Venice is a city like no other—a labyrinth of canals, historic palaces, and hidden courtyards that transport you back in time. But choosing the best neighborhoods in Venice can make or break your experience.
As someone who has explored this floating masterpiece, I know firsthand that each district, or sestiere, has its own charm, from romantic canalside alleys to lively squares filled with authentic Venetian life.
If you're after luxury and iconic landmarks, San Marco is where you'll find St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and high-end boutiques. Prefer a quieter, more artistic vibe? Dorsoduro is home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia Gallery, along with trendy cafes and canal-side wine bars. For an authentic, local experience, Cannaregio is where Venetians actually live—it's packed with historic Jewish Ghetto sites, cozy trattorias, and fewer tourists.
Then there’s Castello, a mix of grand palaces and working-class streets, home to the Venice Biennale and the scenic Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront. If you love nightlife, San Polo has bustling markets and historic bacari (wine bars), while Santa Croce offers a balance between local charm and convenience.
Whether you’re looking for luxury, local life, or hidden gems, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Venice. Let’s dive into the best areas in Venice to experience the city's magic like a true insider.
Fun fact : the word sestieri comes from the Latin sexterium , derived from sextus , meaning "sixth". In the case of Venice, it refers to the historical division of the city into six administrative districts , an organization that dates back to the medieval period and is preserved today.
1. San Marco, the Venice we all know
San Marco is the epicentre of Venice , where history and tourism beat in equal parts. This emblematic sestiere was, since the glorious days of the Republic of Venice, the place where political and religious power was concentrated. In the time of the Doges , ordinary Venetians paraded through its streets celebrating naval victories, while nobles boasted of their wealth and style and, sometimes, wigs that today we would consider questionable.
Today, these same streets are packed with tourists, exclusive luxury shops, and cheeky pigeons adding a touch of picturesque chaos. Although bustling and super touristy, Venice's San Marco neighborhood is an absolute must-see , and it's here that you'll find Venice's most iconic spot: St. Mark's Square!
If it's your first time, we recommend signing up for this guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace (in Spanish), or if you prefer something a little more low-cost, the free tour of Venice is always a great idea.
Main visits : St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, La Fenice Theatre.
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2. Canareggio, Jewish quarter but much more!
This Venetian district is not only the birthplace of Tintoretto , the genius of the Venetian Renaissance, but also home to the world's first Jewish ghetto . A corner full of history and culture that remains a living testimony to the past.
Less touristy than San Marco, Cannaregio combines quiet corners with lively areas , especially at dusk, when its canals fill with lights and local laughter. Here it is easy to lose yourself among the picturesque streets, enjoy a spritz accompanied by cicchetti and feel like you are part of everyday Venetian life.
Main visits : Jewish Ghetto, Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, Church of Santa Maria degli Miracles, Church of the Madonna dell'Orto.
3. Castello, the largest and most unknown neighborhood in Venice
It is the largest district of Venice , a refuge for those seeking to escape the tourist chaos of the more popular places and prefer to visit authentic sites with a quieter atmosphere . Its name comes from an ancient castle that no longer exists , but it makes up for it with another historical building of exceptional importance: the Venetian Arsenal , where the shipbuilders who made Venice a maritime power worked.
Between churches and gardens , the Castello district mixes history and a slow pace that invites you to explore it calmly, stopping at every charming corner, such as the legendary Acqua Alta bookstore.
Main visits : Church of Santa Maria Formosa, Acqua Alta Bookstore, Venetian Arsenal, Church of San Zaccaria.
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4. Santa Croce, too forgotten
Although Santa Croce is the first contact with Venice for many travellers, thanks to its proximity to Piazzale Roma and the Santa Lucia train station , it is often forgotten after crossing the Grand Canal. Big mistake…
This sestiere, far from the tourist flashes of San Marco, offers a glimpse of the most authentic Venice , where the tranquility of its streets and squares invites you to explore without rushing. But this does not mean that it is boring, among its main attractions there are museums, churches, picturesque streets and many places where you can try Venetian delicacies.
Main visits : Scuola Grande di San Giovanni, Fondaco dei turchi, Bacareto da Lele (spritz and BBB sandwiches).
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5. San Polo, small but full of history
Small in size but huge in history , San Polo has been for centuries the commercial soul of Venice . Its epicentre is the Rialto Market , a feast of colours, aromas and flavours, where locals and visitors mingle among stalls of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. Nearby, the iconic Rialto Bridge , one of the most recognisable symbols of the city, connects this lively sestiere to San Marco and offers spectacular views of the Grand Canal.
San Polo is also a paradise for food lovers, with trattorias and bacari serving cicchetti and local wines, perfect for a gastronomic break. Among its narrow streets and small fields, architectural gems stand out such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, famous for housing the tombs and cenotaphs of various doges and artists such as Titian, and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco , with spectacular frescoes by Tintoretto .
⭐ It is one of our favorite neighborhoods to look for accommodation. Here we tell you more about where to stay in Venice: best areas and recommended hotels .
Main visits : Rialto Bridge, Rialto Market, Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
6. Dorsoduro, the most artistic neighborhood in Venice
Dorsoduro is the artistic and university heart of Venice, a sestiere that has been home to nobles, artists and, today, students and creatives who give it a young and vibrant air. Here you will find some of the best museums and galleries in the city , such as the Accademia Gallery that houses masterpieces of the Venetian Renaissance, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection , a must-see for lovers of modern art.
A stroll along the Zattere canals is a way to discover another side of Venice, especially at sunset, when the sun paints the lagoon and the palazzi in golden tones . It is the ideal place to enjoy a gelato or a spritz while contemplating the tranquility of the water. How glamorous is this city!
Main visits : Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Zattere, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Accademia Gallery, Church of St. Pantaleon.
Now that you know the six districts of Venice , you have the complete map to explore the city like a true Venetian (even if you don't have the peculiar accent they have). The best thing? Wandering aimlessly and getting lost in the narrow streets of the islands. Because yes, in Venice getting lost is not a mistake: it is the best way to find unexpected beauty. So get going and don't forget to say hello to the pigeons of San Marco (from a distance, better). Buon viaggio!
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