Wondering where to stay in Venice first time? When planning a trip to Venice, choosing where to stay is just as important as choosing what to see and do. This magical city, with its labyrinth of canals, historic palazzos, and breathtaking views, offers a wide range of accommodation options, each promising a unique experience.
From the timeless appeal of centuries-old hotels overlooking the Grand Canal to the charm of boutique guesthouses tucked away in hidden alleys, Venice has something to offer every traveler.
Whether you’re looking for luxurious pampering or a more authentic stay off the beaten path, this guide will help you find the perfect place to call home during your Venetian adventure.
In brief: The best neighborhoods to stay in Venice are San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, Castello, and Santa Croce.
San Marco is the tourist epicenter with most of the city’s highlights. It is also the most expensive neighborhood in Venice.
Dorsoduro is the cultural epicenter of Venice and feels less touristy than San Marco.
Cannaregio is a great option if you are looking for affordable accommodation, but you will be further away from the city’s highlights.
Castello is a neighborhood where many Venetians live (and work) and is an ideal area to experience the daily life of the Venetians.
Santa Croce is an up-and-coming neighborhood that feels authentic and serves as a major transportation hub.
You can easily navigate to each neighborhood by tapping the link. Or go straight to the overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Venice first time.
San Marco is the heart of Venice and is home to famous landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge.
It is the most central and lively district, making it perfect for tourists who want to be right in the thick of things.
This means that you can easily explore the main highlights of Venice early in the morning or late in the evening, when the crowds are thinning out.
If you stay in San Marco, you can also easily delve into the stories of Venice’s past, as this is the historical epicentre of the city.
Those who want to take a gondola ride to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the canals can easily arrange this from here, as this is the starting point for gondola rides.
Simply put, there is no more convenient district than San Marco, making it the most sought-after district in the city.
But there is a catch.
It is also the most expensive district in all of Venice.
If your budget allows, you can’t choose a better neighborhood than San Marco.
Some of the city’s most luxurious hotels are located here, and many offer breathtaking views of the Grand Canal or St. Mark’s Square.
However, we fear that only a lucky few can afford it.
While San Marco is all about sights, comfort and luxury, Dorsoduro is the cultural epicenter of Venice.
Here you will find some of the most cultural institutions, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia.
The area is much quieter than San Marco and is perfect for exploring on foot.
Dorsoduro also feels less touristy than San Marco, giving you a more authentic side of the city.
The neighborhood is home to a variety of charming, family-run trattorias and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine in a more intimate, local setting.
The food here often feels more authentic and less commercialized than in tourist areas.
Keep in mind that there is much less nightlife compared to the tourist areas.
So it can get a bit boring in the evenings.
In addition, several major attractions are a bit further away, especially if you choose an area on the edge of the Dorsoduro neighborhood.
However, for anyone who doesn’t want to pay a high price for a hotel room and prefers a relaxed, authentic Venice atmosphere, this area is a much better option.
How to get around Venice? The best way to explore Venice is on foot. The city is relatively small and most of the sights are within walking distance.
Wandering through the narrow streets, crossing picturesque bridges and discovering hidden spots is part of the charm. There are signs all over Venice that direct you to important sights such as “San Marco”, “Rialto” and “Accademia”, making it easier to find your way. Getting lost is almost inevitable, but often leads to wonderful discoveries.
You can also explore Venice by water bus, also known as Vaporetto. The Vaporetto is the water bus service of Venice, operated by ACTV. It is the main public transport with routes on the Grand Canal, the islands in the lagoon (such as Murano and Burano) and the outskirts of the city.
Of all the routes, Route 1 is the most popular. You can buy single journey tickets or tourist passes with a validity of 1, 2, 3 or 7 days, which allow you to travel unlimitedly on ACTV services. Tickets can be purchased at vaporetto stops, online or via the ACTV app.
Of all the recommended areas, Cannaregio feels the most local and authentic.
For this reason, we decided to stay in this area.
It is less crowded than elsewhere in the city and has good transport links, as it is close to Santa Lucia train station and Piazzale Roma bus station.
However, it is also the furthest away from the main attractions.
If you are looking for a slightly less touristy area with historic churches, local restaurants, unique hotels and even a Jewish ghetto (the oldest in the world), then this is a great area for you.
You will also find a range of affordable accommodation options here, something that sometimes seems unique in a city like Venice.
The biggest disadvantage is that you always have to walk or take a boat to get to the main attractions.
However, you will be staying in an area that is perfect for those who like to get off the beaten track and discover the lesser-known beauty of Venice.
Castello is one of the residential areas of Venice where many Venetians live (and work). This gives the area a more authentic, lived-in feel, with fewer tourists and a stronger sense of community. It’s the perfect area to experience the daily life of the Venetians.
The area is also home to the Arsenale, Venice’s historic shipyard and naval base, which played a crucial role in the city’s maritime dominance in the Middle Ages. Today, the Arsenale hosts the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious art exhibitions in the world.
There are also several churches to visit, including the Basilica di San Pietro di Castello, the former cathedral of Venice, and the Church of San Zaccaria, which houses some beautiful art and architecture.
Although Castello is quieter and more residential, it’s still conveniently located close to the bustling San Marco district. Major attractions such as St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs are within walking distance. This makes it a great base to explore the highlights of Venice while enjoying a more peaceful stay.
Castello is also well connected by vaporetto routes, making it easy to reach other parts of Venice, including nearby islands such as Murano and Burano.
This area is not necessarily a budget area, but it is certainly not the most expensive part of Venice. Due to its convenient location, you should definitely consider staying here.
Keep in mind that this area is mainly visited by locals and not by tourists. On the other hand, the chances of finding a hidden gem are considerably higher than in tourist areas.
The final area we recommend is Santa Croce, a lesser-known but increasingly popular neighbourhood that offers a mix of convenience, local charm and historical interest.
Santa Croce is the gateway to Venice and the closest neighbourhood to Piazzale Roma, the city’s main transport hub where buses and cars arrive.
It is also close to Santa Lucia train station, making it one of the easiest neighbourhoods to reach when arriving or departing from Venice. Like the previously recommended neighbourhood, Santa Croce is a neighbourhood where many locals live and work, giving it a more authentic feel. This automatically makes it a much quieter neighbourhood, especially compared to San Marco.
Santa Croce has a rich history, dating back to when it was one of the first populated neighbourhoods in Venice. The neighbourhood was historically known for its monasteries and churches, some of which still stand today. Of all the recommended neighbourhoods, Santa Croce offers the best off-the-beaten-track experience.
If you book well in advance, you can also find a good selection of affordable accommodation. Keep in mind that there is virtually no nightlife in these areas. You are also further away from the main attractions. And the area is not as picturesque as other parts of Venice.
But if you are looking for something alternative and affordable, Santa Croce is definitely a good choice!
