Where to stay in Venice

The ‘heart’ of the city, San Marco is undoubtedly one of the best areas to stay in Venice for its wealth of top sights attractions. Although it goes without saying this means extremely high accommodation rates, at least you’ll be in close proximity to the likes of the Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale and the Campanile. While many visitors only choose to explore San Marco as part of a crammed day-trip, one of the best reasons to stay in this area is that you get to explore it at your own pace, and in your own time. Watch the sunrise from the Piazza without the crowds, or simply enjoy admiring the architecture of the buildings without getting in anyone’s way.

To appreciate great art, stay in Dorsoduro. This sestiere (a district-like area) is home to the Accademia, whose rooms are filled with some of the best art in Europe. Here, you can browse the various rooms that are filled with works by the likes of Bellini, Carpaccio, Tintoretto, Titan and more. Once you’ve taken in these heavyweights, head over to the Church of San Sebastian, where the paintings by Paolo Veronese adorn most of the walls. Have an early night so that you’re full of energy for the next day, when you can view modern-day art at the Guggenheim Collection in eastern Dorsoduro.

The sestiere of San Polo is a great area to base yourself in Venice; it’s home to the lively Rialto Market for one, which is one of the must-do’s on anyone’s itinerary. This centuries-old market is still in full swing, serving locals and visitors the likes of fresh fruit, veg, fish and butcheries. The nearby, connecting sestiere of Santa Croce makes for a pleasant stroll through to escape the crowds; while there aren’t so many sights here, there are enough walks to get pleasantly lost in. You’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation, with many hotels centered towards the Ponte di Rande over the Canal Grande. That said, there’s a few bed-and-breakfast options if you’re looking for a more humble affair in this lower-key sestiere, and if you’re on a tighter budget then you might even find a hostel or two.

Cannaregio has a village-like feel to it; you couldn’t find a starker difference between here and the likes of San Marco! Choose between restful bed and breakfasts, 18th century-styled hotels, tucked-away gems and smart boutiques. While you’re here, there’s no missing the Ca’ d’Oro with its outstanding collection of paintings and carvings. But what really makes Cannaregio stand out from the rest of Venice is that it’s home to the Ghetto – the world’s first – where a Jewish community has resided for hundreds of years. Take in the reliefs that make up a Holocaust Memorial on Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, or book onto a guided tour of the 16th-century synagogues around here.

There’s ever-so-slightly cheaper accommodation options in Central Castello. This relatively quieter area is home to peaceful hotels with canal views, as well as 16th-century restorations and quaint little courtyards. Once you’ve settled into your room, you can explore the culinary delights the restaurants around here have to offer with its numerous seafood and homemade dishes. In terms of sights, check out the ginormous Palazzo Grimani with its paintings and frescoes (although the building is exquisite in itself), while the Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo has numerous tombs, a sacristy and impressive stained-glass windows to gaze at.

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