Cannaregio is one of the six historic sestieres (districts) of Venice, and the northernmost of the city. It also has the largest population, of around 20,000 people.

The Cannaregio Canal gave the district its name; before the construction of a railway link into Venice, the canal was the main entrance for visitors to Venice.

The quarter, the second largest of the city, was developed from the eleventh century. As the area was drained, parallel canals were dredged and the area became known for its working class housing, with a few grand palaces, mostly facing the Grand Canal. The district later became known for manufacturing, while in the nineteenth century the Strada Nuova street was run through Cannaregio, a railway bridge and later a road bridge to the mainland were constructed.

Attractions in the district include the Jewish Ghetto, Venice Santa Lucia station , the Sacca della Miserichordia , the Ca' d'Oro, the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta . The Isola di San Michele cemetery island is associated with the district.