Santa Croce

Mostly industrial, a little historical

Noteworthy for: This is the only sestiere in Venice where road vehicles are permitted.
Unless cars and concrete thrill you more than canals and cobbles - in which case, may we recommend Atlanta, Georgia? - you're probably not going to spending much time in Santa Croce. Situated in the northwest of the city, the district is home to the transport hubs of Piazzale Roma and the Tronchetto, and it's here where cars coming across the road bridge have to park and where the tourist buses disgorge their cargo.

Santa Croce's fate was sealed in 1933, when much of the district was obliterated to make way for the lagoon road, but away from the charmless western end you can still find several examples of the district's mediaeval origins, most notably the churches of San Giacomo dell'Orio and San Zan Degola. Those on a budget might also consider staying here, as hotels, bars and restaurants are more affordable than in the rest of the city.