Which neighborhood to stay in Venice and the Vaperetto pass

Posted by wcbhkids on 07/06/24 01:24 PM

I will be in Venice for 3 nights, arriving from the airport and departing via train to Milan. Where should we look for lodging? I've heard good things about Cannaregio and Castello. Both are quieter areas, and Cannaregio is closer to the train while Castello is supposedly more "authentic".

I'm considering whether the Vaperetto pass is a good value. Is validity actually by the hour (24, 48, 72 hours) rather than 1-3 days? Is the bus ride (bus #5) from airport included in the pass? I will probably walk everywhere since I enjoy walking, but will need public transport from airport and maybe going to the train depending where I stay. I'll be nice to ride a boat a couple times just for fun too.

Posted by Mack

Adams Basin

07/06/24 01:55 PM

564 posts

We chose to stay in Dorsoduro. Everything we were interested in was within walking distance or easily accessible by Vaporetto. As I recall, we took a bus from the airport. I believe we paid for the bus and Vaporetto pass at the same time. Sorry, it's been a few years, so the recollection is not clear. What is clear is that it was very easy to take care of at the airport. There were many options, and they were all well explained. You will have no trouble figuring it out once you arrive.

Posted by ChristineH

Gettysburg PA

07/06/24 02:08 PM

7229 posts

Buy your vaporetto pass at the airport and include the bus with it.

It is a true 24/48/72 hour pass.
If first use is 10 am on Monday it is good thru 10 am Tuesday.

Be sure to validate each and every time you board the vaporetto

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

07/06/24 02:19 PM

21218 posts

You must specify the bus adder (1 way or r/t) when you buy the pass and pay extra for it, although it is at a discount over a standalone ticket.

Posted by ChinaLake67

NorthCarolina

07/06/24 02:39 PM

1077 posts

The Rick Steves Venice Pocket Guide Book is a great book for the area and explains the Vaporetto pass well.

We tend to hire a private water taxi from the airport to our hotel = yes, it is pricey, but after traveling all night and the large crowds at the airport - we just find it's worth the money - plus, the ride into Venice on a private boat is so amazing.
Even tho you say you like to walk, I highly suggest you put the FREE Rick Steves app on your phone - go the the Venice Section and listen to the FREE tour of the Vaporetto - it takes you around the whole canal and is a great introduction to Venice and the history of the canal. Plus - lots of free walking and cathedral tours of Venice and many other Italy places are on this app.

As far as which area to stay in - you'll get so many opinions on this. We've stayed in OFF THE BEATEN PATH areas and in the main areas and enJOY both for different reasons. Our favorite B&B 'off the beaten path' is Campiello Zen - it is amazing = the owners are so helpful, the breakfast is great, there is a Vaporetto stop VERY close so you don't have to haul luggage far or across bridges. Our fav small local-owned hotel with only 9 rooms is right at the Rialto Bridge - it has a private dock if you take a private water taxi so you get dropped off right at the hotel -- Al Ponte Antico Hotel.

Posted by geovagriffith

07/06/24 02:53 PM

8322 posts

Cannaregio has worked for use more than once. Prices are lower there than closer to St. Marks Square and it is convenient to the train station and Piazalle.