The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Venice

There’s another side to Venice away from the tourist-packed main squares. Wander a little further to discover the city known only by its residents, with quiet streets and local shops. This family-run property is squeezed between a lush Venetian garden and a medieval courtyard, and is still only a short walk from the lively bars of Cannaregio and the city’s major attractions. Al fresco breakfast on the sun-dappled terrace is worth checking in for alone.

This B&B with boutique flair, just a few minutes’ stroll from St Mark’s Square, is one seriously stylish property. Rooms have hip bare brick walls or opulent brocade wallpaper with purple velvet drapes, intricate carved beds, antique furniture and deep red accents for a grand feel. The real bonus is the top-floor reading room and spacious terrace, where you can sip a bellini with a view over Venice’s rooftops.

No need to stagger down to breakfast on your well-deserved holiday at this lovely B&B in the quiet neighbourhood of Santa Croce, a five-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge and 15 minutes from Santa Lucia train station. The most important meal of the day is served in your bedroom until 10am each morning, so you can come round in your own time in elegant bedrooms decked out in cream with gold touches.

Art lovers couldn’t be in a better spot at this B&B within a striking 17th-century building. The property overlooks the Rio della Fornace and is right next to the unmissable Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Venice’s most iconic museum, Gallerie dell’Accademia. This is also a great option for families, as spacious suites sleep up to four people and come with canal views.

There’s more to Venice than St Mark’s Square. This townhouse B&B in a 14th-century building is a 10-minute walk from Campo San Polo, the city’s second largest square yet often overlooked by day-tripping tourists. The Rialto Bridge and the Basilica dei Frari are close by, while a nearby vaporetto (water bus) stop means the rest of the city is within easy reach. The property also has its own mooring on the Grand Canal for travelling by water taxi.

This B&B in Riva San Biasio, on the road from St Mark’s Square to the Biennale Gardens, may offer smart neutral rooms and a generous buffet breakfast – but it’s the view that really wows guests. The windows and terraces overlook the Lido of Venice and the island of San Giorgio for a vista you’ll never tire of. When you do drag yourself away, the neighbourhood of Castello is on the doorstep with its parks, pavement cafes and bars away from the tourist crowds.

In this famously romantic city, it can be difficult to find a place to stay if you’re travelling with children. This city centre B&B is a great option, close to kid-friendly attractions like the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. There are also family restaurants a few minutes’ walk away, and modern rooms include an apartment that sleeps five comfortably.

Designed by its Venetian architect owner and run by his American wife, it’s no surprise this property in a 15th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal is a cut above the average B&B. The location is already unbeatable, in the quiet Santa Croce district close to all the big-ticket attractions, while this inviting five-room B&B has its own statue-lined courtyard, guest kitchen and chic contemporary rooms. Three of these face the Grand Canal itself for a truly unforgettable stay.