Best areas to stay in Venice at a glance

AreaBest forWatch out for
San MarcoFirst-timers, short stays, luxuryHighest prices, crowds
CannaregioValue, local food, arriving by trainFar end is 25–30 min walk from St Mark's
DorsoduroArt lovers, couples, evening atmosphereFewer budget options
CastelloQuiet stays, Biennale, Riva viewsEastern end feels remote
San Polo & Santa CroceRialto market, bacari, easy arrivalBusy around Rialto by day
GiudeccaViews and calmEvery trip starts with a boat
LidoBeach holidays, families, film festival15-minute boat to the centre
MestreBudget, drivers, late or early travelNo Venice atmosphere at night

Staying in the historic centre

If your budget allows, stay in the historic centre for at least one night. Venice is at its most magical early in the morning and in the evening, after the day visitors leave. Cannaregio and Dorsoduro offer the best balance of price, atmosphere and location, while San Marco is the most convenient for a quick visit.

Compare hotels, B&Bs and apartments across the six sestieri.

Hotels in central Venice →

Mestre or Venice?

Hotels in Mestre cost much less and suit travellers with a car or very early trains. Trains to Santa Lucia take about 10 minutes and buses or the tram to Piazzale Roma about 15–20 minutes, but you lose Venice's evenings. See our Mestre map.

Practical tips

  • Luggage: there are many bridges with steps and no cars. Pack light, or check how close your hotel is to a vaporetto stop or water-taxi landing.
  • Tourist tax: hotels charge a nightly city tax per person, paid on site.
  • Access fee: since 2024, day visitors on selected peak days must pay an access fee. Overnight guests in the municipality are exempt but should register via their accommodation; check the official site cda.ve.it for the current calendar.
  • Acqua alta: from about October to January, high tides can flood low-lying areas, especially around St Mark's. Ground-floor rooms there may be affected.

Plan your Venice trip

Where to stay

Hotels, B&Bs and apartments: staying overnight lets you see Venice without the day crowds.

Hotels in Venice →

Tours & tickets

Skip-the-line tickets, gondola rides and lagoon tours.

See options →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Venice?
For a first visit, San Marco and the parts of Castello and Dorsoduro close to it are the most convenient. Cannaregio offers better value and a more local feel.
Is it better to stay in Venice or Mestre?
Stay in Venice if you can: the evenings and early mornings are the best time to see the city. Mestre is a good budget option, 10 minutes by train.
How many nights should I spend in Venice?
Two to three nights is ideal for the main sights plus Murano and Burano.
Do hotel guests pay the Venice access fee?
No. Visitors staying overnight in the municipality of Venice are exempt from the day-visitor access fee, though they may need to register for an exemption via their accommodation.