Venice is one of a kind, a floating gem of Gothic palaces, riverside cafes, and marble churches that's almost like a movie set come to life. And the best way to see it? On foot, believe us when we say that. Without the cars and buses, Venice invites you to stroll slowly, wander through its serpentine alleys, and soak up centuries of history with every step.
Choosing the most suitable neighbourhood (or sestiere) to live in can transform your holiday from unforgettable to magical. Based on what you want and where to stay in Venice, whether art, romance, nightlife, or tranquillity; there's a part of Venice waiting for you.
Following is an insider's guide to the best places to stay in Venice for a walking holiday that has you mere steps away from its most iconic landmarks.
Top Areas To Stay in Venice
This list below will tell you about best areas to stay in Venice Italy, but please note that this city is more than words, articles and instagramable, regardless of which places to stay in Venice becomes your home, Venice is definitely a must visit place and as Alexander Herzen has said about this gorgeous city;
‘To build a city where it is impossible to build a city is madness in itself, but to build there one of the most elegant and grandest of cities is the madness of genius’
Now let's walk right through the best hotels in Venice list -
San Marco – Il Cuore pulsante di Venezia
- Best for - First-time visitors, iconic landmarks, luxury hotels
- Landmarks near - St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Grand Canal
Living in San Marco is to be inside a postcard and without doubt has best hotels in Venice . This central district puts you at arm's length of Venice's largest attractions from majestic St Mark's Basilica to lively Accademia Bridge. Expect crowds, but also convenience: you'll be right in the midst of it all. Picture five-star and best hotels in Venice, Italy gazing across canals, chic boutiques, and a constant hum of activity.
Where to stay in Venice Italy
- The Gritti Palace – A classic Venetian gem with opulent decor and views of the Grand Canal.
- Corte di Gabriela – A stylish retreat with a mix of modern style and antique charm.
- Novecento Boutique Hotel – Tucked away in a quiet alleyway, offering a snug, home-from-home feel.
Castello – Historic, Quiet, and Full of Surprises
- Best for - Cultural visitors, Biennale visitors, experience of everyday life
- Landmarks nearby - Arsenale, San Francesco della Vigna, Giardini
Adjoining San Marco but light years away, Castello combines atmospheric residential streets with grand churches and hidden courtyards. It's where Venice's Biennale art festival takes place and the quieter lagoon-side promenade of Riva degli Schiavoni resides. Castello is a more leisurely pace, but still within easy reach of major sights.
Which Venice hotels to stay at
- Hotel Metropole – A sumptuous oasis with an Asian touch and antique-draped corridors.
- Hotel Bucintoro – A sea-inspired hotel with panoramic views of the Venetian Lagoon.
Cannaregio – Authentic Venice with a Local Feel
- Ideal for - Nightlife, budget hotels, local secrets
- Landmarks nearby - Jewish Ghetto, Strada Nova, Rialto Bridge
Cannaregio is a taste of genuine Venetian life. By day, it's a quiet backwater; at night, its canals are awash with locals' chatter from warm bars and restaurants spilling onto the sidewalks. It's the location of Venice's old Jewish Ghetto and ideal for tourists who desire to steer clear of tourist traps but not the major landmarks.
Where to stay
- Al Ponte Antico – With its romantic, old-world ambiance overlooking the Grand Canal.
- Domus Orsoni – Mosaic lover's paradise, situated alongside an operational glass foundry.
- Hotel Antico Doge – Gothic palazzo facade with Baroque interior and canalside views.
Dorsoduro – Artistic Attitudes and Cultural Kick
- Best for - Art lovers, relaxed elegance, scenic walks
- Landmarks nearby - Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Accademia Gallery, Zattere promenade
Dorsoduro is Venice's artistic soul — a district that has a mix of world-class museums, trendy bars, and student life. From scenic canal walks to vibrant piazzas, this district fuses reality with elegance. It's close enough to San Marco to walk for sightseeing, but far enough to steer clear of the crowds.
Where to stay
- Ca' Maria Adele – A sensual, stylish boutique hotel close to the dominating Salute church.
- Il Palazzo Experimental – Retro-chic with speakeasy, garden, and views of Zattere.
- SINA Centurion Palace – A luxurious hub near Venice's finest art attractions.
Santa Croce & San Polo – For the Curious Explorer
- Best for - Foodies, culture enthusiasts, peaceful stays
- Must-see sights nearby - Rialto Market, Frari Church, Campo San Polo
These two adjoining districts provide a relaxed alternative to the more congested areas of Venice. San Polo hums around the busy Rialto markets, but Santa Croce murmurs with residential elegance. Look forward to sunny piazzas, craft shops, and some of the finest local trattorias. It's slightly off the main tourist trail but that's the charm of it.
Where to stay
- Aman Venice – Located in a Grand Canal palazzo with opulent interiors.
- Cima Rosa – Elegant, intimate, and run by an entirely female team.
- Oltre il Giardino – Hidden behind a green door with garden serenity.
Giudecca & Lagoon Islands – Serenity Beyond the City
- Best for - Romantic getaways, quiet and isolation, luxury retreats
- Points of interest nearby - Redentore Church, Burano, San Clemente Island
Across the canal from Dorsoduro, Giudecca offers tranquillity with a dash of style. This old industrial island has been reclaimed by artists and hipsters-in-the-know. Beyond, lagoon islands like Burano and San Clemente offer unforgettable escapes, ideal if you want a romantic retreat just a boat ride away from Venice's din.
Where to stay
- Belmond Hotel Cipriani – The ultimate luxury retreat with gardens and Venice's largest pool.
- Casa Burano – A cheerful "scattered hotel" in one of the lagoon's liveliest villages.
- San Clemente Palace Kempinski – A secluded resort on its own island with fine dining and spa.
To Conlude,
Venice is a city best explored on foot, and where you rest your head at night will decide what that experience will be like, although there are some of the best hotels in Venice one could stay in. It ultimately is personal preference whether you want to wake up by the Grand Canal or walk into a serene campo all to yourself, each sestiere has its own flavour of Venetian life.
Pick your headquarters, lace up your walking shoes, and let Venice unfold step by step.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com