Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Dorsoduro Hotel Deals

Palazzo Veneziano

Palazzo Veneziano

4.5 out of 5
Fondamenta delle Zattere 1413 Venice VE
The price is AU$455 per night from 1 July to 2 July
AU$455
1 July - 2 July
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,164 reviews)
"We had a spectacular stay at Palazzo Veneziano. From the moment we arrived, the service was excellent. They kindly upgraded my daughter and me to a junior suite, which was spacious, beautifully designed, and made our vacation feel truly special. A major highlight was the complimentary excursion they ..."

Reviewed on 2 June 2026

Palazzo Veneziano
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani Venice VE
The price is AU$596 per night from 1 July to 2 July
AU$596
1 July - 2 July
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (698 reviews)
"Very good stay for a couple. Location is perfect to walk around and be close to everything"

Reviewed on 4 June 2026

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Calle Dei Guardiani, 2405 Venice VE
The price is AU$403 per night from 7 June to 8 June
AU$403
7 June - 8 June
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! (133 reviews)
"I would stay here again. It is a good location for walkers. My wife and I love to walk. You are close to Campo Santa Margarita - which is a nice plaza - more local than touristy. You are close to the train station and access to the airport. However, walking to St. Marks Square and the main tourist ..."

Reviewed on 2 June 2026

Palazzo Dei Guardiani
Hotel Messner

Hotel Messner

3.5 out of 5
Dorsoduro 237 Venice VE
The price is AU$183 per night from 7 June to 8 June
AU$183
7 June - 8 June
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 (308 reviews)
"Very hot without air conditioning - wouldn’t stay there in summer"

Reviewed on 30 May 2026

Hotel Messner
Palazzo Guardi

Palazzo Guardi

Sestiere Dorsoduro 995 Venice VE
The price is AU$259 per night from 5 July to 6 July
AU$259
5 July - 6 July
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (781 reviews)
"We had a room on the top floor with a rooftop terrace. It was very spacious and clean and the staff were excellent. We loved every minute there. There was a small lift to be able to get luggage up to the hotel (3rd floor). The location was excellent and right near the Accademia bridge over the grand ..."

Reviewed on 2 June 2026

Palazzo Guardi
Antico Panada

Antico Panada

3 out of 5
Calle degli Specchieri 646 Venice VE
The price is AU$154 per night from 7 June to 8 June
AU$154
7 June - 8 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,073 reviews)
"Air conditioning doesnt work. The air stays at whatever temperature the outside air is."

Reviewed on 1 June 2026

Antico Panada
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.

Our guide on where to stay in Dorsoduro

Find the best Dorsoduro areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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 Jewish Museum of Venice and Casino of Venice.

San Polo

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Campo San Polo and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari 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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