Venezia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and finding a good hotel, especially during the high season, can often be complicated. The city is home to 250.000 residents, but is visited by over 20 million visitors every year. There choice of where to sleep in Venice it is important as it can greatly affect your trip or vacation, especially when traveling. So let's see which are the best areas and which are the best hotels to sleep in Venice.
In the center of Venice, in the San Marco district, in other areas of Venice or even on the islands of the Venice lagoon, there is a large and wide choice of accommodation: from hostel to luxurious palace, to B & Bs or small budget hotels. . Here are a few useful tips to find the best areas and hotels where to stay in Venice.
Where to sleep in Venice
Venice is divided into districts called Sestieri, each of which has its own character, its own history and a unique aspect. Getting around these Sestieri is very easy for a number of reasons.
First of all, Venice is not a particularly large city, although it is full of many attractions. Secondly, there are several transportation options for visitors. There are no private cars, so you need to use vaporettos, water taxis or the romantic gondola to get around.
Before choosing the hotel where to stay, you need to know the neighborhoods of the city well and identify the best places according to your needs and preferences. Here are the main areas to sleep in Venice:
- Saint Mark, the famous neighborhood in the heart of Venice
- San Polo e Santa Croce, west of the city
- Castle, east of Venice
- Cannaregio north of Venice
- Dorsoduro (and Giudecca) in the south of the city
- Lido of Venice
- Mestre
When looking for a hotel in Venice, there are many things to consider. For many travelers the view of the water is essential, for others the proximity to the main attractions, for others the not too high budget. Let's see the various characteristics of each neighborhood.
San Marco, the most famous district of Venice
The district of San Marco is the most visited of all the districts of Venice, because it brings together the most famous monuments of the city many of which are located around Piazza San Marco described by Napoleon as the most beautiful hall in Europe. The most famous are: the Basilica, Ducal Palace, the Correr Museum, the Clock Tower and a little further on Teatro La Fenice and the Palazzo Grassi.
Since San Marco is located on the Grand Canal, it is also a convenient neighborhood for exploring the rest of Venice. Taking a gondola or water taxi is very simple throughout San Marco.
- Advantages: we are located in the heart of the most famous district of Venice, its location is ideal. Almost everything can be reached on foot. There are many hotels of different price ranges.
- disadvantages: rooms facing the main streets can be noisy. It is undoubtedly the most expensive district in Venice. Those looking for romantic and peaceful sunset strolls on uncrowded streets may prefer to stay in another district of the city.
- Budget: quite expensive.
Where to stay in the San Marco area
The Gritti Palace (luxury hotel) - when art, great views and luxury are top priorities, staying at Gritti Palace is a must. The hotel is located on a stretch of the Grand Canal which is said to have the most beautiful views of Venice. It is located in a XNUMXth century palace, where a doge of Venice once lived.
Splendid Venice - you can reach the hotel either on foot or by arriving by boat using the private dock. The hotel is located near designer shops, in a restored XNUMXth century building, furnished with a contemporary touch.
Hotel Bonvecchiati - is a 4-star hotel in an ideal location in the heart of San Marco. Some rooms have incredible views over the rooftops or canals. It has a private dock with its gondolas. The La Terrazza restaurant serves excellent Venetian, Italian and international cuisine.
The best hotels in San MarcoCannaregio, a pleasant neighborhood away from the crowds
Just like San Marco, Cannaregio is on the banks of the Grand Canal, but it is slightly less crowded. Located northwest of Venice, Cannaregio is a fantastic place for history buffs to explore, because the neighborhood is full of historical monuments: the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the gothic cathedral Church of the Madonna dell'Orto, Palazzo Ca 'd'Oro and, above all, the Ghetto, the cradle of the city's Jewish community.
- Advantages: Cannaregio is certainly the best area to sleep in Venice with an excellent quality-price ratio. It is also close to the train station and bus stops. Cannaregio is home to about a third of the population of Venice. This means it's easy to find grocery stores, laundries, banks, and other useful services. It is just a 15-minute walk from the main attractions of the nearby San Marco district.
- disadvantages: some areas of Cannaregio can be expensive, especially those closest to the Grand Canal.
- Budget: economic.
Where to stay in Cannaregio
To the Ponte Antico - is a historic hotel with period furnishings, curtains and decorative coverings that show the luxury of a bygone era. Plus, it has great views as it overlooks the Grand Canal. It is within walking distance of major tourist attractions, including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica.
To the Moors of the East - located in a 21th century palace, it has elegant rooms furnished in a Venetian-Moorish style; some overlook the famous canals of Venice. The hotel is small with only XNUMX rooms. A breakfast buffet is included in the room rate.
Al Portico Guest House – located a few steps from the Venice Santa Lucia train station, this guesthouse occupies a residential and historic building. The rooms are decorated and equipped with air conditioning and private bathroom. It also has a terrace and breakfast is available upon request.
Find a hotel in CannaregioCastello, a popular area away from the hustle and bustle
The Castle is the largest area of all the Sestieri of Venice. It borders the San Marco district and extends along the Grand Canal to its mouth. This area has many attractions that are worth visiting: Campo Zanipolo, Church of San Francesco della Vigna, Arsenale, Napoleon's Gardens and Riva dei Partigiani.
The neighborhood is also seat of the Venice Biennale and two spectacular churches: the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo and the Church of San Zaccaria. The popular aspect of this neighborhood is also very popular, including Via Garibaldi, the area's shopping street.
- Advantages: it's a fantastic place to sleep in Venice. Staying here allows you to walk to the main attractions, but also to easily take ferries to nearby islands, such as Murano and Burano. The neighborhood is quieter and less touristy than San Marco, and is filled with five-star accommodation.
- disadvantages: the area to the east towards the mouth of the Grand Canal is decentralized, you feel isolated from everything. Although the neighborhood is more authentic, it may not appeal to those who come to Venice to soak up the beauty of the city.
- Budget: medium / cheap.
Where to sleep in the Castle area
Hotel Londra Palace - it is a historic building in white marble overlooking the Venice Lagoon. It has an elegant and luxurious feel throughout, including the 53 rooms. The hotel houses one of the most famous restaurants in Venice, with a beautiful view of the lagoon. It is within walking distance of the main Venetian attractions.
Hotel Bucintoro - if you want a hotel close to the water, the four-star Hotel Bucintoro might be a good choice. The rooms are comfortable and elegant; a buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.
Ruzzini Palace Hotel - is housed in a former sixteenth-century palace, belonging to one of the most important families in Venice. Located on a canal, the Ruzzini Palace Hotel also has an entrance for those arriving by sea. Inside, it displays the paintings of the 17th-century artist, Gregorio Lazzarini. The hotel has 28 rooms full of antique furniture, with high ceilings and paintings.
Find a hotel in Castello
