Venice is one of those cities where almost every turn feels photogenic, but if you’re traveling with a camera or even just a phone and want those classic, beautiful shots, knowing where to stand and when to go makes all the difference.
These are our favorite photo spots in Venice. We’ve tested them ourselves, at different times of day, and these locations locations are simply our favourites. Hope you enjoy them!
Grand Canal from Ponte dell’Accademia (Sunrise)
If you’re willing to wake up early, this is one of the most rewarding photo spots in Venice. And this view is worthy of waking up at 6am.
From Ponte dell’Accademia, you get a wide view down the Grand Canal, framed by historic palazzos and at the end Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. At sunrise, the light hits the buildings with a soft golden glow, reflections form on the water, and the canal is still quiet, with only a few boats passing through.
This is one of those classic Venice shots that looks beautiful even without when the weather sucks. It’s one of the best times to photograph Venice without crowds.
Now, you can get this amazing photo anytime during the day, but at sunrise, it feels a little extra special.
Bridge of Sighs from Ponte de Canonica
This is one of our favorite ways to photograph the Bridge of Sighs, and surprisingly, many people walk right past it.
If you want to be in the picture, take a photo from Calle de la Canonica Standing towards Ponte de Canonica where you can pose.
It’s a perfect spot if you want something iconic, but not the exact same photo everyone else has.
View from Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Climbing Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is absolutely worth it!
At the top, you’re rewarded with a unique rooftop view of Venice, with terracotta roofs stretching out in every direction. What makes this spot extra special are the stone columns and arches, which you can use to frame the city beautifully.
Wait a minute or two for people to clear out, and you’ll get a clean shot that looks very different from the usual canal views.
You have to pay an entrance fee to climb Palazzo, but as I already said, money well spent!
Planning a trip to Venice?
Venice has introduced an entrance fee for day visitors on certain dates. It’s easy to manage, but important to know about before you arrive. We’ve explained exactly who needs to pay, how much it costs, and how it works in our full guide here:
Venice Entrance Fee Explained.
Ponte di Rialto (without the crowds)
Instead of photographing Ponte di Rialto from the bridge itself, step away from all that chaos.
There’s a small street from the Rialto Market, just behind the bridge, where you can take a photo of Rialto from the side. This angle shows off the full curve of the bridge, gondolas passing underneath, and it’s a nice spot to take a picture of yourself.
Not many people come here, there is usually one or two persons, and it just means you can get the view all for yourself.
Punta della Dogana (sunset and sunrise)
This is hands down our favorite photo spot in Venice.
At the very tip of Punta della Dogana, you get an open, panoramic view of the lagoon. From here, you can see:
- the Grand Canal opening into the lagoon
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- St. Mark’s Campanile
- St. Marks Tower
At sunset, the light softens, the sky turns pastel, and the water just looks beautiful. At sunrise, it’s even quieter, often with hardly anyone around.
If you visit Venice only once, make sure this is one of your stops. I know that it takes a longer walk to get here, but the view is just so worth it. Even if you just want to run away from the crowds, perfect spot.
Venice is incredibly photogenic, but the best photos usually come from slowing down, arriving early, and stepping just a few meters away from the main crowds.
We hope you like these spots and that you will capture beautiful photos on your trip.
Until next time, be mesmerized 🧡
