Where To Stay In Venice – The Best Areas & Neighbourhoods

Where To Stay In Venice: Choosing the Best Area and Hotels

Venice is one of the most charming cities in the world. However, choosing the best place to stay and booking a hotel in Venice can be daunting. It’s a big city divided into six Sestieri (neighbourhoods) with thousands of hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, and apartments. Finding a hotel with good value for the price is a challenge, as reservations are necessary well in advance to secure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

If you travel to Venice alone for a short visit, staying in San Marco or central Venice is the best choice. However, Cannaregio is a budget-friendly option if you have a more extended stay. Santa Croce is the perfect area close to the Santa Lucia train station. San Polo is the closest to Rialto Bridge. Dorsoduro if you travel solo and want to stay in Venice’s best areas for eating out.

If you are wondering which area to choose for one or several days, consider a few things: the distance from San Marco Square, the access to water buses (Vaporetto), and how you intend to explore the city. Our Venice Neighbourhood guide will help you choose among the best hotels, the perfect place to stay in Venice, and the best options to navigate the city.

Best Neighbourhoods and Areas In Venice

Venice has six distinct neighbourhoods (or Sestieri) that offer something unique for visitors.

✅ San Marco is the most famous neighbourhood and home to some of Venice’s iconic sights.
✅ Cannaregio is one of the largest neighbourhoods in Venice and offers a more authentic experience.
✅ San Polo is known for its lively markets, colourful streets, and some of the best restaurants.
✅ Dorsoduro is a vibrant area famous for its Osterias and Cicchetterias, with fabulous views of Venice.
✅ Santa Croce is a residential area opposite the Grand Canal from the train station.
✅ Castello is the oldest area in Venice and the largest Venetian Sestiere with a glimpse into what life was like centuries ago.
If you have difficulty deciding where to stay in Venice, our guide will help you pick the best-suited place for your trip to Venice.

Santa Croce

To stay near the Venice Train Station. If you like walking and don’t mind the distances, Santa Croce is the first Sestiere when you get off the train station in Venice. Walk across the Scalzi Bridge and immerse yourself in a peaceful area with lovely places to eat local Venetian food and cafeterias.

The highlight includes the Scuola Grande San Rocco, a magnificent palace with Tintoretto works, and the Church of Frari, one of the most beautiful churches in Venice, only a few minutes from Scuola Grande San Rocco. If you are interested in churches, there are a couple of churches worth visiting, the Chiesa San Giacomo Dell’Orio in Campo San Giacomo Dell’orio, where you can also soak in the local vibe, and the baroque church San Stae.

This quiet and less-known Sestiere of Santa Croce also has some magnificent palaces. I suggest visiting Palazzo Mocenigo for the grandiose decorated rooms and, if you want to explore costumes and the Museo Dei Profumi, Perfume Museum.

The Giardini Papadopoli are on the other side in front of the Piazzale Roma, the only area where you can use your car as the bridge connects it to the mainland and offers a lovely public garden for a break. I would stay here if you like a quiet, peaceful area at night and only 5-10 min away from the train station or bus and car parking in Piazzale Roma. Also, if you plan a gondola ride in Venice, Santa Croce is probably the ideal place to start your ride across the Gran Canal and the many bridges since fewer people are lining.

Where To Stay in Santa Croce

Here are our suggested hotels for your stay in Santa Croce:

Budget:
Albergo Marin Top Rooms + Self-Catering Apart. 4-6 people—200 mt from Train Station.
Mid-Priced:
Ca Nigra Lagoon Resort 17th C. Building. Modern Rooms. Garden. Terrace. Canal Grande View.
Hotel Olimpia Venice  200 mt from Piazzale Roma. Opposite Papadopuli Gardens.
Palazzo Marcello Hotel Al Sole Fondamenta Minotto. It has a night vibe. Restaurants and shops.
Luxury:
Canal Grande
Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel Luxury 5 Star Hotel. Near San Stae Church. Top Venue. Gardens.

Cannaregio

Canareggio is the district for budget stays and a local vibe in northern Venice. Stretching from the left-hand side of the train station to the border of the San Marco district, it’s the second largest sestiere of Venice, where most Venetians live. Cannaregio has also been known for the Jewish Ghetto since 1516, at the west end of the Sestiere. From the train station Santa Lucia, follow the main road on your left and cross over the Ponte Delle Guiglie; keep walking along the Strada Nova, the main street in Venice, and you will get to the Rialto Bridge. Strad Nova is a large road lined with shops and eateries and is very different from the narrow Venetian Calle that is so characteristic of Venice.

The main attractions in Canareggio are the House of Tintoretto, the Santa Maria Dei Miracoli Church, famous for the marble coasts and the Fondamenta Misericordia for some great places to eat. Bacari like Al Timon, Paradiso Perduto and Vino Vero, to name a few. If you are looking for the best good value and a budget place to stay in Venice, they are all in the upper area of Cannaregio, towards the border to the San Marco neighbourhood. I recommend staying in this area if you like more tranquillity. It’s a 10-minute walk to Rialto Bridge and 15 minutes to San Marco Square. The perfect location is within walking distance of Venice’s core attractions: San Marco Square and Rialto Bridge.

Where To Stay in Cannaregio

Here are our suggested hotels if you want to stay in Cannaregio:

Budget:
Locanda ai Santi Apostoli 14th-Cent. Building. Overlooking The Grand Canal. Buffet Breakfast. Free Wi-Fi. Lounge Room. Air-Co. Bar. Family Rooms.
Locanda Cà Le Vele 100 mt from Cà Doro Museum. Free Wi-Fi. Air-Co. Luggage Storage. Family Rooms. Tea & Coffee Makers in all rooms.
Scalon Del Doge, a 13th-century building overlooking the Canal. Venetian-Style Rooms. Baroque Furnishings. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast. Air-Co. Heating. Luggage Storage.
Mid-Priced:
Hotel Abbazia 100 mt from Santa Lucia Train Station. Restored Monastery with beautiful Garden.
Hotel Ca’ D’Oro Roof Terrace. Canal Views. 5 min walk to Rialto—200 mt. from Vaporetto stop. Free Airport Shuttle-Bus. Free tickets to Municipal Casino.
P 1779 Top 4-star Family Rooms for up to 4 pax. Garden. Breakfast. 2 min walk to Vaporetto Stop.
Luxury
Carnival Palace Jewish Ghetto. Ultra-Modern Rooms.
Radisson Collection Palazzo Nani Venice 5-star Hotel near Guglie Vaporetto Bus stop. Canal View and Palazzo Savorgnan View. Fitness Centre. Terrace. Restaurant.
Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience 16th cent. Building. Celebrity-like room and place. Canal Views.

San Polo

San Polo for a stay near Rialto Bridge. It’s a central neighbourhood in Venice known for the iconic Rialto Bridge, which spans the Grand Canal and connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. There are plenty of attractions within walking distance from San Polo. You can visit San Giacomo di Rialto Church, the oldest church in Venice. Another thing is to spend time in Campo San Polo, the second largest square in Venice, and visit the San Polo Market.

San Polo Market is located near the Rialto Bridge, and here, you can find anything from fresh seafood to handmade souvenirs. From San Polo, it takes around 22 minutes to walk to San Marco Square and 14 minutes by Vaporetto ferry service. Beyond historic sites, plenty of eateries are just off the main thoroughfare. You can sample freshly made pizza, browse artisan galleries and shops, or enjoy the atmosphere at an outdoor café.

Where to stay in San Polo

Here are our suggested hotels for your stay in San Polo:

Budget:
Locanda Sant’Agostin Large Rooms. Canal Views. Breakfast. Close to Campo San Polo.
Mid-Priced:
Hotel Ca’ San Polo  Roof Terrace. View of San Polo District. Breakfast. Venetian Style Large Rooms.
Luxury:
H10 Palazzo Canova Luxury Rooms. Rialto Bridge Views. Terrace. Bar. Inner Courtyard.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is the best area for the best eateries in Venice and has a great night vibe. It’s located in the southern part of the city, and it’s a 12-minute Vaporetto ride away from Piazza San Marco by Vaporetto ferry service. This is your best neighbourhood if you’re into food, nightlife, and/or art. This Venetian district is home to some of the city’s most renowned art museums and galleries, including Galleria dell’Accademia and Ca’ Rezzonico – Museo del Settecento Veneziano. And Punta Della Dogana and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

If you’re looking for a night out, one of the best spots is Corner Pub. It’s a great place to grab a drink, listen to live music or check out Bakarò, which serves delicious Italian cuisine near the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. The area is within walking distance of major attractions such as the Rialto Bridge and La Salute Church.

Best Places to Stay in Dorsoduro

Here are our suggested hotels for your stay in Dorsoduro:

Budget:
Casa Accademia Simple Furniture. Large Rooms. Terrace. Garden. Solo Travellers Friendly. 15 min walk from San Marco Square.
Mid-Range:
Hotel Agli Alboretti Breakfast. Garden. Terrace. 2 min from the Guggenheim Museum. 2 min from Accademia Bridge Vaporetto Stop. Solo Travellers’ friendly.
Luxury:
Palazzo Veneziano Fondamente Zattere  Elegant Modern Rooms. Some w SPA. On-site Bar. Terrace. Canal Views. San Basilio Vaporetto Stop. 5 min from Accademia Bridge.

San Marco

To stay near all of Venice’s attractions, choose San Marco. It’s located in the heart of Venice and is the most popular tourist destination in Venice. It is the perfect place if you are in Venice for the first time and for those who prefer a convenient neighbourhood to stay in Venice city. You can tick off your list of many of Venice’s attractions since everything is within walking distance. The area borders the Grand Canal and is home to iconic sights, such as San Marco Square, Basilica and The Doge’s Palace—the Bridge of Sighs, The San Marco Tower, and the Clock Tower.

Staying in the Center of Venice will give you no shortage of things to do and see, from the gorgeous Piazza San Marco, where visitors can admire Venetian architecture and sip on coffee at some of the most famous cafés: Cafè Florian and Grancaffè Quadri, to getting lost amidst narrow alleys with their collection of boutiques, bars, and restaurants. If you want to experience the Magic Venice, take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal or walk through the Rialto Market to enjoy the vendors’ local specialities.

Where to Stay in San Marco

Here are our suggested hotels for your stay near San Marco Square:

Budget:
Hotel Caneva First Floor Roms. Internal Courtyard. Overlooking the Canal and Casanova Historic House. Free Wi-Fi. Luggage Storage. Heating. Family & Single Rooms.
Domus Ciliota Former Augustinian monastery. 10 min walk from Saint Mark Square. Inner Garden. Heating. Air-Co. Luggage Storage. Free Wi-Fi.
Hotel San Luca Rooms with Murano Glass Chandeliers. Wood Flooring. Family Rooms. Free Wi-Fi. Bar. Luggage Storage. Air–Co.
Mid Range:
Hotel Casa Verardo 15th Cent. Building. Modern Decor. Quit and soundproof rooms. Courtyard. Terrace. Bar. Breakfast. Free Wifi. One hundred meters from San Marco Square.
Hotel Ca’ Del Campo 100 mt from Saint Mark Square. Authentic Venetian Period Furnishings. Free Wi-Fi. 24/7 Front Desk. Breakfast. Laundry. Heating.
Hotel Montecarlo 50 mt from Saint Mark Square. 17th Cent. Building. Venetian-Style Rooms. Antico Pignolo Restaurant. 900 wines cellar. Airport Shuttle. Bar. Free Wi-Fi. 24/7 Front Desk.
Luxury Hotels:
Hotel Baglioni Luna Luxury Furnished Rooms. With Top views of the lagoon. Private Dock. 2 min from Vaporetto Stop. SPA & Wellness Centre. On-site Restaurant.

Castello

For a relaxing stay near La Biennale, stay in Castello. It’s known for being the quietest neighbourhood and the largest Sestiere in Venice, away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism. If you want to feel the local vibe, this area is the best place to stay, only a 10-minute walk from San Marco. Make sure to explore Giardini Della Biennale, a large park located in Castello. It hosts La Biennale, an art exposition that attracts thousands of visitors worldwide every two years.

To make the most of your stay, spend time at Garibaldi Road, where you’ll find plenty of local street food and unique markets (on gondolas). This is one of my favourite Venetian Sestiere cause you will get a feel of what life is like in Venice and immerse yourself in the authentic Venetian culture.

The most popular attractions in Castello include the Basilica Dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) and the Church of San Pietro di Caste. To get to Giardini from Venice’s historic centre, take the 4.1 or 5.1 ferry line, which will take approximately 15 minutes.

Where To Stay in Castello

Here are our suggested hotels for your stay in Castello and near Giardini La Biennale

Budget:
Ca’ Marcello  Fully equipped entire apartment suits four pax. Balcony. Terrace. Historic Building. Garden. Free Wi-Fi. Good Value for the price.
Ca’ Biennale Apartment suits 4. Free. Wi-Fi. Luggage Storage. Heating. 24/7 front desk.
Mid-Priced:
Hotel Indigo Venice Sant’Elena Former Venetian Convent. Well-kept Garden. Close to Giardini Biennale. Family Rooms. Free Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Bar.
Hotel Sant’Antonin 16th Cent. Building. Sculptures Garden. Terrace. 5 min walk to the Venetian Arsenal. Bar. Breakfast. Free Wi-Fi. 24/7 Front Desk.
Luxury:
Londra Palace Venezia 50 mt from St. Zacharia’s Church and 400 mt from Doge’s Palace. 24/7 Front Desk. Free Wi-Fi. On-site award-winning Do Leoni Restaurant. Terrace. Bar. View of St. Mark Basin.
Ca’ Di Dio Small Luxury Hotel 5 *** Small Luxury Hotel. Fitness Centre. SPA & Wellness Centre. Free Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Bar.  24/7 Front Desk.

Giudecca

For the best views of Venice, La Giudecca is a small island opposite San Marco Square, but it’s not a district of Venice but part of the Sestiere of Dorsoduro. It is known for its peaceful and residential area, which is popular among university students and local artists who have their shops here. The island provides visitors with easy access to nearby attractions, such as Piazza San Marco, while still being far enough away to enjoy the peace and the best view of Venice and San Marco Square from the water.

There are also local restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Water buses run between Giudecca across the Grand Canal and connect the heart of Venice, the train station and all other smaller islands. That makes it not so convenient if you’re on a short trip. If you want to enjoy the peacefulness of a small island and the top views of Venice, this is the best place to stay. The only downside is that you need to use the Vaporetto a few times a day to cross over to San Marco and the rest of Venice since Giudecca is not connected to bridges to all other districts. The only time of the year when they set up a connecting bridge is during the Redemeer Festival on the third weekend of July.

Best Places To Stay in Giudecca

Here are our suggested hotels for your Giudecca Island (Dorsoduro) stay:

Budget:
Generator Dormitory style + Private Rooms. Restaurant. Bar. Free Wi-Fi. Good Breakfast.
Mid-Priced:
B&B Giudecca Bella 2 min from Palanca Vaporetto water bus stop. Free Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning.
Hotel Giudecca Rooms with wood-beamed ceilings. Palada Canal Views. Breakfast in Glass House. Bar. 24/7 Front Desk.Private Dock for a taxi. Water bus to the city no. 2, 41, 42 lines 250 mt walk away.
Luxury:
Hilton Molino StuckyFormer Flour Mill. Rooftop Swimming Pool. Fitness Centre. SPA & Wellness. Centre. Water Shuttle Service to Venice City. Rooftop Bar. Molino Restaurant. Buffet Breakfast.
Hotel Cipriani Belmond Sea-View.Garden. Tennis Court. SPA & Wellness. Fitness Centre. Outdoor Swimming Pool. Gourment Oro Restaurant. Porticciolo Restaurant. Cip’s Club Bar. Airport Shuttle.

Stay Near Venice on Smaller Islands

The six main areas aren’t your only option. With 118 small islands around the city, there are many other possibilities if you’re looking for a unique stay in Venice. Lido di Venezia is the only island where you take your car and can drive. Murano Island is known for its glass-making workshops and colourful canals. Burano is famous for its brightly coloured houses and lace-making traditions.

Lido

For beach fun and total relax stay in Lido. The Lido is the only island in the Venetian Lagoon you can take your car and drive on, which makes it great for a weekend trip. However, you can also use it as a base to explore Venice, as downtown Venice is only a 15-minute Vaporetto ferry service away. It’s a great choice if you’d like to stay in an area with beaches and where you can swim. Also, the Oasi Dune Degli Alberoni is a WWF conservation natural area with a beach, guided tour to spot sea turtles and protected fauna and flora. Diving is another popular activity on the island, next to sunbathing. Venice Diving is a small scuba diving centre that offers guided dives to some of the best dive sites near Venice.

The Lido also hosts the Venice Film Festival in September every year, so many people flock here during this popular event yearly. Suppose you wonder whether it’s worth staying in Lido rather than Venice. In that case, my answer is “it depends” If it’s your second or third trip to Venice, I say yes, stay in Lido so that you can enjoy more of the island’s amenities, go to the beach, swim, enjoy nature and do other activities. A Vaporetto ride is only 15 minutes to Saint Mark Square, and they ride every 20 minutes, so the connection is good.

Where to stay in Venice Lido

Here are our suggested hotels for your stay in Venice Lido:

Budget:
La Meridiana A 2-min walk to the private beach. Garden. Free Wi-Fi. Bar. Breakfast. Single Rooms.
Mid-Priced
Hotel Villa Delle Palme Art Noveau Style. Building with Control Tower. 360° View of Lagoon and Venice City. Garden. 8-20 Front Desk. Bar. Restaurant. Free Wi-Fi. Complimentary Buffet Breakfast.
Luxury:
Ausonia Hungaria Wellness & Lifestyle 250 mt from the beach. Private Beach. SPA & Wellness Centre. Outdoor Swimming pool. Private Parking. Free Wi-Fi. Bar.

Murano

Murano is world-renowned for its beautiful glass artworks, crafted by skilled artisans for centuries. Murano is an ideal destination for long-term travellers and those looking to visit Venice on repeat. This is a lesser-known part of Venice, but if you are not looking to stay off the crowds but still want to stay in a mini version of Venice, this is the place. The island offers a unique cultural experience where visitors can explore glass factories and shops, watch traditional glassblowing demonstrations, or visit the Museum of Glass, which is dedicated to preserving this fantastic artisan craft. The island’s streets have quaint cafes, restaurants, Murano Glass boutiques, and several stunning beaches. To get to Venice from Murano, take a Vaporetto to Fondamente Nove Station. The ride usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Budget:
Hotel Conterie Family Run Hotel. In a historic villa. Venetian-style rooms. Free Wi.Fi. Single Rooms.
Mid-Priced
Casa Sulla Laguna Close to Murano Navagero Vaporetto Stop. Bar. Airport Shuttle. Free Wi-Fi.
Luxury
NH-Collection Murano Villa Terrace. Garden. Restaurant. Bar. SPA-Wellness Centre. Fitness Centre. Free Wi-Fi. Airport Shuttle.

Burano and Mazzorbo

Burano and Mazzorbo, two small islands, are popular tourist destinations due to their charming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Burano is known for its vibrant atmosphere and colourful buildings. You can explore Burano’s winding streets, participate in traditional lace-making workshops or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the waterfront. Mazzorbo is renowned for its vineyards, making it an excellent destination for long-term travellers who want to experience the local culture.  To get to Burano and Mazzorbo from Venice, you can take a Vaporetto from Fondamente Nove Station. Take line 12. The Vaporetto ride usually takes around 45-60 minutes.

Mestre Venice Mainland

Venice Mestre is located on the mainland of Venice, only a short 10-minute train ride from Venice Santa Lucia, downtown Venice’s central train station. With nearly 200,000 inhabitants, Mestre has plenty of options to stay. Thanks to the great connection, it’s an excellent place to stay near Venice, especially if this isn’t your first visit and you want to explore more of the mainland. Mestre has a couple of fun things to do, too: San Giuliano Park is a great spot to relax and take in the beautiful views of the city. Shopping enthusiasts can find their fill at Piazza Ferretto.

If you want to explore more of Venice’s surroundings, is best to stay in Venice Mestre and the go on day trips. From Mestre, you can go to Padua by train. Padua is only about 30 minutes away and offers many sights and attractions. Also, the picturesque coastal town of Chioggia makes it a great trip from Venice Mestre, and you can also go to the beaches of Jesolo Lido or Cavallino.

Where To Stay in Mestre

Budget:
Hotel Adria Private Parking. Free Wi-Fi. 24/7 Front Desk. Airport Shuttle.
Mid-Priced:
Voco Venice Mestre – The Quid Close to the Airport. Bus Stop. Located in the AEV Commercial Area. Restaurant. Bar. Private Parking. Free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Vivit ***S Piazza Ferretto. Old building. Renovated Modern Rooms. Free Wi-Fi. Parking. Bar.

Best Places To Stay In Venice for Solo Travellers

These are the best places I recommend to solo travellers or women travelling alone to Venice on a budget.

Santa Croce

If you travel to Venice, love walking, and want to stay close to the train, bus station, and parking area (if you travel by car), I recommend staying in Santa Croce. It may be far from San Marco (2 km) but quiet and close to all other public transportation. It’s also a hub for all water buses. My picks are Albergo Marin for a budget and Hotel Ca’ Nigra Resort for good value for the price.

Dorsoduro

This area is full of great art galleries and is known for its lively nightlife and excellent dining options. The Dorsoduro area is quieter compared to San Marco. If you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere and delicious food near the edge of the Grand Canal, this is the place for you. You are on a solo trip to Venice and are on your first visit. I’d stay in Dorsoduro since this is the best neighbourhood for solo traveller-friendly eateries, lively nightlife scenes, and great places to stay.
I recommend Casa Accademia for a budget stay, with dorms too—and Hotel Agli Alboretti for mid prices.

Cannareggio

Another great district close to San Marco to experience the authentic side of Venice and get away from the tourist crowd is Canareggio. The neighbourhood has several small bridges connecting its narrow alleyways, providing many opportunities for exploration. And if you’re on a budget, the upper northeast of Canareggio is an excellent choice. You find many traditional budget eateries here: Cicchetteria, Bacari and Osterie. It is a 5-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge and a 10-15-minute walk from San Marco, making it an ideal spot for solo travellers.
I recommend: LocandaCà Le Vele and  Locanda ai Santi Apostoli. as budget-friendly hotels.

San Marco

This area of Venice is within walking distance of all the major attractions, including the Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco Basilica, and Rialto Bridge. I’d stay in San Marco if you have only one or two days and want to be close to all the tourist attractions. It’s the most central district of Venice and home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks like San Marco Square and Basilica. San Marco and Zaccaria are also hubs for all water bus lines. If you want to stay in the heart of Venice for 1-3 nights, San Marco is ideal. While there are plenty of restaurants and shops near San Marco Square, they tend to be pricey.
For a Budget Stay: Hotel Serenissima + Domus Ciliota and Hotel Montecarlo for mid-priced.

Castello and Giardini

If you visit Venice for the second or third time, I will stay close to the Giardini Della Biennale; this district has a great local vibe and offers plenty of attractions for solo travellers. If you want to stay in Venice longer than a week, this is the best area for renting an apartment in Venice. Castello and  Giardini are great for exploring the Venetian Lagoon and catching the water bus connections to Venice’s minor islands, such as Murano and Lido. Via Garibaldi is the dining area where locals go.
For a long-term stay in Venice, stay at Venezia Biennale Bianco & Nero near the Giardini. And For mid-prices at Hotel Sant’Antonin.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Venice

Which is the best area to stay in Venice?

The best area is near San Marco to the border to Cannareggio. If you want to stay on a budget: Domus Ciliota in San Marco and Locanda ai Santi Apostoli in Cannareggio.

Where shall I stay on a budget in Venice?

The best offers on budget-friendly accommodation in Venice are in Cannaregio Scalon Del Doge, Ca’ Patron, and Dorsoduro Casa Accademia.

Is it expensive to stay in Venice?

Venice City is expensive for accommodation. Book your stay 3-4 months earlier to get the best deals. If you can, travel off-season: November to January (not during the Christmas holidays) and mid-July to the end of August. Peak season in Venice is April to the End of June, September, October, and During Carnival.

How long shall I stay in Venice? Are two days enough?

If you are on the first visit, three days are enough. You can also spend 1 or 2 days if you are in a hurry and don’t plan to go to the minor islands.

Are there places where not to stay in Venice?

If this is your first visit, I don’t recommend staying in the smaller islands (Marzobbo, Torcello, or La Certosa) and Mestre (Venice mainland). Also, do not book your stay far from water bus stops, shops, and facilities.

Getting Around Venice

With its winding canals and narrow streets, the only way to explore Venice is by foot.

Walking is the best way to explore Venice, as it allows you to experience all the sights and sounds of this beautiful city up close and personal.

The Vaporetto (water bus) is a great way to get around Venice quickly. But beware: water buses in Venice are not fast, so it roughly takes the same time as walking. Single tickets cost €9.50 for adults (valid for 75 minutes), while 24-hour day passes are available for €25,00 per person.

Water taxis are private boats that offer direct transfers from the main terminals to the City Center. They’re available 24 hours a day.

Alilaguna Water Bus service. This public transport system operates along three routes between Marco Polo Airport and various stops throughout Venice’s historic centre.

For Visiting Venice with a car: If you travel to Venice with your vehicle, reach Piazzale Roma, where you can leave your car during your stay and take the water bus or walk.

Conclusions on the best areas where to stay in Venice

Knowing which area to stay in Venice hotels and where to stay on your visit takes time. Prices for accommodation in Venice have increased by 30 – 40% % after the pandemic. If you want to see as much of Venice as possible in the shortest time, go through the above Venice’s best hotels and neighbourhoods guide, and I’m sure you will nail it. Please use the links in this guide to book your stay in Venice. We earn a small commission on qualified hotel bookings and stay.

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From Venice To The Dolomites

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Visiting Italy for The First Time

This Guide was first published in April 2023 and last updated in Jan 2024.

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