Venice is a miracle of engineering and art, a city built on water that defies logic. Divided into six 'sestieri' (districts), it changes dramatically from the crowded splendor of San Marco to the quiet, laundry-draped canals of Castello. Staying in Venice is about navigating the bridges, the tides, and finding your own private corner of the lagoon.
San Marco
The political and social heart of Venice for over a thousand years. It hosts the most famous sights: the Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and Harry's Bar. Staying here is prestigious and central, but it comes with the highest price tag and the thickest crowds.
What we love
- +Unbeatable access to the main sights
- +Most prestigious luxury hotels
- +Incredible historic atmosphere at night
Worth noting
- –Extremely expensive
- –Overwhelmed by tourists during the day
- –Restaurants are often overpriced traps
Nearby
St. Mark's Basilica · Doge's Palace · Bridge of Sighs · La Fenice Opera House · Harry's Bar
Dorsoduro
Venice's 'university district' and art hub. It feels younger, breezier, and more bohemian than San Marco. Home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia, it offers sunny promenades (Zattere) and lively squares (Campo Santa Margherita) filled with students.
What we love
- +Museum mile (Accademia & Guggenheim)
- +Lively, local nightlife (Campo Santa Margherita)
- +Beautiful sunny promenade (Zattere)
Worth noting
- –Can get noisy near the university bars
- –Further walk to Rialto/San Marco
- –Fewer 'grand' hotels
Nearby
Peggy Guggenheim Collection · Gallerie dell'Accademia · Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute · Campo Santa Margherita · Zattere Waterfront
Cannaregio
The largest and most populated district, Cannaregio offers a slice of 'real' Venice. It stretches from the station to the Rialto. It houses the historic Jewish Ghetto and lively canal-side fondamente (walkways) lined with bars and restaurants where locals actually eat.
What we love
- +Authentic local atmosphere and dining
- +Home to the historic Jewish Ghetto
- +Lively nightlife along the canal (Fondamenta della Misericordia)
Worth noting
- –Can be a long walk to St. Mark's Square
- –Some parts are quite remote
- –Gets very busy near the station
Nearby
Jewish Ghetto · Ca' d'Oro · Madonna dell'Orto · Fondamenta della Misericordia · Strada Nova
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San Polo
The smallest district but one of the busiest, centered around the Rialto Bridge and market. It is ancient, dense, and confusingly winding. It’s perfect for foodies wanting to explore the 'bacaro' (wine bar) culture near the market.
What we love
- +Foodie heaven (Rialto Market & Cicchetti bars)
- +Central location near bridge
- +Great artisan shops
Worth noting
- –Very crowded narrow streets
- –Can be noisy early morning (market setup)
- –Confusing layout (easy to get lost)
Nearby
Rialto Bridge & Market · Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari · Scuola Grande di San Rocco · Campo San Polo · All'Arco (Cicchetti bar)
Castello
Castello is the largest district, stretching east from San Marco to the Arsenale. The western part is touristy, but walk deeper east and you find quiet parks, laundry hanging over canals, and the Biennale gardens. It’s the greenest and most local sestiere.
What we love
- +Quiet, local atmosphere in the east
- +Home to the Biennale Gardens (Giardini)
- +Authentic trattorias and lower prices
Worth noting
- –Far from the train station (requires Vaporetto)
- –Can feel a bit isolated at night
- –Long walk to main sights
Nearby
Arsenale di Venezia · Giardini della Biennale · Acqua Alta Bookshop · Campo Santa Maria Formosa · San Zaccaria
Santa Croce
The gateway district, hosting the bus terminal (Piazzale Roma). While often overlooked as just a transit hub, its inner canals are surprisingly quiet and charming. It’s the only part of Venice reachable by car/bus, making it practical for heavy luggage.
What we love
- +Most convenient for arrival/departure
- +Underrated quiet canals and squares
- +Home to the correct Ca' Pesaro museum
Worth noting
- –Least 'postcard' picturesque in parts
- –Busy traffic hub at Piazzale Roma
- –Fewer major landmarks
Nearby
Ca' Pesaro (Modern Art) · Natural History Museum · Campo San Giacomo · San Stae · Piazzale Roma (Transport)
Giudecca
Ideally located just across the water from San Marco, Giudecca is a long island that offers the spectacular skyline views of Venice without the crowds. It’s a mix of working-class boatyards and ultra-luxury hotels (like the Cipriani).
What we love
- +Best views of the Venice skyline
- +Peaceful, relaxed island vibe
- +home to the Redentore church
Worth noting
- –Must take a Vaporetto to reach the main city
- –Dining options are more limited
- –Can feel separated from the action
Nearby
Il Redentore Church · Molino Stucky · Casa dei Tre Oci · Giudencca Canal Promenade · Harry's Dolci
More Places to Stay
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