Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Venice

A canal with a bridge, buildings with blue shutters, and a sign in Italian.
A canal in Venice with historic buildings on both sides.
A historic building with a dome and bell tower by the water.
A brick building with a large wooden door and a window with a diamond pattern.
A narrow canal in a historic European town with boats, buildings, and pedestrians.

One of six districts in Venice, this beautiful area has many sights located along the edge of Venice and on the island of Giudecca.

Originally one of the wealthier oceanfront portions of Venice, Dorsoduro retains some of its extravagance while offering relatively affordable food and nightlife. During the day, tour the ornate churches throughout the area. At night, retreat into a bar or restaurant.

Many come to Dorsoduro to see an array of beautiful churches within a small area. Gaze at the amazing Fumiani artwork that canopies the entire ceiling of San Pantalon. Admire the long, Gothic hallways of the Santa Maria dei Carmini and appreciate the Veronese paintings of San Sebastiano.

Be sure to visit the museum Punta della Dogana. This former customs building has hosted some of the finest art exhibitions in the world and it continues to maintain a handsomely funded collection, courtesy of François Pinault, the French billionaire.

Cross the Accademia Bridge and view the artwork displayed at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Patron to many of the most famous modernist artists, Peggy Guggenheim collected art from Picasso, Kandinsky, Mondrian and many others. The American heiress assembled a startling collection housed at this museum, which also features a sculpture garden outside.

Take advantage of Dorsoduro’s night life. Get active on the dance floor of a club or sit down for a beer at a bar. Find late-night fun and inexpensive drinks at Campo Santa Margherita, a legendary square that fills up with locals at night. People watch and enjoy nightlife with friendly Venetians.

With access to lively squares and waterfront views, many people opt to stay in Dorsoduro while they tour Venice. The relatively inexpensive cuisine found in Dorsoduro makes the area popular with locals during lunch breaks. Find the least expensive and most delicious food outside the main squares.

Take the Venice Vaporetto Line 1 to reach Dorsoduro. Many of the attractions here are walking distance from each other. Before you leave, try a marzipan cake at the 120-year-old patisserie, Pasticceria Tonolo.


Stay near popular Dorsoduro attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Dorsoduro

Palazzo Veneziano

Palazzo Veneziano

4.5 out of 5
Fondamenta delle Zattere 1413 Venice VE
The price is £298 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
£298
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Palazzo Veneziano
Hotel Messner

Hotel Messner

3.5 out of 5
Dorsoduro 237 Venice VE
The price is £98 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
£98
6 Oct - 7 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
4.8/10 (364 reviews)
"You get what you pay for here. The location is great and the air conditioning worked for our entire stay while it was very hot here. However, the beds were incredibly small - 6ft tall person's legs hang off the bottom and the "blanket" is just a bed sheet. Shower doesn't drain, and mold everywhere. ..."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2026

Hotel Messner
Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Calle Dei Guardiani, 2405 Venice VE
The price is £217 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
£217
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and concierge services. Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and Rialto Bridge are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"Very friendly host. God location"

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

Palazzo Dei Guardiani
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani Venice VE
The price is £420 per night from 24 Sept to 25 Sept
£420
24 Sept - 25 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Palazzo Guardi

Palazzo Guardi

Sestiere Dorsoduro 995 Venice VE
The price is £173 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
£173
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this affittacamere in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Palazzo Guardi
EXCESS VENICE Boutique Hotel & Private Spa - Adults Only

EXCESS VENICE Boutique Hotel & Private Spa - Adults Only

5 out of 5
F.ta S. Sebastiano - Dorsoduro, 2542 Venice VE
The price is £342 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
£342
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (194 reviews)
"Great hotel, with friendly staff. Good location for all accessible areas."

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2026

EXCESS VENICE Boutique Hotel & Private Spa - Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Dorsoduro

Find the best Dorsoduro areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Dorsoduro
Learn more about Dorsoduro

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo while you're exploring the area.

San Marco

San Marco is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

Cannaregio

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Casino of Venice and Ca' d'Oro Giorgio Franchetti Gallery.

San Polo

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and Palazzo Pisani Moretta while you're in town.

Santa Croce

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Tolentini while in the area.



Dorsoduro Travel Guide

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