Explore Venice
The Sestieri and the Magic of a Unique Stay
Choosing where to stay means immersing yourself in a different experience, whether you prefer the vibrancy of the city center or the tranquility of hidden alleys.
The "Sestieri" are the six areas or districts into which the city of Venice is divided. They correspond to the neighborhoods of other cities, which ideally represented the fourth part of the Roman camp, an ideal scheme for the construction of a large number of inhabited centers in Europe.
The six districts are: Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro, San Marco and Castello.On this webiste
In this site, in order to help users to better understand the toponymy of Venice, areas have been added that are not strictly Sestieri, such as the Giudecca and the Lido, but which help, in our opinion, to understand the location of the hotels depending on your needs
What to know and how to choose where to stay is important to make the most of your holiday!
San Marco: The Pulsating Heart of Venice
The most famous and iconic sestiere, San Marco is the tourist hub of the city. Here you'll find the famous St. Mark's Square with its Basilica and Doge's Palace, as well as luxury shops and elegant restaurants. Ideal for those who want to be at the center of the action and enjoy the main attractions within walking distance.
What awaits you:
- Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge (borders San Polo)
- La Fenice Theatre, Correr Museums
- Luxury shopping, gondolas, historic cafes
Perfect for: First-time visitors to Venice, art and culture lovers, those seeking convenience and vibrancy
Castello: Between History and Daily Life
The largest sestiere in Venice, Castello stretches from Riva degli Schiavoni to the Giardini della Biennale. Here, magnificent monuments, wide green spaces, and a vibrant Venetian daily life blend, especially in the eastern areas. It's a sestiere that offers a mix of history, culture, and authenticity.
What awaits you:
- Venetian Arsenal, Giardini della Biennale and Sant'Elena Gardens
- Church of San Zaccaria, Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo)
- Scuola Grande di San Marco, Via Garibaldi (with its bacari and local shops)
- SMore residential atmosphere as you move away from St. Mark's Square
Perfect for: Those seeking a balance between attractions and authenticity, lovers of walks and open spaces, families
Cannaregio: The Popular Soul and the Jewish Ghetto
Cannaregio is the northernmost and most densely populated sestiere, known for its wide fondamenta, the vibrant Jewish Ghetto (the oldest in the world), and Santa Lucia train station. It offers a more authentic and popular atmosphere, with many traditional bacari and restaurants.
What awaits you:
- Venetian Jewish Ghetto - Madonna dell'Orto Church - Palazzo Labia
- Ca' d'Oro - Strada Nuova (main artery with shops and restaurants)
- Ponte delle Guglie - Ponte dei Tre Archi (one of the few three-arched bridges)
- Grand Canal with its vaporetto and boat traffic.
Perfect for: Those seeking a more authentic experience, lovers of Jewish history, travelers on a tighter budget but with good options.
San Polo: Markets, Rialto Bridge, and Tradition
The smallest of the sestieri, San Polo is a concentration of Venetian life, famous for the Rialto Market (fish and produce) and for being one of the two sestieri crossed by the Rialto Bridge. It is lively and rich in artisan workshops, bacari, and historic churches.
What awaits you:
- Rialto Market, Frari Basilica, Church of San Giacomo di Rialto
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Campo San Polo (the second largest campo in Venice)
- Many traditional bacari and osterias.
Perfect for: TFood and gastronomy lovers, those seeking the authentic atmosphere of markets, those wanting central accommodation but less "touristy" than San Marco.
Santa Croce: The Arrival Point and Modern Venice
Santa Croce is the sestiere that welcomes travelers arriving in Venice by land, hosting Piazzale Roma (bus terminal) and Tronchetto. It is the most "modern" part of Venice, but there are still charming corners and historic palaces. It also offers several more accessible accommodation solutions with easy access.
What awaits you:
- Piazzale Roma, Constitution Bridge (Calatrava Bridge)
- Church of San Giacomo dall'Orio, Museum of Natural History
- Papadopoli Garden, Fondaco dei Turchi
- Close to Ponte degli Scalzi and the train station.
Perfect for: Those arriving by car, those seeking greater convenience for luggage transport, those preferring a more "contemporary" approach to Venice.
Dorsoduro: Art, University, and Bohemian Nightlife
Dorsoduro is an elegant and lively sestiere, home to important art museums such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell'Accademia, as well as being a significant university area (Ca' Foscari). It offers a more bohemian and relaxed nightlife, with bacari and bars along the Zattere and Campo Santa Margherita.
What awaits you:
- Gallerie dell'Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Punta della Dogana
- Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Campo Santa Margherita (heart of nightlife)
- Zattere (long promenade along the Giudecca Canal)
- Ponte dell'Accademia (offers an iconic view of the Grand Canal)
Perfect for: Art and culture lovers, students, those seeking a lively yet refined atmosphere, those who appreciate nightlife.
Islands and Areas of the Venice Lagoon (different from Sestieri)
Lido di Venezia
Features: The only island in the lagoon where cars are allowed. Famous for its sandy beaches, elegant Art Nouveau buildings, and the home of the Venice International Film Festival.
What to see/do: The beaches (public and private), the Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta with its shops, the Palazzo del Cinema, the Casino, the ancient village of Malamocco, the Murazzi (marine defense barriers), and the San Nicolò lighthouse.
Atmosphere: Seaside and refined, with a more relaxed atmosphere than Venice's historic center. Ideal for those seeking sea and tranquility without straying too far from the city.
Fun Fact: The name "Lido" has become synonymous with beach in many languages thanks to this island.
Murano
Characteristics: World-famous for its glassmaking tradition, dating back to the 13th century. It is actually an archipelago of seven small islands connected by bridges.
What to see/do: Glass furnaces with demonstrations, the Glass Museum, the Cathedral of Saints Mary and Donato with its splendid floor mosaic, the Murano Lighthouse.
Atmosphere: Artisanal and lively, with shops and galleries displaying all kinds of glass works.
Curiosity: In 1291, all glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano for safety reasons (fire risk) and to keep their precious manufacturing methods secret.