Stay in Cannaregio or Castello for Venice?

Posted by wcbhkids on 07/18/24 04:18 PM

I will arrive in Venice from the airport and depart via train to Milan in the early morning of my depature day.

Both accomodations meet my needs, it comes down to location. The rental in Cannaregio is on Calle Turlona and the one in Castello is near the ocean off Via Giuseppe Garbaldi. I'm not interested in the Biennale art exhibition. I'm mainly interested in walking around and checking out the city and people.

Cannaregio is physically closer to the train but further from water bus stops. I also like that there is a large CONAD supermarket nearby. Cannaregio has easy access to Arsenale and Giardini water bus stops but further from the train (more time on the boat but less walking to the train). It's not clear if Biennale will bring large number of tourists to this area, making it crowded or noisy.

What do you think?

Posted by Elena

07/18/24 05:04 PM

72 posts

We stay in Castello for Biennale. It hasn't felt too crowded or noisy to us on multiple visits in May, June, October. Via Garibaldi is lively, though. How long is your planned stay?

Given your stated interests, you would probably prefer Calle Turlona. The hectic, and to my mind unpleasantly so, part of Cannaregio is along Strada Nova. Calle Turlona should be okay.

Posted by wcbhkids OP

07/18/24 05:14 PM

47 posts

Only 3 nights in Venice. Leaning toward Via Giuseppe Garbaldi mainly because of the ease of access to Vaporetti. It takes longer to get to/from the bus/train, but we won't need to walk much. Normally I love walking but walking over canal bridges and narrow alleys with suitcases (even our carry-on sized ones) must be a bit annoying. Not sure if I'm overlooking some other considerations though.

Posted by nancys8

Saint Paul, Minnesota

07/18/24 06:00 PM

1563 posts

We have stayed in both areas for at least a week, and close to your Cannaregio location (but closer to a vaporetto stop) most recently (December), but on that trip re-visiting the via Garibaldi because we liked it so much several years ago.

Here's my take on it. It's a 15 minute walk to the Cannaregio location from the train station, and half of that time you are walking on the crowded Strada Nova. And you will cross the Strada Nova every time you walk to the nearest vaporetto stop (Casino). Neither is terrible, but something to note.

In Castello, we stayed on calle Grimana just off the via Garibaldi, a one-minute walk to the water and a five-minute uncrowded walk to the Arsenale vaporetto stop. An uncomplicated 17-minute walk to San Marco basilica along the water. Google Maps is showing some crazy way to get a vaporetto from the train station ("Ferrovia") to the Arsenale or Giardini stops, so look at this instead: https://actv.avmspa.it/sites/default/files/avm/navigazione/MAP/interattiva.html It's just the #1 vaporetto. Takes about half an hour, but I say that it's one of the best ways to spend half an hour in the whole world.

So, yeah, for schlepping luggage and other reasons, I'd lean towards Castello, too.

I do not know how the Biennale affects the crowds --- we've always avoided being in Venice during it. But someone here can tell you!

Posted by Mimi

Morrison, CO, USA

07/19/24 02:11 AM

893 posts

From 3 trips to Venice we have stayed on the Cannareggio Canal twice at the same hotel.

Ca Dogaresso has some Jr. Suite's that face the canal which is much quieter than the Grand Canal. The room is large with a large bathroom. Has a king sized bed and a sofa sleeper.

They are very friendly and there is a vaparetto stop on the canal very close to the hotel. I have always booked directly with the hotel. From the train station there is only 1 bridge to walk over.

Have a great trip!

Mimi