This was my favorite neighborhood. Cross the Accademia bridge and just stroll among very clean streets full of art galleries, shops and restaurants. Go all the way to Santa Maria della Salute (it is under construction, but still impressive area on the outside). From there can take traghetto across to St.Marks , or vaporetto #1 back to hotel, better yet, along the entire length of Grand Canal.

I chose this after getting a bit of advise from a seasoned Venice traveller. Definitely better than staying near the piazza. St Mark's square area is vibrant and full of amusement but it is also terribly crowded and if you want some quiet time, you are better of choosing Dorsoduro where you can have both the nice sites and busy areas but also the quiet alleys. As a plus, you get to take pictures without the intrusive tourists and visitors. There are beautiful sites everywhere and a great combination of students and people of all ages sharing the space.

There is great art here and the Disney visitors across the canal miss this. Learn the whole history of Venetian painting at L'Accademia!!! Then visit Scuola di San Rocco (Tintoretto frescoes), Ca Rezzonico (Tiepolo), Santa Marie della Salute (Marriage at Cana by Tintoretto, Saint Mark Enthroned by Titian) The churches of Venice are loaded with Renaissance masterpieces Finish with Guggenheim Modern Art Start EARLY. Take your time. Try to stay overnight.