Choosing where to stay in Venice is an important part of planning your visit, particularly when balancing location, accommodation costs and transport connections. From apartments overlooking historic canals to convenient mainland hotels and quieter surrounding towns, there are options to suit different travel styles and budgets. Staying in Venice’s historic centre allows you to experience the city beyond the busiest sightseeing hours, while mainland locations offer practical alternatives for travellers arriving by car or train. This guide compares the main accommodation areas, helping you decide which location best suits your itinerary.
Is It Better to Stay in Venice or on the Mainland?
Staying in Venice’s historic centre is ideal for first-time visitors who want to be surrounded by canals, bridges and famous landmarks. However, accommodation can be expensive, particularly during peak travel periods. Mainland Mestre offers more affordable options and convenient train connections, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. Nearby towns such as Treviso provide a different experience, with local restaurants, historic streets and a quieter atmosphere. The best choice depends on how long you’re visiting, whether you’re travelling with a vehicle and how much time you want to spend in Venice itself.
Our Experience Staying in and Around Venice
We’ve experienced two different approaches to accommodation when visiting Venice. On my first trip in July, I spent three nights in an Airbnb apartment right in the historic centre. Finding it among the narrow alleyways and bridges was an adventure in itself, but staying in the heart of Venice was worth it. I could wander through the streets early in the morning and return whenever I pleased. On our second visit in May, Toni and I were travelling through Italy in our Leased Car through Europe, so we chose mainland accommodation with parking and convenient train access. After visiting Venice, we continued north to Treviso, where we slowed down, explored the local area, enjoyed good food and took short walks. Both approaches worked for us, but they offered very different experiences.
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Staying in Venice’s Historic Centre
For first-time visitors, staying in Venice’s historic centre is one of the best ways to experience the city. Surrounded by canals, historic buildings and narrow pedestrian streets, you’ll have Venice’s famous attractions within walking distance, along with countless cafés, restaurants and little shops to discover.
Accommodation ranges from luxury canal-side hotels and boutique guesthouses to privately rented apartments and traditional Venetian residences. While prices are generally higher than on the mainland, staying overnight gives you the opportunity to appreciate the city after many day visitors have departed.
Best Areas to Stay in Central Venice
Venice is divided into six historic districts, known as sestieri, each offering a slightly different atmosphere.
- San Marco: The heart of Venice’s sightseeing area, close to St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and luxury shopping. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a central location, although accommodation is often expensive.
- San Polo: Home to Rialto Bridge and the famous Rialto Market. A lively neighbourhood with traditional restaurants, small shops and convenient access to the Grand Canal.
- Cannaregio: A more residential district with local eateries, quieter canals and convenient access to Venezia Santa Lucia railway station.
- Dorsoduro: Known for its art galleries, waterfront walks and relaxed atmosphere. A good choice for travellers wanting culture without staying in the busiest tourist areas.
- Castello: Venice’s largest district, stretching east from San Marco. Its quieter residential streets offer an opportunity to discover everyday Venetian life.
- Santa Croce: A practical location near Piazzale Roma and the railway station, particularly for travellers arriving with luggage.
Things to Consider Before Booking
- Accommodation costs: Expect higher prices in popular central locations, particularly during summer and major events.
- Luggage: Many properties require walking across bridges and navigating narrow streets, so check the distance from the nearest transport stop.
- Accessibility: Historic buildings may have steep staircases and no lifts. Confirm accessibility requirements before booking.
- Canal views: Waterfront rooms can be expensive, but apartments tucked into quieter streets may offer better value.
- Tourist accommodation taxes: Overnight visitors generally pay a local accommodation tax, which varies according to the property and season.
On my first visit, I stayed in an Airbnb apartment right among the canals and winding streets. It wasn’t particularly easy to find, and I regularly took the wrong turn heading back, but that became part of the adventure.
What made staying in central Venice worthwhile was having the freedom to discover the city at my own pace. I could head out early, take photographs before the streets became busy and appreciate the atmosphere without feeling I had to squeeze everything into a single day.
Staying in Mestre, Mainland Venice
Mestre is one of the most convenient and affordable places to stay when visiting Venice, particularly for travellers arriving by car or those wanting to avoid the higher accommodation prices in the historic centre. Located on the mainland, Mestre has a wide selection of hotels, apartments and guesthouses, along with restaurants, shops and excellent public transport connections.
The biggest advantage is its proximity to Venice. Regular trains connect Venezia Mestre railway station with Venezia Santa Lucia, taking approximately 10 minutes. This makes it easy to spend the day sightseeing before returning to your accommodation in the evening.
Best Areas to Stay in Mestre
- Near Venezia Mestre Station: Ideal for visitors wanting quick and convenient train access to Venice. The surrounding streets have numerous hotels and apartment options.
- Mestre Town Centre: A more traditional urban setting around Piazza Ferretto, with restaurants, cafés, shops and tram or bus connections to Venice.
- Marghera: Located southwest of Mestre, this area offers additional budget accommodation and hotels with parking. Check transport connections carefully, as some properties are less convenient without a vehicle.
Why Choose Mestre?
- More affordable accommodation: Hotels and apartments are often cheaper than comparable properties in Venice’s historic centre.
- Convenient train connections: Frequent services make visiting Venice straightforward without needing a car.
- Parking options: Many mainland properties offer private or nearby parking, although availability and charges should be confirmed before booking.
- Restaurants and supermarkets: Plenty of options for dining and purchasing everyday essentials.
- Easy onward travel: Convenient access to major roads and rail connections for continuing your journey through Italy.
During our second visit, we were travelling through Italy in our Leased Car through Europe, so parking was a major consideration. We chose mainland accommodation that allowed us to leave the car behind and catch the train into Venice.
It worked perfectly for our short visit. We could spend the day sightseeing, return to our hotel for dinner and continue our road trip the following morning without worrying about navigating Venice’s busy arrival areas.
Our tip: If you’re travelling by car, look for accommodation with confirmed on-site parking and check the walking distance to the nearest railway station. A cheaper hotel isn’t necessarily better value if you need additional transport to reach Venice.
Staying in Treviso and Surrounding Towns
If you prefer a quieter base away from Venice’s busy tourist areas, Treviso and the surrounding towns offer an appealing alternative. With historic town centres, local restaurants and convenient rail connections, these destinations allow you to experience a different side of northern Italy while keeping Venice within reach. To be honest, I felt Treviso was just as amazing as Venice.
Treviso – A Relaxed Alternative to Venice
Located approximately 30 kilometres north of Venice, Treviso is a charming historic town with canals, cobbled streets, traditional piazzas and a relaxed local atmosphere. Often overlooked by international visitors, it offers a more affordable alternative to staying in Venice, particularly for travellers who enjoy exploring smaller Italian towns.
Regular trains connect Treviso Centrale with Venezia Santa Lucia, with journeys generally taking around 30–40 minutes, depending on the service.
Some advantages of staying in Treviso include:
- Historic town centre: Attractive canals, old buildings, small bridges and traditional Italian squares.
- Local dining: Restaurants, cafés and neighbourhood eateries offering regional Venetian cuisine.
- Accommodation options: Boutique hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments, often at lower prices than central Venice.
- Train connections: Convenient access to Venice and other destinations throughout the Veneto region.
- Slower-paced travel: A good base for enjoying local markets, nearby walking trails and everyday Italian life.
After our second visit to Venice, Toni and I continued north and spent some time in Treviso. We hadn’t chosen it for any particular attraction. We simply wanted to slow down, explore somewhere local and enjoy life without a packed sightseeing itinerary.
We caught trains to neighbouring areas, met locals, enjoyed some lovely meals and discovered a few short walking trails. It was a refreshing change of pace and reminded us how much we enjoy Italy beyond its famous tourist destinations.
Other Towns Worth Considering
If Treviso doesn’t suit your itinerary, several other mainland locations provide alternatives to staying in central Venice.
- Mogliano Veneto: A smaller town between Mestre and Treviso, with direct train connections to Venice and a selection of hotels and apartments.
- Quarto d’Altino: A quieter mainland location with rail connections to Venice, suitable for travellers seeking accommodation outside the main tourist areas.
- Padua (Padova): A larger historic city west of Venice, known for its impressive architecture, lively squares and cultural attractions. Direct trains to Venice generally take around 25–50 minutes, depending on the service.
Our tip: If you’re planning to spend several days exploring the Veneto region rather than concentrating entirely on Venice, consider using a nearby town as your base. You’ll have more opportunities to discover local communities while still being able to visit Venice by train.
Choosing the Best Area to Stay in Venice
The best area to stay in Venice depends on your budget, travel plans and the type of experience you’re looking for. Whether you prefer being surrounded by historic canals or staying somewhere quieter with convenient transport connections, each location has its advantages.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Location | Best For | Accommodation Costs |
| Venice Historic Centre | First-time visitors, sightseeing and romantic getaways | $$$ |
| Mestre | Budget travellers, short visits and those travelling by car | $–$$ |
| Treviso | Slower travel, local experiences and exploring the Veneto region | $–$$ |
| Surrounding Towns | Longer stays, road trips and travellers seeking quieter accommodation | $–$$ |
For a first visit to Venice, we’d recommend staying in the historic centre for at least one night if your budget allows. Being able to experience the city outside the busiest daytime hours is worth considering.
However, if you’re travelling through Italy by car or simply want somewhere more affordable, Mestre is a practical choice. For those who prefer smaller towns and a slower pace, Treviso and the surrounding areas offer another appealing option.
Whatever you choose, booking accommodation well in advance is worthwhile, particularly during summer, major festivals and popular holiday periods.
Planning your Venice adventure? Discover everything you need to know in our Planning a Journey to Venice guide or explore our Best Things to Do in Venice for famous attractions, memorable activities and hidden gems worth discovering.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Venice
Venice is one of those destinations where your choice of accommodation can shape your entire visit. There’s something special about waking up surrounded by centuries of history, but there’s also plenty to appreciate beyond the famous canals.
For us, travelling through Italy has always been about finding a balance between iconic destinations and the quieter places in between. Venice gave us the famous sights, while the surrounding towns offered a different perspective on life in northern Italy.
Ultimately, there’s no perfect place to stay for everyone. Choose somewhere that suits the way you like to travel, rather than feeling you need to be in the middle of everything.
“The places we choose to stay become part of our journey, each offering a different way to discover the world.”
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