Venice is a veritable maze of stunning old canals, crumbling Gothic bricks, and some of the most incredible architecture you can find anywhere in Europe. Finding beautiful places to capture the city isn’t much of a challenge. However, for those who truly appreciate the art and history of this destination, there are some unmissable locations you will want to seek out. So I’ve compiled my list of the best photo spots to frame your perfect shot in the Floating City.
Cannaregio is located far north of the centre of Venice, and as such, is more hidden away and free of the tourists that flock to San Marco. Here you’ll find quiet gardens that have been tended to by locals for centuries. They are overgrown and wild, seamlessly blending into the buildings, feeling much like a secret garden.
The Ca’ d’Oro or the golden house is so named because of the gilt decorations which once adorned its walls. Although these have long faded, the building is still one of the most incredible examples of Gothic architecture in Venice. The views inside the old manor house offer sumptuous textures and patterns formed in marble. From the outdoor porch facing the waterway you can nab some of the most stunning views of the Grand Canal.
The Mercato di Rialto, or Venice Marketplace, is where you’ll find heaps of colourful Italian produce, laid out like piles of brightly coloured gemstones. Stacked underneath vibrant red awnings behind smiling Venetian vendors, the smells of the market are almost as strong as the picturesque displays.
The Rialto Bridge is the most famous of the four iconic bridges along the Venetian Grand Canal. There are always crowds on the bridge, but if you visit early in the morning, you have the best chance of seeing it without a huge mob. I like to photograph the bridge on the approach from the Grand Canal vaporetto, capturing dramatic views of gondolas cruising in front.
San Polo is the smallest neighbourhood in Venice and one of the oldest parts of the city. As such, you can wander these alleyways and tiny canals to find some of the most ancient, yet fantastically colourful, compositions. The layers of brick and stucco, alongside changing surfaces and colours from various years of construction, make for a charming patchwork quilt of textures.
Standing atop the Ponte dell’Accademia, you have an iconic view of the Grand Canal and some of the gorgeous architectural masterpieces of Venice. The contrasting colours along this portion of the canal are stunning: the blues of the water against golden-painted Gothic facades and red-and-white-striped paline (mooring poles) where gondolas dock look like something out of a painting.
The Grand Canal is naturally one of the most photographed parts of Venice. No trip here is complete without a view across these majestic waters. Early morning, just as the sun has begun to rise, I think is the best time since the golden light cast upon the buildings is fantastic. Hop on one of the Grand Canal’s vaporettos and get a seat up front for the best vantage point as you float down the most scenic waterway in Europe.
The Grand Canal may be what you expect to see when you come to Venice, but its smaller sister canals are those unexpected surprises that make you fall in love. The air is full of intrigue as gondolas glide across the aquamarine waters between tightly packed quarters. Looking over the railing of whichever bridge you’re standing on, it’s almost impossible not to feel like you’ve fallen into a dream. The little canals serve as a haven away from the throngs of tourists, offering quiet corners where you’ll find locals having a drink in the mid-afternoon.
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most striking buildings in Venice, but turn your back to it for a second and you’ll be surprised by what you see. Bobbing up and down in the waters are beautiful black-lacquered gondolas set against a backdrop of Gothic architecture. It’s a rather simple scene, but one which I find immensely charming.
San Giorgio Maggiore is an island situated right across from St. Mark’s Square. Although the island boasts its own beautiful places to visit, there is nothing like sitting on the water’s edge and looking out at the entirety of St. Mark’s Square. From here, you have a completely clear panoramic view of this side of the city. It not only makes for a great photo but also helps orient you before you visit the square itself.
St. Mark’s Square is the historic heart around which the entirety of Venice was built. It is where you’ll find many of the most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. The stunning red brick bell tower in the middle of the square, photographed against a bright blue sky, is always a superbly constructed picture and one which screams, “Venice!”
There are two historic cafes in St. Mark’s Square that might cost a pretty penny to dine at, but they are absolutely free to look at. The yellow and red chairs of the respective cafes look like an artistic pattern across the cobblestone exteriors of the square. The setup looks best in the morning when the chairs aren’t full of tourists on their phones, so it is best to come early.
St. Mark’s Basilica is the essence of Venice: bright, colourful, and artistic. Although the square in front of the Basilica gets crowded during the day, it’s easy enough to get close to photograph some of the vibrant glass mosaics on the exterior for which the Basilica is so famous. At sunrise or sunset, the colours reflecting off the mosaics are stunning, so if you’re an early bird or night owl, you’re in for a treat.
Both the interior and exterior of the Doge’s Palace look like something out of a Gothic fairy tale. While the outside is stunning with its rose marble and intricate floral traceries, I love the interior for its peaceful atmosphere. Since getting inside requires admission, you’ll find yourself escaping the hordes of people outside on most days. In here, you can hear your footsteps on the stone floors and are surrounded by some of the most impressive architecture anywhere in Venice. A picture from inside makes it look like you’ve stepped into a castle all to yourself.
Beside the Basilica, around the corner from the Doge’s Palace, is the Bridge of Sighs. This bridge was once used as the gateway between the city courts and the prison cells. According to romantic legend, this was the last chance for condemned prisoners to look out at the blue waters of Venice. The haunting history of the bridge makes it a powerful picture in itself, but the bright white limestone set against the blue sky and neon teal waters of the canal is what makes it superb.
The Riva degli Schiavoni is located right in front of St. Mark’s Square and is where you can see some of the most gorgeous gondolas moored, awaiting riders to journey along the Grand Canal. The exquisite green street lamps with their pink Murano glass frame the skyline perfectly as you look out at San Giorgio Maggiore.
Stepping outside of the main island is so important when visiting Venice. Burano is one of the most popular side islands due to its colourful fishermen’s village. These houses are home to both local fishermen and the famous artisans who produce some of Italy’s finest lace. The houses along the canals are each painted a different vibrant colour. They make for some of the most exciting and dynamic pictures and are well worth the 45-minute boat ride out to the island.
Murano, a sister island, is slightly less crowded but no less beautiful. The island is most notable for its glass-blowing craftspeople, but what I love it for are its dramatically colourful alleyways and residences. Hidden away from the main canal, you’ll find secret passageways leading you through the homes of real Venetians. Featuring rich textiles and vibrant shutters, they make for incredible photographs.
In truth, there is no street or canal in Venice that doesn’t make for a beautiful photograph. But if you want to set a challenge for yourself and find the most historic and captivating locations the city has to offer, I hope you found this list helpful! Let me know what your favourite location in Venice is to take photographs, or if you have any other hidden gems that you think people absolutely must see.
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Everything is good! The presentations and descriptions are well thought of. Very very good! Love the map in the end. Big help. Thanks!
Thanks Karen! The maps are super helpful, you can even copy them onto your own google account and if you have wifi or data even use them on the app when travelling. Thanks for reading, have a great time in Venice!
Very informative and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing. How long does it take to tour this itinerary?
If you were just rushing from place to place in an uber I'm sure you could get it done in a day, but to really enjoy the sights along the way, I would give yourself 2 days to explore the city and find these little photographic gems along the way!