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Planning to live for a while in the city of canals and gondolas? If you’ve reached this article, you’re probably looking for the best accommodation in Venice for long-term stays. Don’t worry — we’ll help you find the ideal place to enjoy life in this unique Italian city.

Venice is a city like no other: a maze of canals, narrow alleys, and hidden corners full of history that captivate instantly. Seen from above, it’s a cluster of small islands separated by waterways. The main island is Venice itself, home to the most famous monuments, luxurious hotels, and the city’s true magic. It ranks among the world’s top tourist destinations, and once you arrive, you’ll understand why.

However, beyond being a short-holiday destination, it’s also an attractive choice for those wanting to live at a slower pace. For people arriving to work remotely, study, or simply explore Italy, choosing the right place to stay in Venice is crucial. Why’s that? Because the city doesn’t function like others: there are no cars, transport is by water, and the busiest tourist areas can be impractical for daily life.

So, today we’ll show you the best neighbourhoods in Venice for long-term stays and the most convenient accommodation types. In the end, you’ll surely find a Venetian corner that gives you enough inspiration to work or study.

accommodation in venice for long term stays

Where to stay in Venice: Accommodation types for long stays

Venice is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. The city welcomes travellers from every corner of the world who come to glide through its gondolas and admire St. Mark’s Square. Still, Venice also offers accommodation for those staying longer. After all, if you want to feel its essence, there’s no better way than living here for weeks or months.

First, it’s important to know that Venice is an expensive city to live in, and this includes rent. Although there are cheaper areas such as Mestre or Marghera, if you’d like to live on the main island, be prepared to pay from $540 (€500) per month for simple accommodation.

Besides its wide hotel offer, Venice has housing options designed for digital nomads, students, and entrepreneurs. Therefore, the key is choosing the right accommodation for your lifestyle. From Castello’s authentic and affordable vibe, to Dorsoduro’s cultural energy, or Cannaregio’s practicality, Venice truly has something for everyone.

Furnished flats: a practical choice for living in Venice

Although Venice is famous for its hotels, you’ll also find plenty of furnished flats for medium-term rental. They’re perfect for those who want a space to live, work, and relax.

You’ll find everything from small studios to one-bedroom apartments, either on the main island or in mainland areas such as Mestre or Marghera. Before renting, check which utilities are included in the final price, such as cleaning, electricity, or Wi-Fi.

The cost of a full flat varies by size, services, and location. On the main island, prices start at around $1,730 (€1,600) per month, while in Mestre, you’ll find slightly lower rates.

Shared rooms

Venice welcomes a large international student community every year. Shared rooms are one of the most affordable options for them. They’re also suitable for digital nomads who work from cafés or coworking spaces instead of their rooms. This type of living works best for friends or groups travelling together, since sharing with strangers can be uncomfortable.

Shared rooms in Venice are in high demand, so check options early and decide quickly. Consider the location too, especially if you need to be near a university or study centre.

Prices vary greatly depending on location. On the main island, shared rooms cost between $540–650 (€500–600) per month or more, while in Mestre they’re around $325 (€300). Usually, landlords ask for a minimum stay of one month. To find this type of housing, we recommend checking the Erasmus Play website.

Private room

If you’re travelling solo or prefer not to share, renting a private room can be a great middle ground. It’s cheaper than a full flat and often includes a small kitchen, desk, and utilities such as Wi-Fi, water, and heating. Contracts can be flexible, but some require a minimum stay of several months. In Mestre, prices start at $540 (€500), and on the main island, they’re slightly higher.

Student residences

Another affordable choice in Venice is student residences. They’re not for everyone, but they offer a budget-friendly way to live in the city. Most are in historic buildings, with small rooms and varying prices, usually between $430–760 (€400–700).

Hotels and aparthotels in Venice

Venice has countless hotels, both in tourist and residential areas. You might also consider staying in a hotel or aparthotel for longer periods. Many offer discounts for stays over 28 nights — the longer you stay, the bigger the discount. Smaller rooms aren’t ideal for remote work, but larger ones often include a kitchenette and desk.

We recommend checking hotel chains offering aparthotels, such as StaycityAdagioNH CollectionLeonardo Hotels, or Residence Corte Grimani, located right in central Venice. You can also search on BookingExpedia, or Airbnb, filtering for “long stay” or entering long dates to see automatic discounts.

Another tip: contact the hotel directly if you’re staying over a month, as they often give better off-platform rates.

How much does a long stay in a Venetian hotel cost? Prices depend on the hotel type and duration. In Mestre, hotels or aparthotels of similar quality cost around $970–1,620 (€900–1,500) per month. In Mestre, hotels or aparthotels of similar quality cost around $970–1,620 (€900–1,500) per month.

Staying connected in Venice

Besides finding accommodation, you’ll also need internet when moving to Venice for weeks or months. The Holafly eSIM for Italy is a practical solution for short stays, as it gives you fast internet for only the days you need.

Meanwhile, Holafly’s monthly plans are ideal for longer trips. They ensure stable internet throughout your stay without needing to buy a new eSIM every time you visit another country. You can use the same plan across Italy and more than 175 countries! It’s a great deal — no hidden fees and the option to cancel anytime.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

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Where to stay in Venice: Recommended neighbourhoods and areas

Venice lives and breathes tourism. So, deciding where to stay depends mainly on your purpose. If you’re visiting for just a few days, areas around St. Mark’s Square or the Grand Canal are best. Though pricier, you’ll have the city’s main attractions within walking distance. For longer stays and better prices, consider Dorsoduro, Castello, or Cannaregio — they’re cheaper yet well located.

Practical fact about Venice: Did you know the city consists of many islands connected by bridges and separated by canals? The main Venetian island is the historic centre, divided into six traditional districts or “sestieri”: San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, Castello, Santa Croce, and San Polo.

This is the area we’ll focus on for long-stay accommodation. However, you can also consider Mestre — Venice’s mainland zone. It’s cheaper, more modern, and well connected to the historic centre by train or bus in just 15–20 minutes.

Cannaregio

On Venice’s main island lies Cannaregio, one of its largest and most authentic neighbourhoods. Its narrow streets offer a taste of local life, far from tourist crowds. That’s why it’s one of the best areas to stay in Venice for a longer period.

The picturesque Cannaregio district features historic churches, palaces, bridges, and lovely squares that add romantic charm to your stay. It’s also home to the former Jewish Ghetto, visible in its synagogues and ancient alleys. Also worth mentioning are Strada Nova, the main shopping street in the district, and Fondamenta degli Ormesini, lively at night and lined with waterfront bars. Of course, there’s no shortage of canals and family-run restaurants with terraces. The Grand Canal itself begins here, winding in a reversed “S” shape towards St. Mark’s Square.

Cannaregio is well connected by vaporetto (water bus) and around 20 minutes on foot from St. Mark’s Square. From here, you can easily reach the airport, Santa Lucia train station, or other islands.

For digital nomads, Cannaregio doesn’t have major coworking spaces, but several cafés offer reliable Wi-Fi for working comfortably during the day. Top picks include Torrefazione Cannaregio and Café Noir.

Accommodation in Cannaregio

Cannaregio offers several housing options, from shared flats to studios for digital nomads and students. Many are near Fondamenta degli Ormesini, where the nightlife is lively. You’ll also find canal-view studios and small family hotels offering discounts for extended stays.

  • We recommend Hotel Ariel Silva and Alloggi Agli Artisti, both welcoming long-term guests.
  • The average price for a 28–30-night stay in a two- or three-star hotel with a private room, Wi-Fi, and bathroom is $1,300–1,600 (€1,200–1,500) for the former, and $1,600–2,200 (€1,500–2,000) for the latter.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is bohemian, artistic, and full of life — a favourite among artists, students, and academics. The atmosphere feels relaxed yet inspiring, far from tourist crowds. Just cross the Accademia Bridge over the Grand Canal, and you’re minutes away from St. Mark’s Square.

In your free time, visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia to see Venetian masterpieces, Punta della Dogana for contemporary art, and Campo Santa Margherita, packed with cafés and student life. As everywhere in Venice, you’ll enjoy canal walks and scenic bridges, especially the Accademia Bridge — a dream for photographers.

Dorsoduro is well connected by vaporetto lines 1 and 2, with useful stops like Accademia, Zattere, and Ca’ Rezzonico. The most useful stops are Accademia, Zattere, and Ca’ Rezzonico.

For work, you’ll find small coworking spaces linked to Ca’ Foscari University, as well as cafés with fast Wi-Fi. We recommend Café Rosso (facing Campo Santa Margherita) and Pasticceria Tonolo, ideal for working while enjoying tiramisù.

Accommodation in Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro offers cheaper hotels than the most touristy parts of Venice, though slightly pricier than Cannaregio. It also has a growing number of coliving and coworking options, especially near Ca’ Foscari.

  • We recommend Domus Ciliota and Hotel Belle Arti, two affordable choices often offering discounts for stays longer than two weeks. Palazzo Veneciano is another great pick due to its excellent location.
  • The average cost for 28–30 nights in a two- or three-star hotel with a private room, Wi-Fi, and bathroom ranges from $1,500–1,800 (€1,400–1,700) for the former, and $1,960–2,600 (€1,800–2,400) for the latter.
accommodation-in-Venice
Living in Venice for a while lets you experience the city’s real rhythm – @Shutterstock

Where to stay in Venice: Castello

Castello is Venice’s largest and least touristy district. It stretches east from St. Mark’s Square towards the lagoon. It’s ideal for long stays, offering local life, lower prices (the farther from the square, the cheaper), and peaceful streets full of daily charm. There are few tourists but plenty of restaurants, cafés, and hotels.

Main attractions include the Giardini della Biennale, with large green spaces beside the lagoon, and the Arsenale, a historic shipyard with stunning architecture. You’ll also find old churches, markets, and canal walks.

Transport is excellent, with several vaporetto stops — Giardini, Arsenale, and San Zaccaria — and easy walking access to central Venice.

Castello doesn’t have formal coworking spaces, but working from home is easy. While coliving options are scarce, there are cosy cafés perfect for remote work.

Accommodation in Castello

Castello offers good value for money compared with other districts. You’ll find well-located, quiet studios at affordable prices, starting from $760–1,030 (€700–950) per month.

  • For budget-friendly, well-rated hotels, we recommend Hotel RioSant’AntoninLocanda Silva, and Hotel Paganelli.
  • The average cost for 28–30 nights in a two- or three-star hotel with a private room, Wi-Fi, and bathroom ranges from $1,300–1,730 (€1,200–1,600) for the former, and $1,730–2,380 (€1,600–2,200) for the latter.

Frequently asked questions about staying in Venice

Which is the most expensive area to stay in Venice?

The most expensive accommodation in Venice is around St. Mark’s Square, the city’s main tourist hub. Staying here has advantages, as you’ll be steps away from the main attractions. However, it’s only worth it for short visits, if crowds don’t bother you and you have the budget.

Is there coliving in Venice?

Coliving is a concept that’s just starting to appear in Venice. At the moment, there aren’t many options. Still, this could change soon as digital nomads and remote workers grow in number and seek flexible community-based housing.

How much does it cost to stay for a month in a three-star hotel near St. Mark’s Square?

Staying for a month in a three-star hotel near St Mark’s Square can cost roughly between $4,180–6,600 (€3,800–6,000), so it’s not ideal for long stays. Of course, these prices can vary significantly depending on the season, demand, and included services. Still, it remains the least convenient option for those who wish to spend an extended period in the city.

Which area is cheaper, Cannaregio or Dorsoduro?

Cannaregio is usually cheaper than Dorsoduro and better connected if you’re arriving by train or carrying luggage. Dorsoduro offers more museums and canal views, but Cannaregio is best for local life and lower prices.

Is the Wi-Fi good in Venice accommodation?

Yes, most hotels, student residences, and apartments in Venice offer stable Wi-Fi. Still, it’s wise to confirm before booking and have mobile data as backup.

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