Venice, one of the major cities in Italy, is made up of six sestieri ( singular sestiere ) or neighborhoods. The Grand Canal, which is the city’s main waterway, not only separates these neighborhoods, but also provides residents and visitors with a major means of transportation. Take a look at this sestiere map and learn more about each neighborhood, plus how to use the Venice vaporetto or public transportation system.
Venice Sestiere Map
This sestiere map shows different locations throughout Venice. Although San Marco is the most visited by tourists, each sestiere has its own unique character and tourist attractions. For tourists, keep in mind that popular neighborhoods to visit are located on either side of the Grand Canal. Once you’ve decided where you want to explore, you’ll need to consider several transportation options.
The train station is located in Cannaregio. On the same side of the Grand Canal, you will find San Marco and Castello. Santa Croce, across the Grand Canal from the train station, is closer to the bus and taxi arrivals at Piazzale Roma. San Polo and the Dorsoduro are across the canal from Saint Mark’s Square.
San Marco
San Marco is located in the heart of Venice and the most visited sestiere by tourists. Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Square, is the main square in Venice. Around the square are elegant historic buildings and expensive cafes, some with live music in the evening. Also, the main tourist sites like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile (bell tower) and the Correr Museum can be found in this sestiere .
Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro, a large sestiere across the Accademia Bridge from San Marco, is close to Piazzale Roma (where buses and taxis arrive). A must see for art lovers, this neighborhood is home to the Accademia Museum and the Guggenheim Art Collection, two of the best museums in Venice.
Along a border of Dorsoduro is the Guidecca Canal and its quiet and scenic trails. Foodies in search of cuisine often visit Campo Santa Margherita, a popular spot during the day that is home to fish and vegetable markets. Many students also call this sestiere home , as much of Venice’s university system is located here. Thanks to the student population in this area, nightlife opportunities abound.
San Polo
The Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal connects San Marco and San Polo, one of the oldest parts of Venice. At the foot of the Rialto Bridge in San Polo is a massive open-air fish and vegetable market, which is an exciting place to visit early in the morning. San Palo is home to many food stores, bars, and excellent restaurants. It is a small but pretty sestiere with remains of its medieval roots (some on display at Santa Maria Gloriosa de Frari).
While San Polo doesn’t have a large number of hotels, there are some good deals to be found here. Tourists looking for a true taste of Venice with a gondola ride can find a relaxing and serene option with a gondola ride.
Santa Croce Sestiere
Santa Croce is next to San Palo along the Grand Canal. If you are arriving in Venice by bus or taxi, this is the closest sestiere. Santa Croce is not only one of the oldest areas in Venice, it is also the least visited by tourists. If this sestiere is on your list, be sure to explore your food options. It is home to one of the most expensive restaurants in Venice, the Zucca, as well as many beloved pizzerias.
Cannaregio
Cannaregio, on the other side of the Grand Canal from Santa Croce, is a large sestiere that stretches from the Venezia Santa Lucia train station to the Rialto Bridge. The Cannaregio Canal is the second largest canal in Venice and connects the lagoon with the Grand Canal.
This neighborhood is known for its picturesque squares and canals, as well as its local flavor, provided by its many residents. The Jewish ghetto can be found here, as well as the Fondamenta Misericordia, which is a great place to find restaurants, shops, cafes, and wine bars.
Castle
Castello, across from San Marco, is home to the Venetian Arsenale, which consists of a former shipyard. It is a unique area to explore, and you will see fewer tourists the further you get from San Marco. Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the main square, is a pleasant place full of history and art.
If you want to visit the nearby islands, numerous boats to the islands of Murano and Burano depart regularly from Fondamente Nove, which is the footbridge along the northern lagoon.
Venice Vaporetto
Venice’s vaporetto (singular vaporetto ) are the water buses, which are Venice’s form of public transportation. The main vaporetto runs along the Grand Canal, connecting the train and bus stations with stops at each sestiere . To get the most out of this mode of transport, learn about the use of vaporetti , such as ticket prices, timetables and the purchase of travel cards.
Venice Lido
Consider staying at the Venice Lido if you are interested in beaches, nightlife, the Venice Film Festival, or driving your car to your hotel. From the Lido, it’s only a short vaporetto ride to St. Mark’s Square.
The best islands of Venice
The islands of the Venetian lagoon can be easily visited from Venice. Murano, home to glassmaking, and the colorful island of Burano are among the most popular.
Venice airport transportation
Venice Marco Polo Airport is almost four miles from Venice. Transportation options from the airport to different neighborhoods in Venice include the city’s bus system, carpooling, or renting a car. Depending on how many people are in your group, plus the amount of luggage you have, will likely determine the best (and cheapest) transportation option for your chosen sestiere.
