The best hostels in Venice, including historic palazzi, DJs and terraces with canal views
The Lagoon city is famously expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can't find cheap hotels in Venice. Many budget travellers opt to stay on the mainland, making day trips into the centro storico. But off-season prices at one and two-star hotels in the city proper can go very low indeed at quieter times of year. And the centro is not without its hostel options. From the glam Generator – party central at busy periods – to the calmer church-run Foresteria Valdese, there’s good hostel accommodation right up close to famous sights. Here's our pick of the best hostels in Venice.
Combo Venice
Venice, Veneto, Italy
8Telegraph expert rating
Combo, located in a restored ex convent in the Cannareggio area, is a hostel that brings together students and travellers. The atmosphere is young, welcoming and creative with lots of weekly events ranging from art exhibitions to DJ sets. With a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the canal, several peaceful courtyards and original 16th-century frescoes decorating the walls in the central building, Combo offers guests dazzling surroundings without the associated price tag. A range of sharing accommodations are available; all have en-suite bathrooms with a shower and some also have their own kitchenette. Read expert review From ￡28 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Generator Venice
Giudecca, Venice, Italy
7Telegraph expert rating
It’s a hip and trendy hostel in a converted grain warehouse with an industrial-shabby-chic feel: bare brick walls, exposed pipes and beams. Interiors are dark, with leather sofas, velvet armchairs, heavy burgundy drapes and the odd patch of jungle leaf wallpaper. Furnishings are made up of an eclectic mix of pieces from flea markets around the country. Scores of events keep travellers busy: film screenings, gigs, karaoke sessions and weekly DJ sets to name a few. The hostel also regularly displays works by local artists. The trendy young vibe of the place mainly attracts backpackers. Read expert review From ￡13 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Foresteria Valdese di Venezia
Venice, Veneto, Italy
7Telegraph expert rating
This hostel, run by the Waldensian Church, is set in a lovely 18th-century palazzo in a quiet but central location, 10 minutes' walk from St Mark’s and the Rialto Bridge. The smallish rooms are simply furnished with wooden beds, but are comfortable and clean. Some dorms and private accommodations have been completely modernised with laminate flooring, bunk beds and televisions. Some are embellished with impressive frescoes. Room 10 is particularly appealing, with original terrazzo veneziano floors and a small balcony offering pretty canal views. Read expert review From ￡151 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
? The best budget hotels in Venice
Silk Road Hostel
Venice, Veneto, Italy
6Telegraph expert rating
This small hostel lies off Fondamenta Zattere, an attractive waterfront promenade that is within walking distance of most of Venice's major sights. Campo Santa Margherita, one of the city’s liveliest nightlife spots, is nearby. Interiors are simply furnished. Large black and white photographs of Venice decorate the walls, while potted plants are dotted here and there along the stairwell, adding a touch of colour. Accommodation comprises two four-bed dorms with shared bathroom (one mixed, one female-only) and a smaller female-only two-bed dorm. They’re simply furnished but are spacious, bright and well-lit, with terrazzo veneziano floors, all-white wardrobes, and lockers. Read expert review From ￡21 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Contributions by Kiki Deere, Caroline Hamilton & Anne Hanley
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