Best views in Venice to photograph

by Charlie - Where Charlie Wanders
2 comments

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Best views in Venice for awesome photos! 

Venice may just be one of the most photographable (and yes instagrammable) cities in the world, but there are some really special places which offer some of the best views in Venice. Some high up in the sky, some on the ground and most of these are free! If you want to experience the best of Venice, the best views and the best spots for instagram this post will help. Make sure to bookmark these spots on Google Maps before you start.

1. Ponte dell’Accademia

There are 4 bridges which cross the Grand Canal in Venice, and each one offers it’s own unique and stunning views. But I think the Ponte dell’Accademia offers one of the best views in Venice along the Grand Canal. This bridge was built in the mid 19th Century and is the southern most of the four bridges.

Head here near sunset, to watch the colours changing in the sky. Stunning.

image of Ponte dell'Accademia

30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice | Map  

2. The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Suspiri)

The most famous place in which to take a photo of the Bridge of Sighs is from the Ponte della Paglia (the one facing the Bridge of Sighs nearest the waterfront). However, there are some other stunning locations from which to get a great shot of this famous bridge. 

Firstly, head over the Ponte della Paglia and down along the covered walk way – there is a fab ledge from which you can stand or sit to get a photo of you with the Bridge of Sighs. 

image of standing in front of the bridge of sighs

The second great place to take a photo of this bridge is from the bridge on the other side, from here you can see the Bridge of Sighs, the Ponte della Paglia and then out to the lagoon, offering a really beautiful perspective. 

image of best views in venice - look out over Bridge of Sighs

Finally, the view looking out from crossing the Bridge of Sigh’s itself, this trip is included in the ticket price when you visit the Doge’s Palace. From this perspective, you can look through the outlines of the bridge to the lagoon and beyond. Just as the prisoners crossing it would have seen. 

image of view from inside the Bridge of sighs, Venice

Piazza San Marco, 1, 30100 Venezia VE | Map

3. San Marco (Vallaresso) 

One of my favourite photos of Venice was taken from this spot. This is not a named location in itself, but it offers a fantastic, uninterrupted view of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute which is surprisingly hard to find in Venice. 

It is right next to a ferry terminal, and also a Gondola ride point and so you will often get a good shot with the famous gondola’s in as well. 

image Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice | Map

4. Rialto Bridge

It is a classic view in Venice, and one which is synonymous with the city. The views while on the bridge across the canal are pretty, but one of the best views of the bridge can be found from the little pier just off the side of the canal. 

Alternatively, hire a gondola and try and line yourself up as you pass under the bridge. 

image of Rialto Bridge, Venice

Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venezia VE | Map

5. The dock behind Hotel San Moisé

This spot is very well known from instagram photos, but is actually surprisingly hard to find and in a fairly nondescript place. You will see a sign for the hotel San Moisé from the main street of shoppings, turn left and walk all the way to end. On your right you will see the canal and the now famous dock. 

It is often used for loading, building work and other boats so it is not always clear. But you are patient you will get the perfect shot of the canal and if you wait long enough, and a gondola will also pass! 

image of view of venice

Piscina S. Moise, 2036, Metropolitan City of Venice | Map 

6. Riva degli Schiavoni (San Marco Waterfront)

All the way along the waterfront offers some of the best views in Venice. The iconic scenes of the gondolas lined up, along the edge of the lagoon. But this particular spot, you can capture a perfect view of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the distance. This is definitely one of the most beautiful views in Venice.

image of Riva degli Schiavoni

30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy | Map

7. Libreria Acqua Alta

Aka the world’s most beautiful bookshop. This bookshop is so used to flooding, it has resorted to putting it’s books in bathtubs and even gondola’s. Inside it is a maze of books piled high. But if you head out to the back there is the famous stack of books. Designed to be climbed on to get that perfect shot! 

image of Libreria Acqua Alta

Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE | Map

8. t fondaco Rooftop Terrace

This is a 13th century historic building which was resorted over 7 years into a luxury department store. The inside of the building itself is incredibly impressive. But if you take the ‘red carpet’ escalators up towards the top, you will reach an incredibly impressive rooftop terrace. It is free to enter, but you do need to book your time slot in advance and be there 5 minutes before. The views out over are some of the best views in Venice. You can see straight down to the Rialto bridge, the Grand Palace, over towards St Marks square and out over the the lagoon. Highly recommend. 

image of views over Venice from t fondaco Rooftop Terrace

San Marco, 5541, 30124 Venezia VE | Map

9. Ponte de Chiodo

There used to be hundreds of bridges crossing canals in Venice without a handrail. Now there are only 2 remaining. One is on Torcello Island and the other is this one the Ponte de Chiodo (other wise know as the Bridge of Nails).  It leads into a private property, so you can’t exactly cross it but it’s funny how vulnerable it does feel standing on it! If you only have a couple of days in Venice it might not be worth searching out but it was definitely fun to see!

image of Ponte de Chiodo, venice

30100 Rio di san Felice, Metropolitan City of Venice | Map

10. All the back alleys, streets, canals and bridges

Looking for some of the best views in Venice? It isn’t hard put the phone and the map away and wander! This entire city is beautiful and with each turn you will find another street or bridge view to fall in love with. Venice is made up of 118 islands, all connected by the warren of bridges. You will not be short of places to be stunned by! Even on the busiest of days, there is always somewhere to lose the crowd. 

image of canals in Venice


Have you been to Venice? Is there anywhere else you would add to this list? 


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2 comments

Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes September 5, 2020 - 10:46 am

Thanks for sharing, I have visited some of these in Venice, they are amazing places to photograph 🙂

Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes

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Charlie - Where Charlie Wanders September 5, 2020 - 11:04 am

Thanks for reading! Venice sure does have some beautiful spots!

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