Cannaregio is the northernmost sestiere of Venice. It is, at the same time, the second largest of all, after Castello, and, while it does feature its fair share of tourist sights it can rightfully boast of, it remains a district which does not enjoy the tourist reputation of, let’s say, San Marco. This is because the attractions are scattered throughout Cannaregio, whereas San Marco is a much more compact sight from this point of view.
On the other hand, exploring Cannaregio is not a hollow tourist experience. There are plenty to see and to do here, starting with the nightlife and ending with the mere sightseeing. On top of that, the Santa Lucia Train Station is located in Cannaregio, which means this district is one of the few gates of entrance in the lagoon, a matter of no little importance for the tourist opening of Venice (the canal which borders Cannaregio, from which the name of the district derives – Canal Regio – was for long the main way to get to Venice, from the very foundation of Cannaregio, around the 11th century). Obviously, Cannaregio can not be overlooked by any thorough visitor of Venice, in case discovering the lagoon to the full extent of its tourist opportunities is, as it should, in fact, be, a vacation priority.
The Island of San Michele pertains, administratively speaking, to Cannaregio. While it is not the merriest sight to admire in Venice, it is well worth a visit.
Museums in Cannaregio: Giorgio Franchetti Gallery at Ca’ d’Oro, Wagner Museum (at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi)
Places of worship in Cannaregio: Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, Church of San Giobbe, Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Church of Santa Maria dell’Orto, Church of San Giovanni Crisostomo, Church of San Marziale, Church of San Marcuola, Church of the Holy Apostles, Church of Sant’ Alvise, Church of San Michele in Isola, Church of San Canciano, Church of San Geremia
Monuments in Cannaregio: Ponte delle Guglie, Oratorio dei Crociferi
Palaces in Cannaregio: Palazzo Labia, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi
Other tourist sights in Cannaregio: Casino di Venezia (at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi)