No journey through Italy is truly fulfilled without immersing yourself in Venice – hailed as the City of Lovers for good reason. With its breathtaking views, splendid architecture, and rich history, Venice stands out as one of the world’s most unique destinations. Atmospheric bridges spanning over picturesque canals, enchanting gondolas gliding with lovers, and quaint narrow streets set the perfect stage for photography enthusiasts. Explore the top 10 places to see in Venice, offering the ideal backdrop for your perfect Instagram photo. Let this Venice travel guide be your inspiration for the next unforgettable adventure!
Table of Contents
1. Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): A Top Choice of the Best Places to See in Venice
Undoubtedly, one of the prime places to see in Venice is the Ponte di Rialto.
Connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo, this bridge holds the distinction of being the oldest among the four spanning the Grand Canal, making it exceptionally popular.
To escape the crowds, it’s advisable to visit at sunrise or early morning.
While most tourists settle for photos from the bridge, in my opinion, a superior shot awaits on the concrete platform on the San Polo side, just after crossing.
Beyond a beautiful photo, the spot offers splendid views, particularly enchanting during the golden hour. Can you envision a more perfect setting for a romantic picnic for two?
2. Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri): A Top Pick of the Best Places to See in Venice
Yet another ideal spot for a distinctive photo in Venice is the renowned Bridge of Sighs, or Ponte dei Sospiri.
The bridge’s peculiar name likely stems from the sighs of prisoners glimpsing Venice for the last time en route to their cells.
While the most famous view is from Ponte della Paglia, easily accessible from Piazza San Marco, a more captivating shot can be achieved from below.
Head to the small dock just beneath Ponte della Paglia for an enhanced perspective.
Given the potential crowds, it’s advisable to visit shortly after or at sunrise, a strategy also recommended for Ponte di Rialto.
For a unique twist, consider capturing an interesting photo on the lesser-known Ponte della Canonica, situated just behind the Bridge of Sighs.
3. Venice Gondola Rides
Certainly, one of the most exceptional ways to capture a unique photo in Venice is by renting a gondola.
A romantic gondola ride is, in my opinion, a must-do activity when in this city. There’s nothing more magical than gliding along the picturesque canals of Venice with your loved one.
This one-of-a-kind experience not only offers a romantic ambiance but also allows you to photograph Venice from a completely different perspective, undoubtedly enhancing the quality of your photos.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Venice, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Pro Tips for Venice Gondola Rides
Before deciding to rent a gondola, consider the following tips:
1. Opt for a morning gondola ride to avoid crowds and enjoy lower rates (EUR 60 instead of EUR 80 for a half-hour cruise).
2. For a more authentic and intimate experience, choose gondola rides along the smaller canals rather than those at Piazza San Marco.
3. Prior to the ride, discuss the exact route with the gondolier to prevent misunderstandings later on.
4. Make the most of every minute during the ride for capturing photos – time tends to fly by too fast!
4. St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Among the Best Places to See in Venice
The next picturesque spot in Venice, ideal for capturing a beautiful photo, is undoubtedly Piazza San Marco.
Situated in the oldest part of the city, its history is intertwined with the construction of St. Mark’s Basilica. Aptly referred to as the “living room of Europe,” this square is immensely popular among tourists and a must-visit in the list of places to see in Venice.
For the perfect shot, visit in the morning, preferably just after sunrise, to not only avoid crowds but also bask in the ideal lighting conditions.
Pose against the backdrop of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica and the city’s tallest structure, the St. Mark’s Campanile, for the most striking effect.
Additionally, the Procuratie Vecchie (Old Procuracies) building with its charming arcades is another captivating spot for a photo.
Pro tip
On Piazza San Marco, you’ll find another extraordinary establishment – Caffe Florian, boasting the title of the oldest continuously operating cafe globally (since 1720!). The opulently decorated interior of the cafe serves as a perfect backdrop for atmospheric photos. It’s advisable to visit during the day, enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and capture a few shots. Just be prepared for the relatively high prices 😉
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 of Venice – Dorsoduro and San Marco – and, as the name suggests, leads to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, the museum of Venetian art.
What captivated me most about this place is the fact that it offers one of the most beautiful views of the Grand Canal in the entire city.
It’s no wonder; after all, it was from this bridge that the famous photo was taken, which still adorns many postcards from Venice.
The Ponte dell’Accademia looks its best at sunrise or sunset, when the sky over the canal takes on amazing colors. In such conditions, beautiful photos practically take themselves.
So, if you are planning a photo session, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to see in Venice!
6. The Hidden Pier in Venice
When you’ve explored all the sights and run out of photo ideas, grab a pizza to go and head to the secluded pier right next to the San Moise Hotel.
Due to its intimate location, this pier is an ideal spot for a picnic and, simultaneously, an interesting setting for photos.
Although this place has long ceased to be a secret and has gained popularity among influencers, with a bit of luck, you can still enjoy it exclusively.
In my opinion, it’s best to come here in the late morning or late afternoon when the light on the pier is at its best.
Sit back and relish the view of the picturesque Venetian canal. Who knows, maybe you’ll be luckier than me and capture a passing gondola in a photo?
7. Libreria Acqua Alta
Another fantastic spot for a photo shoot in Venice is the secluded Libreria Acqua Alta, considered by some to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world.
Well, I don’t quite agree with that, but it is undeniably a unique place on the map of Venice that is definitely worth visiting.
The bookstore is inhabited by numerous cats and owes its popularity to the fact that most of the books are stored here in tubs or boats, which protects them from potential flooding (the so-called “acqua alta”, i.e. the great tide that hits the city from autumn to spring).
In my opinion, the best photo in Libreria Acqua Alta will be taken posing on the stairs of old books in the yard or in the gondola moored at the back of the bookstore.
Of course, after the photo session, it is worth buying a book or one of the interesting souvenirs, which are not lacking in the bookstore.
8. Gelatoteca SuSo
If, like me, you are a lover of Italian ice cream, make sure to visit the famous Gelatoteca SuSo, renowned for serving some of the best gelato in the entire city.
The local ice cream is famous not only for its great taste but also, perhaps above all, for the colorful additions that make it obscenely photogenic.
All you have to do is stock up on your favorite gelato, then head to the nearby bridge to photograph it against the picturesque canal.
I warn you in advance that it’s quite a challenge because it’s hard to resist such appetizing-looking ice cream and not eat it on the way to the bridge.
However, I assure you that it is worth it because, in addition to a unique place to enjoy ice cream, you will also capture one of the most Instagrammable photos from Venice. Sounds good, right?
9. Dorsoduro
The enchanting Dorsoduro district, known for its unique charm, is undoubtedly one of the best places to see in Venice.
This southernmost section of the city is a genuine delight for those who appreciate places off the beaten path.
Here, the juxtaposition of old and new is evident, with famous art galleries coexisting alongside both lively student streets and serene luxury apartments.
It is no coincidence that Dorsoduro has gained acclaim as one of the premier locations for strolling in Venice.
All these elements combine to make this district the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos. Dorsoduro boasts a wealth of attractions, ensuring ample opportunities to capture intriguing shots.
Personally, I found myself most captivated by the area along the stone wall opposite Squero di San Trovaso—a historic workshop that remains one of the few still crafting traditional wooden gondolas.
Can you envision a more special setting 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 captivating spot on my list of must-visit places in Venice is the extremely charming historic Ponte Chiodo, nestled in the lively Cannaregio district.
This iconic bridge, named after the noble Chiodo family who once owned it, adds to the rich tapestry of places to see in Venice.
What makes Ponte Chiodo truly unique is its lack of railings and the pathway leading to a private building, now transformed into a hotel.
An interesting historical note reveals that initially, all bridges in Venice lacked handrails, and it was only in the early 19th century that they were added to prevent accidents.
Among the 417 bridges in the city, only two, including the Chiodo Bridge, remain without handrails.
The second one, intriguingly called the Devil’s Bridge, is situated on the island of Torcello, contributing to the diverse and fascinating places to explore in Venice.
Summary
Venice stands out as an ideal backdrop for a dreamy photoshoot in authentic Italian style.
This enchanting city, renowned for its rich past and captivating natural beauty, is a treasure trove of captivating places to see in Venice.
From historic landmarks to hidden gems, Venice provides an array of Instagram-worthy destinations that make it one of Italy’s most enticing places to explore.
I trust that the curated list of these exceptional places to see in Venice will assist you in planning your itinerary for this alluring city.
Now, all that remains is to book your ticket and embark on your journey to discover the beauty of Venice!
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Curious if Venice is on your photography bucket list? Explored this captivating city already? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let me know about the Venice spots that left the most significant impression on you! If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with your friends.