Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"We had a very pleasant stay here. Excellent staff and facility."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Palazzo Veneziano
Locanda Ca' Zose
Locanda Ca' Zose
Dorsoduro 193/B (Calle del Bastion), Venice, VE
Stay at this affittacamere in Venice. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), daily housekeeping, and minibars. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (606 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Nice room and great location"

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

Locanda Ca' Zose
Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel (previously NH Venezia Rio Novo)
Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel (previously NH Venezia Rio Novo)
4 out of 5
Calle Larga Ragusei Dorsoduro, 3489, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$412 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$412
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star property in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (705 reviews)
"excellent staff"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel (previously NH Venezia Rio Novo)
Hotel Messner
Hotel Messner
3.5 out of 5
Dorsoduro 237, Venice, VE
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
4.6/10 (180 reviews)
"Friendly and he"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Hotel Messner
Palazzo Guardi
Palazzo Guardi
Sestiere Dorsoduro 995, Venice, VE
Book a stay at this family-friendly affittacamere in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (605 reviews)
"Shall be happy to return when visiting Venice next time"

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Palazzo Guardi
Sina Centurion Palace
Sina Centurion Palace
5 out of 5
Sestiere Dorsoduro 173, Venice, VE
The price is NZ$982 per night from 9 July to 10 July
NZ$982
9 July - 10 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (577 reviews)
"Right on the Grand Canal, near St. Mark’s Square, but on the other side of the Canal. It’s a little walk to the nearest bridge. Staff was exceptionally friendly. Room was a unique design but pleasant. Breakfast buffet was good."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

Sina Centurion Palace
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

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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 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(33 area reviews)

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.

San Polo
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 Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Marco which includes a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing

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 Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

San Marco
Venetian Ghetto which includes boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

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 Jewish Museum of Venice and Casino of Venice.

Cannaregio

Dorsoduro Travel Guide

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