Where to Stay in Venice

San Marco was named after the city’s patron saint. It’s the heart of Venice and despite being one of its smallest sestieri, it houses the majority of landmarks. If you want to be just steps from the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and Piazza di San Marco with attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, this is it. You’ll easily be able to see the top tourist sites and enjoy the famous square during the early morning hours when it’s much quieter or late in the evening. San Marco is also home to the famous Caffe Florian that opened in 1720 – it’s the oldest café in the world and one of the best places for people-watching. There are many restaurants here and plenty of vaporetto (water bus) stops as well. This is where you’ll find the most luxurious hotels, so expect to pay the highest prices for the privilege of staying here.

Venice isn’t a party town, but Dorsoduro is the university district and with its prominent student population, not only does it tend to be less expensive with some well-priced luxury hotel options, but it’s the best place for nightlife, home to some hopping clubs and late night bars.  They’re primarily centered around the Campo Santa Margherita which is the beating heart of the neighborhood and the main socializing spot for locals, tourists, and students alike. There is a great collection of 14th-and 15th-century homes that have been converted into shops, market stalls, restaurants and bars that stay open past midnight. It’s also one of the best places outside of St. Mark’s Square for people-watching. Those who stay here will also have easy access to some of the city’s top art museums, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Gallerie dell’Accademia, and the former church of San Sebastiano.

There is no one “foodie” neighborhood in Venice. You can find some great places to dine, with the best typically focused on Venetian specialties like fresh fish and seafood from the lagoon, anywhere from neighborhood family-run osterias to Michelin-starred restaurants. But there are also plenty of overpriced, less-than-average meals here too. The key is to avoid eateries that display menus with pictures and/or have someone actively trying to entice customers in. Santa Croce offers some authentic Venetian restaurants serving local aperitivo bar food and some of the best seafood dishes while Castello has a restaurant for every budget, including trattorias for unpretentious home cooking. Cannaregio is a good area for wallet-friendly meals too, particularly the farther you venture from the Grand Canal. You’ll find great fine dining in San Marco and a wide range of options, including delicious dishes that are value priced in Dorsoduro too, thanks to the high student population.

San Polo is in a great location and it’s also well-connected to other popular districts like San Marco, but it’s less chaotic and less expensive. If you’re visiting Venice as a family, it’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in, with a wide range of attractions for all ages and a ton of food choices, making it easy to keep the younger ones entertained and happy. There are water bus (vaporetto) stops throughout the neighborhood, so you won’t have any difficulty exploring other areas either. The more tranquil eastern end of Castello is another good choice, home to Venice’s largest park and the botanical gardens. Plus, it’s just three stops on the water bus to St. Mark’s Square. One of the most family-friendly neighborhoods is Lido de Venezia, which has parks, playgrounds, and a large beach but it will take you 25 minutes by water bus to get to the main attractions.