A Helpful Guide to the Best Photo Spots in Venice

Top 10 Best Photo Spots in Venice

I’ve been wanting to take a long weekend in Venice for as long as I can remember. Finally, in January of 2019, I got my wish when my girlfriend Sophie surprised me on my birthday. In no time, I was whisked away to the airport, camera in hand, and bundled onto a plane bound for one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 

After spending time exploring the city and taking some of the best pictures I could, I’ve decided to throw together this list. This helpful guide will show you exactly where to find the best photo spots in Venice.

I’d heard that Venice street photography was quite challenging (urban photography isn’t my forte) but, armed with a full camera bag I couldn’t wait to get started. 

Keep in mind, you may need to buy tickets to get full access to some of these places, I’ve tried to focus this guide on photos you can take for free. I’ve marked the price of each location and the walking time from the city centre (Rialto Bridge) under each location. 

For a more in-depth look at what this amazing city has to offer, make sure you check out my perfect 3-day itinerary for Venice

Experience the beauty of Venice in under four minutes

Watch this spectacular little video by National Geographic got me so excited when I was planning my trip to Venice.

It’s worth taking a look before reading the rest of this post. 

The 10 BEST photo spots
in Venice, Italy.

Table of Contents

Map of the Best Venice Photography Spots​

The map above gives you an overview of the best photo spots in Venice. If you click the menu located at the top left of the map, you can toggle the different layers. 

The orange suns highlight the best places to watch the sunset in Venice. You can toggle each layer on or off. 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the detail – and photo’s!

St. Mark's Basilica

The facade of St. Marks Basilica in Venice, Italy

St. Mark’s Basilica is over one thousand years old and has to be one of the most impressive buildings I’ve ever seen. Nestled up against the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica is located at the eastern end of St. Mark’s Square (you can’t miss it).

Both the exterior and the interior of the Basilica is utterly stunning and so tops this list as one of the best photo spots in Venice. 

Naturally, this is one of the most popular photography spots in Venice so expect large crowds. But, the good news is: it’s completely free. 

You don’t even need to pay to go inside. Simply leave your rucksack or bag in the cloakroom to the left of the basilica (free of charge also) and go on through. 

It’s even prettier inside, though you’re not supposed to take photos.

BEST TIME TO GO

Early morning 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Completely Free

WALK FROM CITY CENTER

15 Minutes 

St. Mark's Square

St Mark's Square in Venice as seen from the Basilica Balcony

Once you’ve finished shooting the beautiful exterior, it’s time to head inside and admire the view looking back across St. Mark’s square from the famous balcony (complete with replica bronze horses). 

It’s a great way to get a raised perspective of the square. You can also get some fantastic long-exposure shots of the crowds moving below. 

Stick around long enough and you might just catch the chiming of the bells on Torre dell’Orologio (St. Mark’s Clocktower) on the right-hand side.

BEST TIME TO GO

Early morning 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Completely Free

WALK TIME FROM CITY CENTER

15 Minutes 

The Rialto Bridge

Best photo spots in Venice - The Rialto Bridge
As shot from the Water Bus
The beautiful sunset over Venice

The Rialto bridge is another signature location in Venice popular with photographers and tourists alike. Located right in the centre of the city, it’s easy to access from almost anywhere.  

I’d suggest catching one of the many Water Busses and taxis that go under the bridge so you can get a great shot from the canal. 

Best place to see the sunset in Venice

Of course, at least of the best photo spots in Venice must also include a decent sunset. 

The main reason the Rialto bridge is one of the most popular photography locations in Venice isn’t actually because of the bridge itself – it’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Venice (it was certainly my favourite). 

Get setup 30 minutes before sunset and you’ll be ready to enjoy a breathtaking show of colours as the sun dips below the city skyline. It’s utterly spellbinding. 

Matched only, I think, by the gorgeous sunsets seen from the some of the viewpoints around Lake Bled, Slovenia. Just make sure to get there early to avoid the crush of other photographers and tourists.  

BEST TIME TO GO

Early morning & Sunset 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Completely Free

WALK TIME FROM CITY CENTER

5 Minutes 

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Photography Guide to Venice, the Doge Palace

Located right next to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge Palace is another excellent opportunity to test your skills in architectural photography. 

There are some great geometric shapes and symmetry to be explored as you work your way around towards the front of the palace. 

In the late afternoon, the light hits the pillars just right and creates some really interesting photo opportunities.

BEST TIME TO GO

Early morning or late afternoon

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

€20 (to get inside)

WALK TIME FROM CITY CENTER

20 Minutes 

Courtyard of the Doge Palace in Venice
The Doge Palace Courtyard
The extravagant interior of the Doge Palace in Venice
Inside the Doge Palace
The Doge Palace in Venice as seen from the water
View from the Water Taxi

If you are willing to pay to access the inside of the Doge’s Palace I suggest you do so. Full price tickets cost €20, so it’s not cheap, but in my opinion, it was well worth it. 

I would advise picking up the All Venice City Pass (€39) which is much better value and gives you access to almost all the best attractions in the city. 

You can also purchase the San Marco Pack (€28.90) if you want to visit only the attractions around the square.

If you’ve got a wide angle lens, you’ll have great fun trying to capture the incredibly ornate rooms and fresco’s. It can be tricky to do, but if you get it right, it can be one of the best photo spots in Venice, in my humble opinion. 

Getting a shot too from the water makes for a great picture of the entire palace with its gorgeous criss-cross diamond patterns. 

Burano Island

Colourful houses in Burano, Venice

Burano is a photographers paradise and arguably one of the most instagramable places in Venice (or rather, just outside Venice). 

Popular with bloggers and influencers the world over, Burano’s instantly recognisable multi-coloured houses make for some great shots.

You can easily whittle away an entire morning wandering through it’s narrow, vibrant streets. There are plenty of places for coffee and snacks too if you need a fuel stop. If you have time to make the trip, it’s well worth it. 

BEST TIME TO GO

Early morning / Late Afternoon

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

€6.50 

WATER TAXI #12

45-60 Minutes 

How do you get to Burano from Venice?

Burano is accessible via number 12 Water Bus (make sure to check the Water Bus Service Timetable) from Venice’s San Zaccaria stop (near St. Mark’s Square), to Burano and Murano. 

You can also catch the same ferry from another stop at Venice’s Fondamente Nove – a great sunrise location FYI – along the cities north eastern coast. 

The journey itself takes about 45 to 60 minutes and costs €6.50 per person but it is well worth the trip if you have time.

You can also opt to take your own private water taxi but this will set you back about €130. Not worth it in my humble opinion, but it’s your money.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

View over Venice from the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

The best pictures of Venice are undoubtedly taken from above. Being able to see the entire city stretched out before you is a game-changer when compared with the narrow streets below.

One such viewpoint is from the bell tower of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. The church itself is located on its own little island and is accessible via the number 2 water taxi. 

Catch this from the stop at St. Mark’s ferry terminal. The crossing will cost about €5. Once there, a lift will take you to the top of the bell tower where you can shoot sweeping panoramas of the city below. 

It’s definitely one of the best views in Venice. 

It’s a particularly good vantage point for photographing the gorgeous Church of the Santissimo Redentore, another one of the best photo spots in Venice. It is also one of the best locations to watch the sunset in Venice too.

BEST TIME TO GO

Early morning / Sunset 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

€5

WATER TAXI #2 FROM SAN MARCO

10 Minutes 

Church of the Santissimo Redentore

The big door of the Church of the Santissimo Redentore in Venice
Woman overlooking the canals in Venice, Italy

Located on the opposite side of the canal to St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, the Church of Santissimo Redentore is another great baroque style church that’s worth a visit. 

In my opinion, looking east over the Canale Della Giudecca back towards St. Marks is one of the best views in the city. Make sure you check the opening times though if you want to go inside. 

I was caught out and didn’t make it in (hence the shot of Sophie against the door).  

BEST TIME TO GO

Early Morning

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

€5

WATER TAXI #2 FROM SAN MARCO

15 Minutes 

Riva Degli Schiavoni

Sunset over the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute as seen from Riva degli Schiavoni
Gondolas afloat in the canals in Venice, Italy

Another truly iconic collection of photography spots in Venice can be found by strolling up and down the popular Riva Degli Schiavoni – the water-front leading off from St. Mark’s square. 

It’s yet another amazing place to watch the sunset, this time, as it dips behind the Church of Santissimo Redentore (one of the best photo spots in Venice itself). 

There are also plenty of opportunities to capture the beautiful black and gold gondolas as they bob about in the canal waiting for customers. It’s quite busy, however, so expect traffic. 

However, it’s one of my favourite spots for people watching and long-exposure junkies can have a great time testing their creativity.  

BEST TIME TO GO

Sunset 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Completely Free

WALK TIME FROM CITY CENTER

25 minutes 

The Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs in Venice

The famous Bridge of Sighs got its name from the pitiful whimpers of prisoners who used to catch one last glimpse of daylight as they were transported from the Doge Palaces’ criminal courts (on the left) to the prison (on the right). 

It’s one of the most iconic places in the city. 

Generally, you can get a good photo of the bridge at any time. However, the light is best when it shines through the canal after about noon. 

It’s located just moments from the Doge Palace and is best seen from the Riva Degli Schiavoni. 

BEST TIME TO GO

Early Afternoon

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Completely Free

WALK TIME FROM CITY CENTER

30 Minutes

Getting lost among the canals

A boat navigates a canal in Venice italy
A bridge over a canal in Venice italy

Now, of course, some of the best photo spots in Venice are not necessarily well know or documented. 

While “top ten lists” of the “best photography spots in Venice” are a great source of information they should only really be treated as a guide. 

Venice is packed full of amazing photo opportunities just waiting for you to discover them. 

Take some time to wonder about the canals and narrow streets. Don’t focus too much on your map. Get lost. See where it takes you. 

You’ll be amazed at the number of shots you can get in just 30 minutes of aimless wandering in this fascinating and beautiful city. 

BEST TIME TO GO

Anytime 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Completely Free

WALK TIME FROM CITY CENTER

n/a

Need to brush up on your photography skills before your trip? Why not check out some of my top tips: 

10 Beginner Photography Mistakes

Learn how to avoid them and take better photographs.
Free Tutorial

Venice hotel suggestions

Budget

3/5

Hotel Residenza San Maurizio

Surprisingly decent considering the price. Located just 5 minutes from St. Mark’s Square, in a noble, carefully restored sixteenth-century palace. Perfectly agreeable.

Mid-range

3/5

Hotel Da Bruno

For the price, Hotel Da Bruno is in an outstanding location, sandwiched between the Rialto Bridge and St. Marks Square. It’s simple, traditional and good value. 

Luxury

4/5

Monaco & Grand Canal

Located alongside the Grand Canal, the hotel is easily situated in one of the best locations in the city. Decorated with stylish Venician furniture it has a really traditional feel.

For your convenience, you can also use the below widget from Booking.com to see the latest deals on properties throughout the city. 

Booking.com

Pin this post

Venice is a beautiful city with some really amazing photo opportunities. 

After just two days you could be coming home with a number of bangers that will be sure to light up your Instagram feed. 

Make sure to be prepared for large crowds however as it does get quite busy, especially in the summer. 

Interested in my other photography guides?

If you enjoyed reading this Venice photography guide why not take a gander at some of my others? I’m constantly adding them as I explore more and more locations. You can find all of my travel photography guides here.

My favourite Venice Instagram Hashtags

#venice #veniceitaly #venicecanals #venice_sunsets #venicebynight #visitvenice #venicephotographer #venicegondola #explorevenice #venicelove #venicesunset #venicesunrise #instavenice #igvenice #igersvenice #venicecanal #veneziadavivere 

2 Responses

    1. Hi Audra, I’m not sure exactly what you mean, but I host my site through Bluehost / WordPress and I get the theme from a company called PipDig. I hope that helps? Let me know if it doesn’t.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WELCOME

Man smiling in the sunshine by a lake

Hi, I’m Hamish, British born adventurer, photographer, writer and self-confessed travel addict. Welcome to by blog, My Travel Fix; a jumble of stories and mis-adventures from my travels around the world.

Recent Posts