Venice: Neighborhoods

San Marco Heart of the city for over 1,000 years, the famed town square at the center of this neighborhood is home to the Basilica San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale, and the world’s most recognizable bell tower, the campanile.

San Polo/Santa Croce Far from the city’s touristy heart, the quiet alleys and canals of this residential area are perfect for a stroll among some the city’s 60,000 permanent residents, and for an authentic Venetian dinner.

Dorsoduro South from San Marco, the appeal of this crowded neighborhood across the Grand Canal can be summed up in one word: art. The city’s two world-renowned museums, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell’Accademia, are within easy walking distance of each other.

Giudecca Once a getaway for wealthy Venetians, this collection of five islands stands well apart from the city with an eerie sleepiness throughout the day. Venture out for the island’s two major hotels, the world famous Cipriani and the brand new Hilton Molino.

Lido Best known as the setting for Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice (not to mention the annual Venice Film Festival), this seven-mile long, half-mile wide sandbar is trés chic; but seeing cars on streets in the Lido can sometimes spoil the city’s spell.

Murano Get your fix of Venetian Glass along Fondamenta dei Vetrai on this nearby island. The art of glass blowing in Venice dates back to the 13th century, but by the 16th century, major glass works were shipped here to prevent fires in the city center.