Gallerie dellAccademia hosts an extensive collection of pre-19th-century Venetian and European masterpieces including works by the likes of Canaletto, Leonardo da Vinci, Tintoretto and Titian. Meanwhile, the waterside Peggy Guggenheim Collection houses contemporary works by artists such as Duchamp, Dalí, Miró, Picasso, Kandinsky and Magritte.
Situated in Punta della Dogana and completed in 1681, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute was built as a votive offering for the citys deliverance from a bubonic plague outbreak. This Baroque-style church, highly visible from the Grand Canal, inspired artists like Canaletto and Francesco Guardi, who portrayed it on many of their cityscapes.
Best Hotels in Sestiere Dorsoduro
Sina Centurion Palace
Hotel Moresco
Hotel Tiziano
Hotel Al Malcanton
B& B Casin dei Nobili
Most Popular Hotel In Venice Italy
Looking for a cosy hotel with a perfect location, close to tourist sites and water bus stops?Then check out Hotel Casanova its the most popular hotel in Venice. And there is a reason why its location is outstanding.
The hotel is perfectly situated for sightseeing just two steps from Piazza San Marco and a short walk from a water bus stop. The beautifully decorated rooms feature comfy beds with optional additional pillows.Why book next to Piazza San Marco, close to Vaporetto water-bus stop, air conditioning, healthy and generous breakfast
- Mestre if youre travelling by car
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Where To Stay In Venice
A complete guide to where to stay in Venice, Italy for first-time visitors .
Booking.com
Venice is one of the most scenic cities in the world. And one of the most visited, too! Located in northeastern Italy, the city is built on more than 100 small islands and its all surrounded by water.
The islands are linked by more than 400 bridges and water buses . There are no cars, you have to rely solely on water transport or your own feet.
Although its not a particularly large city, getting around is not an easy task. Venezia is crisscrossed by thousands of tiny alleyways and canals. Its inevitable not to get lost even with a good map or GPS walking navigation. Plus, sometimes you have to walk more than 5min just to find a bridge to cross.
Thus, when deciding where to stay in Venice, Italy, its very important to choose a good area. Especially if you dont want to waste precious time walking half an hour to the nearest attractions. Using the water busses is not a perfect option, too. Many of them are slow, expensive and very crowded even in the low season.
So, I created this guide to help you easily find the best place to stay in Venice for your needs and personal preferences.
I spent a long weekend in the city, combining Venice and Verona in one single trip. So, I needed a place that is close to the tourist attractions, but still not far from the train station. The best area to stay in Venice for me was the San Polo district.
Santi Giovanni E Paolo
The next time you are in Venice, visiting one of the tallest and largest churches around is definitely a must. The Santi Giovanni e Paolo stands tall amidst all the surrounding buildings around. The significance of this place comes because of the fact that 25 of Venices dogs are buried there. The red-brick church is built in the Italian gothic style and does stand out as one of the best tourist spots around the place. Explore the explicit tombs and monuments around.
Dont Miss: Make sure you do not miss Cima da Coneglianos Coronation of the Virgin and David by Alessandro Vittoria.Opening hours: 8:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m, 3:30 p.m to 6:00 p.m closed on MondaysCharges: 3.50
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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.
Why Stay In Cannaregio
Just like San Marco, Cannaregio is on the banks of the Grand Canal, but it is slightly less crowded. Cannaregio is a fantastic spot to explore if youre a history enthusiast, because the district is filled with historic landmarks. Of particular note is the Jewish Ghetto, which is home to the Jewish Museum. Along the banks of the Grand Canal, Cannaregio boasts a variety of eateries and access to water transportation.
While in Cannaregio, one of the top things to do is explore the incredible Ca dOro, a Venetian palace that is open for self and guided tours. Nearby, you could admire the Renaissance art and architecture of the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli or spot the artist Tintorettos burial place, the Church of Madonna dellOrto. Further from the Grand Canal, Cannaregio houses roughly one-third of Venices population. That means that youll have an easy time finding grocery stores, dry cleaners, banks and other necessary amenities to enhance your trip. Cannaregio can also feel like an authentic view of Venice, but it still just a 15-minute walk to the major attractions in the neighboring district of San Marco.
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Where To Stay In Guideca
Luxury Hotels in Guideca
Convenient self-catered apartments with marble decor and gorgeous views. Quiet, yet surrounded by plenty of local restaurants and bars.
Budget Hotels in Guideca
Generator VeniceA great and affordable place offering hostel-style dorms and private rooms. Right in front of the vaporetto station with beautiful views of San Marco square and Canale Grande.
Are you going to Venice? Youre probably seeking adventure. There is so much to love about Venice, Italy. The floating city is home to fascinating people, rich history, and deciduous Italian cuisine.
Be sure to soak up all the culture you can. Take a ride on a gondola, once the primary mode of transportation in Venice, and visit the most famous sights. Even though today theyre mostly used by tourists, its a quintessential thing to do while in Venice.
The locals are amiable, and while their English may not be excellent, tourists always seem to get by. Find some tips for visiting Venice here!
Where To Stay In Venice Lido
When visiting Venice the attention is all on the Venice canals but Venice also has a lido, meaning a beach.
Lido is immediately in front of Venice city center and while I would argue that if you want to go to the sea then you have better places to do so than Venice, this can be a good location if you have children or want to mix a city exploring and time on the water. A couple of addresses to consider here are:
B& B Villa Ines, a very pretty B& B with a lovely garden and a cooking school
Hotel Excelsior Lido Resort beautiful 5 star hotel in Venice with beach access. The hotel offers several types of rooms and restaurants and bars onsite so you can dip in and out of Venice at leisure and simply relax at the resort whenever you need a break from sightseeing.
I hope you enjoyed this quick overview of the best places to stay in Venice and it helped you plan your stay. Safe travel planning!
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San Polo Where To Stay In Venice For Families
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Venice, San Polo is another fantastic place to stay for those who want to see as many of the major attractions as possible. Directly across the Grand Canal from San Marco, San Polo is super central, so you will be perfectly located to explore the whole city.
Being close to so many popular attractions whilst not quite as crowded as the central San Marco region makes San Polo very popular with families. With less hustle and bustle and short distances between sights, its easier to safely shuttle kids around this area.
San Polo is particularly well known for its historic streets and structures. Many of Venices most iconic attractions can be found here. Most notably, San Polo is where you will find the famous Rialto Bridge.
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most well-known landmarks in Venice. Constructed in the 16th-century, it is the oldest of the bridges that cross the Grand Canal, connecting San Polo to San Marco.
More than just a footbridge, the Rialto Bridge offers a unique shopping experience. Arcades of shops and stalls run along the length of the Rialto Bridge, selling a plethora of products from jewelry to souvenirs. Being a bridge, it gets pretty packed, so is not too ideal if you dont enjoy crowds.
The shops on the Rialto Bridge are not to be confused with those of the Rialto Market. Dating back as far as the 11th-century, the Rialto Market well predates the bridge and is one of the oldest institutions in the city.
San Marco Where To Stay In Venice For First Timers
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. Marks Square. Expect to pay a premium price to stay this close to central Venice, but if you are short on time, youll 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 cant beat the proximity to Venices 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.
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Fun Facts About Guideca
- Guidecca canals are the deepest in the city.
- The most important monument is the Redentore church.
- Largest of the Venetian islands, though it is actually made up of eight small isles connected by bridges and passageways
- It was once home to a sizable Jewish population term ghetto comes from Venice and the grievous decision to confine the Jewish population to a closed district in the 1500s away from Guidecca
Best Places To Stay In Florence
Most of the action is based north of the river and this is the easiest part of the city to get around with its flat geography. If youre wondering where to stay in Florence, this is your go-to area. There are some great alternative neighborhoods in the south, as well as hillside hotels providing great views of the city.
Best Airbnb in Florence: Historic Loft
Packed with antique furniture, gorgeous paintings and dazzling details, this Airbnb Plus apartment is the perfect way to soak up the artistic atmosphere of Florence! The studio also comes with a private garden area where you can relax after a long day of exploring the city. The building dates back to the 14th century, giving you the opportunity to connect with the citys history.
Best Hostel in Florence: Archi Rossi Hostel
A short walk from the main train station, this is a great choice if you are only in Florence for a few days and plan to travel further afield in Italy. Not only do they provide a complimentary breakfast, they also offer dinners for a heavy discount. Guests are welcome to join their tours of the city, giving you the chance to learn more about the area and meet other guests.
Best Hotel in Florence: Arte Boutique Hotel
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San Polo: Best Location For A First
Across the Grand Canal from San Marco, sestiere San Polo is a very central district in Venice and the best area for first-time visitors to the city.
- Why is this the best area to stay in Venice:
- Rialto Bridge
- Near San Marco and Santa Croce
- Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
- Variety of accommodation
- Rialto Market
Home to the world-famous Rialto Bridge, San Polo is arguably the best-located quarter in Venice. This lively Venetian district, the smallest in the city centre, is located between the San Marco, Cannaregio, Santa Croce and Dorsoduro sestieri and, as such, is the best quarter to stay close to everything. It is a particularly convenient area to base yourself when visiting Venice for the first time or if you only have one or two days to discover the city.
The western part of sestiere San Polo is known for its many squares and churches, while the eastern part, sometimes referred to as the Rialto, is known for its lavish palaces.
Other than Rialto Bridge, San Polo hosts several popular Venetian attractions like the Rialto Market, as well as beautiful squares like Campo San Polo, Campo San Silvestro and the romantic Campo San Tomà. The Church of San Giacomo di Rialto is said to be the oldest in the city and the 14th-century Gothic-style Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari hosts Titians tomb and a couple of his paintings. Meanwhile, the Ponte delle Tette is famous for being the heart of the citys former red-light district.
Best Hotels in Sestiere San Polo
Jw Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
Fifteen-minutes removed from the center of Venice, this 40-acre resort is set on its own private island. The central building was once used as a sanitarium but you’d never know it from the manicured gardens and grounds, magnificent lagoon views, and spacious contemporary rooms. Michelin-starred restaurant Dopolavoro is a must-try when you’re not lounging around the various pools and at the spa or participating in activities like yoga and cooking classes. Readers applaud the delicious breakfast buffet and large rooms and don’t seem to mind the isolation, with one writing that “the location is the best, on its own island, and everything on the island is a dream.” Another guest put it simply: “Amazing.”
Score: 94.30
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Where To Stay In Venice: Cannaregio Area Recommended
Cannaregio is my favorite area of Venice and, I believe, the best places to stay in Venice if you want a good mix between ease of sightseeing and a local feel.
Nestled right beside Venice Santa Lucia station, this is an area with a busy main street and very many beautiful, lesser visited streets and roads where to wonder at leisure.
Staying in Cannaregio allows you to walk to many attractions but also to get back by ferry, thanks to the many lines serving this area.
This is also a handy place to explore Burano, the little island you can reach by ferry from the nearby Fondamenta Nuove.
San Marco Where To Stay In Venice For First Time Tourists
San Marco is the most central of all the districts on the central Venetian islands. If you want to make sure you are staying within just a few minutes walk of many of Venices major attractions, the San Marco area is ideal.
With so much to see and do in the immediate area, San Marco is perfect for first-time visitors. You can maximize your time spent taking in the tourist attractions, with minimal time wasted traveling between them. This also makes San Marco ideal for shorter breaks and weekend trips.
The caveat to being such a conveniently central location is that it is a very touristy sestiere, especially from March-October. If you are hoping for a quiet and peaceful area to stay in Venice, this is probably not the best place to consider.
As the oldest district in Venice, this is where you will find many of the citys most historic attractions. You will also find plenty of charming side streets to explore, each lined with historic buildings.
Saint Marks Basilica is the jewel of San Marco. The opulent cathedral features towering domes and soaring steeples atop a grand, arched façade. The interior is possibly even more magnificent, decorated with beautiful, mosaiced walls and gilded accents.
The famous Bridge of Sighs connects Doges Palace to the once prison on the other side of the Rio del Palazzo canal. To really appreciate the historic bridge, however, it is better viewed from the Ponte Della Paglia.
Best places to stay in San Marco:
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