Dorsoduro takes its name from the "hard back" of compacted clay on which it sits, making it one of the most geologically stable parts of Venice. The sestiere stretches along the southern side of the Grand Canal and faces the Giudecca Canal, giving it long, sun-drenched waterfront promenades. The Zattere, a wide fondamenta running the length of the southern edge, is one of the finest walks in the city: gelato in hand, the island of Giudecca across the water, afternoon light reflecting off the lagoon. Dorsoduro is Venice's cultural and university quarter. The Gallerie dell'Accademia houses the definitive collection of Venetian painting from Bellini through Tiepolo. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, installed in the unfinished Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, is one of Europe's most important collections of modern art. Punta della Dogana, the old customs warehouse at the tip of the sestiere, now hosts contemporary art exhibitions in a space redesigned by Tadao Ando. The imposing church of Santa Maria della Salute, built as a votive offering after the plague of 1630, commands the entrance to the Grand Canal. Around Campo Santa Margherita, the main square of Dorsoduro, students from the nearby Ca' Foscari university fill the outdoor terraces of bars and pizzerias well into the night, giving the area a youthful, energetic atmosphere.
Dorsoduro
Updated 22 Mar 2026·How we research
Highlights
- Gallerie dell'Accademia
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Punta della Dogana
- Santa Maria della Salute
- Campo Santa Margherita
- Zattere promenade
- Ca' Rezzonico
- Squero di San Trovaso
Frequently Asked Questions
3 QuestionsIs Dorsoduro a good neighborhood for art lovers?
Dorsoduro is the best neighborhood in Venice for art. Within walking distance of each other, you have the Gallerie dell'Accademia (the greatest collection of Venetian old masters), the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (modern art), Punta della Dogana and Palazzo Grassi (contemporary art by the Pinault Foundation), and Ca' Rezzonico (18th-century Venetian art and decorative arts). You could spend an entire day moving between these museums.
What is Campo Santa Margherita like?
Campo Santa Margherita is the social heart of Dorsoduro and one of the most beloved squares among Venice residents. It hosts a small morning market and is surrounded by bars, cafes, and pizzerias. In the evening, university students and locals gather on the benches and terraces, making it one of the few places in Venice with a genuine nightlife scene. It is also a good area for affordable dining.
How do I reach Dorsoduro from the train station?
Vaporetto line 1 runs along the Grand Canal with stops at Accademia and Ca' Rezzonico, both in the heart of Dorsoduro. Line 2 stops at Accademia and Zattere. On foot, cross the Ponte degli Scalzi near the station and walk through San Polo and over the Ponte dell'Accademia, a scenic route of about 25 minutes.
