Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Dorsoduro Hotel Deals

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! (1,156 reviews)
The room was very modern, clean and comfortable. The bathroom was spotlessly clean and beautiful. All of the staff were really friendly and helpful. The breakfast was delicious, a varied choice and constantly topped up, so everything was fresh. It was our seventh time in Venice and definitely the ...

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Palazzo Veneziano
Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Calle Dei Guardiani, 2405 Venice VE
The price is NZ$290 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
NZ$290
24 Feb - 25 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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (93 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
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani Venice VE
The price is NZ$613 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
NZ$613
19 Mar - 20 Mar
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! (679 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 NZ$312 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
NZ$312
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. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
The staff were exceptional - very friendly and helpful. The room was clean and beautifully appointed with a fabulous view of the canals. The hotel is in a terrific position for food adn entertainment.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Hotel Moresco
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto Venice VE
The price is NZ$221 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
NZ$221
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
The room was in very good condition and felt 100% Venetian. The bed was comfortable, linens better than acceptable, bathroom amenities on par with a four-star, and very reasonable prices in the minibar. Our view from the Rialto view room was the reason we sat looking out the window while we settled ...

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Hotel Rialto
Hotel Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo

3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco Venice VE
The price is NZ$224 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$224
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,283 reviews)
Lovely accommodations in the thick of the city - could not have been happier with the location, clean room and, most importantly, fantastic staff that are so helpful and friendly. LOVED IT!

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

Hotel Montecarlo
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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Other neighbourhoods around Dorsoduro

Old canals and Rialto bridge in Venice

Santa Croce

4.5/5(62 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 showing 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 showing a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

San Polo

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

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

San Polo
San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

San Marco

4.5/5(162 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 a coastal town and heritage architecture

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(119 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 Casino of Venice.

Cannaregio


Dorsoduro Travel Guide

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