Home Hotel GuidesWhere to Stay in Venice Italy (First Time)?

Where to Stay in Venice Italy (First Time)?

by Stefan DP
Published: Updated:
Venice gondola on Grand Canal

Vacationing is fun but planning for it can be hectic and finding the best accommodations in Venice Italy that suit your need and within your budget. Enjoy seeing the amazing Canal Grande from your hotel room. Wake up to the sun rising and shimmering along the river and enjoy seeing people on rowboats. The city is packed with hotels in every district and neighbourhood, from budget friendly properties to luxurious hotels.

Venice (Venezia) is situated in northern Italy and is the capital of region Veneto. It’s one of the most romantic cities in the world, world-famous for its canals. Stay near most popular attractions, museums, shopping, theatres, dining and
in the city’s most popular tourist districts; San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello.

Accommodation near different landmarks such as famous Piazza San Marco (San Marco Square), Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the Grand Canal, …. If you travel by train staying close to Venice Stazione Santa Lucia (train station) can be very convenient.

Enjoy spending time in Venice Italy with your loved ones and have the time of your life. Visit all the landmarks and enjoy shopping in some of the best boutiques in the world.

What’s the best area to experience the city as a local or when visiting the first time, what’s the best district for families or for couples (honeymoon), or where to stay on a budget? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Venice Italy.

What is the Best Area to Stay in Venice?

Venice Grand Canal at night

Best for First Time (Sightseeing): City Centre (San PoloSan MarcoCanal Grande)

If it is your first time visiting Venice Italy, then you need to experience the heart life of the districts. The plan is visiting the San Polo, San Marco, and Canal Grande area and get a taste of how life in Italy can be. The neighbourhoods are filled with great landmarks for you to take pictures at and great museums for you to explore. Get to see the fantastic view of the Canal Grande and experience the fun of rowing down the stream. Buy your friends and family the best glass souvenirs along the Canal Grande River.

1. San Polo – San Marco

Venice San Marco Square
San Marco is located at the centre of Venice making it the perfect destination for you. Due to its central location, it allows you to visit any place you want and tour the town at your pleasure. San Marco is the home for some of the best tourist destinations and attractions like the museum, monuments and the fascinating sight of the Saint Mark’s Basilica and its one of a kind bronze horse sculptures.

The most visited destination has to be the Piazza San Marco which is home to the Palazzo Ducale and the bell tower. Additionally, if you are looking for the perfect place to take pictures, then this is the ideal place. Moreover, this is the district to shop for glass souvenirs to bring to all your friends and family at home.

2. Cannaregio

Sunset in Cannaregio district Venice Italy
Cannaregio district is located on the banks of the Grand Canal just like saint Marco. The area is filled with beautiful hotels for accommodation and excellent restaurants for eating out. During the day this area looks so dull and un-lively, but it is the perfect spot for nightlife as the river banks are filled with pubs and dance halls.

Additionally, if you are a historian enthusiast, then this is the ideal place for you to visit. The district is filled with significant historical landmarks like the Jewish Ghetto which is famous for being the home of the Jewish museum.

3. Santa Croce (Santa Lucia Train Station area)

San Simeone Piccolo and Grand Canal Venice
Santa Croce is one of the best neighbourhood to stay in Venice Italy as it is quiet and unique as compared to the other districts in the area. If you are looking for accommodation and great hotels to stay in you should try this area. Santa Croce is the home to the four bridges in the area that pedestrians use to cross the Grand Canal.

Further down the river, you will find beautiful and old centuries buildings that make this area unique. Moreover, if you are looking for a souvenir that is affordable to take home, you can try the fabrics and handicrafts made by small vendors in the area.

4. Dorsoduro

Canal in Dorsoduro district in Venice
Most of the art students who visit Venice Italy are always aiming at Dorsoduro as their final destination. This district is home to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum which holds arts of some of the famous artists and painters in Italy like Picasso and Kandinsky.

Additionally, it is the home to Galleria dell’Accademia di Venazia which holds paintings from the 18th century and above. Moreover, this is the best place for a great nightlife since the area is filled with hotels and clubs that are known for their fantastic nightlife.

5. Mestre (Mainland)

Mestre mainland Venice
Mestre district is the perfect place if you are looking for affordable places for you. The area is filled with affordable hotels that are spacious for you and your family. Additionally, the city is centrally located, and it is easier to access any public transport to around Venice.

If you love shopping, then this district will be perfect for you since the area has great shops which sell Italian designer clothes at affordable prices. Moreover, if you want to be close to the Venetian Islands, then this area is the perfect choice for you.

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