Dorsoduro Travel Guide

Explore the best of Dorsoduro, Venice with our complete travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to eat.


Introduction to Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is a district of Venice that is located on a large island in the Venetian Lagoon. It is known for its beautiful palaces, picturesque canals, and art-filled churches. Dorsoduro is also home to some of the best museums and galleries in Venice. In this complete guide to Dorsoduro, you will discover all the best things to do, places to visit, and where to eat.

List of Places to Visit in Dorsoduro

There are many must-see sights in Dorsoduro, from the cultural attractions to the natural ones. Here is a list of top things to see and do in Dorsoduro to have an exciting trip to this district.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gallerie dell’Accademia: One of the most famous museums in Venice, the Gallerie dell’Accademia contains an impressive collection of Venetian art from the 14th century to the 18th century.
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection: This is a museum showcasing contemporary and modern art of the 20th century that contains paintings and sculptures from renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.
  • Chiesa di San Sebastiano: This is a Catholic Church that falls into the list of top architectural creations of Jacopo Tintoretto and Venice’s Renaissance.

Natural Attractions of Dorsoduro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Canal Grande: This beautiful canal is the main waterway in Venice and attracts tourists from all around the world to take a ride of fancy gondolas.
  • Punta della Dogana: The lighthouse located at the tip of the island provides panoramic views of Venice and the surrounding islands.
  • Campo Santa Margherita: This large square is one of the hot spots for tourists where they can find different cafes and bars to relax and enjoy.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is not much popular for hiking & biking but people love to take a walk through its streets and canals. However, tourists can find some walking tours in Dorsoduro that will take you to the most beautiful and historic areas of Dorsoduro along with all the hidden and secret streets and canals. The tours are also available in three different time slots during the daytime.

Best Things to Do in Dorsoduro: Activities and Tours

Dorsoduro is a district with something to offer for everyone, including food & nightlife tours, museum excursions, and outdoor activities. Here are some popular tours and activities in Dorsoduro.

  • Cichetti and Wine Tour: Explore Venice’s food culture by tasting its typical food accompanied by regional wine in the popular wine bars of the Dorsoduro district.
  • Boat Excursion on the Venetian Lagoon: Take a ride on a private boat to visit the nearby islands that surround the Venetian Lagoon.
  • Mask-Making Workshop: Learn the artisanal skill of making Venetian masks from local artists and carry home your mask creation that will be an excellent and one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dorsoduro

One week in Dorsoduro will not feel like enough time to explore everything in this district. Here is a week-long itinerary that will allow you to see the top attractions and activities in Dorsoduro.

Day Activity
1 Explore the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection
2 Take a ride on a water taxi through the Grand Canal
3 Visit the Chiesa di San Sebastiano and the Santa Maria della Salute
4 Go on a shopping tour in the lovely shops of Dorsoduro or explore the Punta della Dogana
5 Take a guided tour of the University of Venice
6 Experience a Walking tour of Dorsoduro’s historic buildings
7 Enjoy the tranquility and panoramic views of the Venetian Lagoon at Zattere

Food and Drink Scene of Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is a food haven, from the hearty lunches with regional Wines to the traditional Vegie dishes. Here are some dishes and beverages to try in Dorsoduro to make the most of your culinary experience.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Baccalà Mantecato: This is a famous starter from the Venetian region, made with creamy salted cod and garlic.
  • Fegato alla Veneziana: This is Venetian liver cooked with onions and can be served either in sandwich or on a platter.

Local Beverages

  • Spritz: Spritz is a popular and famous aperitif enjoyed all over Venice. It is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water.
  • Bellini: Bellini is a cocktail made using white peach puree & Prosecco, created in Harry’s Bar, Venice, in 1948. It is named after Giovanni Bellini, a Venetian Painter of the Renaissance

Where to Stay in Dorsoduro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are numerous options to stay, from posh hotels with all the amenities to budget-friendly hostels with basic amenities. Here are some of the best options that you can find in Dorsoduro:

  • Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace: It is located five minutes away from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and has a rooftop terrace that provides a scenic view of Venice.

  • Ca’ San Trovaso Ca’ San Trovaso is a small hotel located in a fully restored ancient palace offering all the modern conveniences for making your stay more comfortable.

  • Palladio Hotel & Spa: It is located in a historic monastery and offers the perfect blend of history, luxury, and comfort by providing the best facilities, including an on-site restaurant and spa.

What to Buy in Dorsoduro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Dorsoduro is well known for its handmade glass artworks, typical hats, leather bags, and unique handmade masks. Here are some popular souvenirs to bring home from Dorsoduro:

  • Venetian Glass Objects: Murano glass is famous worldwide for its uniqueness and beauty.
  • Venetian Masks: Bring back a handmade Venetian mask made of paper-mâché, leather or ceramic as a remarkable souvenir.
  • Hats and Accessories: The Gondolier’s hat is unique to Venice and would make a stylish and beautiful souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Dorsoduro

Venice is known for its vibrant culture and is the heart of artistic and cultural activity. It is customary to dress formally when visiting religious sites, and it’s important to always show respect for the locals and to follow the local customs. Here are some common customs practiced in Dorsoduro:

  • Respect for locals: Venetians take pride in their city and customs, so tourists must try to respect local traditions and customs to blend in.
  • Dress-code: When visiting churches, dress respectfully, avoiding clothing that exposes the shoulders or knees.
  • St. Mark’s Square: Feeding the pigeons is prohibited in St. Mark’s Square.

Best Time to Visit Dorsoduro

The ideal time to visit Dorsoduro is from April to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodations. However, it’s good to note that the temperature does dip quite a bit in November.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dorsoduro

Venice is an exceptional and beautiful city, but like any other tourist destination, it has its dos and don’ts. Here are some important tips to follow during your trip to Dorsoduro.

Do:

  • Get a City Pass: A city pass allows free entrance to the city’s museums, transportation, and discount vouchers to restaurants and shops.
  • Book Museum Tickets in Advance: The lines to buy museum tickets can get quite long, so it’s best to book them online.
  • Take Water Transportation: Venetian waterside views are one of the most beautiful views in the world that everyone should experience.

Don’t:

  • Don’t Forget to Check the Tide: High tides are common in Venice, which causes flooding in the low areas of the city. Tourists must be careful and avoid the low areas during these times.
  • Don’t Walk Around in Bathing Suits: It’s not advisable to walk around half-naked in public areas, such as streets and squares.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is a remarkably safe district, and the crime rate in Venice is notably low. However, travelers must be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially on public transportation.

Health in Dorsoduro

It’s safe to say that Venice has a good healthcare system with hospitals and various medical services available to tourists. However, it’s advisable to have travel insurance to cover unexpected medical costs.

Getting to Dorsoduro: Transportation Options and Logistics

To reach Dorsoduro, tourists can fly into Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport or Treviso Airport, and then take a water taxi to Dorsoduro. Alternatively, tourists can also use trains, buses, or cars to reach Venice.

Airports Near Dorsoduro

  • Venice Marco Polo Airport
  • Treviso Airport

Bus Stations Near Dorsoduro

  • Piazzale Roma

Other Options

  • Water Taxi
  • Gondola

How to Get Around in Dorsoduro

Exploring Dorsoduro is best on foot, as the streets are mostly closed to cars and Motorbikes. There is also the possibility to hire bicycles that can be rented from one of the many rental companies.

Where to Go Next from Dorsoduro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

As a part of Venice, Dorsoduro is located in the Venetian Lagoon, where tons of other breathtaking islands are waiting to be discovered. Here are some recommended places to go in the Venetian Lagoon after leaving Dorsoduro:

  • Murano: Murano is known worldwide for its glass artworks and offers a beautiful tour of the glass-making factories that continue to produce elegant and beautiful glasswork.

  • Burano: Burano is a beautiful island located in the Venetian Lagoon known for its brightly painted houses and lace making.

  • Torcello: Torcello is an island rich in historic and cultural significance, that can be accessed by a public waterbus.

Conclusion

Dorsoduro is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful districts in Venice that offers remarkable views of Venetian canals and bridges, beautiful architecture, and fantastic museum tours. Our complete travel guide to Dorsoduro enables you to explore the district to the fullest and discover all the relevant information that you will need to make the most of your trip.

View of Punta della Dogana. View of Punta della Dogana.