Santa Croce is one of the six sestieri (districts) of Venice, located in the northwestern part of the city. It is the second smallest district after San Polo and covers 94 acres. It is an important commercial zone as it links Venice to the mainland.
Santa Croce is one of the least touristic areas of Venice, whose eastern part is the only one where cars are allowed. If you get to Venice by plane, Santa Croce is the first district you will see as it houses Piazzale Roma, the large square where the central bus station is.
Some landmarks in Santa Croce include several small and pretty churches like San Giacomo dell’Orio, San Nicola de Tolentino, San Simeon Grando or San Stae and the eastern and central parts of this Venetian neighbourhood house numerous things to see.
There are shops, malls, and brand shops in the Santa Croce district. Some of the top shopping destinations in Santa Croce include Galleria Levantina, Il Grifone, Benor Maschere, Derò Riflessi di Venezia, Panificio Pasticceria Barozzi, and Gueye Perle Di Gueye Daouda.
If you are looking for nightlife there are several bars, clubs, and nightlife options in the Santa Croce district. Some of the top nightlife destinations include Ai Postali. Another option is Da Giosia Chiosco Bar, which offers fresh sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, non-alcoholic drinks, and excellent cocktails in the evening. It is located near the Piazzale Roma bus station and features great music.
If you feel hungry, there are many great pizzerias near Santa Croce in Venice. Here are some of the top-rated pizzerias in the area:
Pizza Al Volo: This pizzeria is known for its excellent take-away pizza and is a great place to have a slice of pizza.
Pizzeria Trattoria all’Anfora: This pizzeria serves good food and has great reviews.
Ai Garzoti: This pizzeria serves delicious pizza and pasta with lots of vegetarian options.
Bar- Pizzeria-Trattoria ai Bari: This pizzeria serves simple but good food.
Ristorante Pizzeria Al Bacco Felice: This pizzeria serves good food for its price and has some of the best food and service in Venice according to some reviews.
You can also check out Trattoria Pizzeria Antico Gafaro which is located in Sestiere Santa Croce, Venezia. It has two indoor rooms with a capacity of up to 80 people and is very popular among both Venetians and tourists who dock with gondolas at the Rio. It also offers a pizzeria service.
Finally there are public restrooms available in the Santa Croce area of Venice. Some of the public restrooms include Tronchetto Parking (Open 8:00 – 19:00) near the Vaporetto Station and Piazzale Roma (Open 8:00 – 19:00) at Calle Cossetti 456/A. The public restrooms in Venice are free of charge for visitors with disabilities, but not all restrooms are accessible. The public toilets are open from early morning till around 7 or 8 pm. There may be lines, especially during the high tourist season and don’t forget the 1,5 euro charge for using.