Dorsoduro

The Basics

Dorsoduro, one of the six Venetian districts (sestieri) in the city center, is located just across the Grand Canal from the more touristy San Marco. Walk across the wooden Accademia Bridge and along the canal to the Gallerie dell’Accademia—home to masterpieces by Titian, Tiepolo, and Veronese—and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, famous for its modern art. The 18th-century Ca' Rezzonico museum is one of the most sumptuous in the city, and the Church of San Sebastiano and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute are among the most ornate.

To really get a feel for Dorsoduro, join a walking tour led by a local guide who’s familiar with the district’s big-name landmarks and secret corners. Pair a Dorsoduro tour with a gondola ride or a Venice highlights tour that includes St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tours of Dorsoduro require a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

• Because of the thinner crowds and outdoor spaces, the Dorsoduro district is easier to manage with kids.

• This district is known for its excellent restaurants serving traditional Venetian cuisine and cafés serving cicchetti, or Venetian-style tapas.

• If you’re looking to take an evening stroll, Fondamento della Zattere (along the Giudecca Canal) and the Campo Santa Margherita square are both great destinations at night.

How to Get There

Dorsoduro, just across the Grand Canal from San Marco, is easily reached by walking over the Accademia Bridge.

When to Get There

With views of San Marco to one side and the island of Giudecca to the other, Dorsoduro is particularly beautiful at night, just as the sun is setting. Plan to tour its sights by day and then linger at its restaurants and cafés after dark.

Venice's Six Sestieri

Venice has six districts—Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and San Polo—in addition to the outlying districts of Lido and Giudecca and Lido and the islands of Torcello, Murano, and Burano.

Ways to explore

It’s possible to visit Dorsoduro on a guided tour, or on your own. Dorsdoduro is subject to the Venice Access Fee, which means outside visitors and cruise ship passengers could be subject to a charge of at least €5.

Regardless, bear in mind that this district is very popular throughout the year. This means you’ll want to book everything in advance, from accommodations to museum tickets and guided tours. Restaurants are used to dealing with last-minute tables for tourists, but reservations are a good idea for larger groups.

Accessibility

With bridges, cobblestones, crowds, and historic buildings, Dorsoduro is not easy for wheelchair users. Still, it’s doable with some smart planning. Avoid peak summer dates, use the vaporetto water buses instead of smaller water taxis, and ask your hotel to recommend accessible routes and restaurants.

Age limits

None. Families often choose to stay in Dorsoduro for its central location.

What to pack

Sun essentials if you’re visiting in the summer, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for walking, clothes to cover knees and shoulders in churches

Not allowed

Forget picnicking or sidewalk snacking in Venice; if every visitor did it, nobody would be able to move. Eat in Dorsoduro’s many cafes or restaurants, snack in your accommodation, and take garbage away with you.

Amenities

Cash machines, eateries, hotels, museums, pharmacies, public restrooms under the Accademia Bridge, public vaporetto, shops, small supermarkets and grocery stores

Address

Dorsoduro is a central district, located within a 10-minute walk from San Marco via the Accademia Bridge. It’s well linked to other Venetian neighborhoods by the vaporetto.

Driving

Cars aren’t permitted in the central Venice areas. If you’re driving from another area to the city, you’ll find several parking garages at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto. A better-priced option is to drive to Mestre, leave your car in the parking lot near the train station, and continue to central Venice by public transportation. Book parking in advance.

Public transportation

Water taxis are available from the airport or train station and are the fastest but most expensive transportation to Dorsoduro. Cheaper alternatives include the ATVO airport bus to Piazzale Roma, then the quick Line 2 or scenic-but-slow Line 1 vaporetto to your closest stop in Dorsoduro.

Best times to visit

Early mornings offer the best chance to see Dorsoduro with less people around.

Best days to visit

Weekends and weekdays are equally busy. Culture lovers might want to skip Tuesdays when the Peggy Guggenheim Museum is closed, as well as Monday afternoons when the Gallerie d’Accademia is closed.

Best months to visit

Avoid July and August when everybody visits to sidestep the worst of the crowds.

Special events

La Festa del Redentore is a traditional festival held to celebrate the end of the 16th-century plague. Festivities are focused around the Dorsoduro island of Giudecca on the third weekend of July. Highlights include fireworks, decorated boats, and a temporary votive bridge.