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! (1,096 reviews)
"Great location on quieter side of Venice but still near everything. Clean property, super helpful and friendly front desk. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Palazzo Veneziano
Palazzo Guardi

Palazzo Guardi

Sestiere Dorsoduro 995, Venice, VE
The price is NZ$406 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
NZ$406
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (687 reviews)
"The room and attached bath was very spacious, clean and comfortable. Bath had great water pressure, bed was comfy. Our room overlooked a small canal which could be somewhat noisy during the day and early evening but if the window is closed its pretty quiet. The only complaint we had was the room ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Palazzo Guardi
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani, Dorsoduro, Venice, VE
The price is NZ$654 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
NZ$654
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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 and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (656 reviews)
"Just the best place to stay in the world! World class treatment in the most lovely hotel. Highly recommend. Stayed here on my honeymoon and now for a baby moon!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Calle Dei Guardiani, 2405, Venice, VE
The price is NZ$257 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
NZ$257
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and concierge services. Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"A very cute place for our family of 5. It was a 15 minute walk from the station and 25 minutes to the main square. Everything was clean and the area was quiet. There was also a complementary bottle of wine and coffee in the room for us to enjoy."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Palazzo Dei Guardiani
Sina Centurion Palace

Sina Centurion Palace

5 out of 5
Sestiere Dorsoduro 173, Venice, VE
The price is NZ$1,278 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
NZ$1,278
21 Oct - 22 Oct
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! (589 reviews)
"Fantastic location in a quieter neighborhood but still walkable to the main attractions. Beautiful views and wonderful attentive service. The BEST in Venice"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Sina Centurion Palace
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
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (149 reviews)
"Everything about our stay was wonderful. We arrived early morning. Though we could not check-in until 3pm, the staff safely stored our bags and offered a light bite while we waited (didn't charge). They were very helpful throughout our stay. We had a late flight and again on check-out, they stored ..."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

EXCESS VENICE Boutique Hotel & Private Spa - Adults Only
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 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 Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari while you're in town.

San Polo
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
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
Venetian Ghetto which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and a coastal town

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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