The quieter end of the riva is a good destination in the early morning or at sunset, when there are lovely atmospheric views over the skyline of Venice. Boasting Cardinal Grimanis extensive Greco-Roman art collection that was only recently returned after 4 centuries, along with stunning faades and many superb frescoes, if you only go inside one palazzo in the area, make it this one. 
The easiest way to get an overview of Castello is to take a trip on either the 4.1 or 5.1 ferry line which travel along the lagoon side of the this oft-misunderstood neighbourhood, offering scenic glimpses of its fantastic variety. Ponte de Quintavalle is huge (45m long), made of wood (wait, what?) Tour groups are disgorged from boats and mill around looking for their leaders; overpriced cafes and tacky souvenir shops line the shore as you approach the St. Mark's area, the bridges crowded to the point of being impassible. The church, once the official church of Venice, is an impressive specimen of 16th-century architecture with a bell tower in Renaissance style. Nicola at the reception was a really great help with recommendations, the location was perfect and the hotel was clean and comfortable! Free WiFi access is available throughout. The bathroom is big enough and it's top of the state. 
Besides the Piazza San Marco, San Marco boasts palaces open to the public, plenty of designer shopping, two iconic bridges (Ponte dellAccademia and Ponte di Rialto), and some wonderfully scenic gondola rides along the narrow canals. Perfect location, not too noisy, not very big hotel, staff friendly, familiar and helpful. One of the things I find most fascinating about Venice, besides how many different gelato prices you can find on the same block, is how unique each of the bridges is.
There are a few specific places that definitely stand out, though.
It was once a beach retreat for European aristocracy and Hollywood stars, and though it isnt quite as glamorous as in years past, its the one place near Venice with a proper sandy beach. It's modern with some industrial touches. Further west you pass the canal leading up to the Arsenale, which almost divides Venice in two at this point. Known for its coffee, cakes and peaceful environment. We have made it our mission to seek out the most spectacular hiking and epic long-distance treks the world has to offer. The most breathtaking architectural feature of the Arsenale di Venezia is the Porta Magna, which functions as the ports main gate. Over to the east are large 'normal', fairly working-class residential areas. Passing the public gardens (Giardini Pubblici), where the national pavilions for the Biennale are located, you get fantastic views along the shore towards the Palazzo Ducale and St. Mark's Square.
Rest assured, though, there is also a lot to see that doesnt involve a single nook (nor a stuffy cranny). A labyrinth of centuries-old lanes, San Polo is not only the smallest neighborhood but also one of the most historically significant. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were Dean and Laynni, two Canadians who quit our jobs to travel in 2008 and have been exploring phenomenal destinations around the globe ever since. A plus: it is based closed to Arsenale: you can take vaporetto to go everywhere you like. Needless to say, you are far more likely to have this one to yourself, even in high season. Relax with Amazing Art in the Green Space of Giardini, Check out Venices Version of a Floating Market, Visit the Instagram-Worthy Libreria Acqua Alta, Marvel at the Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Watch the Sunset from the Viale Giardini Pubblici, San Marco: Guide to Venices Most Famous Neighbourhood. Inside the church, visitors can admire the throne of St. Peter, a work of art made of marble and Muslim burial stone. The throne is decorated with Arabic motifs and verses from the Koran, bringing fascinating aspects of culture to Venice. Everything was excellent.
the service excellent service excellent people. But the location, views and history are all still pretty unbelievable.
Free WiFi access is available in all areas. From the hotel we can view one of the most beautiful sunsets and is close to the most top points of Venice. The buildings southern faade, with exquisite marble stone statues, is truly marvelous to look at.
Its worth staying here overnight to experience the islands distinctive vibe and cuisine (the specialty is risotto de g, prepared with a particular type of lagoon fish).
The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. At the end of Via Garibaldi you will find a floating produce boat where locals go to stock up on vegetables and fruit without the hassle of passing through a door. Of course, it has now been renovated to make it a more practical home for Venezia FC, they of the subjectively coolest uniforms in European football. grotesque face on the Campanile of Santa Maria Formosa (see photo). The Arsenale di Venezia was one of the largest pre-industrial production centers in the world and the heart of the Venetian naval industry from the 13th century onwards. The hotel is simply fabulous: fantastic location with a great view on the lagoon, excellent staff. Still a working monastery, silence is required at all times, making it that much easier to enjoy the simple beauty of its spacious interior, the huge stone pilasters (square wall columns) and pair of lovely courtyards. Would definitely stay here again and recommend to anyone who wants a relaxing spa vacation in Venice! The staff was very friendly.
Learn more, See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. Along this stretch you'll find local people and the more enterprising tourists, photographing the view or sitting on the stone benches provided. It's modern with some industrial touches. Weve always gotten along so well. We have only linked to products we actually recommend and although using one to make a purchase wont cost you anything extra, it will earn us a small commission, which is much appreciated.
The bar has great cocktails. We've stayed at cheap flats in the eastern end of the district, and touristy hotels in the east, including three decent hotels in western Castello, the very nice Campiello, the Locandiera and Hotel Paganelli, which sits between posher hotels on Riva degli Schiavoni. For all the details, see San Marco: Guide to Venices Most Famous Neighbourhood. Its also a quiet and unique part of the city to stay in. Perfect location, not too noisy, not very big hotel, staff friendly, familiar and helpful. It encompasses some of Venices major transport hubs, such as the Piazzale Roma bus station (and major vaporetto stop) and the main port. 
It's pretty hard to make generalisations about Castello. In fact, I still refuse to believe it isnt why would my eyes lie to me? I loved the fact that the room doesn't look like an old castle nice location beside San Marco. 
The view of the canal is gorgeous.
The Cuore di Mattoni (Heart of Bricks) is one of the best hidden gems of the Castello sestiere. The suite is beyond spacious and very well designed. The Giardini invites Venices visitors to explore beautiful nature in a quiet environment. San Giorgio degli Schiavoni - Carpaccio's paintings in this Scuola are among the loveliest in Venice: watch the monks flee the lions.
A bridge connects Burano to the adjacent, quiet island of Mazzorbo, home to some of the best wine in Venice. Considering that the most common complaints about Venice are that it is too crowded, too busy, just too much, well, Castello is the perfect solution to those issues. It was central the room was large and clean the staff were really helpful . Every Venice neighbourhood has plenty to keep you busy but in one the size of Castello you could spend days wandering without every reaching every nook and cranny. San Zaccaria - attractive Gothic-Renaissance church with art by Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto and others, and a low-lying, usually-flooded crypt. This is one of the best places for sunsets in Venice Italy. The impressive piece of Italian architecture was first built by the Confraternity of San Marco in the early 13th century. Some of the town's very finest art, architecture and monuments can be found here, as well as functional sites like the hospital. Proximity to some of the citys biggest attractions and best restaurants, and the opportunity to experience a locals Venice are part of San Polos charm. The hotel is simply fabulous: fantastic location with a great view on the lagoon, excellent staff.
Excellent location. The least touristy of Venices sestieri, Santa Croce borders San Polo and Dorsoduro to the north. After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. It doesnt even seem to matter if you promise, Ill be quick. Set 0.6 mi from Ca' d'Oro, the property is nonsmoking throughout and is located 656 feet from The Ducal Palace.
Everything was impeccable in the bedroom. nice location beside San Marco. El Refolo and Trani are a couple of wine bars that come highly recommended.
Castellos Giardini stands out amongst the other green spaces in the city of Venice. Your email address will not be published.
The occasional tourist wandering past seems like the exception rather than the rule. Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena is a former Venetian convent with well-kept gardens, offering charming rooms with modern design and a LCD 40-inch TV. So, no, its not your average professional stadium.
The king suite is amazing. The art of glass-making is very much alive on the island theres a Glass Museum and Murano is a wonderfully serene place to stay, with a few hotels and guesthouses and a smattering of restaurants. This historic building has beautiful dcor and is 10 minutes' walk from Rialto. A great location in the quieter neighborhood of Castello while only a 10-minute walk from Saint Marks Square. Dilapidated buildings line quiet humble canals where washing flaps overhead. Venice is many things but natural wonderland is not necessarily one of them. Last but not least, Santa Croce includes the Harbor of San Basilio and parking area of Piazzale Roma, serving as the citys transportation hub.
While there is no single best neighborhood to stay in Venice, where you end up staying will define your experience and may mean that you spend considerable time walking and/or taking vaporetti (water buses). And amazing people in the hotel! Located in Venice, Hotel Maison Ducal offers a shared lounge. Santa Croce borders San Polo to the west and is the citys least touristy neighborhood, home to the bus station, cruise ship port, and vaporetto hub. Visitors are recommended to continue walking through the neighborhoods public gardens up until the tip of the island. The furnishings, the location, and the service. The room looks really great. Along with Santa Croce, Castello is probably the most underrated sestiere in Venice. location, tranquility, yet convenient to the Biennale and major sites. For a more in-depth look, see Cannaregio: Guide to our Favourite Venice Neighbourhood. Named for the former fortress on the island of San Pietro, the now off-the-beaten-path Castello was actually once the main centre of power in Venice.
Old men fish in the lagoon, luxury yachts are moored alongside, and it's all very picturesque. Besides several beautiful churches, its a low-key part of the city and home to many artists studios. the service excellent service excellent people. The Museo Storico Navale holds relics of Venice's maritime past, Castello market | Simon Collison/Flickr, Church of San Pietro di Castello | Intiaz Rahim/Flickr, Venise Scuola Grande di San Marco | Steluma/Flickr.
Corte Contarina is a former noble residence located in the heart of Venice, close to San Pietro di Castello Cathedral and a 15-minute walk from San Marco Square. This Gothic gem, meanwhile, is found right on the biggest square in Castello and is one of the most important churches in Venice serving as the final resting place of 25 doges and featuring a ceiling is intricately decorated by Veronese. San Marco is surely the most famous Venice neighbourhood, including such world-class attractions as the Basilica, the Doges Palace and St. Marks Square. Combining a traditional, Venetian style with modern facilities, which include free Wi-Fi, Hotel Bisanzio is in the heart of Venice, less than a 10-minute walk from St. Mark's Square.
Required fields are marked *. The location is perfect Especially if you have a hard time walking.
Palazzo San Lorenzo offers accommodations with a bar. I loved the room! If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first. Each chapel was funded by a different family, marked by their coat-of-arms and serving as the family burial tomb. Of course, this is still Venice, so of course there are also a few exceptional buildings, too, including some designed by famous architects such as Alvar Aalto and Gerrit Rietveld. Ca'di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel features a restaurant, fitness center, a bar and garden in Venice. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property. The room is great and cute, for an expensive city like Venice this Set in a 15th-century building behind the Church of San Giovanni in Bragora, Hotel La Residenza offers rooms with attached bathroom with 18th-century Venetian dcor, and free Wi-Fi. The room looks really great. Please enter a valid email address. Communication before our visit was very prompt and helpful. Copyright 19962022 Nothing was too much trouble. Today, it attracts young creative types, priced out of other sestieri, and is dotted with artists studios and independent shops. In the small square of Campiello del Vin, Hotel Campiello is 200 yards from St. Marks Square, and 325 ft from the San Zaccaria Vaporetto water bus stop. FYI: Some of the posts on this blog include affiliate links. Focused around the elegant bronze equestrian statue of Colleoni, it is also home to the Scuola di San Marco, now both a working hospital and a medical museum, and quite a fascinating one, at that. Thanks! They are the place to come for a little natural variety and the smell of actual grass and leaves. The variations of the district can be crudely summarised by describing the long waterfront (riva) which runs along the length of Castello, along Venice's southern shore. Lastly, Marco was very attentive and helpful with whatever we needed and requested. If there happens to be a special exhibition or festival, take your chance, because most of the time youll get a simple, disgusted shake of the head if you try to explore too close to any of the warehouses or workshops. There are excellent Venice hotels all over the city, though many of the best are concentrated in the most popular sestieri. Of course, that whole quiet vibe thing changes drastically during the sagra festival in the last week of June, one of the most popular festivals in Venice, but as long as you pick any of the other 51 weeks of the year youll be amazed at how quiet it is. Reachable by vaporetto from Castello or Cannaregio, its attractions comprise a proper sandy beach, art deco architecture, and a clutch of good restaurants. Or could it be the cause?
It encompasses the entire eastern portion of the island and features many impressive monuments, some outstanding restaurants and the famous Biennale art installation. Perfectly Located , breakfast was great, friendly staff, and very clean rooms. Its across the Grand Canal from Santa Croce and San Polo and bordered by San Marco and Castello to the south and east, respectively. The staff was very friendly. Composed of seven sections, separated by canals and linked by bridges, the island of Murano, just north of Venice proper, has a long and distinguished history as part of the Venetian Republic. Very efficient and friendly staff. Lace-making still survives as a craft; the workshops and the Lace Museum aside, Burano is a wonderful place to walk around and admire the colorful fishermens houses. After a snack and stroll on Via Garibaldi, continue along the left-hand side of the street until you reach the canal. Running neck and neck with Cannaregio for the most real and local of the sestieri, Castello boasts many excellent trattoria and unique art. Error: From the hotel we can view one of the most beautiful sunsets and is close to the most top points of Venice. Even in a city brimming over with architectural wonders, nothing prepares you for San Marco. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nothing was too much trouble. While not as convenient to most tourist sites, the Hotel Indigo Venice -SantElena will let you truly experience the Castello sestiere and its authentic feeling. Featuring a wellness center, Hotel Ai Reali - Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers modern elegant rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The biggest attractions are concentrated in the San Marco sestiere, followed by Dorsoduro and Cannaregio. The neighborhood is home to some wonderful, unpretentious trattoria, with a cluster around or near the San Giacomo dellOrio square, which also features a magnificent church. And amazing people in the hotel! You can also cancel anytime in case your travel plans change (ID required upon arrival). Choose dates. It is on a side street and usually filled with locals. In even-numbered years it's the turn of the Architecture Biennale. Castello is a quiet neighborhood, where tourists can still experience deserted squares and beautifully intimate park spaces. To admire outstanding architecture in the Castello district, go to the Scuola di San Marco, located on Campo di Giovanni e Paolo, one of the largest squares in Venice. Here there are canals and bridges, but everything is less grand than you'll have seen elsewhere. The second part of the Giardini, which is home to the national pavilions, is open for special exhibitions during Venices Biennales. However, even though it is a fashionable path, the Riva Degli Schiavoni (riva translates as waterfront) it is wide enough to make for a relaxing walk and the views are fantastic. This 15th century Gothic-Renaissance church just off the water was a former monastery and is known for its huge Gothic windows, large edifice, 18th century organ and impressive collection of art. Very close to st. Marco Square and Realto Bridge. An Italian breakfast is served every morning. Which is a bit of a surprise, considering that Castello is the largest neighbourhood in Venice.
One of my favourite hotels in Venice. Arsenale - Venice's historic shipyard, and the origin of our word 'arsenal'. It wouldnt be healthy to cut yourself off cold turkey. Today, the Arsenale is mostly used by the Italian army and is only accessible for visitors during the yearly Biennale of Venice. The atmosphere, room size - very spacious as for Venice! Check out our full guide, Dorsoduro: Guide to Venices Best Walking District. Densely inhabited by Venetians, this is one of the most authentic neighborhoods with low-key bars and eateries. Although there are small residential sections scattered throughout Venice, generally popping up when you least expect them, almost the entire eastern half of the Castello district in Venice has a local feel, with modest buildings, shops that somehow dont sell miniature Rialto Bridge keychains and even occasional evidence of real life (children playing football, wash drying on the line, people having coffee and staring at their phones).