Still wondering what to do in Venice? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Venice and book your hotel today!
Venice, the capital of Italy’s Veneto region, is a truly unique city built entirely on water, famous for its intricate network of canals, stunning architecture, and lack of roads. The city is dominated by St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), home to the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Venice is a romantic labyrinth of bridges, hidden alleyways, and shimmering waterways.
You can take a gondola ride through the narrow canals, walk across the famous Rialto Bridge, or explore the glass-blowing heritage of the nearby island of Murano. With its world-class art and utterly unique landscape, Venice is a magical, beautiful, and unforgettable city of history and romance.
Choosing where to book your hotel in Venice is crucial, balancing accessibility with a desire to be in the heart of the action or a quieter, more local district.
The San Marco district is the best location for first-time visitors, placing you next to the Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Grand Canal. This area offers the highest concentration of famous hotels, but is the most crowded and expensive part of the city.
For a quieter, more local, and often more affordable base, the Cannaregio district is highly recommended. Home to the historic Jewish Ghetto and the Santa Lucia train station, it is a bustling area with local bars and restaurants, providing a great atmosphere away from the main tourist crowds.
For convenience and a slightly quieter base, the Dorsoduro district, known for its art galleries and museums, offers a more bohemian and youthful vibe, located close to the Grand Canal but slightly removed from the San Marco bustle.
Venice is served by Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), with transfers via water taxi, airport bus, or train to the central station. The city is navigated entirely on foot or by waterbus (Vaporetto), which is the essential public transport network for getting around.
To secure a competitive hotel rate in Venice, you must avoid the high season (May to September) and the peak periods around Carnevale and major art events, which cause massive price surges.
For significant savings, consider travelling during the off-season, particularly January, when prices are at their lowest. A unique and vital tip for saving money is to look for accommodation in the Cannaregio district or the neighbouring area of Mestre (on the mainland). Mestre offers significantly cheaper hotel rates with excellent, fast train and bus links directly into the heart of Venice, allowing you to experience the city while enjoying better value for your accommodation.
To secure a competitive hotel rate in Venice, you must avoid the high season (May to September) and the peak periods around Carnevale and major art events, which cause massive price surges.
For significant savings, consider travelling during the off-season, particularly January, when prices are at their lowest. A unique and vital tip for saving money is to look for accommodation in the Cannaregio district or the neighbouring area of Mestre (on the mainland). Mestre offers significantly cheaper hotel rates with excellent, fast train and bus links directly into the heart of Venice, allowing you to experience the city while enjoying better value for your accommodation.