Living districts
The places that make your stay unforgettable
Sestiere
Cannaregio
This area of Venice district was developed primarily for the working classes and industry. Including a Jewish Ghetto which was originally gated and guarded to keep the Jews locked away from sunset to dawn.
Today, Cannaregio is lined with palaces along its section of the Grand Canal. It is residential and tranquil, save for the bustling canal side of Rio Della Misericordia in the north of Cannaregio, known as Fondamenta degli Ormesini, where you can soak up the Italian Cool. Here is where Venetians gathers with friends having a Spritz and sharing plates of traditional cicchetti. Here, the city’s best canal-side bars.
Highlights
• Fairly close to main central tourist sites like the Rialto and Grand Canal
• Easy access to Burano and Murano (#12 leaves from Fondamente Nove)
• Excellent nightlife and cafe culture along Rio Della Misericordia
• Famous Churches
• A more neighborhood feel.
Sestiere
Castello
The largest one, Castello, stretches from Rialto bridge to the edge that overlooks the Lido (the island adjacent to Venice with a long stretch of sandy beaches).
We consider it one of the best neighborhoods in Venice. Some of Castello’s areas such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Arsenale or Greci are home to some smaller artisan shops, little ornate bridges and breathtaking view squares. Tourists are everywhere in Venice but they are definitely more outnumbered by locals in this Venice region.
Corner bars, traditional gathering sites, amazing places to fancy popular sagra.
The further from St Marks you walk , the more typical and particular the buildings become but the atmosphere is gentle yet spirited.
This is where a lot of Venetian history was made and the locals proudly show it and honour the traditions.
On the far east area of Castello there is a large park, Giardini, where the locals jog, walk their dogs and let their kids play.
No gondolas over there !
Highlights
• Some of the best local restaurants
• Experience authentic Venice and live amongst the locals
• Museums for old-art lovers (works by Bellini, Tintoretto, Tiepolo etc)
• Picturesque canals and bridges
• Lots of prominent historical references
Sestiere
Dorsoduro
One of the most authentic neighborhoods in Venice to escape (a bit) the hustle and bustle. Home to Peggy Guggenheim and the Academia, if you’re coming to Venice to see the greats and the modern masters or simply walk in the Museum Mile, this is your area.
Known for its positive vibe and lively nightlife, Campo Santa Margherita is the hot spot: laid-back bacari (bars), a relaxed atmosphere and lots of fun.
Some other great features are the beautiful palaces that line the Grand Canal. Ca’ Rezzonico, Ca Pesaro and Cini Foundation that are a much more manageable-sized museum than some of the more famous palazzos near St Marks square.
Highlights
• more lively, local night-life
• cheaper food and drink
• authentic neighbourhood culture
• great art, palaces and landscapes
Sestiere
San Marco
We will never choose to stay in this Venice area but this is what you came to Venice to see after all: San Marco’s square, the Doges Palace, the Rialto Bridge, St Marc’s Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. All items on your bucket list and all things you should make the effort to see. If time is of the essence and you only have few days just soak up the grandeur and magnificence..
Highlights
• Central location
• Just beautiful
• Few quiet spots and gems if you stray from San Marc’s Square
Sestiere
San Polo
San Polo is the smallest district of Venice but has plenty of interesting elements for such a compact area. It’s the oldest neighborhood of Venice, along with San Marco (9th century) and still holds a few traditional festivals (and a few new too) in its large square – Campo San Polo. In ancient times it was the place for bullfighting and masquerade balls, now the Campo is an open cinema and theatre during the summer months.
Highlights
• very old and pretty
• great food markets
• good choice of souvenir shopping
• great restaurant choices
Sestiere
Santa Croce
Very nice and typical, not our favorite one. It is Venice’s main transport hub and although it has a few tourist attractions like the Natural History Museum and the Church of San Giacomo, you probably want to leave it behind to explore the rest of Venice asap.
Highlights
• Some unexpected restaurant and bar ‘gems’ – great for your last meal before you leave for the airport maybe.
• Close to transport links for quick get-aways
