Where to Stay in Venice: The Best Places to Stay in Venice in 2023
Where to Stay in Venice: The Best Areas, Hotels and Places to Stay in Venice in 2023
There’s nowhere else in the world quite like Venice, Italy. At first it may be the romance of the canals that draws you to La Serenissima – which means the most serene one. But it will be the unique feel of each of its islands, the incredible food, the sense of history that envelops you and the world-class art collections that will have you yearning to stay and revisit again and again. But with 118 islands to choose between, knowing where to stay in Venice can be difficult if you don’t know the city well.
In this post I bring together the best places to stay in Venice, sharing my favourite neighbourhoods, areas and hotels whether you’re after a romantic couples getaway, family or budget friendly stays or something in between!
Where to Stay in Venice: The Best Areas to Stay in Venice
Before you start thinking about where to stay in Venice it’s good to know a little more about the best areas to stay in Venice by getting acquainted with the make-up of this one-of-a-kind city.
Did you know, Venice isn’t solely comprised of islands in the lagoon shallows, the centro storico (historic centre). The mayor and municipality also have control over parts of mainland Italy (or terraferma) which dwarfs the islands in area.
The city of Venice is made up of six boroughs, with four on the mainland. Check out this Venice map to understand where the different areas and neighbourhoods of Venice are located:
Map of Venice
The most important mainland area for visitors to know about is Mestre, since it’s the location of one of Venice’s main train stations and the best place to stay in Venice on a budget. Mestre is connected by both rail and road to the centro storico by a kilometre-long causeway.
But for most visitors the best areas to stay in Venice are going to be those within the centro storico. This is because it’s among the islands that you’ll find most of Venice’s tourist attractions.
To make things a little more complicated, the centro storico is again subdivided into six neighbourhoods known in Italian as sestieri. They date back to at least 1170 and are represented on gondolas by the finger-like projections on their high prows.
The sestieri lie on either side of the Grand Canal. The northernmost is Cannaregio. Heading roughly clockwise you’ll next come to Castello followed by San Marco. On the Grand Canal opposite San Marco is Dorsoduro, which includes Giudecca island. Tucked into the easternmost part of the Grand Canal’s loop is San Polo, while Santa Croce makes up the loop’s eastern half. Slightly further from the action are the islands of Murano and Lido.
Wherever you decide to stay in Venice, book as early as you can. The best Venice hotels can get fully booked for the peak season well ahead of time!
The Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Venice by Holiday Type
Here’s my recommendations for the best areas of Venice depending on the type of trip you are looking for. (Click on the link to take you to more on this area.)
Best Place to Stay in Venice for a First-time Visitor – San Marco
Best Alternative to San Marco – Castello
Best For Venice Views – Giudecca
Best Place to Stay in Venice with Family – Santa Croce
Best Place to Stay in Venice for Couples – San Polo
Best Place to Stay in Venice for Nightlife and Restaurants – Dorsoduro
Best Place to Stay in Venice for Bespoke Purchases – Murano
Best Place to Stay in Venice to Live Like a Local – Cannaregio
Best For Getting Away from it All – Lido
Best Place to Stay in Venice on a Budget – Mestre
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The Best Venice Hotels – My Quick Picks
Best Canal Views – Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience
Best Heritage Hotel – Hotel Tiziano
Best Luxury Experience – Hotel Moresco
Most Romantic Hotel – Hotel L’Orologio by WTB Hotels
Best Family Friendly Hotel – Santa Croce Boutique Hotel
Best Budget Hotel – Hilton Garden Inn Venice Mestre
Read more: Top 5 European Weekend Breaks
San Marco – Best for First Time Visits to Venice
The iconic Venice of the television documentaries and holiday brochures, San Marco takes its name from the city’s patron saint, whose depiction of a winged lion can be seen right across the neighbourhood.
Although Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) takes most of the headlines with famous attractions including the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and Campanile, drift down an alleyway (calle) or over one of the city’s 400-plus bridges and you’ll soon be rubbing shoulders with the 50,000 locals who still live in and around this magisterial UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Best Places to Stay in San Marco
Hotel Bel Sito e Berlino – Canal Views Without Breaking the Bank
Rooms at Hotel Bel Sito e Berlino sit on the canal side opposite the church of Santa Maria del Giglio, proving that even budget travellers to Venice can enjoy extraordinary views. A short walk of around 5 minutes will have you in front of St Mark’s Basilica, should you be able to tear yourself away from the fine fabrics and crystal chandeliers.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Al Theatro Palace – Superb Location
It’s tough to even come close to the splendour of the ultra luxurious Gritti Palace, but Al Theatro Palace manages it. Barely a one minute walk from La Fenice, one of the world’s best-loved opera houses, it has just a handful of stylishly decorated rooms. It’s filled with the charm you would expect of an expertly converted historic property but contains modern amenities including complimentary WiFi throughout too.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
San Polo – Best Neighbourhood in Venice for Couples
One of Venice’s lesser-known neighbourhoods, San Polo is absolutely packed with charm and romance, making it an ideal place to stay in Venice for couples wether it’s a romantic weekend break or honeymoon trip.
Although San Polo is the city’s smallest sestieri, it is also its oldest and includes amid its many treasures the famous Rialto Bridge and the ancient church of Santa Maria Gloriosa.
The Best Places to Stay in San Polo

Hotel L’Orologio by WTB Hotels – Holiday Beside the Grand Canal
From the atmospheric terrace space on the neatly-laid cobblestones to the exquisitely finished rooms – Hotel L’Orologio certainly doesn’t disappoint and is one of the best places to stay in Venice for a romantic couples trip. Offering up a quintessential luxury Venice experience, guests will find themselves just 600 metres from Campo San Polo Square, and a quick yet delightful stroll from the Rialto Bridge.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Grifoni Boutique Hotel – For Style and Substance Close to the Centre of the Action
Situated on the quiet side streets of San Polo, Grifoni Boutique Hotel offers guests well-sized rooms in a modern international style. What it misses in historic terms it more than makes up for with its location, a few steps away from the Ca’ Oro Museum and Rialto Bridge. A convenient shuttle service is provided from Marco Polo airport.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Read More: The Perfect Weekend in Rome
Dorsoduro – Best for Food and Drink Lovers
Centred on Campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro is more laid back in its vibe than San Marco. The neighbourhood tends to draw in a younger crowd because of the presence of several university faculties, making it a great place to hang out in the evenings.
Also lining the south-eastern end of the Grand Canal, those not looking to go back to school will still find plenty to entertain including the Peggy Guggenheim collection of modern art.
The Best Places to Stay in Dorsoduro

Hotel Moresco – Where luxury and sustainability meet
Just because you decide to stay towards the western end of Dorsoduro doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fine style thanks to Hotel Moresco. Knitting together 19th century heritage with 21st century amenities (including air conditioning and flat-screen TVs, which remain something of a novelty in Italy). When booking, don’t forget to look out for the rooms with spa baths or terrace.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
If you don’t find a room there, you should try Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection instead, where you can live like a prince or princess in one of the most luxurious hotels in Venice. Hidden behind a relatively plain exterior of traditional Venetian brick and stone work is as elegant a space as you’ll find in Venice. Truly palatial in scope, your every whim will be catered for, while the on-site bar is a great place to catch up with friends old and new before a sumptuous bowl of pasta in a nearby restaurant.
Hotel Tiziano – For History Seeping from Every Surface
The majestic Hotel Tiziano occupies a structure dating back to the 15th century, making this one building older than many nation states. Its selection of rooms has been styled locally, so expect a room filled with hardwood, gilt work and sumptuous accessories where no expense has been spared.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book

Santa Croce – Best for Family Stays in Venice
In many ways the gateway to Venice, the Santa Croce neighbourhood contains Santa Lucia railway station, as well as a bus station and a large car park at Piazzale Roma which you’ll need to park up in if you’ve come by road as there are no roads, or cars, in Venice!
Though tourist attractions don’t come as thick and fast as elsewhere in the city, there are still some important sights, including San Giacomo Dell – one of the oldest surviving churches in Venice. Its friendly neighbourhood feel and convenient transport links makes it the best place to stay in Venice with kids.
The Best Places to Stay in Santa Croce

B&B Patatina – For Proximity to Trains Across Italy
There are B&Bs, and there’s B&B Patatina. A hotel in all but name, this establishment casts most bed and breakfasts into the shade, whether that’s from the quality of the breakfasts served up each morning or the warm welcome you’ll receive on arrival. Ten minutes from Santa Lucia train station, it’s also just 1.5 km to Saint Mark’s Square.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Santa Croce Boutique Hotel – For Your Own Private Spot in the Sun
Boasting a shady private garden for listening to Venice’s resident birds and a bar ready to mix up an aperol spritz in time for sunset, the Santa Croce Boutique Hotel is actually a very clever choice. Just ten minutes from Santa Lucia station, it’s also only ten minutes to the Rialto Bridge and La Fenice opera house. So, far from feeling out on a limb, you’ll feel at one with the city almost immediately.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book

Cannaregio – Best for Experiencing Venice Like a Local
It may have a location on the Grand Canal but Cannaregio takes a step back from the crowds of tourists that gather around St Mark’s Square. Instead, its alleyways are dotted with tiny bakeries and independent stores, making it a potential treasure trove for those with an eye for the unusual.
No wonder Marco Polo, Titian and Tintoretto all lived in the area. It’s also here that you’ll find the world’s first Jewish ghetto, founded in 1516. Cannaregio is probably the best place to stay in Venice for those who want to avoid the tourist traps and experience a glimpse into Venetian local life.
The Best Places to Stay in Cannaregio

Radisson Collection Hotel – Palazzo Nani Venice – For Gallery Quality Art
In Venice, you don’t even have to head to the galleries for your fill of excellent art. You can also check in at Palazzo Nani Venice, a Radisson Collection Hotel. Bathed in natural light, its spaces are packed with the work of skilled craftsmen, from detailed plasterwork and ceiling paintings to fine marbles.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book

Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience – For Ageless Charm
Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience is probably worth it for the breakfast alone. However, what will really make you feel special is staying in a carefully renovated 16th century building which seems to reveal its history in every brick and piece of ancient glass. When it comes to rooms, there’s a choice between those with extra seating space, and those with canal views.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Kosher House Giardino Dei Melograni – For atmosphere
Right in the heart of Venice’s historic Jewish Ghetto district, Kosher House Giardino Dei Melograni melds a near-unbeatable location with a rare attention to detail. To one side guests can enjoy the city’s canals, and to the other a pleasant square where birds chirrup much of the day.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
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Giudecca – Best for Views
Officially part of Dorsoduro sestieri, Giudecca is separated from the rest of the centro storico by Giudecca Canal, which remains busy with boats of all sizes throughout the day.
For the best views, head to its eastern tip close to the tiny island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Home to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Giudecca faces back towards San Marco.
The Best Places to Stay in Giudecca
Generator Venice – For Competitively Priced Canal Side Living
Generator Venice may have the strangest name of any accommodation choice in the city, and it may not sit on the Grand Canal, but it does provide canal side rooms and shared dormitories on the equally atmospheric Giudecca Canal. Several of its rooms have views facing out towards St Marks’s Square, which is only ever a quick water taxi ride away, making this hostel one of the best budget options in Venice
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Hotel Giudecca Venice – For Peace and Tranquillity
If you were somehow transported to Hotel Giudecca Venice blindfolded, you’d probably never guess that the crowds and live jazz of Café Florian were just ten minutes across the water. And that’s exactly what this Venice stay does so well – making it seem like you’re the only one in the city. It has rooms you won’t want to leave, with wood-beamed ceilings being one of many prominent features.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Another unique place to stay in Venice is Hilton Molino Stucky, an old floor mill turned hotel with rooftop pool and sizable spa set up.

Castello – Best Alternative to San Marco
Taking its military-sounding name from a castle that once stood in the area during the time of ancient Rome, Castello continues to have a military bearing.
It is home to the stunning buildings that make up the Arsenale, where the giant ships of the Venetian Republic were built. It can be explored as part of the Venice Biennale art festival on odd years and is just 20 minutes on foot from Saint Mark’s Square.
The rest of the time, the Naval History Museum does an excellent job of explaining the city’s reliance on the water for defence and trade. Also not to be missed is the Church of Santa Maria Formosa, whose origins date back to the 7th century.
The Best Places to Stay in Castello

Locanda Vivaldi – For Superstar Stays
With its own private dock, Locanda Vivaldi isn’t going to leave anything to chance. Rooms are not only elegantly finished but also packed with amenities and facilities. Many come with wooden beams on the ceiling, a spa bath or balcony, but if you miss out just head to the rooftop terrace. In the summer it becomes a restaurant specialising in seafood. At any time of year its views over St Mark’s Basin are second to none.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Palazzo Suite Ducale – For When Location is All Important
Just 300 metres from the Rialto Bridge, Castello’s Palazzo Suite Ducale provides simple lodgings compared to other accommodation options on my list. But that doesn’t mean it’s sub-standard in any way. Instead, the hotel offers the perfect base from which to explore after a comfortable night’s sleep amid great design at budget friendly prices.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Another good pick in the neighbourhood I couldn’t resist mentioning is Hotel Danieli, A Luxury Collection Hotel. With so many very special hotels in Venice it really takes something to win an award as Hotel Danieli has managed. Perhaps it’s the wealth of history drifting between the 14th, 19th and 20th centuries buildings that form it, or maybe it’s the hotel’s location on the canal.
Lido – Best for Tranquil Escapes
Giving its name to outdoor swimming pools across the globe, the long finger-like shape of Lido island stretches south away from the centro storico. One of the greenest parts of Venice, it also has some of the city’s only beaches, although you shouldn’t expect the white sands of the Caribbean, they still make a nice break from exploring the city.
The Lido is also the location for the Venice Film Festival which takes place in late August/early September. Overall, Lido is a place to while away the day in a courtyard garden between trips to San Marco, Dorsoduro or Cannaregio.
The Best Places to Stay in Lido
Hotel Excelsior Venice – For Opulence Without Bounds
High-end even by Venice’s demanding standards, the Hotel Excelsior has been stunning guests for generations and has been the residence of choice for film stars, princes and presidents. With its own fleet of private boats to transport guests and a large heated outdoor pool, it’s difficult to find fault.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Hotel Rigel – For Evening Strolls Beside the Beach
Close to the Adriatic Sea beaches of Lido island, Hotel Rigel provides a very comfortable base within easy reach of the centro storico. Rooms are relatively pared back by Venetian standards, but still come with air conditioning, complimentary WiFi and satellite television as standard at affordable prices.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Read More: The Best Things to do in Rome
Murano – Best for Souvenirs
The name of Murano goes hand in hand with glass making. The island’s craftsmen having worked their magic for centuries. ‘Banished’ to their island in the outer lagoon due to the risk of fire their furnaces placed on the city, for generations they improved their ability while no one else in Europe knew how to even make glass.
Many factories are open to the public, providing a fascinating insight as well as great souvenir buying – with each item made by hand nowhere but Murano. There’s also a museum if you want to know more about the history and process.
The Best Places to Stay in Murano

JW Marriott Venice Resort – A private island paradise
When it comes to stays on the outer islands, if you cash to splash also consider the 5 star JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa. A self-contained paradise on the tiny Isola delle Rose, it has a spa with lagoon views, three outdoor pools, four restaurants and luxurious, modern rooms. A complimentary shuttle boat brings you to the private dock near Saint Mark’s Square in only 15 minutes.
Click here to check prices, availability and to book
NH Collection Murano Venice – For Contemporary Luxury
The ancient nature of Venice means contemporary dwellings are few and far between. NH Collection Murano Venice has spacious modern rooms with large windows and high ceilings within walking distance of Murano’s glass museum. For lazy days, on-site facilities include a wellness centre, bar and restaurant.
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Al Soffiador – For Rooms with a View
The Al Soffiador is a great value choice on Murano. If you’re someone who believes a hotel is somewhere to rest your head after a full day of exploration, you’ll definitely be set up right with tempting balcony views, good breakfasts and staff that are a font of knowledge on all things Venice.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book

Mestre – Best for Budget Conscious Travellers
A little unloved and industrial in places, Mestre is situated within Venice’s terraferma. Once an area of grand stately homes, for sights today you’ll have to head into the centro storico.
However, it can be well worth the short trip by bus or train, both costing just a couple of euros, because of the great value offered by hotels in the area making Mestre the best place to stay in Venice on a budget.
The Best Places to Stay in Mestre
Hilton Garden Inn Venice Mestre – For Easy Access from the Airport
Very well placed roughly half way between Marco Polo Airport and the centro storico, the Hilton Garden Inn is a trustworthy choice that shouldn’t be overlooked because it belongs to an international chain. Many of its rooms look onto the large outdoor pool from double-height windows, while it’s also one of few hotels in the city offering private parking and the best place to stay in Venice near the airport.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Hotel Arison – When Budgets are Tight
I won’t lie, the main reason you’d consider staying at Hotel Arison is because it’s great value for money. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the hotel as such, it’s just that it doesn’t have the same presence as those closer to the Grand Canal. Stay here and you’ll still receive excellent service though, alongside beds that will have you asleep in seconds.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Finding a room during the high season can be a problem in Venice, and it’s always worth having a couple more hotels up your sleeve just in case. Hotel Nani Mocenigo, Hotel Palazzo Stern, and Hotel Londra Palace all fit this remit perfectly!
Read more: Tips for visiting Venice on a Budget
Camping in Venice
For the most budget friendly way to visit Venice consider a campsite. Italy’s campsite facilities are almost universally excellent, with games rooms, restaurants, on-site stores, cafes and hot showers being fairly common. Many also have swimming pools and comfortable cabins so you don’t even need to sleep in a tent to stay on a campsite.
Camping Fusina, Venice
Camping Fusina, Mestre – Best Campsite near Venice
Among Venice’s campsites, Camping Fusina in Mestre stands out because of its views across the lagoon – the Campanile on St Mark’s Square is instantly recognisable. Pitch a tent or stay in one of their budget friendly cabins, from only 40 Euros a night this is probably the cheapest accommodation in Venice.
There is a swimming pool, bar and pizzeria on site and a convenient boat transfer service into the heart of Venice right from the campsite. You can catch a local bus from the train station to reach the campsite.
Click here to view availability, reviews and prices.
Essential Venice Travel Tips
Best time to visit Venice
Venice is magical at any time of year. Each of the seasons present the city in a different light – both literally and figuratively. Rain is possible in any month, with a slight but largely unnoticeable dip between December and March. June is statistically the wettest month of the year, with an average 78 mm (or three inches) across the whole month, before it drops back again for the rest of the summer.
Venice is very definitely a chilly affair during the winter months, although if there’s anything more romantic than strolling through a Venetian square during a gentle fall of snow I haven’t found it. February is also the month of the city’s famed Carnivale, with the exact dates shifting with Easter.
Spring sees temperatures rise quickly, April’s average of 16°C (61°F) jumps to 22°C (71°F) in May. During the summer months Venice can get a bit sticky with humidity. Temperatures also regularly hit 28°C, which is nudging difficult territory for those who want to explore to the max. The upside is you’ll never be far from a cool drink or locally-made ice cream!
To beat the crowds and nab the best value accommodation in Venice you’ll want to steer clear of the summer months in addition to major holidays such as Easter. April provides a great balance between weather and crowds, as does September and October.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Venice is in April/May or September/October. These months have all the advantages outlined, plus the Biennale art expo in odd numbered years. The Venice Film Festival takes place in September.
How many days to spend in Venice
I could easily spend a happy week soaking up the sights, wandering along the canals and getting lost in the historic backstreets of Venice, but I realise not everyone has so much time to spend in Venice.
When planning your trip to Venice it’s good to be aware that getting between the outer islands can take out good chunks of your day – so plan where to stay carefully to maximise your time.
When considering how many days to spend in Venice also be aware that many museums and other attractions are closed on Mondays, making it something of a dead day for visitors.
If you’re in a hurry, you can see the main sights around San Marco Square, the Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal in a day. But to gain a real appreciation for the City of Canals, I’d recommend spending at least three days and two nights in Venice.
That will give you the time you need to immerse yourself in this magical city, to delve headlong into the various galleries and museum collections that dot its myriad waterways and hop between the various sestieri which make up the centro storico.
How to get to Venice and get around
All Venice’s international airports are situated in its terraferma districts. Its main airport is considered to be Marco Polo International Airport (VCE), which is well served by buses to the railway station at Mestre and bus terminus at Piazzale Roma.
Venice-Treviso Airport (TSF) is slightly further away, with a distance of 30 km. It’s mainly used by low-cost carriers and is also connected to Venice by bus. Another alternative worth considering is Padua (Padova) airport (QPA).
It’s also possible to arrive into Venice by water, with various cruise ship companies including it on their Mediterranean itineraries. Ships dock at the dedicated Marittima passenger terminal of the Port of Venice, since they are no longer allowed to dock any closer to the city for fear of damaging the historic buildings that make it so special. From here trams head to Piazzale Roma.
Even getting about is fun in Venice. As soon as you reach the centro storico your options for getting about are reduced to traveling on foot or by boat, since no motor vehicles or trains are permitted beyond Piazzale Roma. It makes Venice Europe’s largest vehicle free zone! Cars are allowed on Lido island.
The vaporetto water buses have a comprehensive series of routes connecting up pretty much everywhere you’ll ever want to go, with boats departing every 10-20 minutes on most routes.
Shining with yacht varnish, sleek water taxis also ply the canals if you’re after either speed or privacy, while you can’t go to Venice without stepping aboard a gondola. An hour’s ride around the canals will set you back 80 euros by day and 100 by night. Prices are set by the council.
If you’ve got a limited budget, gondolas make crossings of the Grand Canal where there are no bridges for just a couple of euros.
I hope this article gives you all the information you need to plan a magical trip to Venice. Whatever you’re after, there is no shortage on things to explore and incredible places to stay in Venice, even for those on a budget. Whether it’s a classic Venetian palazzo, modern luxury or somewhere quiet with a shady garden, we’ve covered all bases right here!
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