Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Venice

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Dorsoduro

Palazzo Veneziano

Palazzo Veneziano

4.5 out of 5
Fondamenta delle Zattere 1413, Venice, VE
The price is ฿7,314 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿7,314
฿8,382 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,024 reviews)
"Everything about our stay was excellent. The room was comfortable and the staff were extremely helpful in every way."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Palazzo Veneziano
Palazzo Guardi

Palazzo Guardi

Sestiere Dorsoduro 995, Venice, VE
Stay at this family-friendly affittacamere in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (624 reviews)
Amazing stay in Venezia
"Great place, perfectly located, nice staff, will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Palazzo Guardi
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
4.6/10 (202 reviews)
"If on a budget, this is a great option! Very small bathrooms, limited A/C, & could be cleaner. Staff was very friendly and helpful!"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hotel Messner
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
The price is ฿5,915 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿5,915
฿6,843 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star property in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (719 reviews)
Good location
"On arrival, check in could have been more welcoming and a smile would have been nice. Room was comfortable and clean. Breakfast had a choice. Fresh fruit was great. Location was convenient to get to all places. Overall a great place to stay just a few small chances would get it 5 stars."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel (previously NH Venezia Rio Novo)
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani, Dorsoduro, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿8,338 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
฿8,338
฿9,546 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (629 reviews)
"Great service, beautiful Old Palace that is nicely and authentically restored. Clean. Great location. Included breakfast is good but not amazing. You need to order a la carte for not included food."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
IH Hotels Venezia Salute Palace

IH Hotels Venezia Salute Palace

3 out of 5
Dorsoduro 222, Venice, VE
The price is ฿4,179 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿4,179
฿4,861 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (327 reviews)
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Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

IH Hotels Venezia Salute 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(210 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(146 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 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 Grand Canal 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(1,050 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 boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

Cannaregio

4.5/5(577 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