Cannaregio

The Basics

Cannaregio, bookended by the Santa Lucia train station and the Rialto Bridge, lines most of Venice’s Grand Canal. Strada Nuova, the district’s busy main street, teems with souvenir shops and tourists; however, meander off into the side streets and canals and you'll soon find peaceful squares (piazzas) and churches.

The best way to explore Cannaregio is by linking up with a walking tour led by a professional guide—someone who knows both the famous monuments and the hidden gems. The biggest attraction here is the Jewish ghetto; tours will also include the area's key churches, Ca' d'Oro Palace, Campo San Leonardo and Campo dei Mori squares, and Ponte delle Guglie (a historic bridge). You can pair small-group and private tours with a gondola ride or a tour of Venice highlights, such as St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tours of Cannaregio include a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

• The quiet backstreets of the Cannaregio are easier to manage with kids than the crowded areas around Piazza San Marco.

• Ponte delle Guglie has recently added ramps, making it one of the few Venetian bridges that’s wheelchair accessible.

• Venice has six districts: Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and San Polo. Cannaregio borders Castello and a tiny corner of San Marco; it’s situated across the Grand Canal from Santa Croce and San Polo.

How to Get There

To get to Cannaregio, take a Grand Canal water bus—vaporetto line 1 to the Ponte di Rialto stop—or walk from Santa Lucia train station across the Ponte delle Guglie bridge.

When to Get There

The December Hanukkah celebrations in Cannaregio’s historic Jewish ghetto are particularly beautiful, with live music, celebrations, and a traditional menorah-lighting.

Venice’s Jewish Ghetto

Venice is home to the world's oldest Jewish ghetto, established in 1516. Today, the area is still filled with historic synagogues, Jewish-run businesses, and Kosher restaurants.

Ways to explore

Stretching from the Santa Lucia train station to the Rialto Bridge, Cannaregio lines much of Venice’s Grand Canal. While Strada Nuova buzzes with shops and tourists, the side streets are where the magic is at, with quiet squares and unexpected beauty. Walking tours are the best way to uncover the district’s many highlights, from the Venice Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto di Venezia) to Ca' d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia) and charming squares. Tours often pair Cannaregio with key Venice landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) and the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Or, opt for a food-focused adventure with tastings.

Accessibility

Ponte delle Guglie has recently added ramps, making it one of the few Venetian bridges that’s wheelchair-accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Power bank, bottled water, camera

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat, layers

Not allowed

Littering, standing on old statues, drones

Amenities

Restaurants, bars, supermarkets, restrooms

Address

Cannaregio is a district in the northern part of Venice. It’s best to arrive on foot or by vaporetto water bus, as cars don’t have access to central Venice.

Driving

Cars aren’t allowed in central Venice, as the narrow streets and canals make driving impractical. Visitors with a car can park at Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma, then continue by vaporetto or on foot.

Public transportation

Cannaregio covers a large area, so you have several vaporetto stops to choose from. A convenient choice is vaporetto line No. 1, which stops at Guglie. The water buses run frequently, connecting the district efficiently with other parts of Venice.

Best times to visit

It’s best to arrive in Cannaregio in the morning if you want to see it without the masses of tourists, as the area can get very busy.

Best days to visit

Come on a weekday, such as a Monday or Tuesday, for a more peaceful experience compared to Saturdays and Sundays.

Best months to visit

Venice attracts swarms of tourists in July and August, so aim for May, June, September, or October for a bit more breathing room.

Special events

The December Hanukkah celebrations in Cannaregio’s historic Jewish ghetto are particularly beautiful, featuring live music, festivities, and a traditional menorah lighting ceremony.