Dorsoduro neighborhood
Aerial view one of the most popular things to do in Venice, exploring the picturesque Dorsoduro district of Venice with its historic architecture and winding canals
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Navigating The Dorsoduro neighborhood : Answers to common questions

  • Admission Fee: There is no admission fee to explore Dorsoduro itself, but museums, galleries, and certain attractions within the neighborhood may have entrance fees.
  • How Long to Visit: The time spent in Dorsoduro varies, with visitors potentially spending a full day exploring its museums, galleries, shops, and scenic canals.
  • Washrooms: Public washrooms in Dorsoduro can be found but may be limited. Facilities are typically available in museums, galleries, and some public buildings.
  • Hours of Operation: Dorsoduro is accessible throughout the day, with evening hours offering a lively atmosphere in local bars and restaurants.
  • Important Information: Dorsoduro, known for its artistic and academic atmosphere, offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary culture, making it a vibrant neighborhood to explore in Venice.
  • Handicap Accessible: Dorsoduro's walkways are generally accessible, but visitors should be mindful of occasional steps and uneven surfaces typical of Venice's historic areas.
  • Pets: Pets are common in Dorsoduro, with many locals and visitors walking their dogs. However, pets should be on a leash, and it's important to adhere to local regulations regarding pets in public spaces.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, offering insights into Dorsoduro's history, art, and architecture, including visits to its renowned galleries and museums.
  • Restaurant or Cafe: Dorsoduro offers a variety of dining options, from traditional trattorias to modern cafes, reflecting the neighborhood's mix of local culture and student life.
  • Gift Shop: Shopping in Dorsoduro includes art galleries, boutiques, and markets, offering everything from unique Venetian crafts to contemporary fashion and art.
  • Parking: Parking is limited in Dorsoduro due to Venice's structure. Visitors typically use public water transport or park at designated areas on the mainland or Piazzale Roma.
  • Family Friendly: Dorsoduro is family-friendly, offering parks, museums, and waterfront areas that appeal to all ages. The neighborhood's relatively quieter streets are conducive for family outings.
  • Photography: Photography is highly encouraged in Dorsoduro, capturing its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant art scene. Respect private property and artistic copyrights when photographing.
  • WIFI: Public WIFI access varies throughout Dorsoduro, with better connectivity near university areas, cafes, and main squares.
  • Picnic Area: While there are no designated picnic areas in Dorsoduro, the neighborhood's parks and waterfronts provide lovely spots for outdoor eating, weather permitting.

    Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.

    Given the propensity of Venice to suffer flooding, the Dorsoduro, which translates as “high ridge”, is on comparatively high, solid ground and impervious to the whims of the oceanic tides. As such, it is home to vast collections of art, housed in numerous galleries, safe from the threat of flood waters. This includes the Venetian edition of New York’s Guggenheim Museum, here situated in a waterside facility.

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    Map for The Dorsoduro neighborhood

    Did You Know?

    Ca' Rezzonico, a museum dedicated to 18th-century Venice, is located along the Grand Canal in Dorsoduro. The museum is housed in a magnificent palazzo that was designed by the famous architect Baldassarre Longhena in the 17th century, and its interiors are adorned with frescoes, paintings, and furniture of the period, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Venice's upper class during the Baroque era.

    Dorsoduro is one of the six sestieri (districts) of Venice, Italy, known for its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It's located on the south side of the city and offers a blend of tourist attractions and residential areas, providing a glimpse into the daily life of Venetians.

    The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, another jewel of Dorsoduro, is one of the most illustrious museums of modern art in Italy. Located in the 18th-century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, it hosts Peggy Guggenheim's personal collection of 20th-century art, including masterpieces by Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, and Miró.

    The Gallerie dell'Accademia, situated in Dorsoduro, houses one of the most important collections of Venetian painting in the world, spanning from the Byzantine and Gothic fourteenth century to the artists of the Renaissance. Visitors can admire works by Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Titian, and many others.

    Campo Santa Margherita, a large and lively square in Dorsoduro, serves as a social hub for both locals and students from the nearby universities. The square is filled with cafes, bars, and markets, making it a perfect spot to experience the local Venetian lifestyle, especially during the evening passeggiata (evening stroll).

    Travel Information for
    Venice Visitors

    Time Zone: Venice operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).

    Weather: Venice has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm and humid with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F), while winters are cold with temperatures averaging around 3°C (37°F). Acqua alta (high water) is a phenomenon that causes flooding in Venice, typically occurring in autumn and winter.

    Population: Venice has a population of about 260,000 residents. However, this number is steadily decreasing due to various factors, including rising living costs and flooding issues.

    Size: The city covers an area of about 414.6 square kilometers (160.1 square miles), including both the lagoon and the historical city.

    Language: Italian is the official language. Venetian, a distinct dialect of Italian, is also widely spoken. English is commonly used in tourist areas.

    Currency: Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always useful to have cash for smaller shops and restaurants.

    Safety: Venice is generally safe for tourists. However, like in any major tourist destination, it's wise to be cautious of pickpockets and scams targeting tourists.

    Tipping: Tipping in Venice is not obligatory, but it's appreciated. In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a small tip (around 5-10%) if the service is good.

    Electricity and Plugs: Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs, and the standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different standards will need adapters.

    Water: Tap water in Venice is safe to drink. In fact, it's known for being high quality.

    Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The Dorsoduro neighborhood

    Address:

    Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

    Latitude: 45.4308

    Longitude: 12.3267

    More Places and Things To Do in Venice Within 500 km/300 mi of The Dorsoduro neighborhood

    The Peggy Guggenheim Collection


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is 0.4 KM / 0.2 MI

    Teatro La Fenice


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to Teatro La Fenice is 0.6 KM / 0.4 MI

    The Venice Carnival


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to The Venice Carnival is 1 KM / 0.6 MI

    The Grand Canal


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to The Grand Canal is 1 KM / 0.6 MI

    St. Mark's Square


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to St. Mark's Square is 1 KM / 0.6 MI

    St. Mark's Basilica


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to St. Mark's Basilica is 1.1 KM / 0.7 MI

    The Rialto Bridge


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to The Rialto Bridge is 1.1 KM / 0.7 MI

    Doge's Palace


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to Doge's Palace is 1.2 KM / 0.7 MI

    Ca dOro


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to Ca dOro is 1.2 KM / 0.8 MI

    Cannaregio


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to Cannaregio is 1.4 KM / 0.9 MI

    The Venetian Ghetto


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to The Venetian Ghetto is 1.7 KM / 1 MI

    The Murano Glass Museum


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to The Murano Glass Museum is 3.7 KM / 2.3 MI

    Burano island


    The Distance from The Dorsoduro neighborhood to Burano island is 9.3 KM / 5.7 MI