Where to Stay in Venice → 7 Top Areas & Hotels in 2024

Planning a holiday to one of the most romantic cities in the world? Then hop on this virtual gondola guide on where to stay in Venice!

After thorough research, I’ve cherry-picked the top areas and most incredible hotels in Venice that will help you plan an unmissable holiday there!

In short, San Marco is the best area to stay in Venice as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions like the unique palazzos! But don’t worry, I’ve included 6 more areas, along with hotels, in case you’d prefer something else. 

Venice is a huge tourist destination, so I highly recommend booking your hotels here in advance, especially during the high season (April, May, June, September, and October).

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Looking for the best of the best? Then check out this short section which has the top hotels in the city, all located in San Marco:

Check out this map, which will help you visualize all the areas that I will talk about in this post:

NOTE: The way Venice is laid out can be a bit confusing at first. But what you need to know is that there is the mainland part of Venice which is more residential and home to the airport, and then you have the part of Venice which is made out of the 118 small islands set on the Venetian Lagoon, that are connected by bridges. In this post you’ll find 7 areas, set on some of the main islands, which have all the main attractions and touristy places. 

1. San Marco – where to stay in Venice for the first time

No better place to start your adventures than San Marco, the beating heart of this ancient city!

Did you know that Venice is formed of 118 islands separated by 150 canals? 

There are so many interesting things about this city but let’s start with all the amazing attractions that you’ll find in San Marco, one of the most vibrant (and crowded) neighborhoods and the best area where to stay in Venice, Italy for the first time.

Head to Piazza San Marco (map) where you’ll find the grand Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the gorgeous Giardini Reali and the Bridge of Sighs (map) which gained its name from the prisoners who would sigh on their way to prison from Palazzo Ducale!

If you’re coming during Carnival (usually held from February to March) you’ll get to see many of the costumed people, in St Mark’s Square, and others around the city. 

There’s another famous bridge in San Marco, called Rialto Bridge, which crosses the Grand Canal and looks very impressive!

NOTE: I recommend buying tickets for all the main attractions in Venice, in advance. If not you might have to wait a very long time in the queues!

Enjoy your time exploring the streets and visiting some other museums like the Grassi Palace, Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti and Museo Fortuny and some of the churches, like the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio (map).

PRO TIP: I’m sure you’re also planning to hop on one of the famous gondolas, and go on the Grand Canal but I would recommend starting your tour from another neighborhood. That’s because every tourist will want to leave from San Marco and you’ll probably have to wait in the queue for a really long time. If you want to learn more tips about what to do before a cruise in one of the gondolas, check out this post on our website, which has more details! 

Luxury (€250 and up)

• The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel – a stunning hotel set right on the banks of Venice’s Grand Canal, with views of Santa Maria della Salute Church! The accommodation offers rooms with antiques and Murano glass, a spa center and a restaurant. 
• Hotel A La Commedia – this elegant, top-rated hotel is housed in a historic building near all the attractions and it has rooms with an elegant design, a terrace and a bar. It also offers an airport shuttle for guests.

Mid-range (€120 – €250)

• Hotel Mercurio Venice – set only a short walk away from St. Mark’s Square this family-run hotel har rooms with canal views and it also offers breakfast. 
• Lanterna Di Marco Polo – enjoy your espresso with a view on the balcony of your room at this stylish hotel that organizes tours and activities for guests. 

Budget (up to €120)

• Hotel Serenissima – this hotel has the cutest rooms, furnished with unique pieces, in true Venetian style. They also offer an airport shuttle and room service. 
• Locanda Fiorita – looking for an affordable hotel? Then check out this place which boasts rooms with garden and city views, a patio and breakfast. 

2. San Polo – best place in Venice for history lovers

Welcome to one of the oldest neighborhoods in Venice!

Linked to San Marco by the famous Rialto Bridge, San Polo is a charming area packed with unique attractions like Rialto Market 

PRO TIP: I highly recommend visiting the market in the morning as early as you can, before the tourist crowds go there!

Just like San Marco, and most areas in Venice, San Polo is best enjoyed on long walks on which you can admire the architecture of some of the oldest buildings in Florence and of course, visit some of the attractions! 

NOTE: If you want to book your hotels right along the Grand Canal, you’ll get some pretty amazing views, but just remember that the Grand Canal gets super busy with gondolas so it can get pretty loud.

Some show-stoppers are the Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, which has 2 pieces of art, by the famous painter Titian, who is buried there, then there’s the Campo San Tomà plaza (map) which has classic Venetian architecture, the Tintoretto Scuola Grande di San Rocco Museum and the Rialto Bridge which you can see from San Polo too. 

People believe that Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is one of the oldest churches in Venice, although they don’t know the year it was built. 

Another great thing about San Polo is that it gives you easy access to the Vaporetto, a water taxi that’s used to get around Venice. If you’re traveling with kids, this area may work for you, as it’s not as busy as San Marco yet still close to the attractions. 

You’ll also find lots of dining places in San Polo, where you can indulge in some delicious Venetian food and wine, like Frary’s restaurant.

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Palazzo Morosini Degli Spezieri – you’ll never want to leave this place or better said, palace, after setting foot in! The accommodation offers spacious and modern apartments, fully-equipped that come with a garden and river view.
• H10 Palazzo Canova – enjoy the amazing views of the city with a drink in your hand on the rooftop bar of this hotel that comes with stylish rooms, a terrace and a bar.

Mid-range (€120 – €200)

• Antica Locanda Sturion – with a fab location right near Rialto Bridge, this accommodation offers 18th century-style rooms, a multilingual library and stunning city views. 
• Rialto Suite 707 – I love the white and brown aesthetics of this accommodation that’s set near the main attractions in the area! The hotel comes with inner courtyard views and family rooms. 

Budget (up to €120)

• San Polo Star – this affordable accommodation has simple rooms, yet equipped with everything you need for your holiday, including a flat-screen Tv and a great location.
• Ca Miani – spacious apartments that have a dining area, a kitchen, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

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3. Santa Croce – where to stay in Venice for transport links

Want to explore more cities while in Venice? Or maybe you’re going from city to city in Italy and need to be close to the train station?

If so, then the Santa Croce area may be perfect for you! Located a 20 min walk away from San Marco, this neighborhood has a more local vibe to it, although it’s still super touristic.

I wouldn’t recommend Santa Croce to those of you who can’t stand tourist crowds or noise. Since the train station is right near the area, it can get pretty hectic, plus a part of Santa Croce weaves into the center of Venice so you’ll get crowds from that part too.

Although not as rich in attractions as the first 2 areas, Santa Croce has its unique charm and fair share of places to visit! Be sure to check out Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, Chiesa di San Stae (map), Mocenigo Palace-Museum and the Natural History Museum of Venice.

See? There are plenty of museums and things to do! Including dining at some really amazing restaurants like La Patatina di San Giacomo (map).

Luxury (€180 and up)

• AC Hotel Venezia by Marriott Hotel Venice – sleep like a baby in the comfy rooms of this hotel after a day of exploring the city! The accommodation comes with a terrace and a bar.
• Hotel Al Duca di Venezia – boasting rooms with a great design, a lot of space and stylish furnishings. This accommodation is definitely a keeper and it also offers a complimentary breakfast! 

Mid-range (€110 – €180)

• Hotel Olimpia Venezia – enjoy a bite on the outdoor terrace of this accommodation that comes with beautifully decorated rooms that have a lot of space and an airport shuttle. 
• Hotel Arlecchino – feel at home in this amazing hotel housed in a historic building that offers family rooms and a bar. 

Budget (up to €110)

• Hotel dalla Mora – an affordable accommodation that has a great location and everything you need for your holiday including rooms with canal views and a terrace. 
• Albergo Marin – enjoy your stay in Venice in this accommodation that comes with self-catering apartments that have a Turkish bath.

4. Dorsoduro – where to stay in Venice for nightlife

Dorsoduro is a pretty large area located a 16 min walk away from San Marco and all the main attractions there!

Home to the University of Venice, Dorsoduro is a great spot for those who want to enjoy the city’s nightlife and hop from bar to bar, as the sun goes down!

There’s a young, artsy, bohemian atmosphere lingering on Dorsoduro’s streets and I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring its narrow alleys and canals. 

Of course, there’s a very long list of attractions that you should visit while here (in between nights out and Aperols at lunch)! 

Some really unique places that I think you’ll love are the Gallerie dell’Accademia which has works by Titian, Canaletto and Tiepolo, Basilica Santa Maria della Salute (map) where you can again see works by Titian, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Squero di San Trovaso, a boatyard where they build traditional wooden gondolas, definitely something to see!

And a really important spot that you shouldn’t miss out on is the Chiesa di San Barnaba, which has small museums with works by Leonardo Da Vinci! 

Once the sun sets you can start hopping from bar to bar! You can start at Osteria Ai Pugni wine bar (map) and then continue at the Venice Jazz Club (map), where you can listen to some live music while enjoying a glass of wine. 

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Palazzo Veneziano – such a great hotel that has rooms with parquet floors, marble bathrooms and a spa bath. The accommodation features a terrace and room service. 
• Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace – feel like you’ve traveled back in time, while staying in this incredible hotel which has gorgeous rooms with antique furnishings, an outdoor terrace and a garden. 

Mid-range (€120 – €200)

• Hotel Ca’ Nobile Corner – if you’re looking for a mid-range hotel in Dorsoduro, then check out this hotel that’s housed in a wonderful 14th-century palace. From here, you can take the vaporetto or water taxi and visit the entire Venice.
• Ca Bea – this lovely hotel has free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms and a great location just within walking distance from some amazing restaurants and attractions.

Budget (up to €120)

• Casa Accademia – traveling to Dorsoduro on a budget? No worries, there are plenty of good options for you out there! For example, this hotel has a terrace, a cozy lounge where you can relax and simple but clean rooms, perfect for a good night’s sleep!
• Locanda Ca’ Zose – such a great hotel that has a cool design, spacious rooms with 17th-century beamed ceilings and room service. 

5. Cannaregio – best area for budget travelers

Traveling on a budget? Then you might consider staying in Cannaregio, one of the best places to stay in Venice that’s located a 25 min walk from San Marco.

PRO TIP: If you’re looking for cheaper areas to stay in Venice, you can also check out Mestre (map) which is located on the mainland, there are many affordable hotels there. Although you will have to use public transport to get to the island where all the touristy areas are. 

Home to the train station (another great place to stay besides Santa Croce if you want to explore other cities) Cannaregio is pretty popular with tourists and locals, not only for its affordable hotels which bring many here but also for its many restaurants and local shops from bakeries to butcheries. 

Let’s just say that you really won’t have time to get bored while you’re in Cannaregio. 

If you want to start your day with some shopping, head to Strada Nuova (map) which is packed with gift shops, street food in other stores.

Another really amazing place here is the Jewish Quarter (map) which is the oldest Jewish Quarter in Europe, and has even appeared in one of Shakespeare’s plays, the Merchant of Venice!

Since this is Venice, there’s no lack of cultural attractions either, and you should definitely visit the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro (map) which is the resting place of Italian painter, Tintoretto, and you can also see his house here, in Cannaregio, called simply Casa del Tintoretto (map).

You can also try your luck and play a hand at the Casino of Venice (map) which boasts some incredible views over the Canal!

In between all these visits, make sure to get something to eat from the many restaurants in Cannaregio! Al Timon (map) is a great one and also Ristorante Due Fratelli.

Luxury (€160 and up)

• Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience – housed in a 16th-century building, this hotel offers beautiful rooms that overlook the canal and boast painted ceilings, a restaurant and room service. 
• Radisson Collection Hotel – a fabulous 5-star hotel that has a unique design, blending old and new elements. The accommodation also offers 2 restaurants, a fitness center and a bar. 

Mid-range (€100 – €160)

• CàPatron – one of the best things about this awesome mid-range hotel in Cannaregio is that it offers amazing views over the Grand Canal! It also has rooms with a flat-screen Tv. 
• Scalon del Doge – set in a 13th century building overlooking the Grand Canal, this hotel has beautifully-decorated rooms and it also offers a free breakfast. 

Budget (up to €100)

• Hotel Ca’ D’Oro – chill on the roof terrace of this accommodation that has rooms with authentic furnishings, that overlook the canal and a 24h front desk., 
• Apostoli Palace – such a great hotel located near San Marco that comes with a terrace, room service and a bar. 

6. Castello – for a local experience

Besides being the biggest neighborhood in Venice, Castello is another beautiful place where you can enjoy a more local atmosphere! It’s also a great starting point if you want to visit the surrounding islands like Burano or Murano.

Located just a 15 min walk away from the San Marco neighborhood, Castello is the kind of place that you can explore for hours and hours, especially if you like going off-the-beaten-track.

Although you won’t have lots of notable things to visit here, the entire neighborhood is scattered with small, local churches and tiny squares, all of them offering a nice, authentic atmosphere.

Though that doesn’t mean that you’ll get bored here! You can start your days with a cup of espresso at one of the cafes and then start exploring, now that you’re fueled by caffeine! 

Some of the places you shouldn’t miss out on are Museo di Palazzo Grimani (map), Fondazione Querini Stampalia (map), Arsenale di Venezia, a Byzantine shipyard from 1104 and the Church of Saint George of the Greeks. 

NOTE: The famous Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia) takes place in Castello so you might want to book your hotel here if you want to be within walking distance to all the art exhibitions that take place during the event. This festival is known as the “Olympics of the art world” and it usually takes place between September and November, every year. 

Luxury (€160 and up)

• Hotel Danieli Venice, a Luxury Collection Hotel – you’ll definitely want to move up in this place, which looks like a palace with its frescoes on the ceilings and antique furnishings! The accommodation has a restaurant and a terrace. 
• Hotel Colombina Venice – housed in a historic building overlooking the canal of the nearby Bridge of Sighs, this hotel has a traditional Venetian design and rooms with multicolored marble floors.

Mid-range (€100 – €160)

• San Lio Tourist House – located ight in San Lio Square, in the heart of this district, surrounded by an endless number of restaurants, bars and pubs this hotel offers modern rooms and an airport shuttle. 
• Hotel Sant’Antonin – housed in a 16th-century building, this hotel has a lush garden, a terrace and a bar.

Budget (up to €100)

• Hotel Rio – this hotel has everything you need for your stay, including a great location, family rooms and free Wi-Fi.
• Sweet Venice – perfect for a family or a group of friends, this hotel is housed in a 17th-century building and it offers a kitchenette. 

7. Giudecca – the most artsy area

Giudecca is an island that, unlike the areas above, is not connected by any bridges to the other places. 

The only way you can get to San Marco and all the other neighborhoods is by water taxis, water buses or ferries. Which is why you won’t see as many tourists in Giudecca, as not many venture up here. 

So this area is mostly a residential one but I highly recommend visiting it if you have the time or if you’ve been to Venezia before and saw the main sites, since this is where you can you can TRULY experience how locals live in Venice

Artists or those who are into the arts, will absolutely love this neighborhood! Not only for its authenticity but also because it has some artist studios, independent shops and other unique places!

Most of Giudecca’s residents are wealthy, as you’ll probably tell from the hotel prices and once you get there from the places and atmosphere! Another thing is that if you want to visit the other areas on the main island you’ll have to pay around €46 for the ride, so that will also add to the costs. 

But if money isn’t an issue then definitely check out the hotels here! 

As for attractions, you’ll find lots of interesting sites like the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (map), Villa Hériot (map) and the Giardino Comunale Park (map). 

Luxury (€500 and up)

• Belmond Hotel Cipriani – chill by the outdoor swimming pool at one of the best hotels in Venice that has a tennis court and wellness facilities. The 5-star hotel comes with waterfront views, a gorgeous terrace and a lush garden too. 
• Maison Boutique Al Redentore – surrounded by lush gardens, this luxurious property offers spacious rooms with a balcony, a delicious breakfast and a bar. 

Mid-range (€200 – €500)

• Al Redentore Di Venezia – enjoy the waterfront views while staging at this hotel that offers self-catering apartments with a lot of space and a flat-screen Tv. 
• Residenza Casanova – great for a family or group of friends this apartment has 2 rooms, an inner courtyard views and a kitchen. 

Budget (up to €200)

• Ca’ Delle Erbe – an affordable apartment that is equipped with all necessary facilities, including a kitchen, a balcony and air conditioning.
• Hotel Giudecca Venezia – boasting elegant rooms with wood-beamed ceilings, this stunning accommodation comes with room service and a bar. 

👑 Luxury price:	‎€480
🧳 Mid-range:	‎€200
🛏️ Budget:	‎€135
📍 Best neighborhood:	San Marco
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Gritti Palace
💵 Mid-range hotel:	CàPatron
👛 Best budget hotel:	Hotel Serenissima

FAQs about where to stay in Venice

Final thoughts on where to stay in Venice 

Phew! What a place! 

After reading this guide on where to stay in Venice, Italy, I’m sure you’ll feel more than ready to hit the road!

Just remember to book your hotels in advance, and even tickets for attractions, especially if you’re heading there during the high season (April, May, June, September, and October)

And if you’re still not sure which hotel to pick, here are my top 2 favorite ones:

• The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel – stunning hotel set on the banks of Venice’s Grand Canal that has antique furnishings 
• Hotel Mercurio Venice – this cool place comes with spacious rooms and great views

Have an amazing trip and don’t forget that you can always drop me any questions you have in the section below!

Happy exploring,

Victoria

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