My wife and I (mid 60s, Chicago area) are making our first trip to Italy in March. We will be spending 3 nights in Venice, taking the train from Florence, then departing by train to Rome. From what I understand, Venice is fairly compact and most sites can be reached fairly easily by walking and/or the use of public transport like vaporetti. For this reason, we prefer not to stay right in the thick of the main tourist area around St. Mark's Square (though we certainly will visit it). We're hoping to find a quieter, more "authentic" Venetian experience and have been looking at a range of accommodations from hotels, B&B's, and Airbnb-style vacation rentals.
We found a several that we liked, all priced about the same, all with features that we really like, mainly being located on a quiet (not Grand) canal with water views from the apartment. I know that a lot of people who've been to Venice say that a water view is not something terribly important, but for our first time in Venice it's something we really would like.
Anyways these rentals are primarily located in two districts--Dorsoduro and Cannaregio. From the rudimentary research I've done, I know there are obviously differences in these two areas such as Dorsoduro being maybe a little more lively, more artsy, youthful with the university, etc, and Cannaregio being maybe a little more quiet, residential and is home to the Jewish ghetto, which we'd like to see...
Just curious of what you veteran Venice travelers think of each area. Is it better to stay in the south or the north? Other than your usual tourist sites around San Marco, doing the mandatory gondola ride, we haven't developed a real clear plan as far as what we plan to do. As our visit has expanded from one night, to two nights, to three nights, I think I would like to fit in a visit to Murano and Burano if possible.
Anyways, love to hear your thoughts on Dorsoduro vs Cannaregio. While I don't have exact locations for any of the rentals at present I do have some general info.
In Dorsoduro, one rental is located next to the Gaffaro Bridge at the intersection of two canals.
The other is located Ponte de l'Avogaria.
In Canneregio, one rental is located near Cà D'Oro and the other seems to be close to Row Venice.
Love to hear your thoughts! thanks