Santa Croce
Santa Croce
4.5
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The area
Neighborhood: Santa Croce
Santa Croce gained importance as a sestiere (district) when Piazzale Roma was created in the 1930s to bring cars and buses close to the center of Venice. Constitution Bridge spans the Grand Canal linking Piazzale Roma to the train station. This area buzzes with energy from travelers and students. Historic palaces and former industrial buildings house some departments of Ca' Foscari and IUAV Architecture universities. On the Fondaco dei Turchi, Venice's Museum of Natural History offers Venetians prehistoric thrills, plus an overview of lagoon fish and wildlife. The Grand Canal, northern boundary of Santa Croce, is lined with palaces and decorated by the tall green dome of San Simeon Piccolo. Ca' Pesaro attracts Venetians to its contemporary art exhibitions. The Grand Canal exposes only one face of these buildings. On the opposite side, the palace often interacts with a square or a busy street to represent its neighborhood identity.
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1,529 within 3 miles
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1,014 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
146 reviews
Excellent
61
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67
Average
18
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0
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Massimiliano P
Novara, Italy48,210 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
The Santa Croce district develops on the opposite bank of the Grand Canal from Cannaregio, and turns out to be the most particular district of Venice, especially for what is the collective imagination. The primary peculiarity of Santa Croce is that it is the main arrival and departure point for residents and tourists, enclosing both the Santa Lucia train station and the parking area of Piazzale Roma within its boundaries. Although many people pass through it, it is still a quiet and residential area even if there are picturesque views typical of the lagoon city, in this regard it is worth remembering that two of the four bridges over the Grand Canal, Calatrava and Scalzi, are located in this district. On an artistic and cultural level, the main destinations to visit are Palazzo Mocenigo and the Gallery of Modern Art, housed at Cà Pesaro.
Automatically translated
Written February 21, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
romanshorner
Munich, Germany1,323 contributions
Feb 2020
Although this part of the city is near the railway station and near the bus stops and parking lots, it is still a quiet part. There are no main sights there, but it is a good area to walk around and just enjoy Venice. It is not dead, there are still local people, shops and restaurants. There are not only the typical souvenir shops, you also can find more exclusive things there.
Written January 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
psmythe72
Chester, UK16 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Love this area of Venice, close to everything but also a quieter area. Visited with my daughter and felt safe to walk around in the wee hours. Very close to the bus station and only a few minutes walk from water buses, supermarkets, train station etc. Plenty of restaurants & places to eat and drink. Perfect
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands6,725 contributions
Sep 2021
This neighborhood of Venice is most affected by 'modernization'. I even saw cars here, as people who work in the port administration are allowed to drive to their workplace. However, the eastern part of this sestiere (opposite the railwaystation) is mostly traditional and historic. Good to get an impression of every day city life. Children playing at a square (San Giacomo dall'Orio). Elderly people strolling around. Some students enjoying themselves. Workers gathering at a café in the evening.
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rumples
Tucson, AZ11,774 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
One of the six districts in Venice's historic center, Santa Croce brings me back on every visit to the city. We always choose lodging here in the center's western corner because of its quiet charm. An absence of the sights considered by many to be "must sees" keeps the tourists down, ensuring that Santa Croce's narrow streets and small stone bridges over tiny canals remain uncrowded. Much of the small district is a series of neighborhoods with residents going about their business and shops catering mostly to them rather than the city's huge influx of visitors. Its Piazzale Roma, however, provides a sharp contrast because of the busy bus terminal and car parks there.
Though much of Santa Croce harbors a stillness, especially at night, I consider it to be an easy walk to where the action is, such as the lively Rialto markets and St. Mark's Square. And it is just over the Scalzi Bridge from the Santa Lucia railway station, making the district a good place to stay for those arriving with luggage, who aren't interested in water transport and don't want to lug bags a long way.
Attractions in Santa Croce do exist, though they may not be in the top tier of places to visit in Venice. For example, I really like lovely San Stae next to the vaporetto stop of the same name on the Grand Canal. And nearby Ca' Pesaro, a magnificent Baroque palace, holds museums devoted separately to modern (19th and 20th centuries) and oriental art. The cafe here on the ground floor has a terrace with tables right by the Grand Canal. On my December 2016 visit, I sat there long after finishing my excellent cappuccino to continue watching the activity on the canal. Perhaps my favorite place, however, is the delightful square of Campo San Giacomo dell' Oro. In nice weather, this is a perfect place to sit on a bench with a pastry from Majer, a nearby bakery.
Though much of Santa Croce harbors a stillness, especially at night, I consider it to be an easy walk to where the action is, such as the lively Rialto markets and St. Mark's Square. And it is just over the Scalzi Bridge from the Santa Lucia railway station, making the district a good place to stay for those arriving with luggage, who aren't interested in water transport and don't want to lug bags a long way.
Attractions in Santa Croce do exist, though they may not be in the top tier of places to visit in Venice. For example, I really like lovely San Stae next to the vaporetto stop of the same name on the Grand Canal. And nearby Ca' Pesaro, a magnificent Baroque palace, holds museums devoted separately to modern (19th and 20th centuries) and oriental art. The cafe here on the ground floor has a terrace with tables right by the Grand Canal. On my December 2016 visit, I sat there long after finishing my excellent cappuccino to continue watching the activity on the canal. Perhaps my favorite place, however, is the delightful square of Campo San Giacomo dell' Oro. In nice weather, this is a perfect place to sit on a bench with a pastry from Majer, a nearby bakery.
Written February 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda B
Manchester, UK154 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Our hotel was in Santa Croce and we found it a great area to base ourselves . The hotel was along the Grand Canal so lovely views from there. Transport is easy in this area a train station,boats and the bus station was nearby to. Less tourists than San Marco but easy enough to walk everywhere. We also took a gondola ride down the smaller canals in Santa Croce which was nice . Walking down the narrow streets you come across little shops and nice less expensive restaurants. We managed to get around Venice pretty well from here. Some beautiful churches too. Just remember to dress appropriately when visiting them. Some did have shawls you can use but I lost count of how many people were turned away because they hadn't covered tops of arms and legs. Common sense really. Even if you don't stay in this area it's a nice place to spend time.
Written August 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danny Too
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia1,151 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Santa Croce is a laid-back area in Venice with a strong local vibe. It is not "proliferated" with tourists and this square is home to casual eateries serving local and global cuisine. On the Grand Canal, the imposing Fondaco dei Turchi features exhibits on natural history while the nearby Ca' Pesaro palace showcases contemporary art and Asian decorative arts.
Santa Croce is located very near to Piazza Roma, which is the main transportation hub for Venice. Therefore, if you are staying around this area, you do not have to drag your luggage for a long distance before catching your trip to the airport or next destination. I personally love this area very much.
Santa Croce is located very near to Piazza Roma, which is the main transportation hub for Venice. Therefore, if you are staying around this area, you do not have to drag your luggage for a long distance before catching your trip to the airport or next destination. I personally love this area very much.
Written April 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciaojimi
Aurora, IN1,075 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
With the bus and train station close by you just can't miss with this neighborhood. Much slower pace than the tourist types and a lot more local feeling . This is where I'd stay because it's always easy to find and get back too . Yes there is night life here and the cost is much more reasonable .
Written September 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madalineFirbeck
firbeck26 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
Booked this apartment through Venetian apartments, absolutely amazing. The area, santa croce is more local than touristy and the square was lovely. Had a co-op, deli, cafe come wine bar and restaraunt. The prices were fantastic, cappacino 1.30 euros and fab italian merlot 3.00euros per glass!!! The co-op had everything you could possibly need and the deli which belonged to the cafe sold fab sandwiches and prosecco and gorgeous italian icecream.
The apartments name is San giacomo del orio and hhas 2 bedrooms and three terraces!!!! one being a foof top terrace which we used everyday. Bought a vapereto ticket for the week which cost 50.00 euros each which is excellent value as you can go everywhere all week hopping on and off where you like!! All in all a fantastic week which i would recommend to anyone and so much cheaper than staying near san marco, this is an area worth visiting, we will definately be back!!!
The apartments name is San giacomo del orio and hhas 2 bedrooms and three terraces!!!! one being a foof top terrace which we used everyday. Bought a vapereto ticket for the week which cost 50.00 euros each which is excellent value as you can go everywhere all week hopping on and off where you like!! All in all a fantastic week which i would recommend to anyone and so much cheaper than staying near san marco, this is an area worth visiting, we will definately be back!!!
Written September 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigHugh51
Adelaide, Australia3,628 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
During a previous visit to Venice, we had stayed in a hotel located within this neighbourhood. It was a handy location because it was near the main railway station, a bus terminus and the cruise ship terminal. It also has water bus stop located on the Grand Canal.
Our most recent visit to Venice saw us once again pass through this neighbourhood. We were on a long walk from the cruise ship terminal to San Marco Square. While in the vicinity, we took the opportunity to stroll alongside some of the smaller canals located here. We chose this option because it was a very hot day and there was more shade available here than walking along beside the Grand Canal.
This deviation afforded us the opportunity to take a quiet look at some of the small shops located here and to observe the charming architecture of the buildings located here.
Certainly a little different compared to the central part of Venice.
Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area!
Our most recent visit to Venice saw us once again pass through this neighbourhood. We were on a long walk from the cruise ship terminal to San Marco Square. While in the vicinity, we took the opportunity to stroll alongside some of the smaller canals located here. We chose this option because it was a very hot day and there was more shade available here than walking along beside the Grand Canal.
This deviation afforded us the opportunity to take a quiet look at some of the small shops located here and to observe the charming architecture of the buildings located here.
Certainly a little different compared to the central part of Venice.
Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area!
Written October 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can anyone tell me if its possible to get from San Stae to Marco Polo? I bought a ticket from a vaporetto office but I'm not sure I got the correct info. She has given me a ticket for Alilaguana at €15 but that doesn't seem to stop here. Any help appreciated.
Written June 15, 2022
Is there any supermarkets/grocery stores/market in this area to purchase food to prepare a meal? Presume there must be something for the locals to purchase food for meals??
Written November 7, 2019
What is the easiest way to get here from Trevino airport?
Written July 29, 2019
hi
thanks for your kind note
if you need any help where to eat etc give me a shout
jj
Written August 7, 2019
Hello,
What is the easiest way to get to here from Marco Polo airport?
Thank you.
Written October 12, 2016
We took the airport express bus. Bought a return ticket so was already there for the way back and caught the bus just outside the main entrance of the airports.
Written October 18, 2016
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