Although Venice isn’t the largest city in Italy, it undoubtedly enchants visitors with its picturesque charm. This floating city sits on a network of canals, offering stunning architecture, charming streets, and breathtaking views at every turn. In this Venice photo guide, I’ll show you ten of the best photo spots. For each location, I’ll share insights into the exact time of day I captured my photos and recommend the best times to visit. This will help you take advantage of the best lighting and avoid the crowds, ensuring you get the perfect shot!
Map to every location shown below:
I know you’re not in Venice just for the photos, so be sure to check out my full Travel Guide for Venice, where I cover the best things to do, how long to stay, and where to find the best Italian food.
01. St. Marks Square
St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, offers countless photo opportunities and ranks as one of the most vibrant and lively places in Venice. Iconic attractions surround the square, including St. Mark’s Basilica with its stunning Byzantine architecture, the majestic Campanile, and the historic Doge’s Palace.
The square quickly fills up with visitors, especially as tourist groups begin their tours in the early morning hours.
What time to visit?
- Before 8 AM.
- Picture taken at 7.30 AM.
02. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal and connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. I don’t recommend visiting St. Mark’s Square too early in the morning, as locals use this time to run errands along the canal and the surrounding streets.
What time to visit?
- St. Mark’s Square will be crowded any time of day, but visitors line up at the Getty, so if you’re patient, you’ll have a great opportunity to get your photo!
- The picture was taken in the afternoon.
03. Libreria Acqua Alta
Libreria Acqua Alta turns a traditional bookshop into a whimsical photo spot. The store stacks books in bathtubs, gondolas, and other unusual places to protect them from Venice’s frequent flooding.
The bookstore features three distinct photo spots: a staircase made entirely of old books that leads to a scenic canal view, a gondola filled with books in the courtyard, and a cozy reading nook by the exit. If you take photos here, don’t forget to leave a tip to support this charming shop..
What time to visit?
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9AM – 7.15PM.
- The picture was taken in the afternoon.
04. Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses, and we couldn’t agree more! In the evenings, the theater comes alive with captivating opera performances. However, if you prefer a more leisurely visit, explore the opera house at your own pace during the morning or afternoon. You’ll find multiple rooms to explore, each offering a stunning backdrop for your photos.
What time to visit?
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9AM – 7.15PM.
- Picture was taken in the afternoon.
05. Ponte Dell’Academia
Ponte dell’Accademia, which offers stunning views of the Grand Canal. From this vantage point, you can also admire the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. This bridge is not just a crossing but a perfect place to soak in the enchanting atmosphere of Venice.
What time to visit?
- Sunset or Sunrise for the most stunning colors.
- Picture taken at 8PM.
06. Palazzo Contarini Del Bovolo
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a lesser-known site that always reminds me of Rapinzel’s tower. Walk up the beautiful spiral staircase for a scenic view above the city. Tickets are priced at 8€ and can be purchased here.
What time to visit?
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10AM – 6PM.
- Pictures were taken at 11AM.
07. Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Fondaco dei Tedeschi, though known for hosting some of the world’s most luxurious brands, made our list for a different reason! The building boasts a rooftop offering stunning 360-degree views of Venice. While access to the rooftop is free, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance on their website. Each time slot is limited to 15 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy and photograph the breathtaking scenery.
What time to visit?
- Slots can be booked from 10:15AM to 6:00 PM.
- Picture taken at noon.
08. Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most picturesque landmarks. This historic bridge once carried prisoners from the Doge’s Palace to their cells, earning its name from the sighs of those catching their last glimpse of Venice through its windows. Today, the bridge’s romantic architecture and canal backdrop make it a perfect photo spot for capturing the essence of Venice.
What time to visit?
- anytime, can be combined with Piazza San Marco,
- Picture taken at 8AM.
09. Getty
This Getty is a true hidden gem! Despite its proximity to one of the biggest attractions, it remains uncrowded, allowing you to take your pictures in peace. Plus, there’s a gondola starting point nearby, so you will have the iconic charm of Venetian gondolas gliding by.
What time to visit?
- You can visit anytime, but I recommend going in the morning or afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun.
- Picture taken at around 5PM
10. Keep your eyes open
Once you’re in Venice, you’ll quickly discover that you don’t have to search for photo spots—every corner of this city is stunning. Be sure to look around and step away from the main sites, as you’re likely to find even more hidden gems tucked away in the quieter streets and canals. Venice’s charm lies in its unexpected beauty, so take the time to explore and capture the city’s unique atmosphere from different angles.
