The official HI Youth Hostel in Venice, located on the Giudecca island with good facilities and spectacular views. Dormitory and private rooms available, with a popular cafeteria restaurant serving affordable meals. Great for solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors.
The Ostello di Venezia is Venice's official HI (Hostelling International) Youth Hostel, located on the Giudecca island at Fondamenta Zitelle in the southern part of Venice, Veneto. The property occupies a sizeable building facing north across the Giudecca Canal, with views toward the rooftops and campanili of Dorsoduro and the distant skyline of Venice's historic centre.
Accommodation consists primarily of dormitory beds in mixed and single-sex rooms, alongside a limited number of twin and family rooms for guests seeking semi-private arrangements. The hostel operates on HI membership terms — international guests with a valid HI card receive reduced rates, and membership cards can be purchased on-site. The cafeteria-style restaurant serves affordable set-menu meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it one of Venice's few genuinely budget dining options and a significant advantage for travellers on tight itineraries.
The Giudecca location offers a practical advantage: vaporetto Line 2 from the Zitelle stop, directly outside the hostel, reaches Piazza San Marco in approximately 10 minutes, giving good access to Venice's main attractions at a fraction of central accommodation prices. Giudecca itself is a working residential island with a quieter atmosphere than the more touristic sestieri — the long fondamenta offers pleasant morning walks along the canal, and Palladio's 16th-century Redentore church is a short walk from the hostel.
The hostel suits budget-conscious travellers, students, school and youth groups, and solo travellers on extended Italy itineraries. It represents genuinely affordable accommodation in Venice — a city where budget options are consistently scarce. Lockers, communal showers, a terrace overlooking the canal, and a common room with basic facilities round out the amenities.
Amenities
- cafeteria
- wifi
- dorms
- lockers
- terrace
Location
Fondamenta Zitelle, 86, 30133 Venezia VE
45.4254, 12.3291 View on map
Highlights
- Official HI Youth Hostel on Giudecca with affordable dormitory and private room options
- Budget cafeteria serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner — one of Venice's few genuinely cheap dining options
- Direct vaporetto to Piazza San Marco (Line 2, Zitelle stop) in approximately 10 minutes
- Views across the Giudecca Canal toward Dorsoduro and the Venice historic skyline
- HI membership card gives discounted rates — ideal for budget-conscious and student travellers
Tips for visiting
- Book well ahead for June–September — Venice's affordable beds sell out months in advance, especially for school groups
- Purchasing an HI membership card in advance via the HI website can be cheaper than buying on-site
- The cafeteria serves decent set-menu meals at prices far below typical Venice restaurants — the dinner option is worth using
- Luggage lockers are available but bring a padlock, as the hostel may not provide one
- The Giudecca waterfront walk to the Redentore church (15 minutes) is an excellent free morning activity with few tourists
Accessibility
The hostel occupies a large building on Giudecca island. Access from the vaporetto involves the canal-front fondamenta and main building entrance. Venice's historic character means steps and narrow passageways are present throughout the island. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel directly to discuss accommodation options, as dormitory layouts and shared facilities may not be fully accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Do guests need an HI membership card to stay at the Ostello di Venezia?
An HI membership card is not strictly required, but cardholders receive a discounted rate. Non-members can purchase a card on-site or pay a slightly higher nightly rate.
How do guests reach the hostel from Venice Santa Lucia train station?
Take vaporetto Line 2 from the Ferrovia (Santa Lucia) stop to Zitelle on Giudecca. The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes and the hostel is directly beside the vaporetto stop.
Are private rooms available at the Ostello di Venezia?
A limited number of twin and family rooms are available alongside the main dormitory accommodation. These book up quickly, so advance reservation is strongly recommended.
Does the hostel have a curfew?
Traditional HI hostels in Italy have historically operated curfews, but policies change over time. Guests should confirm the current curfew and check-in/out times directly with the hostel before arrival.