A well-reviewed bed and breakfast in a historic Venetian home in the Cannaregio district, offering simple but authentic accommodation with a personal touch. Excellent breakfasts, knowledgeable hosts, and a genuine non-touristy neighborhood experience.
B&B Corte Grimani is a bed and breakfast situated in the Cannaregio sestiere of Venice, one of the city's six historic districts and among the least intensely visited by tourists. The property is located at Cannaregio 3925, within the network of quiet calli and small campi that define the residential northern part of Venice, roughly equidistant between the Santa Lucia train station (approximately 15 minutes on foot) and the Strada Nova, the main pedestrian artery linking the station quarter to the Rialto Bridge. The Ghetto di Venezia — the world's oldest Jewish ghetto, established in 1516 — is within a few minutes' walk, as are the fondamente along the Cannaregio canal with their local bars and osterie. The B&B occupies a historic Venetian building typical of the Cannaregio streetscape, a multi-storey structure opening onto a small interior courtyard. Interior spaces retain period characteristics including plastered walls and traditional Venetian terrazzo flooring, furnished in a simple and comfortable style that reflects the property's intimate character. Accommodation comprises a limited number of guest rooms, each with WiFi access, in keeping with the small-scale, personal nature of the establishment. Breakfast is a highlighted feature of the stay. The hosting family prepares a home-style Italian breakfast that typically includes pastries sourced from local bakeries, fresh fruit, coffee, and seasonal items — a marked contrast to the impersonal buffets typical of larger hotels. Service is direct and personal; the hosts have deep knowledge of the neighbourhood and can direct guests to uncrowded bacari (traditional wine bars), family-run restaurants, and the rhythms of everyday Venetian life in a district largely unaffected by cruise-ship tourism. Cannaregio's vaporetto connections — via the stops along the Cannaregio canal and the Grand Canal route — link the neighbourhood to all major Venetian landmarks within 10 to 20 minutes. Eating and drinking in Cannaregio is considerably more affordable than in the zones immediately around Piazza San Marco. B&B Corte Grimani is best suited to independent travellers and couples seeking an authentic residential experience of Venice, comfortable navigating the city's alleyway topology and coordinating arrival directly with hosts.
Amenities
- breakfast included
- wifi
- local tips from host
Location
Cannaregio, 3925, 30121 Venezia VE
45.4455, 12.3313 View on map
Highlights
- Authentic Cannaregio neighbourhood stay in a historic Venetian building away from the main tourist crowds
- Home-prepared Italian breakfast with pastries from local bakeries — a personal touch uncommon in Venice accommodation
- Steps from the Venetian Ghetto, the oldest in the world, and the canal-side fondamente of northern Venice
- 15-minute walk to Santa Lucia train station with vaporetto connections to all major Venetian sights
- Hosts with first-hand knowledge of local bacari, osterie, and the quieter side of Venetian daily life
Tips for visiting
- Contact the hosts well in advance to arrange a check-in time — a 24-hour front desk is not available.
- Pack lightly or use hard-shell rolling luggage with care; Venice's bridges and cobblestone calli are difficult with large bags.
- Explore Fondamenta degli Ormesini and Fondamenta della Misericordia in the evenings for authentic local nightlife at neighbourhood prices.
- Vaporetto Line 1 along the Grand Canal and Line 2 from Ferrovia reach all major Venice landmarks within 10 to 20 minutes.
- Book early for Carnival (February) and the summer high season (June to August) — small B&Bs at this price point fill weeks ahead.
Accessibility
The B&B is housed in a traditional Venetian building with internal stairs and no lift. Venice's wider environment — cobblestone paths, numerous canal bridges with steps, and narrow calli — presents significant barriers for wheelchair users and guests with severe mobility limitations. Guests with reduced mobility are strongly advised to contact the property before booking to discuss room layout and building access.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is B&B Corte Grimani from St. Mark's Square?
Piazza San Marco is roughly 30 to 40 minutes on foot through the calli, or approximately 15 to 20 minutes by vaporetto from the Ferrovia stop on the Grand Canal.
Is parking available near the B&B?
Venice is a car-free city. Visitors arriving by car must use the Piazzale Roma multi-storey garages or the Tronchetto car park on the island's western edge, both about 15 to 20 minutes' walk or a short vaporetto ride from Cannaregio.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Yes, a home-prepared Italian breakfast is included. It typically features pastries from local bakeries, fresh fruit, and coffee, served in a personal setting by the hosts.
What distinguishes Cannaregio from other Venice neighbourhoods?
Cannaregio is primarily a residential district with daily food markets, local shops, and family-run restaurants. It receives far fewer day-trippers than San Marco or the Rialto area, offering a more grounded experience of how Venetians actually live.
Is the B&B suitable for families with children?
The property can accommodate small families, though Venice's bridges and narrow calli present real challenges with prams or pushchairs. Guests should inquire about specific room configurations and the building's access when booking.