Where to Stay in Venice, Italy in 2024: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

Everyone goals of visiting Venice at one level in their life, and also you’re extremely fortunate in case your time has come. The sinking metropolis is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in Italy, with greater than 30 million guests yearly. But most of these vacationers come to Venice for the day, and fewer than 3 million truly spend an evening in the town. We visited the town twice, and each instances, we stayed for 3 days, which was the proper period of time, in our opinion. If you’re planning to keep in Venice for greater than 24 hours, this information to the perfect Venice resorts will assist you to discover the perfect lodging! 

Venice will not be a really huge metropolis, so you’ll be able to keep wherever on the island in phrases of simply the situation. You’ll be a 30-minute stroll from the highest points of interest at most, and you may get round faster in water buses and taxis. But some areas are higher than others, particularly for first-time guests, and that’s what I’ll primarily deal with in this information to the perfect areas to keep in Venice. 

Best Places To Stay In Venice, Italy

I need to point out that I’ve solely targeted on the central island of the Venetian Lagoon, and that’s as a result of it’s undoubtedly the perfect a part of the town for a primary go to. We have chosen to keep in two completely different areas throughout each our visits to Venice. San Marco, the primary time, as it’s actually central and we needed to be in the center of the motion, and San Croce the following time, as we needed to be nearer to the prepare station but nonetheless have good entry to the primary sights.

While Lido and Murano have so much to provide, they shouldn’t be your high precedence if you happen to’ve by no means visited this magical metropolis earlier than. Save one thing for the following time you’re right here, after which you’ve got the proper excuse to return to Venice! 

1. San Marco

San Marco is the central neighborhood of Venice. It’s house to all this floating metropolis’s most iconic vacationer sights, together with the Rialto Bridge, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco, Campo Santo Stefano, and plenty of others. Stay in this a part of Venice if you need straightforward strolling entry to all of the best-known landmarks. This is why this space appealed to us a lot.

But hold in thoughts that resorts in San Marco are among the costliest in Venice. Even the two-star resorts aren’t low cost, and I wouldn’t suggest a resort room in San Marco to vacationers on a really tight funds. On the opposite hand, this district has a few of Venice’s finest palazzos, a number of of which have been transformed into resorts and visitor homes. If the thought of staying in an historic palazzo sounds thrilling, San Marco is the world for you. 

Another factor to take into account is that San Marco is the busiest space of Venice. Hordes of vacationers are in all places, and in peak season, the neighborhood will get so busy that strolling down the road turns into difficult. However, the identical will be stated for most elements of Venice, and it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, particularly in such a central space of the town. 

Luxury: The Gritti Palace

If you need to reside the great life in Venice, it might hardly get higher than The Gritti Palace. This lavish resort is about in a former noble residence and options spacious rooms with opulent decorations. Think adorned partitions and marble bogs, with furnishings that matches the colour theme of every room. 

Murano glass and antiques are discovered in each room of the resort, together with basic Venetian furnishings. The resort restaurant is on the canal, and you’ll take pleasure in spectacular views together with tasty Italian meals day by day. Also, all resort rooms are outfitted with spacious ensuite bogs, free WiFi, and air con. 

Mid Range: Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto is a superb four-star resort in the northern space of San Marco. It’s adjoining to the Rialto Bridge, considered one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. All the rooms and suites are outfitted with non-public bogs, air con, and flat-screen TVs, however the model of the rooms varies drastically. Whereas the smaller rooms characteristic the extra basic and considerably cheesy decor, the bigger suites are decked out with principally trendy furnishings. 

Book a room with a view of the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge to benefit from the sight of Venice’s finest landmarks from the consolation of your mattress. Breakfast is included in the speed of each room, and you’ll take pleasure in it on the restaurant terrace proper subsequent to the Canal. Also, the water bus cease is correct in entrance of the resort, so you’ve got a direct connection to the prepare station and the closest airport. 

Budget: Hotel ai do Mori

Hotel ai do Mori is a funds resort in the center of San Marco, simply a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square. The location of this resort is unbelievable for the value as a result of you’ll be able to hardly discover a extra central place to keep in Venice. The rooms are small however clear and outfitted with all of the requirements, making this resort a very good choice for vacationers who need nothing greater than a spot to relaxation their heads at night time. 

All the rooms at Hotel ai do Mori are air-conditioned, which is actually a plus. Every room additionally has a flat-screen TV and a non-public lavatory, so you’ll have entry to all of the necessities. The solely factor to hold in thoughts is that the nightly charges for this resort begin at round 160 Euros. That’s expensive once you have a look at the pictures of the rooms, however you’re paying principally for the very good central location. 

Pros of Staying in San Marco

Walking distance to all the perfect landmarks in Venice  Views of the Grand Canal from resort rooms Plenty of retailers and eateries all through the neighborhood  Connected by bridge with San Polo and Dorsoduro

Cons of Staying in San Marco

Pricey resorts  Extremely crowded virtually on a regular basis Far from the prepare station 

2. San Polo

San Polo is the second-best space of Venice for first-time guests. Just like San Marco, it’s house to iconic Venice landmarks that you would be able to’t miss when staying in the town. From the Rialto Market in the east to the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in the west of San Polo, the neighborhood is good for informal strolls by way of slim alleys and rides in Venetian gondolas. 

Trendy eating places and wonderful artwork museums are different staples of San Polo. You can’t stroll alongside the Grand Canal with out passing by numerous restaurant terraces, all of which is able to tempt you with the stunning smells of basic Italian delicacies. 

The resorts in San Polo are on the pricier facet, similar to these in San Marco. There are only a few true funds resorts, so you may want to take into account staying in a unique a part of Venice if you happen to’re wanting to get probably the most bang for your buck. But if you need to keep in an precise Venetian palazzo and get up to views of museum-worthy painted ceilings, I feel you’ll discover a number of appropriate choices in San Polo. 

Luxury: Aman 

Aman is a luxurious resort in central Venice, mere steps away from Campo San Polo. It’s set in considered one of Venice’s nice palazzos and options solely 24 rooms, so it’s just about good for vacationers who prioritize privateness. The resort rooms characteristic the proper mix of recent furnishings and basic Venetian accents, so that you get the perfect of each worlds. 

The beds are very snug, and also you’ll sleep like a child. Every room has a spacious non-public lavatory, a non-public balcony, a minibar, and air con. The widespread rooms are the spotlight of the resort for me, as they’re basic palazzo rooms with attractive decorations on the partitions and painted ceilings. This resort additionally has two non-public gardens, and you’ll loosen up on the shaded tables, having fun with the views of the Canal as if you happen to had Venice all to your self. 

Mid-Range: H10 Palazzo Canova

H10 Palazzo Canova is a superb four-star resort on the Grand Canal overlooking the Rialto Bridge. Featuring trendy rooms with fashionable furnishings, this resort provides wonderful worth for cash, contemplating the situation, facilities, and repair high quality. My favourite a part of the resort is the rooftop restaurant, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a scrumptious breakfast together with among the best views in Venice.  

The rooms at Palazzo Canova are spacious, clear, and outfitted with extra than simply the naked requirements. Every room has a espresso machine, a seating space, and a devoted workspace. Guests all have entry to free WiFi and a minibar, and it goes with out saying that every one rooms have an ensuite lavatory with both a shower or a bathe. 

Budget: Hotel Marconi

Hotel Marconi is an reasonably priced three-star resort simply steps away from San Giacomo di Rialto Square. It’s on the Grand Canal, and a few rooms provide a view of the Rialto Bridge from the balcony. The nightly fee begins at round 160 Euros, which is a significantly whole lot for this location. Hotels throughout the canal from this one are no less than double the value, so select this resort if you happen to’re wanting for reasonably priced lodging in the center of Venice. 

The rooms are adorned with basic furnishings, and that’s actually my least favourite a part of Hotel Marconi. I’m not a giant fan of the myriad of gold accents in all places, however the value is enticing sufficient to assist me get previous that. Also, all of the rooms have a non-public lavatory, a minibar, air con, and a flat-screen TV.   

Pros of Staying in San Polo

Historic points of interest and landmarks Beautiful neighborhood with views of the Grand Canal Choose from dozens of resorts 

Cons of Staying in San Polo

Few low cost resorts  Very crowded a part of Venice  Restaurants and cafes listed below are expensive 

Santa Croce 

Santa Croce is a superb neighborhood for a primary journey to Venice, particularly if you happen to’re wanting for reasonably priced resorts. It borders San Polo so that you’re nonetheless very shut to the central Venice neighborhoods, plus it’s house to many well-liked landmarks and points of interest. We stayed right here on our second go to to Venice and cherished it.

The well-known artwork gallery, Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, is correct right here in Santa Croce, in addition to Giardini Papadopoli, and the Natural History Museum. The space can also be house to many wonderful eateries, that are normally much less crowded than these in San Polo and San Marco.

Staying in Santa Croce additionally means you’re shut to the prepare station, which is nice for longer stays in Venice. It is a little bit of an extended stroll from Santa Croce to the points of interest in San Marco, however completely price it since you’ll get to uncover extra of Venice and enterprise into elements of the town that in any other case wouldn’t even be in your radar. Who is aware of what hidden gems you would possibly uncover! 

Luxury: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel is about in a Sixteenth-century constructing on the Grand Canal. It’s additionally a five-minute stroll from the extra central San Polo, so that you’re nonetheless very shut to all the perfect Venice points of interest. The rooms are beautiful, with basic decor, marble bogs, and gorgeous paintings. Every room has a TV, minibar, desk, and a snug seating space. 

A restaurant with 2 Michelin stars is a part of the resort, so that you don’t have to go wherever for a wonderful eating expertise. Also, the resort has a non-public backyard overlooking the Grand Canal, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in fantastic views in the evenings, however with out the hordes of vacationers which can be normal for Venice. 

Mid-Range: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal

Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal is a four-star resort throughout the canal from the prepare station. A stone bridge may be very shut to the resort, so that you’re solely 5 minutes away from the Santa Lucia prepare station, which may be very handy. This resort boasts rooms adorned with basic Venetian furnishings, however they’re all very small. 

Even the triple rooms are below 20m², so you may want to take into account a unique resort if you happen to like having plenty of area. All the rooms have a non-public lavatory and a desk, however the seating space normally consists of only a small chair. Every visitor may also have a TV and a minibar in the room, in addition to stunning Murano glass lamps. 

Budget: Albergo Marin

Albergo Marin is an reasonably priced resort with a wonderful location in Santa Croce. It’s a brief stroll from the prepare station and simply 10 minutes from Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in San Polo. If you prioritize location and affordability over decorations and facilities, this is likely one of the finest resorts in Venice to take into account. 

The rooms don’t look gorgeous or something, however they’re all air-conditioned and outfitted with surprisingly snug beds. Every resort room has an ensuite lavatory full with a bathe and a bidet, in addition to a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Also, you’ll be able to guide the resort now and also you don’t have to pay something till you arrive in Venice. 

Pros of Staying in Santa Croce

Cheaper-hotels  The prepare station is shut  Fewer crowds 

Cons of Staying in Santa Croce

About a 20-minute stroll from central Venice Not many vacationer points of interest  Fewer choices for luxurious resorts 

Cannaregio

Cannaregio encompasses most of northern Venice. It borders Santa Croce and San Marco, plus it’s separated from San Polo by the Grand Canal. The location is nice for exploring Venice, and also you’ll discover that the world is house to extra reasonably priced eating places and resorts than the town middle. 

Also, there’s tons to see and discover in Cannaregio. Once upon a time, this was Venice’s Jewish ghetto. The Jewish inhabitants of the town was pressured to reside in this space from the Sixteenth to the Nineteenth century, and this impacted the structure of the district fairly a bit. For one, buildings are taller than in different areas of Venice as a result of they have been constructed to accommodate extra folks. This is the a part of the town the place you’ll discover the synagogues, historical past museums, and the perfect kosher eating places in Venice. 

Cannaregio may be very shut to San Michele Island, which has a well-known cemetery, and even Murano Island. Boat transfers to the smaller islands are supplied from virtually each pier on the north facet of Cannaregio. But there’s just one bridge connection to San Marco, so that you’ll want to trip in water buses to get to the points of interest in San Marco. 

Luxury: Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience

Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience is an opulent resort set inside a Sixteenth-century constructing. Stay right here to expertise world-class service in one of many prettiest palazzos in the Venetian Lagoon. The resort rooms are spacious, with extraordinarily snug beds and stylish Venetian decor. The visitor suites are completely magical, with attractive work on the ceiling and partitions. 

Whether you guide the most cost effective or costliest room at this resort, you’ll get a TV, ensuite lavatory, and free WiFi. Breakfast is included in the nightly fee, and each room additionally encompasses a small seating space with no less than an armchair and a desk. The resort additionally has a restaurant with a terrace proper subsequent to the Grand Canal. 

Mid-Range: Ca’ Vendramin Zago

Ca’ Vendramin Zago is a four-star resort located in a constructing from the seventeenth century. It options basic Venetian rooms but in addition some trendy suites, in case that’s your choice. It’s very shut to the Casino of Venice, and only a brief water bus trip from the middle. 

The rooms are small however outfitted with all of the necessities. The beds are fairly snug, and the decor is way more elegant than in some cheaper resorts. I significantly like that there aren’t as many gold accents right here as a result of they have a tendency to look cheesy when overdone. Every resort room has a rest room, TV, and minibar, plus breakfast is included in the nightly fee. The suites are fabulous, boasting a mix of recent and Venetian decor, in addition to desks and separate residing rooms. 

Budget: Hotel Henry

Hotel Henry is a really reasonably priced two-star resort. The nightly fee begins at 135 Euros, which is fairly good contemplating that it contains dinner. Also, this resort is barely a 10-minute stroll from Ponte degli Scalzi, which is able to take you thru Santa Croce and to San Polo in no time. And it’s mere steps away from the Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio, so the situation is great.

But I wouldn’t use the identical phrase to describe the resort rooms. They’re small, and the furnishings is a bit outdated; I’d name the model historic Venetian if you happen to catch my drift. Every room has an ensuite lavatory, although, and all friends have entry to free WiFi. Except for the most cost effective economic system room, all visitor rooms even have a desk and an armchair. Overall, if you happen to don’t care an excessive amount of concerning the furnishings and are simply wanting for a very good deal, that is actually a resort price contemplating. 

Pros of Staying in Cannaregio

Better charges for resorts  Lots of landmarks in the world  Easy entry to the middle with water buses Great for day journeys to Murano and San Michele islands

Cons of Staying in Cannaregio

The resorts aren’t fairly as good as in the town middle Only one bridge connection to Santa Croce The space surrounding the prepare station is thought for pickpockets 

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is Venice’s college district, so among the best areas for college students and younger adults. The streets of this neighborhood are stuffed with indie native eateries, classic boutiques, and unassuming buildings that home among the most spectacular paintings in the town.  

Stay in Dorsoduro, and also you’ll expertise smaller crowds than in the central San Marco or San Polo. You’ll additionally get higher resort offers, and also you’ll have extra choices if you need funds lodging. Best of all, you’re all the time only a fast trip throughout the canal from San Marco or a brief stroll throughout the bridge if you happen to keep in the southeastern a part of Dorsoduro. 

It’s additionally by far the perfect space of Venice for artwork lovers. Dorsoduro is house to the town’s finest artwork museums and galleries, in addition to historic buildings adorned with particular paintings. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is house to 12 of Titian’s works, whereas Campo Santa Margherita boasts historic statues and ornate constructing facades. 

Luxury: Sina Centurion Palace

Sina Centurion Palace is an excellent five-star resort proper subsequent to Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. It’s set in a Nineteenth-century constructing and seamlessly blends modern and authentic parts. You’ll sleep in snug trendy beds, however get up to the view of previous picket beams on the ceiling. 

All the rooms are air-conditioned and have a minibar, flat-screen TV, ensuite lavatory, and high-speed WiFi. There’s additionally a non-public courtyard the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in drinks on the resort bar’s terrace whereas admiring the views of the Grand Canal. The resort is simply eight minutes from Ponte dell’Accademia, so will be in the middle of Venice in no time. And the resort even has its personal non-public dock, for fast transfers in a water taxi. 

Mid-Range: Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace is fingers down one of many prettiest resorts in Venice. The boutique resort is about inside an precise palazzo and options mesmerizing decorations all through. With painted ceilings, large chandeliers, and extraordinary paintings, the decor of this resort is a correct masterpiece. The presidential suite is no doubt probably the most stunning room in the resort. 

Other rooms are additionally stunning however with out as many fairly particulars. The commonplace resort rooms are a lot smaller, and so they’re all outfitted with an ensuite lavatory, TV, espresso machine, and minibar. This pretty resort has a breakfast bar and a sprawling backyard however lacks a pool and a health middle. 

Budget: Hotel Belle Arti

Hotel Belle Arti is an reasonably priced three-star resort close to the Church of Saint Mary of the Rosary. The location is great as a result of the resort is tremendous shut to Ponte dell’Accademia, the one bridge that connects Dorsoduro to San Marco. It’s solely a 15-minute stroll from Hotel Belle Arti to Piazza San Marco in the center of Venice. 

The nightly fee is round 80 Euros, which is de facto good for the situation. Plus, breakfast is included in that fee, and you might save fairly a bit of cash on meals. Just hold in thoughts that the rooms are very primary; they embody a mattress, a non-public lavatory, air con, and never a lot else. The decor is described as basic Baroque, however I feel that’s an overstatement. But for the value, there’s completely no want to be nitpicky about curtain colours. 

Pros of Staying in Dorsoduro

The resorts are cheaper  Lots of attention-grabbing landmarks and points of interest  Not as crowded as San Marco and San Polo 

Cons of Staying in Dorsoduro

Only one bridge connection to San Marco  Far from Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square  It’s the college district, and there are plenty of college students 

Best Areas To Stay In Venice: FAQs

Which a part of Venice is finest to keep? 

San Marco is the perfect a part of Venice for vacationers. All the well-known landmarks and points of interest are inside straightforward strolling distance, as are the perfect resorts and eating places in Venice. 

Where ought to I keep in Venice for the primary time? 

If you’re visiting Venice for the primary time, keep in both San Marco or San Polo. Both neighborhoods are centrally positioned and provide easy accessibility to the perfect issues to do in Venice. 

Where to keep away from staying in Venice? 

Avoid staying in the japanese elements of Castello as a result of they’re fairly removed from central Venice. Also, strive to keep away from resorts close to the Santa Lucia prepare station, as this space is thought for pickpockets. 

What is the prettiest space in Venice?

San Polo is the prettiest space of Venice. This central neighborhood provides stunning views of the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, in addition to many different historic landmarks. 

Where Not To Stay In Venice

Avoid reserving a resort in Castello, particularly in the japanese areas of the neighborhood. Consider resorts which can be shut to the border with San Marco, however keep away from those additional away since you’ll spend most of your time in the town simply strolling to the town middle. Or even worse, you’ll spend all of your time – and cash – on water taxis. While it’s enjoyable to have the expertise of using in a Venetian gondola, it turns into a lot much less thrilling when you’ve got to do it a number of instances a day, simply to get to dinner on time. 

I don’t suggest the resorts in the fast neighborhood of the Santa Lucia prepare station in Venice. The space is thought for pickpockets, and vacationers are normally the victims of theft in this a part of the town, particularly at night time. Cannaregio is mostly a protected neighborhood with plenty of wonderful resorts, and so long as your resort room doesn’t overlook the prepare station, you need to be effective. 

Don’t keep on Murano Island if it’s your first time in the town. While it would appear to be a good suggestion to keep away from the crowds, will probably be a nightmare to journey always from the island to central Venice, and there’s actually not a lot to see on the island other than the glass factories. You can’t simply buy groceries after which drop off your luggage on the resort as a result of you’ve got to take a ferry after which stroll for who is aware of how lengthy to your room. The similar goes for Lido Island; though it’s well-liked for good seashores and resorts, it’s logistically not a good suggestion to keep right here in case your foremost purpose is to discover the historic points of interest in central Venice. 

Why We Love Venice

We love Venice as a result of it’s a particular, historic metropolis. It’s a spot everybody ought to go to no less than as soon as in their lifetime, even for just a few days, ideally as quickly as doable whereas it’s nonetheless there. Venice is sinking, slowly however certainly, and the rising sea ranges have endangered the town’s future. 

We additionally find it irresistible right here as a result of Venice provides so many enjoyable and attention-grabbing issues to do. Come to the town to trip in a Venetian gondola by way of the Grand Canal, cross the long-lasting Rialto Bridge, and stand at St. Mark’s Square admiring all of the historic buildings that line it. Visit a Murano glass manufacturing facility and see the place the Venice Biennale is held. Discover the magic of the town that has impressed William Shakespeare and Agatha Christie, and see for your self why Venice is likely one of the finest cities to go to in Italy.