Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A canal with a bridge, buildings with blue shutters, and a sign in Italian.
A canal in Venice with historic buildings on both sides.
A historic building with a dome and bell tower by the water.
A brick building with a large wooden door and a window with a diamond pattern.
A narrow canal in a historic European town with boats, buildings, and pedestrians.

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.


Stay near popular Dorsoduro attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Dorsoduro Hotel Deals

Palazzo Veneziano

Palazzo Veneziano

4.5 out of 5
Fondamenta delle Zattere 1413 Venice VE
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$362 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$362
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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. ...
Palazzo Veneziano
Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Calle Dei Guardiani, 2405 Venice VE
The price is NZ$341 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$341
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (220 reviews)
"Have a welcome cookies and coffee. Washing clothes machine small but convenient and a rack to dry it. Cute room witn adecuate space. Location is far from tourist area. Restaurant are less expensive. And is less crowded. It hace a patio and port for taxi boat."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2026

Palazzo Dei Guardiani
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani Venice VE
The price is NZ$572 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$572
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (724 reviews)
"My wife and I spent 3 days in Venice with our small dog (a corgi). The hotel was beautiful and clean, our room was great. But I want to highlight the staff as the best part of our experience. When we arrived everyone was as so sweet to our dog, and they put food and water bowls as well as a dog bed ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Palazzo Guardi

Palazzo Guardi

Sestiere Dorsoduro 995 Venice VE
The price is NZ$235 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$235
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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! (867 reviews)
"Great all over! Amazing staff"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2026

Palazzo Guardi
EXCESS VENICE Boutique Hotel & Private Spa - Adults Only

EXCESS VENICE Boutique Hotel & Private Spa - Adults Only

5 out of 5
F.ta S. Sebastiano - Dorsoduro, 2542 Venice VE
The price is NZ$481 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$481
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (189 reviews)
"The rooms were beautiful and all so different! The staff was very friendly and helpful with recommendations and making reservations. The garden was a lovely surprise!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2026

EXCESS VENICE Boutique Hotel & Private Spa - Adults Only
Antico Panada

Antico Panada

3 out of 5
Calle degli Specchieri 646 Venice VE
The price is NZ$155 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$155
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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! (1,152 reviews)
"A minute from famous attractio … AC works … warm n lovely place"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 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 Casino of Venice and Ca' d'Oro Giorgio Franchetti Gallery.

San Polo

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and Palazzo Pisani Moretta 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 Fondazione Prada while in the area.



Dorsoduro Travel Guide

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