The districts of Venice are six, which is why they are called "sestieri" (the Italian word for 'sixth' is ‘sesto.’) However, the historic center of the lagoon city, as we know, does not end with its large island that, seen from above, resembles the shape of a fish: there are also Giudecca, Lido, Pellestrina, as well as the islands of Murano, Sant'Erasmo, Torcello, Burano, and many more. But staying with the "fish" theme, the six districts in which the city is divided are: Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, San Marco, and Castello. Each one has its own beauty and character, which is important to know, especially for residents (or those aspiring to be). In fact, before discovering the districts and their characteristics, to be ready to navigate Venice properly, it’s essential to know that each district has its own civic numbering system. For example, two people may live at number 360, but one might be in the San Marco district and the other in Dorsoduro. Therefore, in correspondence, it is not necessary to write the name of the street (calle); just indicating the number and district is enough for the letter to reach its destination.
Cannaregio
The name Cannaregio seems to derive from "Canal Regio," which referred to the main navigation channel connecting Venice to the mainland. Additionally, this area had numerous reed beds due to its swampy terrain, so the origin of the name might also be linked to this geographical feature. This is the first district encountered when arriving in Venice by train. Exiting the station and turning left towards Strada Nuova, you are in Cannaregio. Famous for its Jewish ghetto (the oldest in Italy), where you can still visit the synagogues, and for the Fondamenta della Misericordia, popular with young people, especially in the summer, Cannaregio remains a quiet district. Strada Nuova and the surrounding alleys are crowded, being the main tourist passageways, but if you know the city and venture past the alleys and canals, you will reach some of the most authentic areas of Venice—residential zones free from tourism.
Dorsoduro
It seems that the name Dorsoduro comes from the compact sand dunes that once existed in this area. Today, Dorsoduro is one of the most elegant districts of the city, and undoubtedly the one most closely associated with art. There are many galleries, ateliers, and high-end boutiques located here. Additionally, Dorsoduro is home to many famous institutions, both public and private, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Gallerie dell'Accademia, and Punta della Dogana, which, along with Palazzo Grassi in San Marco, is owned by the Pinault family, among the most important art collectors of today. Dorsoduro also has a more "social" side, with its Campo Santa Margherita, a popular gathering spot for students and young people. Dorsoduro is a district with many luxury residences, often chosen for their distance from high-traffic areas, but also for their proximity to the Fondamenta delle Zattere, one of the city’s most scenic promenades, offering a wide view and making it a beautiful walk to take in any season.
San Marco
No introduction is needed to explain why this district is named as such, built around the stunning basilica, one of the most beautiful churches in the world, in one of the most incredible squares ever imagined and constructed by mankind. San Marco is undoubtedly the most iconic district in Venice, with its square, the Doge's Palace, the Procuraties, and, of course, the Basilica. Everyone passes through here, and while the area is indeed very touristy, living here has its advantages. There are still alleys that are off the beaten tourist path, many historic shops remain, and, most importantly, you are in the heart of the city, ensuring convenient travel. The vaporetto lines that pass through San Marco and the nearby San Zaccaria landing station are numerous, making it easy to get around. Among luxury properties and smaller apartments, life here is truly immersed in the beauty and history of the city.
San Polo
The main characteristic of San Polo is that it is home to the Rialto Market, one of the most authentic places in the city, where Venetians live. The name, however, comes from the eponymous square, the largest in Venice. The presence of the market has allowed San Polo to preserve the city's commercial traditions. The market is a reference point for residents, who go there every morning for fruit, vegetables, and fish shopping. Around it, there are butcher shops and other food stores. The Rialto Market is also a gathering place for Venetians, especially on Saturday mornings. Campo San Polo is another gathering spot in the district, like the magnificent Frari Church, which is nearby. The position of San Polo is convenient for those who frequently leave the city, and being centrally located, it remains a practical option for those who need to travel often.
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is the area that today includes Piazzale Roma (the access point to the city by road), Tronchetto, and the Stazione Marittima. Its name comes from the ancient church of Santa Croce, which no longer exists, having been destroyed by Napoleon. Located near the "gates of access" to the city, Santa Croce is one of the least explored districts by tourists, but it is no less interesting for that. It is a more peaceful area, despite being just steps away from the Rialto and Accademia bridges. Here, there are many hidden squares and quiet alleys, perfect for those seeking a residence away from the touristy areas but still close to the city life. The area is also well connected to the main commercial areas, vaporetto stops, and, most importantly, to the train station and Piazzale Roma, making it the ideal district for those who need to frequently leave the city.
Castello
The name Castello comes from a fortress around which the area developed, which is now gone. Castello is the largest district in Venice and, therefore, also the most Venetian. While the area closest to San Marco is influenced by its proximity and is more touristy, the further you move away from the square, the more you enter a peaceful and residential area. Here, you will find some of the best restaurants in the city, as well as Riva degli Schiavoni, where you can take long and beautiful walks towards the Gardens or even all the way to Sant’Elena, enjoying the unique view of the island of San Giorgio and the lagoon. Castello is also the district where the Venice Biennale of Art and Architecture (between the Giardini and Arsenale pavilions), as well as the Biennale of Theatre and Dance, takes place. The Biennale is one of the city’s most important cultural institutions, attracting thousands of people from all over the world each year to see the best in various artistic fields. Finally, there is the tail of the fish, Sant'Elena, the most residential district of Venice (where the stadium is also located). Here, encountering tourists is rare due to its distance from the center and tourist attractions. The area is peaceful, though it takes time to reach the station or Piazzale Roma.
Giudecca
Giudecca is an island located across from the Zattere (Dorsoduro) and is considered by many to be one of the best places to live in Venice today because it remains far from the crowds, even on days with the most tourists. At the same time, the connections to the island are very frequent. Historically a refuge for the Venetian nobility, Giudecca offers a quieter environment compared to the central districts, with an unparalleled view of the city. Many homes here have courtyards or gardens, and some overlook the lagoon, offering magical views and sunsets. The atmosphere in Giudecca is more intimate than elsewhere, and it is also a highly residential area, where many young people live.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
