In a nutshell
- Venice has a huge range of hotels. We’ll show you the best areas to stay in Venice and share our top hotel picks for each neighborhood.
- In the historic center of Venice, you’ll have all the main sights just a short walk away. Our hotel tip: Ca’ Del Campo – a favorite of Basti’s parents, who stayed there and loved it.
- Cannaregio is quieter and less touristy but still close to the action. Our hotel tip: Venice Maggior Consiglio – stylish design and a great breakfast.
- For the best deals, stay in Mestre on the mainland. Our hotel tip: Campanile – modern, spacious rooms right next to Mestre train station.
- Those were our top picks on where to stay in Venice. Our Italy expert Rebecca now breaks down the best places to stay in Venice and shares her personal favorite hotels.
How Much Do Hotels in Venice Cost?
Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, so finding affordable accommodation isn’t always easy. A good, centrally located hotel room will set you back at least 150 euros per night during peak season.
And by “at least”, we’re talking about winter weekdays.
But with a few smart choices – like staying in a different district – you can definitely save some money.
Venice isn’t that big, and the vaporetto (water bus) gets you quickly to the best attractions in Venice.
The time of year also makes a big difference. Between November and February, you can score great deals, even in the city center –just avoid Carnival week.
That’s when hotel prices hit their peak and rooms get booked out weeks ahead.
The Best Areas to Stay in Venice
We recommend 3 areas in Venice to stay, each offering something for different types of travelers.
Below, we describe each area in more detail and share hotel tips for each.
These are our top 3 picks for where to stay in Venice:
- Center: Perfect if you want to be in the heart of it all and walk to the main sights.
- Cannaregio: Great if you prefer a quieter, more local vibe.
- Mestre: Best if you’re traveling on a tight budget.
Our tip: If you’re visiting Venice in summer, consider staying on the island of Lido. It’s perfect for combining your trip with a few beach days in Venice. Check out our guide to the best beach hotels in Venice.
The best areas to stay in Venice on a map
To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked the recommended areas to stay on a map of Venice.
As you’ll see, most of Venice is in a lagoon made up of several islands.
There are also some districts on the mainland, like Mestre and the area around the airport.
Where to Stay in the Center of Venice
Staying in the historic center is ideal if you don’t mind spending a bit more money to be right in the middle of everything.
Venice’s historic center feels like an open-air museum: every street, corner, and building is picture-perfect. You’ll find all the main sights here – St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge – it’s all within walking distance.
Of course, staying here comes at a price. Expect to pay at least 150 euros per night.
If your budget allows it, we highly recommend staying in the center – especially if you’re only in Venice for a short time and want to make the most of it.
Pros of staying in the center of Venice:
- All major sights are just steps away
- You’ll really soak in the Venice atmosphere
- Biggest selection of hotels and restaurants
Cons of staying in the center of Venice:
- Prices start at 150 euros a night – even for the most basic options
- It gets very crowded during peak season
- Hotels book out well in advance
The best places to stay in the center of Venice
Located just a minute from the Rialto Bridge, Hotel Bartolomeo offers excellent value for its prime location.
We also recommend Ca’ del Campo. Basti’s parents stayed there and loved it – plus, check-out isn’t until 12 noon!
Where to Stay in Cannaregio
Cannaregio is a great choice if you want a peaceful stay that’s still close to the sights.
While the historic center is always buzzing, Cannaregio offers a calmer, more local vibe. It wraps around the center in a semi-circle and includes Venice’s main train station.
You’ll find charming piazzas (called campi), canals, small shops, and not too many hotels. Even though the major landmarks aren’t here, you can explore quiet alleyways and stumble upon old churches and palaces.
Cannaregio is also home to the historic Jewish ghetto, where three synagogues still remain today.
Pros of staying in Cannaregio:
- Better value for money
- Peaceful and less touristy
- Feels like authentic Venice
Cons of staying in Cannaregio:
- Longer walk to the main attractions
- Not much nightlife
The best places to stay in Cannaregio
We recommend the Venice Maggior Consiglio. It’s close to the train station and just a short walk from the Ponte degli Scalzi bridge into the old town.
If you’re after a unique stay in a Venetian palace, consider the Ca’ Vendramin Zago. Set on a canal, its baroque rooms offer a taste of history at a good price.
Where to Stay in Mestre
Mestre is the right choice if you’re watching your budget and don’t mind a short commute into the city.
Technically part of Venice, Mestre is on the mainland and well-connected to the old town. From Mestre’s train station, it’s just 10 minutes to Venice’s Santa Lucia station. From there, a quick walk over the Ponte degli Scalzi bridge gets you into the heart of the city.
Mestre is more modern and has a wider range of affordable hotels.
There’s not much to see here, but the savings are worth it. Hotel rooms are usually bigger than those in Venice’s old buildings, and you’ll find parking options too.
Pros of staying in Mestre:
- More affordable than staying in the lagoon
- Easier to find parking
- Rooms tend to be more spacious
Cons of staying in Mestre:
- No major sights nearby
- You’ll need to take a short train ride to reach the historic center
The best places to stay in Mestre
We recommend the Hotel Bologna by Best Western. It has spacious, minimalist rooms and is right next to Mestre train station—just cross the street, hop on a train, and you’ll be in Venice in no time.
Do you have tips for accommodation in Venice?
Got questions about where to stay in Venice? Or have you been already and want to share your favorite spot? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!