20 Best Photo Spots in Venice: Icons, Views & Hidden Gems

1. St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square is one of the most popular Venice photo spots. The open layout makes it easy to photograph St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, and the surrounding arcades from multiple angles. Early morning is a must, as the light is softer and the square is less crowded.

Photo tip: Try stepping under the arches around the square and use them to frame your shot. Then switch to a wide lens to capture the whole square, and use a telephoto lens to pick out the details on St. Mark’s Basilica that are easy to miss from afar.

2. Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace with the former prison and is one of the most photographed bridges in Venice. You can also visit the bridge as part of a Doge’s Palace tour, which allows you to walk through it and learn more about its history and function.

When it comes to photography, head to the Ponte della Paglia. On the side closer to St. Mark’s Square, there is a beautiful artwork on the palace wall, while on the east side of the bridge, you can walk down to the canal level and capture a portrait with the Bridge of Sighs in the background.

3. View from Rialto Bridge

The view from Rialto Bridge is one of the most recognizable photo locations in the city and a must on any list of Venice photo spots.

If you want a photo of yourself on the bridge, early morning is the best time, before the crowds arrive. For landscape shots of the canal itself, sunset works best.

4. Canal Grande

Canal Grande offers some of the best views of the Rialto Bridge. One popular spot is located behind Palazzo dei Camerlenghi, while the piers near Ristorante Rialto Sul Canal Grande also provide clear sightlines toward the bridge. 

We also enjoyed breakfast at Ristorante Caffè Saraceno, which has a direct view of the Rialto Bridge and works well for different Venice photos. Yes, a touristic spot for sure, but the view makes it absolutely worth it.

5. View from Campanile di San Marco

The view from Campanile di San Marco is one of the best Venice viewpoints, with open views over St. Mark’s Square, the rooftops, and the lagoon. Bring your telephoto lens and plan your visit around sunset, as it is the most magical time to appreciate the views.

Extra tip! The entrance fee is €15, and there is a lift that takes you to the top. However, bigger backpacks are not allowed, so if you carry around a lot of equipment, pick just the most important lens.

6. Famous Canal Pier

Right behind the Hotel San Moise is one of the best canal photo spots in Venice. Despite its popularity on social media, the spot remains pretty empty. The view opens onto a small canal with gondolas and classic Venetian façades.

📸 Photo tip! Plan your visit later in the afternoon, as the pier is a busy delivery spot earlier in the day.

7. Ponte dell ‘Accademia

Ponte dell’Accademia is one of the most popular Venice Instagram spots, known for its open view along the Grand Canal. From the bridge, you can photograph Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, and a telephoto lens works like a charm.

8. Libreria Acqua Alta

Libreria Acqua Alta is a popular photo stop, but it fills up quickly because the space is small. The narrow rooms, stacked books, and outdoor staircase attract a steady stream of visitors, so it often feels crowded, especially later in the day.

Despite the crowds, it’s still worth visiting as it is one of the most unique bookstores in the world. And if you come earlier in the day, you might even spot the local cats when they show up for food.

9. Palazzo Tetta 

Palazzo Tetta is set between canals on both sides, which makes it stand out from many other palazzi in the area. The best view is from Ponte dei Conzafelzi, where you can see the building framed by water on both sides.

You can easily combine with nearby stops like Libreria Acqua Alta and Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo (don’t miss Osteria al Ponte if you are hungry!). You can also visit La Porta Blu, which is a unique but simple door in Venice.

10. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is one of the lesser-visited Venice photography locations, even though it’s a well-known spot. While many people stop in the courtyard, fewer continue inside. From the top, you can see the surrounding rooftops with St. Mark’s Bell Tower.

🎟 Entrance fee: 9 euros, you can purchase it online here.

11. View from Traghetto Gondole Molo

View from Traghetto Gondole Molo is one of the best places to take photos in Venice, with an open view across the water and San Giorgio Maggiore Church. It’s a busy spot during the day, but it works well early in the morning and can easily be combined with St. Mark’s Square.

12. Caffè Florian

Caffè Florian is one of the oldest cafés in Venice and sits directly on St. Mark’s Square. It’s best to visit right at opening time, especially during peak season, when the square starts to fill up quickly. Prices are high compared to other cafés in the city, but the setting and experience make it worth it.

We visited Florian on our first trip, so this time we took our photos through the gallery windows as they were just opening, while people were still queuing outside.

13. Gondola Ride

Gondola Ride works extremely well for Venice travel photography. But it’s even better as an experience, despite the steep price tag. If a ride isn’t in your plans, you can still get amazing shots by photographing gondolas as they pass through smaller canals.

14. Ponte de Canonica

Ponte de Canonica offers a less common angle of the Bridge of Sighs when photographed with a telephoto lens from Calle de la Canonica. Wearing something colorful helps you stand out against the pale stone and muted tones of the surrounding buildings.

Extra tip: Calle de la Canonica has a small gate. It’s not locked, and residents are generally fine with people passing through as long as you’re respectful and keep noise to a minimum.

15. One of the many museums

One of the many museums in Venice is worth adding to your photo list, but the Doge’s Palace, while beautiful, is also one of the busiest and hardest to photograph. 

For a quieter experience, consider Museo di Palazzo Grimani, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, or Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, all of which offer stunning interiors with fewer crowds. The Correr Museum and Gallerie dell’Accademia are also good alternatives.

16. Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro has a noticeably different feel from the busier parts of Venice. It connects several major sights, though many visitors simply pass through. Stepping away from the main routes leads to quieter canals and streets that are easier to photograph.

17. Castello

Castello is another great area for Venice travel photography. It mixes well-known sights with quieter streets, small canals, and local bakeries, fishmongers, and produce shops.

Closer to the Arsenale di Venezia, the area feels more local and less touristy, which means you can take photos any time of the day.

18. Cannaregio

Cannaregio is less polished and less luxurious than central Venice, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting. It’s a good place to capture Venice postcards that feel authentic and far removed from the busy attractions. If you ask me, visiting this neighborhood is one of the best things to do in Venice.

19. Burano

Burano is often listed among the most Instagrammable places in Venice, and it really doesn’t need much of an introduction. The island is extremely picturesque and easily one of the most colorful places in the world.

You don’t need my guidance here, just wander around. Almost every street and every house feels like a photo opportunity, with bold colors, little details, and canals that make you stop every few minutes to take another picture.

Early morning is the best time to visit, especially if you want photos without crowds. If you’re visiting during the shoulder season, late afternoon can work well too. When it feels crowded, step away from the main routes, smaller streets are usually much quieter and hide some of the nicest corners.

⛴ Getting to Burano: Take vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove (about 45 min, every 30–40 min). A single ticket is €9.50. Alternative: Line 14 (slower, less frequent).

20. Hidden photo spots in Venice

At certain times of the day, Venice can feel very busy, especially along the main walking routes and around major landmarks. This is when you want to focus on the best Venice photo spots without crowds, which are often just a few streets away.

A few great quieter options include Calle Varisco (one of Venice’s narrowest alleys), Sotoportego de la Corte Nova (a hidden passage near the Arsenale), and La Porta Blu (a bright blue door that stands out in Castello’s quieter streets).

For more ideas on photo spots most visitors miss, check out this guide to hidden gems in Venice, along with tips to help you escape the crowds and capture great crowd-free photos from Venice.

Interested in a professional photoshoot in Venice?

We work with photography every day and even offer photoshoots in Lisbon, but somehow, we had never actually done one as a couple. Venice felt like the perfect place to change that, so Flavio surprised me with a private photoshoot in Venice.