Venice hotels, Italy

Where to stay in Venice

Venice is made up of several unique neighborhoods, each providing a different experience for travelers. Whether you're visiting for the first time, traveling with family, or looking for budget-friendly accommodations, there's an ideal spot for everyone.

For first-time visitors: San Marco

The heart of Venice, San Marco, is where you'll encounter iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. This central area is perfect for first-time visitors who want proximity to major attractions and a lively atmosphere. Be prepared for crowds and slightly higher prices.

• Best for: Sightseeing, first-time visitors.

• What to expect: Iconic landmarks, historic buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere.

For budget travelers: Cannaregio

If you’re on a budget, Cannaregio is an excellent choice. This district offers a more authentic Venetian experience with fewer crowds and a local vibe. It's home to Venice's historic Jewish Ghetto and features plenty of budget-friendly hotels and restaurants. Cannaregio also provides easy access to public transportation, making it a convenient base.

• Best for: Budget travelers, local experiences.

• What to expect: Affordable accommodations, local markets, historic charm.

For families: Castello

For families seeking a quieter stay, Castello is a fantastic choice. This area offers plenty of open spaces for children to enjoy. The eastern part of Castello is quieter, providing a relaxed atmosphere while still within walking distance of major attractions. Plus, it's near the beautiful Biennale Gardens and museums.

• Best for: Families, quiet stays.

• What to expect: Relaxed vibe, open spaces, close proximity to museums.

For art lovers and nightlife: Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is Venice's cultural hub, known for its art galleries, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. It's also home to a lively nightlife, with numerous bars and restaurants. Dorsoduro offers a balance between culture and entertainment, perfect for art enthusiasts and night owls.

• Best for: Art lovers, nightlife.

• What to expect: Art galleries, museums, vibrant bars.

For a peaceful retreat: Giudecca

For those looking to escape the crowds, Giudecca offers a peaceful retreat while still being close to Venice’s main attractions. Located just across the canal from San Marco, this area provides stunning city views and a more laid-back atmosphere.

• Best for: Peaceful retreats, couples.

• What to expect: Quiet, scenic views, easy access to central Venice via Vaporetto.

Each neighborhood in Venice offers something unique to travelers, so regardless of the type of trip you're planning, you'll find the perfect place to stay. Let us help you find the best accommodations in Venice for your next unforgettable getaway!

Top attractions in Venice

Venice is a city full of iconic landmarks and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply taking in the city's unique atmosphere, here are some must-see attractions.

St. Mark’s Basilica

Situated in Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica is one of Venice’s most renowned landmarks. This architectural marvel, with its golden mosaics and Byzantine design, originates from the 9th century. Inside, you’ll find the stunning Pala d’Oro, a gold altar screen adorned with thousands of gems, and access to the terrace provides breathtaking views over St. Mark’s Square.

Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs

A visit to Doge’s Palace takes you through the history of Venice's political power. Once the residence of the Doge, this Gothic palace is filled with artwork by Venetian masters like Tintoretto and Veronese. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk across the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners glimpsed their last view of Venice before imprisonment.

Rialto Bridge

The iconic Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most popular attractions. Spanning the Grand Canal, this marble bridge offers stunning views of the city’s waterways. The bridge itself is lined with shops selling jewelry, Murano glass, and other Venetian souvenirs.

Gondola rides and the Grand Canal

No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through the city’s narrow canals. For a truly Venetian experience, opt for a ride that takes you through the quieter, smaller canals, as well as along the majestic Grand Canal, where you can admire the historic palazzos that line the water.

Venice is packed with attractions that cater to all interests, from history buffs to art lovers, ensuring a memorable vacation in this floating city.

Going out and dining in Venice

Venice offers a delightful mix of dining experiences and nightlife, catering to those looking for authentic local cuisine or a lively evening by the canals.

Dining in Venice

Venice is renowned for its cicchetti—Venetian small plates—typically enjoyed with a glass of wine or a spritz at one of the city’s many bacari (traditional wine bars). For an authentic experience, visit areas like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, where you’ll find local eateries serving fresh seafood, risottos, and pasta dishes, such as spaghetti with clams or the iconic squid ink pasta. Avoid the tourist-heavy spots near St. Mark’s Square and explore quieter neighborhoods where locals dine.

• Top tip: Visit the Rialto Market to sample local delicacies or pick up fresh ingredients for a picnic.

• Must-try dishes: Cicchetti, sarde in saor, seafood risotto.

Nightlife in Venice

While Venice may be quieter compared to other Italian cities, it still offers unique nightlife experiences. For a casual night out, explore the wine bars of Cannaregio, where you can enjoy craft beers, local wines, and a vibrant atmosphere. If you're into live music, the Venice Jazz Club in Dorsoduro is a popular spot for jazz enthusiasts. For a more sophisticated experience, have a cocktail at the historic Harry’s Bar, known for creating the famous Bellini.

• Top tip: Take a nighttime walk across the Rialto Bridge for a stunning view of the Grand Canal illuminated in the evening.

• Must-visit spots: Venice Jazz Club, Harry’s Bar, Vino Vero.

Venice’s dining and nightlife scene offers a blend of laid-back charm and cultural sophistication, catering to every traveler.

Go shopping in Venice

Step off the beaten tourist path and discover Venice's treasure trove of shopping opportunities. Known for its unique creativity, exceptional craftsmanship, and world-class design, Venice has become a shopper's paradise, offering a breathtaking variety of purchases.

One of the most famous shopping districts is the area around the Rialto Bridge, a hub of trade for centuries. Streets like Merceria and Salizzada San Lio, lined with ancient cobblestones, serve as displays for the latest Italian fashion, prestigious international labels, and local crafts of undeniable quality.

For those seeking more budget-friendly options, several parts of the city offer great finds. Calle della Mandola and Frezzeria, while not as renowned as other Venetian streets, provide numerous boutiques with more reasonable prices. You'll find small fashion shops, antique dealers, bookshops, and galleries tucked away in the city's architecture, each featuring a unique collection of items.

Venice is primarily known for its artisanal crafts, offering an extraordinary range of local souvenirs to take home. Murano glass, celebrated worldwide, is transformed by skillful hands into vases, chandeliers, and countless other stunning creations. Masks, often lavishly decorated, are a hallmark of Venetian culture, while handmade lace from Burano Island and intricately crafted jewelry showcase the high-quality workmanship of the city's artisans. Don't miss the incredible paper products available in the city’s esteemed stationery stores—an ode to a city famous for its literary heritage and writing expertise.

Exploring the shopping delights of Venice leads to countless cherished memories. Each handmade mask or piece of Murano glass tells a story waiting to be uncovered, each crafted item a tribute to the artisans behind it. Shopping in Venice is not just about acquiring goods; it's a journey into a rich cultural heritage. These retail adventures offer a glimpse into the heart of this enchanting city, providing an experience that transcends a mere transaction. It's an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the spirit of Venice and take a piece of it home.