Best Sunsets in Venice: stunning places to relax in the city
There’s something seriously magical about the sunsets in Venice. The way the light hits the canals, turning everything golden—it’s just unreal. While I was wandering around, I made it my personal mission to find the best spots to catch those epic sunsets every single day. From hidden little bridges to rooftops with killer views, I found some amazing places to just soak it all in. Time to bask in that golden glow, have a look at the below locations!
Don’t forget to check out the best instagrammable locations in Venice and hidden gems in Venice too!
If you’re visiting Italy, it’s probably worth checking out my other Italy guides – from Florence hidden gems to Hot springs in Tuscany!
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Quick Mini Guide To venice sunset spots
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Venice Italy.
most beautiful Hotels in Venice
- Ca’Sagredo – absolutely stunning hotel, painted ceilings, a converted noble house.
- Hotel San Moise – quiet place to watch tonnes of gondolas go by – pictures bellow!
- Hotel Dona Palace – stunning authentic Venetian quarters.
- Marriott Resort and Spa – excellent rooftop hotel
Best spots
- Sunset boat Ride
- Marriott Rooftop / Ca’Sagredo rooftop
- Ponte dell’Academia
Sunset times
Scroll to the bottom to see the sunset times in Venice.
Hidden gem activities in town…
- The colourful island of Burano
- Mask making workshop
- Scala Contarini del Bovolo
- Secrets of the Grand Canal Tour
Stay connected
Purchase an eSim with Airalo on your phone – Use discount code A&M3 for $3 off your first purchase.
Best Sunsets in Venice
Here’s all my favourite spots to watch the sun go down in Venice!
Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia)
For one of the most iconic sunset views in Venice, head to the Accademia Bridge. You’ll get a stunning shot of the Grand Canal with the dome of Santa Maria della Salute in the background. It’s number one on everyone’s list, you might have to fight for a spot on the bridge, but people come and go pretty frequently so it shouldn’t be too difficult! This is probably the best photo spot in Venice and it’s not hard to see why!
- Location: Spanning the Grand Canal between Dorsoduro and San Marco.
- Why You Should Go: The view from the bridge is classic Venice, with the canal, the basilica, and the setting sun all in one frame.
- Highlights: The golden light on the water and the beautiful backdrop of Santa Maria della Salute.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, for that warm, golden light.
- Cost: Free.
Ca’ Sagredo Rooftop
For a truly unforgettable sunset experience in Venice, the rooftop at Ca’ Sagredo is a must-visit. This spot offers a stunning, elevated view of the Grand Canal as the sun sets, painting the city in warm, golden hues.
- Location: On top of Ca’ Sagredo Hotel, right on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge.
- Why You Should Go: The rooftop gives you a unique, panoramic view of the Grand Canal, making it the perfect place to capture the magic of Venice at sunset.
- Highlights: The Grand Canal glowing in the evening light, with views of the Rialto Bridge and the historic Venetian skyline.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, to catch the city bathed in that beautiful golden light.
- Cost: Free if you’re staying at the hotel; otherwise, you might need to grab a drink at the rooftop bar to enjoy the view.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace
This spot offers one of the best panoramic views in Venice, and it’s even more spectacular at sunset. The 360-degree view over the city and the Grand Canal is unbeatable.
- Location: Near the Rialto Bridge, on top of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi.
- Why You Should Go: It’s a prime location for a sunset photo, with a bird’s-eye view of Venice’s rooftops and canals.
- Highlights: The sun setting over the Grand Canal, with the city spread out below.
- Best Time to Photograph: Just as the sun is setting to capture the entire city in golden light.
- Cost: Free, but book your time slot in advance.
Boat Ride at Sunset
There’s nothing quite like seeing Venice from the water as the sun sets, painting the city in golden hues. Honestly this is probably the best one, admire the Venetian lagoon!
- Cost: Varies depending on the type of boat ride you choose.
- Location: Anywhere on the Grand Canal or the lagoon.
- Why You Should Go: Capture Venice’s beauty from the water as the sky changes colors.
- Highlights: The cityscape reflected in the water at golden hour.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset.
The Bridge by Palazzina Selva – Venice Pavilion
This little bridge near the Venice Pavilion quickly became one of my favorite spots for sunset photos. With the stunning Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in the distance, it’s a peaceful spot where we captured some epic beautiful shots on our zoom lens.
- Location: Near the Venice Pavilion and Palazzina Selva in the Castello district, with a view of the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.
- Why You Should Go: It’s a hidden gem where you can snap a gorgeous view of the basilica without the crowds. We loved how the bridge framed the canal and the distant dome perfectly.
- Highlights: The dome of Santa Maria della Salute glowing at sunset, with the canal reflecting the warm light—it’s like something out of a painting.
- Best Time to Photograph: Definitely at sunset, when the basilica and the water are at their most photogenic.
- Cost: Free.
San Giorgio Maggiore / Riva degli Schiavoni
For a postcard-perfect sunset view, head to the Riva degli Schiavoni with San Giorgio Maggiore in the background. This iconic spot offers breathtaking views as the sun sets behind the church, creating a stunning silhouette over the lagoon.
- Location: Riva degli Schiavoni, the waterfront promenade near St. Mark’s Square, facing San Giorgio Maggiore.
- Why You Should Go: The combination of the church, the lagoon, and the sunset creates a truly magical scene that captures the essence of Venice.
- Highlights: The silhouette of San Giorgio Maggiore against a colorful sky, with gondolas gently swaying in the foreground.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, when the light is perfect for capturing the beauty of the church and the surrounding water.
- Cost: Free, though you might be tempted to grab a drink at one of the nearby cafes.
Giudecca Island
For a quieter, less crowded spot, head over to Giudecca Island. The view across the water to Venice as the sun sets is absolutely breathtaking.
- Location: Across the lagoon from the main island, easily accessible by vaporetto.
- Why You Should Go: You’ll get a peaceful, wide-angle view of Venice with the sun setting behind it, perfect for a serene shot.
- Highlights: The skyline of Venice glowing in the sunset, reflected in the water.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, when the colors are at their most vibrant.
- Cost: Free, just the cost of the vaporetto ride.
Sagra Rooftop at the JW Marriott Venice
For a luxurious sunset experience, head to the Sagra Rooftop at the JW Marriott. With a cocktail in hand, you can watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Venice.
- Location: On Isola delle Rose, at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa.
- Why You Should Go: The panoramic views of Venice and the lagoon are absolutely stunning, especially as the sun sets.
- Highlights: The city and lagoon bathed in sunset hues, with the distant cityscape of Venice.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, to capture the transition from day to night.
- Cost: The price of a drink or meal, but the view is well worth it.
Zattere Promenade
The Zattere promenade, Fondamenta delle Zattere, along the southern edge of Venice offers wide-open views across the Giudecca Canal. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll as the sun sets.
- Location: Along the southern edge of Dorsoduro, facing Giudecca Island.
- Why You Should Go: The long, open promenade gives you plenty of space to capture the sunset over the water, with stunning views of Giudecca Island.
- Highlights: The sun setting over the Giudecca Canal, with boats passing by and the sky turning vibrant colors.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, when the colors are most intense.
- Cost: Free.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
The Rialto Bridge is another classic spot to watch the sunset in Venice. The view of the Grand Canal as it glows in the fading light is simply unforgettable.
- Location: Spanning the Grand Canal, connecting San Polo to San Marco.
- Why You Should Go: It’s one of the most famous spots in Venice, and the sunset view over the Grand Canal is iconic.
- Highlights: The Grand Canal lit up by the sunset, with boats and gondolas drifting by.
- Best Time to Photograph: Just before sunset, to catch the light on the water.
- Cost: Free.
Cannaregio Grand Canal
For a more laid-back sunset experience, head to the Cannaregio district along the Grand Canal. This area offers a quieter, more authentic slice of Venice, with beautiful views as the sun sets over the water. And while you’re there, why not stop at one of the local bars for an Aperol Spritz? It’s the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere.
- Location: Along the northern stretch of the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district.
- Why You Should Go: It’s less crowded than the more touristy spots, giving you a peaceful place to watch the sunset and enjoy a drink like a true Venetian.
- Highlights: The soft, warm light reflecting off the water, the historic buildings along the canal, and the refreshing taste of an Aperol Spritz in hand.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, when the district is bathed in golden light and the canal glows.
- Cost: Free, except for the price of your Aperol Spritz—typically around €4-€8.
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
Watching the sunset in St. Mark’s Square is pure magic. As the sun dips, the golden light reflects off the basilica and the square comes alive with a soft glow.
- Location: Central Venice, near the Grand Canal.
- Why You Should Go: It’s an iconic spot, and the way the light plays on the historic buildings is something you won’t forget.
- Highlights: The golden light on St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile.
- Best Time to Photograph: Just before sunset to capture the light and the evening ambiance.
- Cost: Free.
Sunset times in Venice
Here’s all the sunset times in Venice, plus the weather info you need to know.
Venice Weather in January
- Average temperature: 3°C (37°F)
- Average rainy days: 6
- Average daylight hours: 9 hours
- Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
Venice Weather in February
- Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 10 hours
- Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:45 PM
Venice Weather in March
- Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
- Average rainy days: 7
- Average daylight hours: 12 hours
- Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Venice Weather in April
- Average temperature: 13°C (55°F)
- Average rainy days: 8
- Average daylight hours: 13.5 hours
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:00 PM
Venice Weather in May
- Average temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Average rainy days: 8
- Average daylight hours: 15 hours
- Average sunrise time: 5:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
Venice Weather in June
- Average temperature: 21°C (70°F)
- Average rainy days: 8
- Average daylight hours: 16 hours
- Average sunrise time: 5:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 9:00 PM
Venice Weather in July
- Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average rainy days: 6
- Average daylight hours: 15.5 hours
- Average sunrise time: 5:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Venice Weather in August
- Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average rainy days: 7
- Average daylight hours: 14.5 hours
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:15 PM
Venice Weather in September
- Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Average rainy days: 7
- Average daylight hours: 12 hours
- Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Venice Weather in October
- Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- Average rainy days: 8
- Average daylight hours: 11 hours
- Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:15 PM
Venice Weather in November
- Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
- Average rainy days: 8
- Average daylight hours: 9.5 hours
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 4:45 PM
Venice Weather in December
- Average temperature: 4°C (39°F)
- Average rainy days: 7
- Average daylight hours: 8.5 hours
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 4:30 PM
That’s it! I hope you enjoyed this guide to Venice Sunset Spots! Check out my Instagram here where I’ve posted loads of my Venice snaps.
Here, have a look at my travel guides in Italy for more inspiration on places and destinations, and don’t forget to check out the Instagram captions for Venice:
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