Wondering where to stay in Venice? From the lived-in feel of Cannaregio to the ritzy, historic vibe of San Marco, we’re breaking down Venice’s six major districts with hotel recs and itinerary ideas.
Can’t wait to check out the best places to stay in Venice, Italy, for yourself? Connect with Fora to book and plan your Venetian vacation with expert support, plus VIP status and perks at the coolest hotels in the city.
The best places to stay in Venice, Italy: 6 beautiful neighborhoods (plus hotel recs)
A maze of architecturally rich, walkable districts interspersed with gondola-filled canals and stunning monuments make Venice a top choice among the best places to visit in Italy for the first time. But with so many great options, figuring out where to stay in Venice can be a little hard to pin down — but don’t stress, we’ve got you covered.
Read on for a brief take on all six major districts in Venice.
1. Cannaregio: where to stay in Venice to immerse yourself in authentic Venetian lifestyle
Although Cannaregio is the entry point to Venice, the district distances itself from the more traveled parts of the city without sacrificing its historic luster and classic Venetian charm.
In other words, Cannaregio is where to stay in Venice if you’re looking for the most authentic local experience. It’s a great choice if you want quiet, affordable accommodations with great access to the rest of the city.
Much of Cannaregio itself is residential, but you’ll also find plenty of casual restaurants, street food vendors and boutiques of all types (see our 3-day Venice itinerary for ideas). And while Venice isn’t explicitly known for its nightlife, Canneregio’s waterfront promenades host plenty of small jazz clubs and other live music venues, making it one of the livelier places to stay in Venice for nightlife.
(PS: check out where to stay in Milan if you’re looking for the best of Italian nightlife).
Where to stay in Cannaregio, Venice: The Venice Venice Hotel, Ca’ Sagredo Hotel & Ca’ Bonfadini
Most accommodations in Cannaregio are geared toward budget travelers, but there are also some very nice hotels, too. The Venice Venice Hotel and Ca’ Sagredo Hotel are both luxurious options found near the heart of the city, making them ideal choices for travelers interested in seeing as much of Venice from a convenient starting point.
The elegant Ca’ Bonfadini, on the other hand, offers five-star accommodations overlooking a scenic canal in a much quieter part of the district, not too far from Venice’s entry point.
Connect with Fora to plan and book a stay in Venice’s Cannaregio district. (Considering other destinations in Italy? Check out where to stay in Rome.)
Fora Perks at The Venice Venice Hotel:
25€ food / beverage credit.
Welcome treat in room on arrival.
Upgrade, based on availability.
Fora Perks at Ca’ Sagredo Hotel:
$100 food / beverage lunch credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Ca’ Bonfadini:
Welcome treat in room on arrival.
One-time complimentary spa access.
Upgrade, based on availability.
2. Dorsoduro: where to stay in Venice for art & culture junkies
With world-class museums such as The Gallerie dell’ Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection to revered monuments like the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, you might think that Dorsoduro’s appeal lies solely in refined aspects of Venetian culture. But this exciting and eclectic district has plenty more in store for travelers.
Catering to a thriving student population, Dorsoduro enjoys a youthful injection of indie boutiques, trendy cafés and laid-back bars among gorgeous Venetian façades and picturesque canals.
Where to stay in Dorsoduro, Venice: Il Palazzo Experimental & more
Like Cannaregio, high-end hotel options in Dorsoduro are somewhat limited. Il Palazzo Experimental is the best place to stay in Venice if you plan on staying within Dorsoduro for the bulk of your stay. This four-star hotel features opulent rooms and a prime location along Venice’s southernmost canal (its waterfront views are gorgeous).
Desire intimate Italian accommodations — perhaps for a couples’ getaway? Check out our guide to the coolest boutique hotels in Italy.
Fora Perks at Il Palazzo Experimental:
Welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade, based on availability.
3–4. San Marco & San Polo: where to stay in Venice for architecture, history and luxurious amenities
San Marco and San Polo are both among the best places to visit in Italy, and arguably the most beautiful parts of Venice.
Between the two, no place in the world serves as a better exhibit of Venetian architecture (that might sound obvious, but the Venetians really got around). Likewise, the two districts are the most popular in Venice and also where you’ll find many of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
District highlights include romantic gondola rides (swoon), prestigious museums, upscale shopping, tons of exciting events all year round and, of course, a bevy of majestic landmarks like Doge’s Palace (a.k.a. Palazzo Ducale) and St. Mark’s Basilica (many of the best things to do in Venice are centered in these two districts, BTW).
Need Venice travel inspiration? Read our 4-day Venice itinerary.
Where to stay in San Marco, Venice: The St. Regis Venice, Palazzina Grassi & The Gritti Palace
San Marco and Castello (we cover this district below) are where to stay in Venice for the best accommodations. Elite, four- and five-star hotels exhibiting the best of Italian luxury can be found on just about every block in San Marco.
Among our favorites: The St. Regis Venice, Palazzinia Grassi and The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice. Each offers a unique and elegant experience in the liveliest part of Venice.
Fora Perks at The St. Regis Venice:
$100 food / beverage lunch credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Palazzina Grassi:
Welcome treat in room on arrival.
Upgrade, based on availability.
Fora Perks at The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice:
$100 food / beverage lunch credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Where to stay in San Polo, Venice: Aman Venice & more
Aman Venice is a breathtaking, five-star hotel located on the Grand Canal in San Polo. Even in a city celebrated for opulent design, Aman Venice stands out — and you’ll be hard-pressed to find more lavish accommodations and better service.
Need help deciding where to stay in Venice’s San Marco or San Polo districts? Connect with Fora to book and plan your vacation with expert suggestions (and complimentary hotel perks!).
5. Castello: the best place to stay in Venice to sample a bit of everything
No district varies block to block more than Castello — this is where to stay in Venice if you’re looking for variety. The western end of the district is, in many ways, similar to San Polo and San Marco, with world-class hotels (including some of the best places to stay in Italy), brilliant architecture and rows of high-end restaurants and shops.
As you approach the eastern end of Castello, however, the atmosphere becomes more laid-back, with a more authentic vibe similar to that of Cannaregio.
Some of Castello's cooler highlights include the Venetian Arsenal and Riva degli Schiavoni, which features leisurely gondola tours.
Where to stay in Castello, Venice: Hotel Metropole, Londra Palace & Hotel Danieli
As we said, the western half of Castello is one of the best places to stay in Venice for luxury accommodations. Hotel Metropole, Londra Palace and Hotel Danieli are just a few of our favorites (there are many more). As always, we recommend that you connect with Fora to book and plan your stay in Venice with tailored recommendations.
Fora Perks at Londra Palace Venezia:
$100 food / beverage lunch credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Hotel Danieli:
$100 food / beverage lunch credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
6. Santa Croce: where to stay in Venice off the beaten path
If you love off-the-beaten-path travel like we do, then Santa Croce may be where you should stay in Venice. Much of the district borders the Grand Canal, and yet, Santa Croce isn’t nearly as busy as San Polo or San Marco, making it an excellent choice for travelers that want to avoid the crowds (as much as possible, anyway).
On the flip side, Santa Croce is a favorite hangout for locals, so the authenticity factor is way up. Many of the eateries here lean traditional, too, with far less foreign influence than what you’ll typically find throughout much of the rest of the city.
Where to stay in Santa Croce, Venice: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel & more
The accommodations in Santa Croce tend to be more affordable than elsewhere in Venice. However, you’re still in luck if you desire luxury accommodations: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel is a stunning, five-star hotel on the Grand Canal, not too far from the busier parts of the city (i.e., the location is fantastic).
Connect with Fora for pro help deciding where to stay in Venice, Italy
One of the best places to stay in Italy, Venice is a magical city renowned for its unique canals and romantic atmosphere. But deciding where to stay in Venice can be a little tough when you weigh the different districts. That’s where we come in.
When you connect with Fora, we’ll help you decide where to stay, and hook you up with awesome itinerary recs and VIP perks at the best hotels. While we handle all the hassles of travel planning, you get to focus on enjoying the trip of a lifetime.
Not sure Venice is the best destination for your Italy vacation? Check out these guides, too:
