Where to stay in Belluno: areas, accommodation and practical tips

Why Belluno is the secret gateway to the Dolomites

Belluno is the city everyone passes through on their way to Cortina, without ever stopping. A mistake. The Dolomite capital rises on a rocky spur at the confluence of the Piave and Ardo rivers, with a Renaissance historic centre overlooking an amphitheatre of peaks. Piazza dei Martiri, Piazza Duomo, the Borgo Piave quarter and the nearby Nevegal make it a perfect — and much cheaper — base for exploring the Belluno Dolomites.

Best areas to stay

Historic centre

The ancient heart stretches between Piazza dei Martiri, via Mezzaterra and Piazza Duomo. Here you find historic hotels, elegant B&Bs and small hotels. The location is ideal for visiting the city on foot and setting off for excursions by car (free parking at the edges of the centre). Prices: 60-100 euros for a double.

Borgo Piave and station area

At the foot of the historic centre, along the Piave, this area offers mid-range hotels and residences. Convenient for those arriving by train and wanting easy access to both the centre and the valleys. Good parking. Budget: 55-85 euros.

Nevegal

Belluno's mountain (1000 m), 15 minutes from the centre, offers hotels and mountain lodges with spectacular Dolomite views. Perfect for hikers and skiers (winter) or those wanting cool air in summer. Prices vary by season.

Valleys (Val Belluna, Alpago)

The Val Belluna towards Feltre and Lake Santa Croce (Alpago) offer farmhouses, residences and hotels immersed in nature. Ideal for families and those seeking peace in contact with water and woods.

Types of accommodation

**Hotels in the centre** — Historic properties with modern comforts, restaurant and sometimes wellness facilities.
**B&Bs and guesthouses** — Welcoming and affordably priced, often run by Belluno families who suggest itineraries.
**Mountain lodges and alpine hotels** — On Nevegal and in the valleys, for an authentic alpine experience.
**Farmhouses** — On the Piave plain and in Alpago, with local products (Schiz cheese, Lamon beans).
**Apartments** — Ideal for ski weeks or hiking weeks, with kitchen.

Tips for saving money

Belluno is much cheaper than Cortina (40-50% less): use it as a Dolomites base.
Winter outside holiday weekends is low season for the city (tourists head to the slopes): excellent prices.
In summer look for farmhouses with half-board: Belluno cuisine (casunziei, pastin, polenta) is worth the trip.
With the Dolomiti Bus Card you can reach the main valleys without a car, saving on parking and petrol.

Which area to choose based on your trip

**Romantic couple** — Historic centre, for dinners with Dolomite views and walks along the Piave.
**Hiker** — Nevegal or centre, as a base for the Belluno Dolomites National Park.
**Family with children** — Alpago (Lake Santa Croce), with lake beaches and outdoor activities.
**Skier** — Nevegal for proximity to slopes, or centre to reach both Nevegal and Cortina.
**Budget travellers** — B&B in the centre or farmhouse in Val Belluna.

Getting around

Belluno's centre is pedestrian and compact. For the valleys and Dolomites a car or Dolomiti Bus services are needed (good frequencies towards Cortina, Agordo, Feltre). The railway station connects Belluno to Venice in about 2 hours.