Tips and ideas to visit Venice’s Districts

If you ever forget how many districts Venice has, just take a look at the curved iron prow (ferro) of any gondola. Count the six forward-facing “teeth” — they represent the six historical sestieri, or districts, of the city. The rear tooth stands for Giudecca Island, the elegant S-curve mirrors the Grand Canal, and the small arch atop the last tooth represents the Rialto Bridge. The upper part symbolizes the Ducal Hat (Corno Ducale) or St. Mark’s Basin.

The six sestieri — Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo, and Santa Croce — have existed since the days of the Venetian Republic, when they served as administrative divisions governed by Ducal Counsellors. Each one has a distinct history, having evolved from humble beginnings: land reclaimed from the swamp, slowly shaped into the elegant labyrinth we know today — rich with palaces, piazzas, churches, and stories.

In this section, we take you on a journey through each of Venice’s sestieri, with a wealth of recommendations: what to visit, what to eat, where to shop, and all the anecdotes and curiosities that make Venice not just a museum, but a city to live and feel.

Dorsoduro – The Art-Lover’s District

Dorsoduro, meaning “hard back,” got its name from the compact sand ridges that once made this part of the city more stable and solid than others — a rare advantage in watery Venice. The sestiere also includes Giudecca Island and Sacca Fisola. Today, Dorsoduro is one of Venice’s most vibrant, tourist-friendly districts — not just for its art and architecture, but also for its cafés, restaurants, and lively nightlife, especially around Campo Santa Margherita.

Museums & Masterpieces

After San Marco, Dorsoduro boasts the highest concentration of museums in Venice. Among its cultural highlights:

• Gallerie dell’Accademia (Campo della Carità) – A treasure trove of Venetian painting from the 14th to the 18th century, including works by Bellini, Carpaccio, Veronese, and Titian. Housed in a complex that once included a monastery and Scuola Grande.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection – Housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni along the Grand Canal, this is one of Europe’s finest modern art museums. Here you’ll find works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Duchamp, Klee, Pollock, Magritte, and others.
• Punta della Dogana – Home to the Francois Pinault Collection, this former customs house is now a striking contemporary art museum. Stop by the Dogana Café for traditional Venetian dishes with a view.
• Squero di San Trovaso – One of the few remaining boatyards where gondolas are still built by hand — a rare glimpse into Venice’s living heritage.
• Scuola Grande dei Carmini – A beautiful confraternity building with ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo.

Palaces with a Story

Dorsoduro is lined with majestic palazzi, including:

• Ca’ Rezzonico – Overlooking the Grand Canal, this palace offers a walk through 18th-century Venetian life, with ballrooms, frescoes by Tiepolo, and period furnishings.
• Ca’ Foscari – A masterpiece of Gothic architecture from the 15th century and now part of Venice’s state university. Its upper floors offer a rare, sweeping view of the Grand Canal — from the Rialto Bridge to the Accademia Bridge.
• Ca’ Dario – The so-called “cursed palace.” Legend has it that nearly every owner or resident has met with tragedy. Though it’s currently for sale, few dare to buy.

Churches Full of Art and Mystery

Dorsoduro’s churches are as artistically rich as its museums:

• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute – Built in gratitude for the end of a plague, this Baroque masterpiece stands at the entrance to St. Mark’s Basin and is beloved by Venetians.
• Church of Santa Maria del Rosario (Gesuati) – Home to works by Tintoretto and Tiepolo, with soaring ceilings and dramatic lighting.
• San Nicolò dei Mendicoli – One of the oldest churches in Venice (7th century), featuring art from the Veronese school.
• Church of San Raffaele Arcangelo – Look up to admire the Fontebasso fresco above the nave.
• San Trovaso – Unique for its double entrance: one opening onto a campo (square), the other onto a rio (canal).

Nightlife & Local Favorites

Campo Santa Margherita is the beating heart of Dorsoduro after dark. Join locals and students for wine, music, and conversation.

• Al Bottegone (Fondamenta Nani) – For local wines and small bites.
• Margaret Duchamp (Campo Santa Margherita) – Known for its cocktails and relaxed vibe.
• Taverna da Baffo (Campiello Sant’Agostin) – Famous not only for food, but for verses of poetry dedicated to women by Giorgio Baffo, a friend and muse of Casanova.

Santa Croce – Churches, Palaces, and Unexpected Stories

Santa Croce is the gateway to Venice for anyone arriving by land. Linked to the mainland by the Ponte della Libertà, it’s home to Tronchetto Island and Piazzale Roma, the city’s main arrival hubs for cars, buses, and taxis. It also hosts the Stazione Marittima, where cruise ships from over 30 international lines dock, bringing more than 1.5 million passengers each year.

The district takes its name from a now-lost church destroyed during the Napoleonic era. Along with San Polo, it once formed the area known as Luprio, where Venice’s ancient salt pans were located. Though modern infrastructure dominates part of Santa Croce, the historic heart of the district hides churches, palaces, and museums of immense cultural value.

Art, Architecture, and the Unexpected

Among the must-see religious buildings is the Church of San Stae, which houses paintings by Tiepolo, and the Church of San Nicola da Tolentino, with its striking columned façade. The Tolentini Convent, attached to the church, now houses the Faculty of Architecture of IUAV University.

The Church of San Giacomo dall’Orio, with its understated façade, surprises visitors with a rich interior featuring works by Lorenzo Lotto and Paolo Veronese. And for those intrigued by darker tales, the Church of San Zan Degolà — built in the 11th century — was the site of a notorious family murder in 1500. A priest was executed for the crime, after being accused of a massacre and theft.

Museums Worth Exploring

Santa Croce’s crown jewel is Ca’ Pesaro, a baroque palace on the Grand Canal. It houses two major museums:

• The International Gallery of Modern Art, featuring masterpieces by Klimt, Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee, and Matisse.
• The Museum of Oriental Art, home to over 30,000 Japanese objects — swords, armor, ceramics, and more — forming one of Europe’s most important Asian collections.

Nearby, the Fontego dei Turchi now houses the Civic Museum of Natural History, with immersive natural exhibits and two dinosaur skeletons discovered by Venetian explorer Giancarlo Ligabue.

Santa Croce connects to Cannaregio by two key bridges:

• Ponte degli Scalzi
• Ponte della Costituzione, designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2008 — one of only four bridges crossing the Grand Canal.

Where to Eat and Relax

Santa Croce boasts a selection of authentic restaurants, wine bars, and gelaterias. Don’t miss:

• Ganesh Ji – Venice’s first Indian restaurant, opened in 1997, located near San Polo with a scenic canal-side terrace.
• Carlo Pistacchi Gelateria (Rio Terà dei Bari) – Known for unusual and creative flavors, and a legendary reggae vinyl collection, making it a true local cult spot.

San Marco – The Heart and Soul of Venice

San Marco is not just a district — it’s the historical, cultural, and spiritual heart of Venice. From the Basilica di San Marco and the Campanile to Caffè Florian, La Fenice Theater, and luxury shopping on the Mercerie, San Marco defines the grandeur and elegance of the Serenissima.

The sestiere takes its name from St. Mark the Evangelist, whose relics were smuggled to Venice in 828 by two fishermen. He replaced St. Theodore as the city’s patron, and his arrival marked the construction of the Basilica, making this area the new center of Venetian power.

Even San Giorgio Maggiore Island, with its iconic Palladian church, belongs to this district.

St. Mark’s Square and Surroundings

At the center is St. Mark’s Basilica, built in the 11th century, featuring the Pala d’Oro, a golden altar with over 30,000 precious stones. Next door is the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of government and now a civic museum.

The square is framed by the Procuratie buildings:

• Old Procuratie (north)
• Napoleonic Wing (west)
• New Procuratie (south)
  Beneath their arcades, you’ll find luxury boutiques and Caffè Florian, Venice’s oldest café, celebrating 300 years in 2020.

The Campanile, affectionately called el parón de casa (“the master of the house”), collapsed in 1902 and was rebuilt by 1912. Today, you can take an elevator to the top for one of Venice’s best panoramic views.

Nearby, the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio), built in 1499, shows Roman numerals, moon phases, and the Zodiac — topped by two bronze figures (mistakenly called “Moors”) that strike the bell hourly.

Museums and More

San Marco hosts several major institutions:

• Biblioteca Marciana, with over 900,000 volumes.
• Museo Correr, displaying the military and civic history of the Republic.
• National Archaeological Museum, with classical sculptures, coins, and ancient artifacts.

From St. Mark’s Square, stroll along the Mercerie — Venice’s main shopping thoroughfare, once lined with fabric sellers, now home to jewelers, leather boutiques, and designer brands.

Theater and Venetian Glamour

Don’t miss:

• La Fenice Theater – Rebuilt after multiple fires, it remains one of the world’s most famous opera houses.
• Palazzo Grassi, an art space along the Grand Canal.
• Casinò Venier, once a salon for nobles after the theater.
• Fontego dei Tedeschi, a historic palace turned luxury retail space.
• Palazzo Bembo, a Gothic gem.
• Palazzo Dolfin Manin, a Renaissance palace.
• Palazzo Giustiniani Lolin, once frequented by Gabriele d’Annunzio.

The Final Stop: A Toast at Harry’s Bar

End your cultural deep dive with a visit to Harry’s Bar, in Calle Vallaresso. This legendary spot — a favorite of Hemingway — is the birthplace of the Bellini, created by Giuseppe Cipriani. Made with Prosecco and white peach purée, it’s best sipped slowly, with a view and a smile.

Castello – The Arsenal, the Biennale, and Venice’s Quiet East

Castello is the largest of Venice’s sestieri, stretching out like a peninsula on the eastern edge of the city. Its name comes from a medieval fortress once located on San Pietro Island. Today, Castello is home to the Arsenale, a vast shipyard complex that served as the beating industrial heart of the Venetian Republic. It’s now the base of the Italian Navy and houses the Naval History Museum, one of the most important of its kind in Italy.

Castello also hosts the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. The district’s southern edge borders the Riva degli Schiavoni and Riva dei Sette Martiri, scenic waterfront promenades overlooking the lagoon. It’s here you’ll also find Hotel Danieli, a symbol of Venetian luxury and grandeur.

Churches and Cultural Highlights

Among the many churches in the area:

• San Zaccaria Church (9th century), with masterworks by Giovanni Bellini.
• San Francesco della Vigna, one of the most elegant Renaissance churches in Venice.
• San Giovanni e Paolo, a vast Gothic structure near Fondamenta dei Mendicanti, flanked by the Ospedaletto and the Civic Hospital named after Saints John and Paul.

The Arsenale itself is worth exploring, not just for its grand scale but for the Venetian Naval Museum, which showcases historical vessels like the Bucintoro, ceremonial ships, and naval equipment from different eras.

Continue along Fondamenta degli Arsenali, and you’ll reach the Giardini della Biennale, where international pavilions and rotating exhibits fuel one of the world’s greatest showcases of art, architecture, and cinema. The district is closely tied to the Venice Film Festival, held annually on nearby Lido Island.

Further along the promenade, the Church of Mercy (15th century) houses remarkable frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo, offering a quiet moment away from the crowds.

Peaceful Corners and Local Life

In the far south of Castello lies Sant’Elena Island, one of the greenest and calmest areas in Venice. Here you’ll find the Parco delle Rimembranze, lined with trees and ideal for relaxation. Venice’s football stadium, named after Pierluigi Penzo, is also located here.

Don’t miss Fondamenta Sant’Elena, where cafés and bars offer a peaceful alternative to Venice’s busier districts.

Via Garibaldi, the main street of Castello, is a bustling hub for local artisans, especially those creating Venetian masks. It’s a great place to find handcrafted souvenirs and observe the living traditions of Venice at work.

Cannaregio – Local Life, Grand Palaces, and the Venetian Ghetto

Cannaregio, the most populous district in Venice, spans the northern edge of the Grand Canal and is crossed by the Cannaregio Canal, where vaporetto water buses operate throughout the day. The name likely derives from the reed beds (canne) that once dominated the landscape before reclamation began in the 12th century.

Cannaregio is home to Santa Lucia Station, Venice’s main train terminal. From there, the lively Strada Nuova leads you toward Rialto, offering a 25-minute walk filled with shops, bars, and everyday Venetian life.

History and Highlights

This district is deeply connected to Venice’s Jewish history. The Venetian Ghetto, the world’s first, was established here. Today it remains a powerful and vibrant cultural hub.

Among Cannaregio’s many highlights:

• Ca’ d’Oro – A stunning 15th-century Gothic palace on the Grand Canal, now a museum with Renaissance art and decorative pieces.
• Ca’ Vendramin Calergi – Home to the Venice Casino, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. This was also the final residence of composer Richard Wagner.
• Madonna dell’Orto Church – A masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture, with deep historical roots and serene beauty.
• Santa Maria dei Miracoli – A 15th-century jewel made of white marble, softly lit and adorned in pastel tones.

Strolling through Campo dei Mori, you’ll come upon Palazzo Mastelli, said to have been built by three brothers from the Peloponnese — the “Three Moors” — who gave their name to the square.

Head north to the Fondamenta Nuove, where 16th-century alleys open up to views of San Michele and Murano Islands. It’s a picturesque and often less-touristed part of Venice that rewards the curious wanderer.

Food, Shops, and Local Energy

Cannaregio has blossomed into one of the most lively and authentic areas of the city.

• Lista di Spagna and Strada Nuova are the main commercial arteries, with bustling stores and bars popular among young locals.
• Between the Jewish Ghetto and Fondamenta Nuove, you’ll find a wealth of restaurants and wine bars, many of which maintain a local, family-run charm.

A major redevelopment in the 1980s brought renewed energy to Cannaregio, and today it’s one of Venice’s best spots for enjoying la dolce vita away from the tourist rush.

San Polo – Where the Rialto Bridge and Venice’s Market Heartbeat Live

Once part of a larger district known as Luprio, shared with Santa Croce, San Polo is one of the oldest and most central sestieri in Venice. Its name comes from Campo San Polo, the largest square in the city after St. Mark’s, and its character is defined by a mix of everyday life and monumental heritage. The sestiere’s most iconic area is Rialto, home to Venice’s commercial soul and some of its most beloved landmarks.

Rialto – Venice’s Historic Marketplace

At the heart of San Polo lies the Rialto Bridge, completed in the late 1500s. It’s one of Venice’s most photographed sites, lined with small shops and souvenir stands. From the top, you’ll enjoy a sweeping view over the Grand Canal, one of the best photo spots in the city.

At the foot of the bridge sits the small but significant Church of San Giacomo di Rialto — affectionately called San Giacometto by locals. Believed to be the oldest church in Venice, its foundation stones date back as far as 421 AD. Around this church, the legendary Rialto Market blossomed. For centuries it’s been the city’s bustling “souk,” selling fish fresh from the lagoon, vegetables from the island of Sant’Erasmo, and goods from around the world.

Campo San Polo – The People’s Square

Historically, Campo San Polo was a square of the people — a venue for markets, bullfights, and public celebrations during the Venetian Republic. Today, it remains a lively gathering place surrounded by elegant palaces like:

• Palazzo Soranzo – A beautiful 14th-century example of Venetian Gothic architecture.
• Palazzo Pisani Moretta – Known for hosting historical figures such as Joseph II of Austria and Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s first wife.

On the square you’ll also find the Church of San Polo (originally from the 9th century), rebuilt in the 15th century. Don’t miss Tintoretto’s haunting “Last Supper”, which adds drama and depth to the modest interior.

Churches and Scuole of Art and Faith

San Polo is also home to some of Venice’s most extraordinary churches:

• Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari – With its monumental monk’s choir and Titian’s famous “Assumption of the Virgin” over the main altar.
• Church of San Rocco – Its white façade mirrors the neighboring Scuola Grande di San Rocco, an architectural and artistic jewel.
• Scuola Grande di San Rocco – An exhibition hall and former confraternity with masterpieces by Tintoretto, including full-ceiling frescoes in the upper hall.
• Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista – Houses important works by Gentile Bellini and a dramatic Apocalypse scene on the ceiling of the Sala Capitolare.

Many other buildings in San Polo remain private residences. Still, their facades speak volumes. Highlights include:

• Ca’ Bernardo – A 15th-century palace visible near Campo San Polo.
• Palazzo Albrizzi, located near Ponte delle Tette.
• Palazzo Barbarigo della Terrazza, now housing a private art gallery.

Not to Be Missed: Markets by Day, Aperitifs by Night

Rialto remains one of Venice’s liveliest shopping and nightlife areas. During the day, the Erbaria pier, adjacent to the market, is packed with traders and curious visitors. By night, it transforms into a social hotspot filled with locals and tourists enjoying drinks by the water.

Popular bars and restaurants include:

• Cantina Do Mori – A historic bacaro (Venetian wine bar) located in Ruga Rialto.
• Muro Rialto – A local favorite from aperitivo to late-night.
• Osteria Sacro e Profano – Owned by Valerio Silvestri, former trumpeter of Venetian reggae band Pitura Freska, it combines food, music, and soul.
• Nono Ristoro – Serving traditional Venetian dishes beneath a charming vine-covered pergola.