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
The price is NZ$627 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
NZ$627
20 Sept - 21 Sept
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
Hotel Messner

Hotel Messner

3.5 out of 5
Dorsoduro 237 Venice VE
The price is NZ$156 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
NZ$156
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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 (369 reviews)
"Our room had water pouring from the ceiling in the bathroom off and on during our stay meaning we could not use the toilet without getting very wet. When this was brought up with the front desk they said they would get maintenance but that never happened and they did nothing to help resolve the situation ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Hotel Messner
Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Calle Dei Guardiani, 2405 Venice VE
The price is NZ$537 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
NZ$537
15 Sept - 16 Sept
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 ...
Palazzo Dei Guardiani
Palazzo Guardi

Palazzo Guardi

Sestiere Dorsoduro 995 Venice VE
The price is NZ$374 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
NZ$374
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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 ...
Palazzo Guardi
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani Venice VE
The price is NZ$1,028 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
NZ$1,028
20 Sept - 21 Sept
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! (733 reviews)
"Beautiful, elegant hotel. Room was clean and well maintained. The room, hallways, and lobby give you the feeling of being in a true palace. Breakfast was excellent. Staff were very helpful and friendly. A little bit of a walk to Saint Marks Square, but plenty to do around the hotel and right on the ..."

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2026

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Hotel Plaza Venice

Hotel Plaza Venice

4 out of 5
Viale Stazione 36 Mestre VE
The price is NZ$352 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
NZ$352
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mestre. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Good location next to the train and buses"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Hotel Plaza Venice
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 Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista 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 Ca' Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna while in the area.



Dorsoduro Travel Guide

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