Venice Carnival 2026: programme, tips and where to stay in Venice

Venice Carnival 2026 will once again fill the city with masks, baroque costumes and festive evenings in palazzi and on the main squares. To make the most of it, you’ll want a clear idea of the key moments, a few practical tips and a hotel that keeps you close to the action without the nonstop noise. In Dorsoduro, along the Fondamenta Zattere, Il Palazzo Experimental offers exactly that balance: refined design, canal views and easy walks to Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

When is Venice Carnival 2026?

Every year, Venice Carnival takes place between late January and early March, with a progressive build-up: lively first weekends followed by the most intense events during the final days. The exact official dates for Venice Carnival 2026 are February 7 to 17, 2026.

Most major happenings fall on weekends, especially around Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto area. If you can, plan at least two or three nights in Venice so you can enjoy both daytime visits and costumed evenings, and still experience the city early in the morning when the canals and calli are at their quietest.

Highlights of the Carnival: what to do once you’re there

Saint Mark’s Square acts as the main stage of Venice Carnival. Throughout the day you’ll see elaborate historical costumes, masks, make-up artists and photographers. Whether you dress up or not, it’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and take memorable photos.

Beyond the costume contests and street performances, Carnival is also a great time to enjoy concerts, small shows on neighborhood squares and, depending on the year’s programme, parades on the water and special events scattered across the city. In Dorsoduro, you can easily alternate festive moments with cultural visits to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and other nearby landmarks.

Practical tips to enjoy Venice Carnival smoothly

Venice Carnival is one of the city’s busiest periods. Book flights and accommodation well ahead, especially if you’re travelling over the central weekends. Choosing the right neighbourhood is key: being close to the sights is convenient, but you’ll also appreciate being able to step back from the crowds at night.

Pack comfortable shoes and warm layers, as you’ll be walking a lot and evenings by the lagoon can be chilly. If you plan to wear a mask, you can buy one from traditional workshops in town or join a mask-making class for a more immersive experience.

From the airport, Venice is reached by water taxi, shuttle or vaporetto. Once in the city, you’ll mostly get around on foot or by boat. Staying in a hotel with direct water access makes arrivals and departures easier – particularly if you land late in the evening or leave early in the morning.

Where to stay in Venice during Carnival?

Location is everything for Venice Carnival. Sleeping right next to the busiest spots can be thrilling but also noisy. Dorsoduro is a smart alternative: it’s an artistic, lived-in district with waterfront promenades, cafés and museums, yet it stays calmer once the festivities quiet down.

From Dorsoduro, you can reach Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge on foot, while enjoying a more local atmosphere the rest of the time. You’ll also have quick access to major galleries and to the Zattere promenade facing the Giudecca Canal, ideal for a quieter stroll between events.

Why choose Il Palazzo Experimental for Venice Carnival?

Set on the Zattere in Dorsoduro, Il Palazzo Experimental is a boutique hotel that blends contemporary design with classic Venetian references. It offers 32 rooms and suites filled with natural light, overlooking either the Canal della Giudecca or the hotel’s hidden garden at the back. Interiors by Dorothée Meilichzon take cues from local architecture, with terrazzo flooring, marble details and hand-glazed tiles.

The location is ideal for Carnival: about 20 minutes on foot from Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, 15 minutes from the railway station and roughly 45 minutes from the airport by boat, with the possibility of private transfers directly to the hotel’s own pontoon. You’re close enough to walk to the main celebrations yet far enough to retreat to a peaceful stretch of canal whenever you wish.

On site, Ristorante Adriatica showcases seasonal Italian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, served in a refined dining room or in the garden when weather allows. The Experimental Cocktail Club, designed by Cristina Celestino, is a cosy spot for an aperitivo or a nightcap after a masked ball, with signature cocktails and a thoughtful selection of regional wines.

Round-the-clock front desk and concierge services, luggage storage and room service make it easy to arrive early, stay out late or enjoy a final stroll after check-out without carrying your bags . The team can also help arrange tailor-made Carnival experiences, such as private gondola rides, mask-making workshops or access to special events, depending on the 2026 programme.

Key Facts

• Official Venice Carnival 2026 dates: from 31 January to 17 February 2026
  
  
• Recommended area to stay: Dorsoduro, close to the centre yet quieter
  
  
• Il Palazzo Experimental: 4-star boutique hotel with 32 rooms and suites on the Giudecca Canal
  
  
• Convenient access: about 45 minutes by boat from the airport and 15 minutes’ walk from the railway station
  
  
• Around 20 minutes on foot to Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge
  
  
• On-site Ristorante Adriatica with seasonal Italian cuisine
  
  
• Experimental Cocktail Club for Carnival-inspired evenings in an intimate setting
  
  
• 24/7 concierge and private pontoon, ideal for transfers and bespoke experiences
  
  

FAQ

When should I book my hotel for Venice Carnival 2026?
It’s wise to book several months in advance, especially for weekend stays or if you have a specific room category or view in mind. Early booking gives you more options and better availability.

Is Dorsoduro a good base for Carnival?
Yes. Dorsoduro offers quick access to Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto area while remaining more residential and peaceful. You’ll find art institutions, local cafés and pleasant waterfront walks, making it a well-balanced choice for Carnival.

How do I get from the airport to Il Palazzo Experimental?
From Venice Airport, allow around 45 minutes by boat to reach the Dorsoduro district. You can take a water taxi, shuttle boat or vaporetto. Thanks to the hotel’s private pontoon, Il Palazzo Experimental can also arrange direct private transfers on request .

Is the hotel within walking distance of the main Carnival events?
Yes. Il Palazzo Experimental is roughly a 20-minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, so you can easily join the major Carnival happenings and return on foot afterwards .

What services are useful during Carnival?
24/7 concierge, luggage storage, room service and on-demand boat transfers are particularly useful. They allow you to arrive early, enjoy late-night events and explore the city freely on your departure day without worrying about your bags .

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