Venice Sestiere Map

This map shows different locations throughout Venice. Although San Marco is the most visited, each sestiere has its own unique character and attractions. The train station is located in Cannaregio. On the same side of the Grand Canal, you will find San Marco and Castello.

San Marco

San Marco is in the heart of Venice and the sestiere most often visited by tourists. Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Square, is Venice’s main square. Around the square are elegant historic buildings and expensive cafes, some with live music in the evening.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro, a large sestiere across the Accademia Bridge from San Marco, is close to Piazzale Roma (where buses and taxis arrive). A must-visit for art lovers, this neighborhood is home to Accademia Museum and the Guggenheim Art Collection, two of Venice’s top museums.

San Polo

The Rialto Bridge across 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 fish and open-air vegetable market, which is an exciting place to visit early in the morning. San Palo is home to many food shops, bars, and great restaurants.

Santa Croce Sestiere

Santa Croce is next to San Palo along the Grand Canal. If you’re arriving in Venice by bus or taxi, this is the closest sestiere. Santa Croce is not only one of the oldest areas in Venice, but it is also the least visited by tourists.

Cannaregio

Cannaregio, across 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, connecting the lagoon with the Grand Canal.

Castello

Castello, on the other side of San Marco, is home to the Venetian Arsenale, which consists of an old shipyard. It’s a unique area to explore, and you’ll see fewer tourists as you get farther from San Marco. Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the main square, is a pleasant spot filled with history and art.

Venice Lido

Consider staying on Venice Lido if you’re interested in the beaches, nightlife, the Venice Film Festival, or driving your car to your hotel. From the Lido, it’s only a short vaporetto ride to Saint Mark’s Square.

Venice Islands

Islands of the Venetian lagoon can easily be visited from Venice. Murano, home of glassmaking, and the colorful island of Burano, are among the most popular.