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
The price is AU$457 per night from 21 May to 22 May
AU$457
includes taxes & fees
21 May - 22 May
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! (1,016 reviews)
"I had a wonderful experience"

Reviewed on 17 May 2025

Palazzo Veneziano
Hotel Messner
Hotel Messner
3.5 out of 5
Dorsoduro 237, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$145 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
AU$145
includes taxes & fees
15 June - 16 June
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
4.6/10 (158 reviews)
"I have stayed at Hotel Messner previously so my expectatiions were essentially unchanged. Lovely staff and the location was 'primo'"

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Hotel Messner
Palazzo Guardi
Palazzo Guardi
Sestiere Dorsoduro 995, Venice, VE
The price is AU$265 per night from 22 May to 23 May
AU$265
includes taxes & fees
22 May - 23 May
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (577 reviews)
Service extraordinaire
"We had great help from the reception staff with 3 separate items in which we needed help (not issues or problems) regarding luggage, food and recommendations. Housekeeping and breakfast staff were very responsive and helpful too. All very friendly and thoughtful!! It is on the 3rd floor of a building ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Palazzo Guardi
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
5 out of 5
960 Fondamenta Nani, Dorsoduro, Venice, VE
The price is AU$666 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
AU$666
includes taxes & fees
3 June - 4 June
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! (593 reviews)
"This is a great Hotel right in the heart of the action but still provides a comfortable quiet room - we didn’t hear any noise. It is convenient to all of the historic sights of Istanbul within walking distance. Shout out to the amazing Conciege staff especially Can Burak who goes above and beyond ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
Ca' Beatrice
Ca' Beatrice
2727a Calle Lunga San Barnaba, Venice, VE
The price is AU$188 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
AU$188
includes taxes & fees
2 June - 3 June
Stay at this guesthouse in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"Perfect location for us!"

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Ca' Beatrice
Hotel Plaza Venice
Hotel Plaza Venice
4 out of 5
Viale Stazione 36, Mestre, VE
The price is AU$246 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
AU$246
includes taxes & fees
2 June - 3 June
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mestre. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"Prompt, efficient and early check in. Room clean. Unfortunately only one plug socket in room so had to go out to buy an extension, as more than one person so more than one device needed charging at once. Breakfast reasonable offering, not as much choice as previous small 3 star hotel we had just ..."

Reviewed on 16 May 2025

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.

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 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(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 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(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 boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

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 Jewish Museum of Venice.

Cannaregio

Dorsoduro Travel Guide

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