Looking for the best places to see in Venice, Italy? I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll show you the top 10 Instagram-worthy places to visit in this enchanting city.
You can’t truly experience Italy without wandering through Venice, often referred to as the City of Lovers for good reason.
With its breathtaking views, stunning architecture, and rich history, Venice stands out as one of the most unique destinations in the world.
Imagine charming bridges arching over picturesque canals and gondolas gliding serenely with couples. The quaint narrow streets are just waiting to be explored.
Ready to discover the top 10 photo spots in Venice, Italy? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): A Top Choice of the Best Places to See in Venice
One of the best places to see in Venice is definitely the Ponte di Rialto.
This famous bridge connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. It’s the oldest of the four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, so it’s definitely a must-see.
If you want to avoid the crowds, try going at sunrise or early morning.
While most people take photos right from the bridge, I think a better shot can be found on the concrete platform on the San Polo side, just after crossing.
This spot not only gives you a great photo op, but also offers amazing views, especially during golden hour.
It’s the perfect place for a romantic picnic for two, don’t you think?
2. Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
Another great spot for a unique photo in Venice is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri).
The bridge got its name from the sighs of prisoners who took their last glimpse of the city before being taken to their cells.
While most people take photos from Ponte della Paglia, which is easy to get to from Piazza San Marco, you can actually get a much more stunning shot from below.
Just head to the small dock right underneath Ponte della Paglia for a fresh perspective.
To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit shortly after sunrise. This early bird approach works for Ponte di Rialto too!
For something a little different, try taking a photo on the lesser-known Ponte della Canonica, which is just behind the Bridge of Sighs.
3. Venice Gondola Rides
One of the best ways to get unique photos in Venice is by hopping on a gondola.
Trust me, a romantic gondola ride is a must when you’re in the city. There’s something truly enchanting about floating along the beautiful canals with your partner.
Not only does it set the perfect romantic atmosphere, but it also lets you see Venice from a fresh perspective, adding a special touch to your photos.
Soak in the charm of Venice, and you’ll make memories that will last forever!
Pro Tips
Before you hop on a gondola, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Morning rides are the best to skip the crowds and save some cash (EUR 60 instead of EUR 80 for a 30-minute ride).
For a more authentic vibe, take a gondola through the smaller canals rather than the busy ones near Piazza San Marco.
Always talk to your gondolier about the route beforehand, so there are no surprises later.
Don’t forget to snap lots of photos—time flies on the water, so be ready to capture every beautiful moment!
4. St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Among the Best Places to See in Venice
Another great spot for a stunning photo in Venice is Piazza San Marco.
Situated in the heart of the city, it’s got a rich history, especially tied to the construction of St. Mark’s Basilica.
Known as the “living room of Europe“, this square is a must-see and definitely a favorite for tourists.
For the perfect shot, head there in the morning, right after sunrise. This way, you can beat the crowds and enjoy the best light for your photos.
For a striking shot, pose against the backdrop of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica and the city’s tallest structure, the St. Mark’s Campanile.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to snap a picture of the Procuratie Vecchie (Old Procuracies) building with its charming arcades – it’s another fantastic photo opportunity!
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Pro tip
On Piazza San Marco, you’ll find Caffè Florian, the oldest continuously operating café in the world (it’s been around since 1720!). With its beautifully decorated interior, it’s the perfect place for some atmospheric photos.
Grab a coffee or hot chocolate, enjoy the vibe, and snap a few shots. Just a heads-up, though—the prices are a bit on the higher side!
5. Ponte dell’Accademia: One of the Best Places to See in Venice
Another must-visit spot on my list for capturing a unique photo in Venice is the Ponte dell’Accademia.
This bridge connects two significant districts—Dorsoduro and San Marco—and leads to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, the museum of Venetian art.
What really captivated me about this place is that it offers one of the most beautiful views of the Grand Canal in the city.
It’s no surprise, considering this is where that iconic photo was taken, still featured on many postcards from Venice.
The Ponte dell’Accademia looks its best at sunrise or sunset, when the sky over the canal is painted in stunning colors. In those moments, beautiful photos practically take themselves.
So, if you’re planning a photo session, this is definitely one of the best places to see in Venice!
6. The Hidden Pier in Venice
When you’ve checked out all the sights and are running low on photo ideas, grab a pizza to go and head over to the secluded pier right next to the San Moise Hotel.
This hidden gem, thanks to its cozy location, is perfect for a picnic and offers a unique setting for photos.
While it might not be a complete secret anymore (thanks to influencers), with a bit of luck, you can still enjoy it with fewer crowds.
In my opinion, the best time to visit is either late morning or late afternoon, when the light on the pier is just perfect.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view of the picturesque Venetian canal. Who knows, you might even get lucky like I did and capture a gondola passing by in your shot!
7. Libreria Acqua Alta
Another great spot for a photo in Venice is the hidden Libreria Acqua Alta, which some even call one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
While I wouldn’t go that far, it’s definitely a unique and charming place to visit.
The bookstore is known for having lots of cats roaming around. What makes it stand out is that most of the books are stored in tubs.
These tubs and boats protect the books from the acqua alta (the seasonal high tide that floods the city from autumn to spring).
In my opinion, the best photos here are taken while posing on the stairs of old books in the yard or in the gondola moored at the back of the store.
After your photo session, don’t forget to buy a book or one of the interesting souvenirs—there’s no shortage of unique finds at this delightful bookstore!
8. Gelatoteca SuSo
If you’re like me and love Italian ice cream, you have to check out the famous Gelatoteca SuSo, known for serving some of the best gelato in the entire city.
This local gem is celebrated not just for its fantastic taste but also for the colorful toppings that make it incredibly photogenic.
Grab your favorite gelato and then head over to the nearby bridge to snap a photo against the picturesque canal.
I have to warn you, though—it can be quite a challenge! It’s tough to resist such delicious-looking ice cream and not eat it on your way to the bridge.
But trust me, it’s worth it! Not only will you enjoy a unique ice cream experience, but you’ll also capture one of the most Instagrammable photos in Venice. Sounds good, right?
9. Dorsoduro
The charming Dorsoduro district is definitely one of the best places to check out in Venice!
This southernmost part of the city is a real treat for anyone who loves spots off the beaten path.
In Dorsoduro, you’ll notice a cool mix of old and new. You’ve got famous art galleries hanging out next to lively student streets and peaceful luxury apartments.
It’s no wonder Dorsoduro is known as one of the top spots for a nice stroll in Venice.
With tons of attractions around, it’s the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos. You won’t run out of chances to snap some amazing shots!
I personally fell in love with the area along the stone wall across from Squero di San Trovaso—that historic workshop is one of the last places still making traditional wooden gondolas.
Can you think of a more special spot for a photo in Venice?
Pro tip
While in the Dorsoduro district, be sure to try the traditional Venetian snack called cicchetti at the family-run Cantine del Vino già Schiaviu.
This place is located right next to a picturesque canal, where in good weather you can eat purchased sandwiches and drink your favorite wine. Sounds great, right?
10. Chiodo Bridge (Ponte Chiodo): Among the Best Places to See in Venice
The last charming spot on my list of must-see places in Venice is the historic Ponte Chiodo, tucked away in the lively Cannaregio district.
This unique bridge is named after the Chiodo family, who once owned it, and it adds a special touch to the many amazing sights in Venice.
What makes Ponte Chiodo stand out is that it doesn’t have railings, and it leads to a private building, now turned into a hotel.
Fun fact: in the past, none of Venice’s bridges had handrails. It wasn’t until the 19th century that they were added for safety.
Out of Venice’s 417 bridges, only two, including Ponte Chiodo, remain without handrails.
The other one, called Devil’s Bridge, is on the island of Torcello, another interesting spot to explore in Venice.
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Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Places to See in Venice: Summary
Venice is the perfect backdrop for a dreamy photoshoot in authentic Italian style.
This enchanting city, famous for its rich history and stunning natural beauty, is a treasure trove of captivating sights and places to see in Venice.
From historic landmarks to hidden gems, Venice offers an array of Instagram-worthy destinations that make it one of Italy’s most enticing places to explore.
I hope my curated list of photogenic places to see in Venice helps you plan your itinerary for this alluring city.
Now, all that’s left is to book your ticket and start your journey to discover the beauty of Venice!
Is Venice on your photography bucket list? Have you already explored this captivating city?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Share the Venice spots that left a lasting impression on you.
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