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$419 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
NZ$419
9 Aug - 10 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$383 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$383
29 July - 30 July
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! (186 reviews)
"Clean, modern, helpful staff. Would stay again. Nice in room amenities."

Reviewed on 23 July 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$676 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
NZ$676
13 Aug - 14 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! (714 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Staff will make you feel like in real 5 stars hotel!"

Reviewed on 17 July 2026

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Palazzo Guardi

Palazzo Guardi

Sestiere Dorsoduro 995 Venice VE
The price is NZ$241 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$241
28 July - 29 July
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! (831 reviews)
"Despite only spending a night here we truly enjoyed our stay, the deck was perfect to relax and enjoy the night. Room was very clean, staff was kind and helpful would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 23 July 2026

Palazzo Guardi
Antico Panada

Antico Panada

3 out of 5
Calle degli Specchieri 646 Venice VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$172 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
NZ$172
16 Aug - 17 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. ...
Antico Panada
B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna

B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna

3 out of 5
Isola Nova del Tronchetto 16 Venice VE
The price is NZ$242 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$242
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and Rialto Bridge are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (471 reviews)
"This hotel was wonderful- clean and modern! The staff was helpful. Restaurant and bistro were very affordable and delicious. Air conditioning was plentiful. I would definitely stay here again if I return to Venice!"

Reviewed on 24 July 2026

B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna
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 Campo San Polo 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 Ca' Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna while in the area.



Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: