Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Venice

Dorsoduro which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Dorsoduro which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Dorsoduro which includes a river or creek
Dorsoduro which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town
Dorsoduro showing heritage architecture

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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Dorsoduro

Palazzo Veneziano

Palazzo Veneziano

4.5 out of 5
Fondamenta delle Zattere 1413 Venice VE
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,150 reviews)
Fantastic stay at this hotel. Great location on Zattere. Our room was on the ground floor overlooking Ognissanti canal and church, amazing. The room facilities were superb and always spotless. Communication from hotel front desk staff was brilliant even before we arrived, with really helpful recommendations ...

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Palazzo Veneziano
Hotel Messner

Hotel Messner

3.5 out of 5
Dorsoduro 237 Venice VE
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 (263 reviews)
Very good 👍

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025

Hotel Messner
Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel

Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel

4 out of 5
Calle Larga Ragusei Dorsoduro, 3489 Venice VE
The price is Rp2.588.225 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
Rp2.588.225
Rp3.026.475 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this property in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (773 reviews)
Spotless hotel lovely rooms

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani Venice VE
The price is Rp5.331.209 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
Rp5.331.209
Rp6.063.716 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (678 reviews)
Great to stay just south of San Marco. Great restaurants withing a short distance. We were just a few minutes walk from the Academia and Peggy Guggenheim museums and very minimal distance from the Academia Bridge. The hotel is lovely. Breakfast was great and a good way to start the day. Servers at ...

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Hotel Moresco

Hotel Moresco

4 out of 5
Sestiere Dorsoduro 3499 Venice VE
The price is Rp2.175.116 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
Rp2.175.116
Rp3.170.231 total
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (996 reviews)
Front desk staff was outstanding and very helpful. Suggested great dining options and how to best navigate around Venice. The did a great job arranging transportation from the hotel to the airport. Nice breakfast and evening snacks. Definitely would stay again and recommend.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Hotel Moresco
Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Calle Dei Guardiani, 2405 Venice VE
The price is Rp2.724.405 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
Rp2.724.405
Rp3.156.354 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and concierge services. Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and St. Mark's Square are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
The apartment was very cozy and beautifully decorated waking up to a view of the canal was magical. It had all the comforts of home. The staff were all welcoming and helpful. Renee was so lovely and such a big help with finding places to eat and visit. We wish we could have stayed longer, and look ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Palazzo Dei Guardiani
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Dorsoduro

Old canals and Rialto bridge in Venice

Santa Croce

4.5/5(210 area reviews)

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

Santa Croce
La Giudecca featuring a lake or waterhole

La Giudecca

La Giudecca is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Giudecca 795 or Mulino Stucky.

La Giudecca
San Polo featuring heritage architecture and a bay or harbour

San Polo

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Grand Canal and Campo San Polo while you're in town.

San Polo
San Marco which includes a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing

San Marco

4.5/5(1,050 area reviews)

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

San Marco
Dorsoduro which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town

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 Grand Canal while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
Venetian Ghetto featuring heritage architecture, boating and a bridge

Cannaregio

4.5/5(577 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Grand Canal and Jewish Museum of Venice.

Cannaregio


Dorsoduro Travel Guide