Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Jo Fitzsimons
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Where to stay in Venice can be a tricky decision. Don’t worry, in this guide I’ll take you through the best places to stay in Venice including hotels, hostels and apartment rentals. I’ve also included a guide to the best areas to stay in Venice.
A word on price: To be helpful, I’ve included an indicative price per night. Usually, I’ve taken this off the accommodation’s website. Of course, these prices may change (including seasonal fluctuations) and you may be able to get deals through sites like Booking.com. The aim behind including pricing here is to give you a top level indication.
Hotel links: Like many websites, we make a small commission if you book through the hotel links below. There’s no extra cost to you. It doesn’t impact our suggestions (we have accommodation recommendations for all budgets.)
Best Area To Stay in Venice – by District
Where to stay in Venice can be complicated because there isn’t really a city centre. Ok, so a lot of the big tourist attractions are in the San Marco area, but so are the highest prices. Not only that, the Grand Canal is sprawling, some of the outlying islands have a lot to offer and many of the more authentic/less touristy attractions are found away from San Marco and the Grand Canal. So, what are you to do?
I’d recommend booking your Venice accommodation based on what you want to see. Venice isn’t particularly walkable (once you get there from the airport) thanks to the myriad canals carving up the city. Yes, vaporetto (public water buses) will get you around but at €7.5 per ticket, per person, you may find a higher hotel near what you want to explore pays off in the long run.
Here’s a quick guide to where to stay in Venice and what each area offers.
San Marco – The main tourist district of Venice, San Marco has iconic landmarks around every corner, including Saint Mark’s Square and the Palazzo Ducale. Filled with shops, gelaterias, stalls and restaurants, San Marco is the place to stay to be right in the middle of the action, and is a very good choice for a first trip to Venice and has some of the best luxury hotels in Venice. However, the area is crowded and food and drink prices are inflated so be prepared.
San Polo – San Polo is located just across the Rialto Bridge from San Marco, lining the opposite bank of the Grand Canal. This district strikes a good balance between the crowds of tourists wanting to admire the pretty streets and attractions such as the oldest church in the city, San Giacomo di Rialto, and locals who call this lively neighbourhood home. San Polo is particularly good for wine bars and nightlife and, of course, is home to the Rialto Market. It’s easy to walk to St Mark’s Square from here. It’s the area where I stayed on my first trip to Venice and I’d recommend it as a good alternative to San Marco.
Cannaregio – Cannaregio is located on the northern part of Venice island. Away from the main tourist areas and larger landmarks, Cannaregio is one of the best places to stay in Venice to experience more authentic Venetian life, and indulge in local aperitivo. It’s by far my favourite place to stay in Venice – the crowds are fewer, the food is better, the prices are lower and the experience is hands down more authentic. You can walk from Cannaregio to San Marco (about 20-30 minutes). This is also the best area to stay in Venice if you are visiting the Prosecco region or taking a day trip from Venice – Santa Maria train station is a 10 minute walk away.
Castello – Castello is the largest of Venice’s six main districts and takes up the Eastern part of the city. The Western edge of the district is close to Piazza San Marco and therefore is home to many apartments as well as some of the best luxury hotels in Venice. Venture deeper into Castello and it becomes much quieter with many interesting things to see such as The Arsenale di Venezia and the beautiful Biennale Gardens.
Dorsoduro – Lining the Giudecca Canal, Dorsoduro is probably Venice’s hippest neighbourhood. Home to the Ca’ Foscari university as well as art institutions like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and museums such as Gallerie dell’Accademia, this district is popular with the city’s students and young arty types. Dorsoduro’s main square Campo Santa Margherita is also the hub of Venice’s nightlight.
Santa Croce – Santa Croce is one of the most ‘real’ Venetian neighbourhoods to stay in, with a local vibe and community spirit unlike other parts of Venice. You’ll find quaint narrow streets and plenty of authentic restaurants and bars filled with locals going about their everyday lives.
Giudecca – Comprised of 4 small, interconnected islands separated from Venice’s central islands by the Giudecca Canal, this district retains much of its Venetian charm with its old churches and winding canals but without the crowds of tourists of the more central districts. The banks of the Giudecca Canal have some of the most beautiful views across central Venice. Giudecca is my outlying island of choice in the city and is home to one of the most popular hotels in Venice (Molino Stucky). San Marco can be reached by boat in just 5-10 minutes.
Lido – Lido has a beach resort feel with easy (10-15 minute boat ride) access to the main sights of Venice. Perfect for a holiday within a holiday.
Related: 8 Best Regions of Italy For Your Next Vacation | 15 Best Things To Do in Treviso Italy | 15 Best Things To Do In Padua Italy
Where to Stay in Venice
I’ve grouped the Venice accommodation by type, featuring:
- The best luxury hotels in Venice
- The best mid-range hotels in Venice
- The best hostels in Venice
- The best apartment rentals in Venice
At the moment, there are just a few options per category but I’ll be expanding this list over time. Do let me know in the comments if you have stayed somewhere great and think it should be added to the list. I’ve added a note as to which general area each place is situated. You’ll also find a link to Google maps at the end of this page where I’ve plotted each of these Venice hotels and accommodation on a map.
Best Luxury Hotels in Venice
The Gritti Palace
The Gritti Palace really is the cream of the crop when it comes to Venice 5 star hotels. The 15th century former palace is perfect if you’re looking for Venice hotels on the Grand Canal. Overlooking the extremely grand Santa Maria della Salute church and the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, this hotel is located on one of the most picturesque stretches of the Grand Canal. The hotel has retained the intimate feel of a private residence, with plenty of beautiful artwork and historic artefacts adorning the elegant Venetian style interior. The Gritti Palace’s Club de Doge restaurant also has one of the most beautiful outdoor dining terraces on the Grand Canal itself. This hotel is certainly one of the best hotels to stay in Venice for ultimate luxury with unparalleled views of the iconic lagoon city.
Area: San Marco
Address: Campo S.Maria Del Giglio 2467, San Marco, 30124 Venice
Price around: €450
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com
Hotel Londra Palace
Another one of the best luxury 5 star hotels in Venice, Hotel Londra Palace is a charming historic hotel located on Riva degli Schiavoni and close to Piazza San Marco. Each of the 53 large rooms are uniquely decorated with different antique furnishings in the Biedermeier style. Hotel Londra Palace is also home to award-winning Do Leoni restaurant which specialises in modern Venetian cuisine – best enjoyed on the beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking St Mark’s Basin.
Area: Castello
Address: Riva degli Schiavoni 4171, Castello, 30122 Venezia
Price around: €250
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Venice
Hilton Molino Stucky
Far removed from the boxy airport Hilton hotels you might otherwise be imagining, the building which is home to the Hilton Molino Stucky was once a flour mill and was integral to the city’s pasta production. Now the striking building, which many would say is a landmark in its own right, is one of the most popular places to stay in Venice. The elegant hotel is sat on the Giudecca Canal, with a regular shuttle over to Piazza San Marco. The large rooftop pool and terrace with breath-taking 360-degree views across Venice and the lagoon are reason enough to stay at the Hilton Molino Stucky.
Area: Giudecca
Address: Giudecca 810, Giudecca, 30133 Venice
Price around: €96-214
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com
Hotel Moresco
The Hotel Moresco is conveniently located on the Rio Nuovo canal. A short walk to Venice’s Santa Lucia railway station, this is one of the best hotels in Venice for those taking a train out of the city. The more central attractions in Venice can be reached by a picturesque 20-30 minute walk or by water taxi. The hotel is beautifully decorated in classic Venetian style and comprises of 23 individually themed rooms and elegant public spaces including a study with a collection of books on Venice, leather armchairs and a homely fireplace. Hotel Moresco even offers its guests a welcome glass of Prosecco on arrival.
Area: Dorsoduro
Address: Fondamenta del Passamonte 3499, Dorsoduro, 30123 Venice
Price around: €122-235
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com
Rosa Salva
Rosa Salva is a small boutique hotel in Venice. It is one of the rare family-run hotels in Venice, run by the Rosa Salva family who have owned the hotel for many years along with Venice’s most well-known pastry shop of the same name which sits right next door. With breakfast included, there’s no excuse not to try their mouthwatering Italian pastries which come fresh from the cafe each morning. The hotel is located on a quiet side street just one bridge away from iconic Piazza San Marco, with many of Venice’s main sights on its doorstep.
Area: San Marco
Address: Calle Fiubera 951, San Marco, 30124 Venice
Price around: €90
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com
Best Hostels in Venice
Generator Hostel
Located on the island of Giudecca, just across the water from St Mark’s Square, Generator Hostel is one of the best places to stay in Venice if you’re on a budget. Built in what was originally a warehouse, Generator beautifully blends history with contemporary design. With exposed brick walls, a glass chandelier and luxury decor, you’ll forget you’re travelling on a budget. There are plenty of different room options, from private en-suites to 16-bed dorms, many of which have amazing views across to the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco. The hostel bar also has a great value happy hour from 18:30 to 20:30 every day (Aperol Spritz for only €2.50). Central Venice can be reached by Vaporetto in just 5-10 minutes.
Area: Giudecca
Address: Fondamenta Zitelle 86, Giudecca, 30133 Venice
Price around: €17
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com | Hostelworld
We_Crociferi
We_Crociferi is a cool and unique hostel housed in a recently renovated 12th-century former convent. The hostel is located in the Cannaregio quarter, just a 15-minute walk from Piazza San Marco or a short water taxi to other parts of Venice. The rooms at We_Crociferi are extremely clean, spacious and modern, while the communal areas retain much of their original characteristics and have plenty of room to work or grab a coffee. There is also a lovely patio area for mingling with other guests. The dorm rooms are split up into semi-private twin rooms with a communal lounge, bathroom and kitchen, making We_Crociferi one of the best hostels in Venice for those looking for a little more privacy on a budget. And if there are two of you, this makes for the equivalent of one of the best cheap hotels in Venice.
Area: Cannaregio
Address: Campo dei Gesuiti 4878, Cannaregio, 30121 Venice
Price around: €30
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com | Hostelworld
PLUS Camping Jolly
PLUS Camping Jolly is a part of European hostel chain PLUS Hostels. Their Venice accommodation offers more than just dorms, with private bungalows, mobile homes and house tents at their campsite in Venice Marghera, only 15 minutes by shuttle bus from the main islands of Venice. PLUS Camping Jolly also has an outdoor swimming pool, sunbathing area and table tennis tables, making it one of the best hostels in Venice during the hot summer months. On-site Ciao Bella bar and restaurant offers tasty Italian-style breakfasts, as well as affordable pizzas, snacks and drinks throughout the day and evening. With its location just outside of the central districts of Venice, PLUS Camping Jolly offers some of the most affordable accommodation for those travelling on a budget.
Area: Venice Marghera
Address: Via G. de Marchi 7, Marghera, 30175 Venice
Price around: €18
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Apartment Rentals in Venice
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Ca’Spencer
Ca’Spencer is a beautifully restored baroque chic apartment in San Marco which can sleep up to 4 people, just moments away from the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge. This apartment is one of the best places to stay in Venice to experience living in the city like a true Venetian, with exposed 15th century beams, antique furniture and traditional Venetian terrazzo flooring giving the apartment a traditional yet homely feel. The owners even leave guests a list of recommendations and secret places to visit. Plus, being able to enjoy a quiet breakfast or late night glass of wine outside on the private Altana terrace overlooking the rooftops of Venice is truly a unique experience.
Area: San Marco
Address: San Marco 3995, San Marco, 30124 Venice
Price around: €190
Book at: TripAdvisor | AirBnB
The Lion’s House
The Lion’s House is a newly restored house with 4 rental apartments in the Castello quarter of Venice. The individual 2-bedroom apartments are clean, stylish and modern but retain some of their original Venetian flare with features such as wooden beams and paintings by Italian artists. The Lion’s House is one of the best places to stay in Venice for larger groups who can rent out several of the apartments at once to stay as close as possible to friends and family.
Area: Castello
Address: Castello 5637, Castello, 30122 Venice
Price around: €130
Book at: TripAdvisor | Booking.com
Map of Where To Stay in Venice
In the map below, you can see all of the places listed on this page as well as other detailed lists of where to stay, eat and wine taste in the Prosecco region of Italy.
You can find a direct link to the map here.
So, that’s my guide to where to stay in Venice. I’ll be updating it over time but let me know in the comments below if you have any Venice accommodation recommendations that I should check out.
You might like our other guides to visiting Italy and Italian Wine
- 8 Best Regions of Italy For Your Next Vacation
- 15 Best Things To Do In Treviso Italy
- 15 Best Things To Do In Padua Italy
- How To Get To Venice From The Airport
- Flying With Alcohol – Don’t Break The Rules Or A Bottle
- The Best Italian Christmas Markets to Visit
- Prosecco: Learn More About The Drink You Love
- How to Choose Good Prosecco
- 12 Prosecco Cocktails to Make at Home
- Italy’s Prosecco Vending Machine – How To Visit
- 10 Things NOT To Do In Venice (And 10 TO DO Instead)
- Best Restaurants in Venice
- Where to Stay – Prosecco Accommodation Guides
- Where to Stay in Conegliano – Italy’s Prosecco Road
- Where to Stay in Valdobbiadene – Italy
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