11 of Our Favourite Venice Airbnb Alternatives With Canal Views
From romantic boltholes to palatial homes, here’s where to stay for the best views of Venice’s spectacular waterways
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So, you’re planning a trip to Venice and you’re looking for somewhere special to stay. We’re going to be honest with you – what would be the point of coming to this picturesque city if you’re not going to wake up each morning to panoramas of the iconic canals? We simply can’t let that happen. To help you out, our travel experts here at Plum Guide have selected their top Airbnb alternatives in Venice with canal views. Whether you’re looking to unwind or entertain, these homes promise the best panoramas in the city.
The Loredan
The Loredan, Plum Guide home in Venice
You wanted Airbnb alternatives in Venice with canal views? Well, how about one right on the Grand Canal? With large windows and a marble balcony (perfect for morning coffees), you can’t help being drawn to the panoramas outside. It may prove difficult, but don’t let them distract you from the opulent interiors – we’re talking plush sofas, extravagant chandeliers and bespoke wallpaper. If it feels like it’s fit for royalty, that’s because it is – the home is located within Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore, a 15th-century Gothic palace once home to the noble Loredan family. It even comes with its own vaporetto jetty, so you can roll out of your four-poster bed and be on the water in minutes.
Cosy On The Canal
Cosy on the Canal, Plum Guide home in Venice
You may have to climb a few flights of stairs, but the far-reaching views of the canal below are worth it. The balcony is our favourite place to sit and watch the gondolas drift past – dusk is a particularly lovely time to do just that, enjoying a glass of Italian wine as the skies turn pink. The home has a fuss-free, contemporary interior with just a hint of history through the exposed wooden beams. Its neutral colour scheme and warm lighting create a zen-like space, somewhere to unwind and relax at the end of a busy day sightseeing. Piazza San Marco is just a stone’s throw away, so a stay here means you’ll have easy access to all of Venice’s best attractions.
Canal Song
Canal Song, Plum Guide home in Venice
Overlooking one of the city's smaller (but no less charming) canals, this home is a fantastic choice for those who want to be at the heart of the action. It couldn't get any more central if it tried – located between San Marco and Castello, you're just a quick stroll from the Rialto Bridge. Despite its location, there's plenty of space to chill out both inside and outside. The private roof terrace is a generous size, with comfy deck chairs, a table for four and views of the canal below – we don't blame you if you spend most of the day out here. With two decent-sized bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home is ideal for a group of friends or a family looking for the perfect base for sightseeing.
Blue Velvet Dreams
Blue Velvet Dreams, Plum Guide home in Venice
Views take centre stage in this apartment on the Rio dei Carmini canal. The balcony may be on the smaller side, but it certainly doesn't compromise the vistas. There's so much to take in, from the gondolas floating by to people strolling across the footbridge and along the waterfront. Inside, the decor is minimalistic, with plenty of seating and high lofty ceilings creating a bright and friendly space. Fling open the French doors and let the fresh air in, the peaceful murmur of the canal drifting upwards. We know it'll be hard to leave the apartment once you set foot in it, but you're just a five-minute stroll from the Gallerie dell'Accademia, which is worth the visit.
The Palace By The Canal
The Palace By The Canal, Plum Guide home in Venice
With its blend of Art Nouveau touches, this home right on the Cannaregio Canal really lives up to its name. The living space is a great place to socialise around the large dining table and cosy seating area, but it’s the kitchen which is the real star of the show – any serious chef will be drooling over the huge island. When you’re not fighting over the five luxurious bedrooms, enjoy the little details of the home, from the vintage furniture to the roll-top bath. Our favourite feature is the charming little window seat, a delightful spot for curling up with a good book and gazing out at the canal and historic buildings surrounding the home.
Another Level
Another Level, Plum Guide home in Venice
This top-floor apartment is an 18th-century gem set on the banks of the Grand Canal. The views from the terrace stretch across the water to the famous bell tower in Piazza San Marco – how's that for impressive panoramas? Inside, you'll find old-world features mixed with all the creature comforts you'll need. We're big fans of the hand-painted walls and marble-clad bathrooms. Plus, you can't beat the location. Fifteen minutes on foot will take you to the heart of all the action in Piazza San Marco.
I’ve Got The Power
I’ve Got the Power, Plum Guide home in Venice
Set within a former thermal power plant, this snazzy apartment is one of the more unique homes on our list of Airbnb alternatives in Venice with canal views. Further surprises await inside with its upside-down layout, with the bright and breezy living space set above the bedrooms. Designed to maximise those views across the city, the open-plan living room has plenty of space for you to sprawl out on its comfy seating. However, you’ll be tempted to spend most of your time on the huge terrace, a wonderful suntrap boasting vistas of the water and the mountains in the distance. If you can tear yourself away from the views, the restaurant-packed areas of Cannaregio and Guglie are just a short walk away.
Terrazza Treasure
Terrazza Treasure, Plum Guide home in Venice
Heading to Venice on a romantic getaway? With your very own terrace overlooking the Arsenale Canal, this cosy one-bedroom home is the perfect love nest. This is a quiet stretch of canal, so you can enjoy peaceful meals and downtime out on the terrace – it even serves as a place for some late-night stargazing. There’s a rustic charm about the home, with beamed ceilings and large windows overlooking the greenery. When the weather turns, draw the curtains and get comfy on the sofa. The kitchenette just about fits two people, but there are plenty of restaurants nearby, as well as iconic sights like Piazza San Marco.
Acqua Scintillante
Acqua Scintillante, Plum Guide home in Venice
If you're coming to Italy in search of la dolce vita, you'll find it right here in this stunning waterfront home. Spend lazy days slouched on the sofas, sunlight streaming in through the huge windows. Looking out over the Giudecca Canal, you can enjoy postcard-perfect views right from the comfort of the living room. Balmy evenings are best spent out on the private terrace from which you can admire the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. The home is set within the lively Dorsoduro neighbourhood, filled with boutiques, restaurants and some of Venice's most renowned art collections, including the Galleria dell'Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. When you're exhausted from exploring, gather in the more intimate second lounge for card games or reading before bed, or decompress in your very own sauna.
Bellini Vistas
Bellini Vistas, Plum Guide home in Venice
What if we told you that you could see all of Venice’s best sights from the comfort of your home? Boasting views of the Bacino San Marco, the Lido, San Servolo, San Lazzaro degli Armeni, San Giorgio Maggiore, the Punta Della Dogana and the beginning of the Grand Canal, we challenge you to find somewhere better to stay than this home. What’s more, there’s room for six people, making it the best place to bring a group of friends to celebrate New Year’s Eve or the Redentore Festival – you’ll get a front-row seat to the magnificent fireworks display. In fact, the home is designed for entertaining, with a large kitchen for dinner parties and a choice of two lounges for catching up over a glass of wine.
Cannaletto’s Vision
Canaletto's Vision, Plum Guide home in Venice
You asked for Airbnb alternatives in Venice with canal views, and this final home definitely delivers. It benefits from all the same waterfront panoramas as Bellini Vistas, but its one bedroom (plus sofa bed) means it's better suited for a couple or a small family. That doesn't mean it's any less impressive though, as the bedroom opens up onto the rather romantic, plant-filled terrace. Enjoying an espresso in the morning sunshine is the best way to start the day, and there's even a pair of sun loungers should you want to top up your tan. A five-minute walk away is a well-stocked supermarket with all the essentials, but to venture further out you'll find a nearby water taxi stop to catch a ride into the centre.
