And as location is a decisive factor when choosing where to stay in Venice, it is worth mentioning that the most touristic places are much more expensive. However, if you want to stay in the more remote neighborhoods, keep in mind that the city of canals is full of stairs with steps, in other words, a real labyrinth and easy to get lost.
Important :
- if you are going to take big bags, remember that as there are no cars or buses on the island where Venice is located (the tourist part), the work of carrying bags will be doubled. Therefore, in addition to thinking about saving money on your hotel stay, the tip is to carefully evaluate the location where you are going to stay. Because cheap can be expensive.
- the main means of public transport used in Venice are “vaporettos” , a kind of water bus. But if you want to use the little boats, I can tell you that they are among the most expensive means of transport in the world. It costs around 7 euros a ride.
The neighborhoods of Venice
To understand the geography of Venice, it is worth noting that the city is quite extensive. It is formed by a group of small islands that are separated by canals and interconnected by bridges. But it is worth noting that the tourist part is located on only one of these islands, and it is in this area that all the tourist attractions are located.
Venice is still composed of the part that is on the mainland (Continental Venice). This region, which is more remote and therefore not so attractive for tourists, is where the area with the largest number of people in Venice is located, including Mestre, which is among one of the most affordable places to stay in the city (it was there where I stayed).
The region that tourists want to see, where the beautiful canals are located, is divided into 6 neighborhoods (sestieri in Italian): Cannaregio, San Marco, Dorsoduro, Castello, San Polo and Santa Croce . Among these neighborhoods, it is possible to walk to the main tourist attractions.
Cannaregio
Cannaregio is the second largest district in Venice and the most populated . In addition, it is the gateway for those coming by train, as that is where the Santa Lucia Train Station is located . It also has some tourist attractions such as the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the Jewish Ghetto .
Located in the north of Venice, Cannaregio is one of the neighborhoods where you will find the cheapest hotels, as it is not frequented by tourists and according to some people, it is not as charming as the others (I thought it was cute).
The good thing is that the train station is in the neighborhood, so it’s a great break since you won’t have to walk for a long time to get to the hotel.
The negative point is that as it is further away, you have to walk about 20 minutes to reach the main tourist attractions in Venice. But as the city is a real labyrinth, getting lost is part of the fun, so the walk can be even longer and more tiring. And another option for those not willing to walk is to use vaporettos to reach the main attractions.
Where to stay in Cannaregio
Hotel Abbazia
3 star hotel located in an old monastery and close to Santa Lucia Station. Despite not being a luxury hotel, the decoration of the rooms and cleanliness are highly praised by guests, as well as the breakfast (which is included in the daily rate).
Guest rating : Fabulous (8.7)
Rates from R$250.00
Hotel Belle Epoque
The Hotel Belle Epoque is a good option in terms of cost-effectiveness. It is a simple hotel, but its high point is its good location, as it is a 10-minute walk from Santa Lucia Station and the Piazzale Roma bus station. There is also a vaporetto stop right in front of the hotel.
Guests rave about the breakfast, which is included in the room rate. Another highlight is the decoration of the rooms, which have original furniture from the 18th century.
Guest rating : Good (7.9)
Rates from R$150.00
San Marco
San Marco is right in the heart of Venice and is one of the most privileged areas as it is where most of the city’s tourist attractions are located, such as St. Mark’s Square and Basilica , the Doge ‘s Palace , the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge .
But not everything is flowers in this neighborhood, as it is located in the most central part of Venice, the downside is that it is one of the most expensive areas to stay . In addition, it is one of the busiest areas and therefore prices are much more abusive. It will not be an easy task to find restaurants with nice prices.
But don’t be scared, it’s possible to find cheap hotels outside the high season .
Where to stay in San Marco
Al Gazzettino
Hotel Al Gazzettino is located in the heart of Venice, between Piazza San Marco and just 3 minutes’ walk from the Rialto Bridge.
Despite being a simple hotel, guests praise the decor of the rooms and the cleanliness of the place. And if you have a lot of luggage, it’s easy to get there by vaporetto (water boats) getting off at the Rialto Bridge stop.
Guest rating : Great (8.5)
Rates from R$200.00
Hotel Danieli
The Hotel Danieli is not a cheap option, but if you are the type of traveler who likes to visit places that were used as film sets, put this one on your list. The luxurious hotel served as a location for the movie “ The Tourist ”, and for that reason it even became a tourist attraction in Venice.
Guest rating : Fabulous (8.9)
Rates from R$1000.00
hardback
I believe this is the most modern part of Venice and one of the most charming neighborhoods. Dorsoduro is home to several buildings of the University of Venice and some tourist attractions such as the Ponte Dell´Accademia (it also has the museum of the same name, which is classified as one of the most important in the city) and the Peggy Guggenheim art museum .
As it is very close to the tourist area, hotels in Dorsoduro are not among the cheapest. But the positive point is that if you choose to stay in this part, you will be contemplated with a much quieter region, far from the crowd of tourists.
Where to stay in Dorsoduro
Venetian Palace
The Palazzo Veneziano hotel is located near the S. Basilio Ferry Port and features elegant rooms and breakfast, which is included in the rate (according to guests, it is excellent, very complete and full of options for all tastes). . In addition, it is located in a quieter area of Venice.
Guest rating : Superb (9.4)
Rates from R$500.00
Hotel Pausania
Housed in a former property that was once home to an aristocratic Venetian family, the Hotel Pausania attracts guests looking for somewhere more elegant.
In addition to the wonderful decoration of the rooms, the Hotel Pausania also has an elegant living room where guests can use the wifi. And the daily rate also includes breakfast.
Guest rating : Great (8.2)
Rates from R$500.00
castle
Castello borders San Marco and is the largest neighborhood in Venice . As it is extensive, some regions of the neighborhood are close to the main tourist attractions. But depending on where you stay, it is worth noting that you will need to walk a lot to reach the city’s attractions.
And one of the highlights of Castello, here’s the tip of a very interesting tour if you enjoy books, it is in this neighborhood where one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world is located, the Acqua Alta bookstore .
Where to stay in Castello
Hotel Paganelli
Located close to St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs, Hotel Paganelli is close to the main tourist attractions and has very elegant rooms at a good price.
Hotel Paganelli is located in a former convent and one of the highlights of the place is the spectacular view of Venice from the garden on the terrace. And it also has breakfast included in the daily rate.
Guest rating : Fabulous (8.6)
Rates from R$250.00
Hotel Campiello
Hotel Campiello is right in the heart of Venice, close to San Marco Square and a 10-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge.
As it is located in a very central area and close to several tourist attractions, the hotel is a great option for those looking for something more economical. It has great value for money and even offers breakfast (included in the rate), rated as very good by guests.
Guest rating : Great (8.5)
Rates from R$200.00