Castello

The sestiere with a split personality

Noteworthy for: If you're craving space and greenery, head here: most of Venice's parks and gardens are in Castello.
Word to the wise: Hotels in Castello are among the most expensive in Venice. Only stay here if there's something specific you want to be close to.

Venice's largest sestiere stretches from the Ponte di Rialto right over to the Giardini Pubblici and Sant'Elena and is the only district to border both the north and south lagoons.
It also has two sides to its character. The western end, near Piazza San Marco and Riva deli Schiavoni, is wildly touristy, expensive and claustrophobic, while a short walk east and you'll find yourself in a tranquil, spacious oasis.

Across the northern end of Castello is the Fondamenta Nuova, a long strip facing the lagoon, where many of the vaporetti and traghetti depart for Burano and Murano. There are quite a few pleasant walks along here, which take you past the Arsenale and towards the parks and gardens. Explore the side streets and you'll discover sweet, inexpensive cafes and osteria.