21 Best Venice Instagram Spots: pretty rooftops and viewpoints
I think we can agree that Venice is so beautiful! Here’s a summary of my favourite Venice Instagram Spots.
Those quiet canals, gondolas gliding by, fabulous signers serenading riders, and stunning architecture that looks straight out of a fairy tale. And let’s be real, if you’re visiting this magical city, you’re definitely going to want to capture some epic shots.
I’ve wandered through the narrow streets, crossed the iconic bridges, and even gotten lost a few times (okay, maybe more than a few), all in search of the best photo spots. Here’s the best photo spots in Venice. Don’t forget to check out the best hidden gems in Venice and best sunset spots too!
If you’re visiting Italy, it’s probably worth checking out my other Italy guides – from hidden gems in Florence to the Saturnia Hot springs in Tuscany!
This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Quick Mini Guide To venice Instagram spots
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Venice Italy.
Instagrammable 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
- View of Rialto Bridge – Naranzaria Road
- Bridge of Sighs
Hidden gem activities in town…
- The rainbow 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.
main Instagram spots Venice – photogenic but possibly busy
Before we start, make sure you cross some of the below main sights of Venice off your list!
- Gondola Ride: A quintessential Venetian experience, gliding through the canals on a traditional gondola, honestly you have to do it just once!. Note: the prices are set for gondola rides, you can’t negotiate. Book a Gondola ride here.
- St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): The iconic cathedral of Venice, known for its stunning Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics, and the majestic St. Mark’s Square it overlooks. Don’t forget your skip the queue St Marks Basilica tickets. It gets extremely busy so it’s worth it.
- Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale): A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this historic palace was the residence of the Doge and the seat of Venetian government, with incredible art, history, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Book skip the queue tickets for the Doge’s Palace. Trust me, you don’t want to be outside queuing for hours.
- Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): The most famous bridge in Venice, spanning the Grand Canal, with beautiful views and a lively market nearby.
- Grand Canal (Canal Grande): The main waterway of Venice, lined with stunning palaces, best experienced by vaporetto, water taxi, or gondola. Spot this from the Rialto Bridge.
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): The heart of Venice, surrounded by iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, and Doge’s Palace.
- Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri): A historic and romantic bridge connecting the Doge’s Palace to the prisons, with a beautiful and slightly eerie history.
- San Marco Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco): The towering bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica and breathtaking panoramic views of Venice. Book the bell tower tickets here.
Best Venice Instagram Spots
Here’s all the iconic, and quieter Venice Instagram spots. Venice is literally filled with tonnes of Instagrammable places, it’s not hard to find spots, every single alleyway is pretty picturesque!
If you’re after hidden gems in Venice, then check out the full guide! And I also have a guide to the best Venice Instagram captions.
A Gondola Ride
No Venice photo collection is complete without a classic gondola shot. It’s true! Gondola rides are a fixed price, meaning you can’t negotiate. Definitely one of my favourite Venice photo spots.
- Location: All over Venice’s canals.
- Why You Should Go: It’s the quintessential Venice experience and photo op.
- Highlights: The gondola gliding through the canals, often with iconic buildings in the background.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset for that romantic glow.
- Cost: Varies, typically around €80-€120 for a ride.
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!
- 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.
Ca’ Sagredo hotel and Rooftop
For one of the best rooftop views in Venice, head to the top of Ca’ Sagredo.
- Location: On the Grand Canal, near the Rialto Bridge.
- Why You Should Go: Breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and the rooftops of Venice.
- Highlights: The canal, the rooftops, and the distant domes.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset for a warm glow.
- Cost: The price of a drink if you visit the bar.
Riva del Ferro – View of Rialto Bridge
This spot has one of the best views of the iconic Rialto Bridge, perfect for that classic Venice shot. It’s the most commonly known one; every man and his dog has a photo here, and I’m ok with it! It’s so beautiful, so why not!?
- Location: Along the Grand Canal, near the Rialto Bridge.
- Why You Should Go: It’s the quintessential Venice view, with the bridge and bustling canal life all in one frame.
- Highlights: The iconic Rialto Bridge and vibrant canal activity.
- Best Time to Photograph: Late afternoon or sunset for that golden hour glow.
- Cost: Free.
Naranzaria Road – View of Rialto Bridge
A bit off to the side, this spot has a much less crowded but equally stunning view of the Rialto Bridge. Sit back, relax, and watch the gondolas pass by. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Venice.
- Location: Naranzaria Road near the Rialto Bridge, but on the quieter side of the canal.
- Why You Should Go: A more relaxed spot to capture the Rialto Bridge without the tourist crowds.
- Highlights: The Rialto Bridge with fewer people in your shot.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early evening or sunrise.
- Cost: Free.
While you’re at it, it might be worth looking at the Secrets of the Grand Canal Tour, you’ll discover lots of hidden gems, great viewpoints… the lot!
Ponte Storto
This little hidden gem is perfect if you’re looking to capture Venice from a different angle—literally. The crooked bridge gives you a quirky perspective that’s super photogenic. One of the best photo spots in Venice that’s quiet!
- Location: Cannaregio district, a bit off the main tourist path.
- Why You Should Go: Known for it’s pretty floral windows and quaint little homes.
- Highlights: The slightly askew bridge and reflections in the canal below.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early morning when the light is soft and the streets are empty.
- Cost: Free.
Ponte dell’Accademia
One of the best places to catch the iconic view of the Grand Canal with the dome of Santa Maria della Salute in the background. One of the best places to take pictures in Venice.
- Location: Accademia Bridge, connecting Dorsoduro to San Marco.
- Why You Should Go: This spot gives you that classic Venice postcard view.
- Highlights: Stunning views of the Grand Canal and the dome of Santa Maria della Salute.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early morning or sunset to avoid crowds.
- Cost: Free.
Bridge of Sighs
A must-visit for any Venice trip, this spot is packed with history and makes for a dramatic photo.
- Location: Near St. Mark’s Square, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the prisons. Also, head to Ponte della Paglia for a quieter spot.
- Why You Should Go: Capture the legendary bridge where prisoners saw their last glimpse of Venice.
- Highlights: The bridge’s unique architecture and historical significance.
- Best Time to Photograph: Late afternoon for the best light.
- Cost: Free from outside; admission required for inside the Doge’s Palace.
Want to see it from the inside? Book skip the queue tickets for the Doge’s Palace. Trust me, you don’t want to be outside queuing for hours.
Ponte de Canonica (View of the Bridge of Sighs)
For a different perspective on the Bridge of Sighs, this spot gives you a head-on view. One of my favourite Instagram spots Venice.
- Location: Just around the corner from the Bridge of Sighs.
- Why You Should Go: A quieter spot to capture the bridge from a unique angle.
- Highlights: The bridge framed perfectly by the canal.
- Best Time to Photograph: Mid-morning or late afternoon.
- Cost: Free.
Want to see it from the inside? Book skip the queue tickets for the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of sighs. Trust me, you don’t want to be outside queuing for hours.
a View of San Giorgio Maggiore: riva degli schiavoni
This is one of those classic Venice shots—a gondola gliding across the water with the stunning San Giorgio Maggiore in the background. It’s the epitome of Venetian elegance and beauty.
- Location: On the Grand Canal, especially near St. Mark’s Square, where you can line up the gondola and the island in the background.
- Why You Should Go: It’s a quintessential Venice scene that combines the city’s iconic gondolas with one of its most beautiful landmarks.
- Highlights: The gondola, the sparkling water, and the picturesque San Giorgio Maggiore across the lagoon.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, when the light is warm and the scene is especially romantic.
- Cost: Free to photograph, but gondola rides typically cost €80-€120.
Sagra Rooftop at the JW Marriott Venice
If you’re looking for a spot with killer views and a touch of luxury, the Sagra Rooftop at the JW Marriott is where it’s at. It’s the perfect place to sip a cocktail and take in the stunning Venice skyline.
- Location: On top of the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, on its own little island, Isola delle Rose.
- Why You Should Go: You get unbeatable views of Venice, plus a seriously chill vibe—ideal for that perfect sunset snap.
- Highlights: Panoramic views of the city, the lagoon, and St. Mark’s in the distance.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset, when everything looks golden and magical.
- Cost: Just the price of a drink, and trust me, it’s worth every cent.
Libreria Acqua Alta
This quirky bookstore is an Instagram dream, with its stacks of books in bathtubs and gondolas.
- Location: Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, Castello district.
- Why You Should Go: A whimsical, one-of-a-kind bookstore filled with charm and character.
- Highlights: The famous book staircase and the gondola filled with books.
- Best Time to Photograph: Mid-morning to avoid crowds.
- Cost: Free, unless you decide to buy a book.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
A hidden spiral staircase with the beautiful view over Venice’s rooftops.
- Location: Near Campo Manin, San Marco district.
- Why You Should Go: For a unique view of Venice from above without the typical crowds.
- Highlights: The spiral staircase and the panoramic views from the top.
- Best Time to Photograph: Late afternoon for softer light.
- Cost: Small admission fee.
Burano Island
This colorful island is a photographer’s paradise with its vibrant, pastel-painted houses.
- Location: A short boat ride from Venice.
- Why You Should Go: The rainbow-colored houses and charming canals are picture-perfect.
- Highlights: The colorful houses, peaceful canals, and lace shops.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
- Cost: Free, but you’ll need to pay for the boat ride.
You can get a private tour or a public boat tour to Burano. It’s worth it, trust me!
Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace
One of the best free viewpoints in Venice, with some sick 360-degree views of the city.
- Location: Near the Rialto Bridge, on top of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi.
- Why You Should Go: For unbeatable panoramic views of Venice from above.
- Highlights: The Grand Canal, rooftops, and St. Mark’s Basilica in the distance.
- Best Time to Photograph: Sunset.
- Cost: Free, but you need to book your time slot in advance.
Rialto Bridge – Riva del Ferro
This spot gives you a stunning view of the Rialto Bridge without the tourist crowds.
- Location: On the east side of the Rialto Bridge on the pier, Riva del Ferro Road.
- Why You Should Go: A less crowded angle for capturing the bridge and Grand Canal.
- Highlights: The bridge framed by the canal, with generally no people in the shot.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early morning, but any time will do as you can queue to get your shot on the pier.
- Cost: Free.
Sotoportego del Magazen
A hidden spot that has the most beautiful view of a quiet canal framed by a stone archway.
- Location: Near the Rialto Bridge, hidden down a narrow alley, I’ve linked the Google Maps here.
- Why You Should Go: For a secret spot that feels like a hidden gem in the busy city.
- Highlights: The archway framing the canal and gondolas.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early morning or late afternoon.
- Cost: Free.
Hotel San Moisè
This charming hotel has a small canal running right by it, making for a perfect Venice photo.
- Location: Near St. Mark’s Square, tucked away on a small canal.
- Why You Should Go: For that classic Venice shot of a gondola passing by a historic building.
- Highlights: The hotel’s elegant facade and the canal.
- Best Time to Photograph: Late morning when the light is bright but not harsh.
- Cost: Free, unless you stay there.
Giardini Reali
A peaceful garden that’s virtually empty and pretty much in St Marks Square. Perfect for really hot days where you want a bit of respite from the sun! And a beautiful view of the Grand Canal.
- Location: Near St. Mark’s Square.
- Why You Should Go: A serene, peaceful and shady spot with greenery and canal views, perfect for a quiet photo op.
- Highlights: The manicured gardens and the view of the water.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early morning or late afternoon.
- Cost: Free.
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
The heart of Venice, with iconic views and plenty of Instagrammable angles.
- Location: Central Venice, near the Grand Canal.
- Why You Should Go: It’s Venice’s most famous square, with endless photo opportunities.
- Highlights: St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, and the pigeons that often flock here.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early morning to avoid the crowds or at night when it’s beautifully lit.
- Cost: Free to view from the outside, but the inside is just as beautiful.
Traghetto Santa Maria del Giglio
Taking the Traghetto Santa Maria del Giglio offers a picture-perfect view of gondolas drifting along the Grand Canal with the stunning Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in the background. It’s a short ride but packed with classic Venice vibes.
- Location: Santa Maria del Giglio, crossing the Grand Canal towards the Dorsoduro district.
- Why You Should Go: It’s a quick and budget-friendly way to experience the Grand Canal and capture that iconic Venice scene with the basilica in the background.
- Highlights: The sight of gondolas gliding by with the majestic Santa Maria della Salute rising behind them.
- Best Time to Photograph: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Cost: 60-80 EUR
That’s it! I hope you enjoyed this guide to Venice Instagram Spots! Check out my Instagram here where I’ve posted loads of my Venice snaps.
Here, have a look at my Italian travel guides for more inspiration on places and destinations:
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