Venice is one of those cities that just reeks of beauty. Just about every corner you turn to feels like it's a postcard come to life, full of romance, emotion, history, and more. Not to mention the fact that it's undoubtedly one of the most beloved cities out there as well. So many people want to go here but not a lot of them know what Venice is truly about. There's truly nothing quite like exploring this stunning city in person, especially since it's made up of different neighborhoods, each more fascinating than the next. Let this guide tell you all about it!
Where to Stay in Venice
Whether you're
moving to Venice or you're just here for a couple of days, you'd do well to stay in places like San Marco, Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Santa Croce, among many others. Not only are these some of the central neighborhoods of Venice, but they're all exciting, fun, and of course, beautiful. It also helps that these districts are all relatively safe areas too.
Is Venice Safe to Walk at Night?
For the most part, Venice is a safe city. The
crime rates in Venice are not that high, specifically its general crime rate which is just 29.87%. On top of that, the city also enjoys a high safety rate of 79.78% the day. It does fall to just 56.51% at night but it's not that big of a deal. This is still pretty moderate, which means you'll remain relatively safe if you go out after dark. Just stay aware of your surroundings and it's better if you're accompanied by a local who knows the area.
Cannaregio in Venice
The great English playwright, William Shakespeare, has included tons of places in Italy in his many renowned works. Venice, of course, is one of them. In fact, “The Merchant of Venice” even became one of his most memorable plays and it's set in the beautiful Cannaregio neighborhood. A 500-year-old town that includes the famous Rialto Bridge among many others, it's a residential area within the city. From
luxury Venetian apartments to humble homes, people from all walks of life live here. A walk along the famous canals is a daily activity for them!
What to See in Cannaregio, Venice
The iconic Rialto Bridge definitely takes the top spot of the things you must see in Cannaregio, Venice. The other sports include the city's Jewish Ghetto, the stunning Ca’ Doro Palace, and the Madonna dell’Orto church, a perfect example of Venetian Gothic architecture. It's almost hard to believe that with such fascinating sights, Cannaregio remains one of the quieter neighborhoods in Venice.
Where to Eat in Cannaregio Venice
Much like any other Italian city, Venice is a foodie's paradise. Cannaregio alone has a handful of must-try
trattorias! Check out Antico Gatoleto, for example, for some authentic Venetian cuisine. Grab a table in their outdoor area for a local culinary experience you won't soon forget! There's also Trattoria Ca’ Dolfin, beloved for sumptuous seafood. There's arguably no other place in Cannaregio that serves better
Spaghetti alle vongole than this restaurant. And if you prefer meat, say beef or duck, look no further than Osteria L’Orto Dei Mori. Their dishes are so rich, you'll enjoy every bite!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Castello, Venice
The beautiful
siestre of Castello is somewhat of an ironic place. With how it's set up, you'll likely expect that it's one of the busier parts of the city. With restaurants where people stuff their faces and drink wine to their hearts' content, coffee shops for a quiet afternoon caffeine fix, and boutiques full of great souvenirs and the like, Castello is one of the more enterprising neighborhoods on this list. Not to mention that the city's widest street, Via Garibaldi, is also located here. But the ironic thing is, however, Castello is actually one of the quieter districts of the city. It's a suitable neighborhood for raising a family in Venice.
Castello, Venice Restaurants
Speaking of restaurants, Castello has some of the
best places to eat in Venice. Among the heavy favorites is Osteria Al Portego, a casual trattoria where delicious seafood and age-old wine collide. The candlelit terrace of L’Osteria Di Santa Marina is another popular hotspot. This fine dining restaurant where Black Truffle pasta is one of the many stars of the show is a favorite among couples. Expect it to be crowded every Valentine's Day. And of course, you can't forget about the Michelin-starred Il Ridotto! Though it's pricey, this treasure trove of Mediterranean dishes is worth every cent!
Is Castello, Venice Safe?
Yes, it is. As already mentioned, Castello is one of the quieter neighborhoods in Venice, making it one of the safer areas too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dorsoduro, Venice
Though Venice itself is a stunning city, it was never really known as an artistic hub. Florence holds that mantle down pat! However, there's still a part of Venice where art reigns supreme: Dorsoduro! This siestre is all about the street artists and the museums, all showcasing the best of Italian artistry in the northeastern Veneto region. After all, while Florence was the home of countless famous artists during the Renaissance period, it was the Venetians who mostly commissioned their work. The Accademia Museum in this district displays a lot of them for all the world to see!
What to Do in Dorsoduro, Venice
If you can only
spend a day in Venice, you won't regret spending it in Dorsoduro. As mentioned earlier, Dorsoduro is the artistic heart of Venice. The place is all about art and culture, from the grand Gallerie dell’Accademia and its treasure trove of Venetian paintings to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the city's haven for modern and contemporary art. You also shouldn't miss the famous Cà Rezzonico, a Baroque Palace that adds to the beloved grandeur of Venice. And after absorbing all that beauty, there's no better way to cap off the day than with a drink in any of Dorsoduro's many chill bars.
Dorsoduro, Venice Restaurants
Because Dorsoduro is so known for its museums and galleries, not a lot of people realize that the district is as much a foodie haven as it is an artistic hub. Its culinary scene is worth checking out, whether you're a diner on a budget or you can afford dinner for two with your significant other. For the former, Bar All'Arco is your kind of place. It's a quaint bar that's all about scrumptious seafood snacks paired with rich wine. The latter, on the other hand, will find Ai Gondolieri more suitable. It's a fairly intimate restaurant known for its healthy dishes. Though the menu is chock full of meats, Ai Gondolieri is popular for its delicious vegetarian options too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lido, Venice
If you haven't heard of the Lido district in Venice, that's alright. It's one of the least popular neighborhoods on this list. But that doesn't mean you should forego seeing the place. After all, as it is one of the more underrated parts of the city, it makes for the perfect peaceful retreat away from the bustling districts. You'll still get your fair share of beautiful villas, restaurants with delicious Italian food, relaxing coffee shops, and the like. But it's the serenity of the place that will truly leave a mark. It's the type of district that's perfect for married couples to stay in the honeymoon phase!
What to Do in Lido, Venice
One of the
non-touristy things to do in Venice is to go to Lido Beach. Since Piazza San Marco and the gondolas are the city's main highlights, not a lot of tourists go to the beach. Though this seaside paradise isn't as sunny as, say, Capri or Sicily, it's still worth your while. You can also see the iconic Palazzo del Cinema, where the annual
Venice Film Festival takes place. Though you can't go here during the event itself, you can always check it out afterward and walk on the same platform where the best-dressed Hollywood celebrities post for the cameras.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
San Marco, Venice
If you've seen countless photos of Venice before, be it in a magazine, on a pamphlet, or simply online, chances are you've also seen San Marco. The district is the central siestre of the city, best known for its world-famous Piazza San Marco. The most crowded area of them all, it's one of those neighborhoods that prove that Venice is a modern-day bustling metropolis despite its old-school charms and nostalgic beauty. The iconic St. Mark's Basilica, a stunning 11th-century structure, is the main attraction, as well as its namesake public square famously filled with hungry pigeons and lined with chic cafes.
What to Do in San Marco, Venice
Hanging out at Piazza San Marco is the ultimate touristy thing to do in Venice. The place is a must-see for everyone in Venice, especially if it's your first time in the city. While you're here, check out the surrounding man-made marvels too. See St. Mark’s Basilica in all its Venetian Gothic glory. Visit Doge’s Palace and absorb the old-world grandeur of this former royal residence. Ride a gondola and sail off to the famous Bridge of Sighs, one of
the most romantic spots in Venice. And when you get hungry, the public square has tons of surrounding cafes and restaurants.
Is San Marco, Venice Safe?
Don't worry! San Marco is a safe neighborhood in Venice. Thanks to its immense popularity, security here is tight. You still need to be careful though! The fact that it's a tourist haven also draws in the pickpockets. Keep your stuff secure on you just to be extra safe.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
San Polo, Venice
Weirdly enough, the smallest district in Venice, San Polo, is also one of the busiest. In this area, there are open markets, crowded restaurants, souvenir vendors and stalls, and more! If you want to buy something, be it food for the week or a nice Venetian trinket to help decorate your home, San Polo is where you ought to go. Though it does tend to get rather crowded at times, enduring all that is worth it once you see just how great the area is. There's so much to do—and buy!—that you wouldn't know where to start!
What to Do in San Polo, Venice
When you're in San Polo, Venice, a definite must to see the iconic Rialto Bridge in person. It's the grandest of all the bridges in Venice, and from here, you can look out into the Grand Canal. You'd also want to go here during the
Venice Carnival. The bridge serves as the best vantage point to see the colorful canal parade of the festival. And of course, you can't forget about San Polo's markets either. The Rialto Market is the crown jewel of them all. It's been around for centuries, which only goes to show just how impressive it is.
Is San Polo, Venice Safe?
San Polo is among the safest neighborhoods in Venice. You have very little to worry about in this part of town.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Santa Croce, Venice
If you truly want to see the real Venetian lifestyle, go to Santa Croce, Another largely residential area, it's a calm neighborhood with the right amount of business to keep you from getting bored. Nevertheless, it's not exactly a place where tourists frequent and that's actually one of the best parts about it. Here, local people get to live their lives without bumping into too many foreigners, and you, whether you're just visiting or you're planning to move here, can get a peek of what life really is like in this beautiful, historic, and iconic city!
Santa Croce, Venice Restaurants
If you're
spending Valentine's Day in Venice and you want to take your sweetheart out to eat, go to Santa Croce! The neighborhood is already one of the more peaceful areas in the city, what more if you go to its many restaurants? La Zucca is a nice option. It's a humble little trattoria known for its seasonal vegetarian dishes. Ristorante Ribot, on the other hand, is the most romantic restaurant in the neighborhood. The place has outdoor seating and is beloved for its mouthwatering seafood. Fresh fish, oysters, and clams are Ristorante Ribot's claim to fame. And then there's Al Prosecco, a lovely bar in Santa Croce. Though it's better known for its wines, its authentic Venetian snack menu is worth your while too.
Is Santa Croce, Venice Safe?
Yes, it is. Santa Croce is undoubtedly one of the safest parts of the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Discover the central neighborhoods in Venice to learn more about this beautiful city. These are the most popular and most exciting parts of the famed metropolis, filled with well-known attractions, hidden hotspots, and more.
