Hotels in Cannaregio

The northern neighborhood of Cannaregio has been the gateway to Venice for centuries, thanks to its broad “royal canal,” once the quickest way to destinations across the city. But visitors would do well to linger a little longer. With its incomparable palazzos, connections to Renaissance master Tintoretto, and famed Jewish ghetto, Cannaregio isn't short of its own attractions. And it wins out for its quiet residential neighborhoods that show the real face of old-time Venice.

Hotels in Cannaregio

The Santa Lucia railway station, where many of today's visitors arrive, is surrounded by a number of high-quality hotels, including the Hotel Abbazia. Housed in a former convent, this affordable Cannaregio hotel boasts a lovely courtyard garden and has received great reviews for its character and peaceful locale. Luxury hotels in Cannaregio can be found around the Ca' d'Oro; the Ca' Sagredo being an outstanding example. This 5-star establishment, fronting the Grand Canal, is a palazzo is fitted out to palatial standards and noted for its stunning rooms and excellent service. For a hotel in Cannaregio showing Venice's more tranquil side, try the Hotel ai Mori d'Oriente, a gorgeous Byzantine-tinged hotel on a quieter canal.

Things to see in Cannaregio

The jewel in Cannaregio's crown has to be the Ca' d'Oro, the palazzo whose delicate canal-facing lacework of Gothic arches must be one of the most photographed (and painted) of all Venice's treasures. Built in 1430, today this palazzo hosts a fine collection of Renaissance paintings and statues. Just to the north is the Venetian Ghetto, a centuries-old Jewish community where the term “ghetto” was first coined. The community is still thriving, and there are several synagogues and kosher restaurants here. The Cannaregio Canal itself is a sight worth seeing, as Venice's second-broadest canal and main entrance into the city before the railway arrived. On the northern edge of Cannaregio is the beautiful church of Madonna dell'Orto, known for its graceful domed bell tower and connections to Tintoretto. The illustrious Renaissance painter’s tomb can be found here, as well as many of his paintings.

Good for explorers

Cannaregio has some of the city's most notable sights and some of its quietest districts. That variety means there's a wide choice of accommodation in Cannaregio, making it great for all kinds of visitors. Come here and you can choose between the high romance of the Grand Canal, the fascinating history of Venice's former blue-collar district, or the color and charm of its backwater canals. Cannaregio is also one of Venice's most well-connected districts, home to the main railway station and the Fondamente Nove quay, from where you can explore the intriguing smaller islands to the north.

How to get to Cannaregio

Most visitors to Venice arrive at the Marco Polo International Airport, rather than Treviso Airport which handles domestic and local European flights. A water taxi from the airport is the quickest (but most expensive) way to travel to Cannaregio, but can often take you all the way to your hotel. The public ferry's Arancio service runs to Marina dell'Orto in 45 minutes, from where you'll need to take a vaporetto or water taxi. The airport's express bus service is a quick and cheap option, getting you to the Piazzale Roma in 20 minutes, from where a water taxi will likely be needed for that last leg.