The best photo spots in Venice – The best photo opportunities
Maybe a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It’s important to be well prepared. Take your iPhone or the best camera you have. Unlike a beach vacation, where there are only a few different photo spots, Venice is a city with a wealth of places to create memories of a lifetime.
Note: The island of Burano, described later in the text, is not shown on the map. I left Burano out to focus the zoom on the main island, where most of the main photo points are located.
Here is a list of fantastic locations for breathtaking shots in Venice, covering the most photogenic attractions, hidden gems and unique angles:
Tips for taking the best photos
Perspective: Try unique angles, such as shots from the water’s edge or higher vantage points.
Weather: A foggy morning or aqua alta can give your pictures a magical atmosphere.
Sunrise and sunset: Don’t miss out on these precious moments. The golden hour between 5 and 7 pm comes only once, so it’s extremely important to be prepared.
Lighting: You should watch out for shadows when you are close to a wall. You should also pay attention to your surroundings so that you are not the only one wearing sunglasses because of the strong sun.
Outfit: Of course, you don’t have to buy particularly good designer clothes. But it’s best to bring your favorite outfits with you. You can find typical stores (Zara, H&M) and also great local stores in Venice. A local accessory can give your pictures that certain something.
Small details: These are hidden everywhere in Venice. Always pay attention to your surroundings so as not to miss the perfect detail. Wait for the perfect moment: a passing gondola, birds in flight or the right lighting. Observe how the light plays with the architecture and water of Venice to get vibrant photos.
Professional photoshoot
If you want to keep perfect memories of your stay in Venice, you can also get professional support for your photos.
Here are a few suggestions:
| Photo shoot in Venice | Dauer | Online buchen |
|---|---|---|
| Photo shoot at St. Mark's Square and the canals | 30 min - 1.5 hours | Book online |
| Professional photoshoot in Venice | 1 hour | Book online |
| Photo shoot at the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge | 30 min - 1 hour | Book online |
| St. Mark's Square and canals photo shoot | 30 min - 1 hour | Book online |
| Venice with a professional photographer | 1 hour | Book online |
For true romantics, Venice is of course the best place for a private tour for a professional couple photo shoot. The photos are taken at the classic locations, including St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
Private photo shoot: the best couple photo shoot
Photography of Venetian lifestyle
Before we talk about specific places to take incredible photos, I should mention that Venice is an absolutely photogenic city, no matter where you are.
For example, you can find restaurants that exude a certain charm on every street corner. A backdrop as if time has stood still.
Sometimes it’s magical when you just photograph this authentic Italian lifestyle. A spontaneous picture can say more than a thousand words.
Be prepared to discover new things and find your own photographic style. There is no right or wrong. Emotions are still the most important factor in your pictures!
Unusual sights
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
First things first! This is the most famous place in Venice and offers endless opportunities to take great photos. No matter what kind of background you are looking for, you will find it here.
Venice is very authentic, every shot will look very Venetian and your friends on Instagram will immediately recognize where you are. It is also an impressive place. So if there is one place you have to take pictures, it is definitely here, in St. Mark’s Square!
Hint: The Campanile is a unique vantage point in Venice from which you can capture the entire panorama of Venice. A great attraction in itself and also very interesting and therefore perfect to visit. So take the opportunity and take a great photo of yourself with the whole city in the background. There are many visitors waiting in front of the Marusturm, so get tickets for the elevator in advance:
Rialto Bridge
It is undoubtedly the most fashionable bridge in Venice. It is famous worldwide and has almost become a symbol of the city.
Of course, there are two possible locations: the first is on the bridge with the Grand Canal in the background. Be careful not to use the portrait function on your iPhone, otherwise the background will not be fully visible.
The second option is to pose right next to the bridge. To complete the scenery, you could pose next to a restaurant or an authentic café, which are located right next to the bridge. Don’t hesitate to order a real Italian coffee for €2.00 or €3.00. Posing on a terrace next to the bridge is unique and you may never get the chance to pose with a cappuccino in your hand again.
If you have booked a gondola ride, that’s even better. This third option may be a little more expensive. But it’s worth it.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
It is a really beautiful building. It looks very Venetian. It is also located right on the lagoon, so you can take great photos with the water in the background. Try different angles. Don’t take the typical tourist photo with your whole body in the picture. Put yourself in the shoes of a photographer for a day.
Try to spot one of the many details of the building and strike a pose next to it. Don’t look directly into the camera, but try to be creative. You have plenty of space, you’re not sitting in a tiny gondola. Move around, use the zoom and take one of the best photos of your life!
Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
It’s such a famous bridge. That’s why I have to put it on the list. It’s a must-see!
But it remains my least favorite place in Venice to actually take a picture!
First of all: It is usually very crowded with tourists, so you have to wait forever to get a good spot, and when you take the photo, many impatient tourists are looking at you, also wanting to take the perfect photo.
Why is it called the Bridge of Sighs? Prisoners were brought over the bridge to the prison. Sometimes for a life sentence. The prisons were terrible, the prisoners knew they would spend the rest of their lives there. Knowing the history, you have to admit that this might not be the best place to take a picture with your thumb up. But it is and remains a bridge full of history. Personally, I prefer other places in the city. That’s why I wanted to mention this particular place last because of its sad history. But nonetheless, the bridge, canal and lighting make for a really great picture. Don’t let the story put you off. If you want to take a picture, it’s entirely up to you.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal! Have you ever wanted to feel like James Bond? Water taxis in Venice are expensive, but what an adventure! The incredible photos you can take on one of these authentic boats are definitely worth the price. If I had to choose between a gondola and a water taxi, I would definitely choose a water taxi. There is more space at the back and, personally, I think it looks more “movie-like”.
Article about water taxis in Venice
Otherwise, there are so many opportunities to take great photos on the Grand Canal. A fancy restaurant. A great cafeteria. There are so many beautiful spots near the canal. The buildings look typical and always provide a truly breathtaking backdrop.
Romantic views
San Giorgio Maggiore
Take your time. Of course, at first glance you might think that it’s just a small island. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just like the Doge’s Palace, it is full of secrets. Position yourself near the water or go near the church. There is always room for creativity in Venice.
Task: Find your favorite building on this small island. Don’t waste much time and try to take the best picture within 15 minutes. Try everything. This is how beautiful memories are made! Are you ready for this task?
Gondolas at Bacino di San Marco
The famous gondolas in Venice. A perfect photo opportunity for a couple traveling to Venice. These gondolas look amazing. So authentically Venetian. Can you think of anything more Venetian than a gondola?
The problem is that these gondolas are usually quite small, so you’ll need to get creative and use the wide-angle that most smartphones have these days. 0.6x zoom, for example.
Don’t take too many photos of the gondolier. Imagine someone doing that to you all day long. You wouldn’t be so thrilled about it either.
You will pass so many beautiful places. Don’t miss any opportunities, sometimes the best photos are taken spontaneously.
Giudecca Canal
The canal is four kilometers long. It is a really wide canal, between 240 and 450 meters. Up to 12 meters deep, so that larger ships can pass through the city. So it’s a slightly different backdrop and another opportunity to take a special picture. Maybe a nice photo with a cruise ship in the background.
Hidden treasures
Libreria Acqua Alta
A quirky bookstore with books stored in gondolas and bathtubs. Don’t miss the book staircase in the backyard!
One of the most important tips I can give you here is to come early. It might also look nice with the light of sunrise.
But mainly because the bookshop is so famous that sometimes there is even a long queue in front of the shop.
If it is too crowded, other tourists will wait their turn to get a shot too. You may be in a rush and not really be able to savor the moment, but try to get a good shot.
An absolutely unique setting and a unique bookshop. There’s nothing like it in the world.
Article about other insider tips in Venice
Squero di San Trovaso
The Squero di San Trovaso is one of the oldest and most famous shipyards in Venice and dates back to the 17th century. The picturesque complex is a popular photo motif due to its charming rustic architecture and historical significance. It is one of the few remaining places in Venice where gondolas are still made by hand.
Let the story shine in your pictures:
Capture the entire shipyard with its rustic buildings, gondolas and canal in the foreground. Ideal for wide-angle shots to emphasize the picturesque surroundings. The warm, soft light enhances the earthy tones of the shipyard and makes the scene even more enchanting.
Here are a few more ideas for photos in this place:
Stand or sit by the canal with the Squero in the background, look thoughtfully or admire the scene.
Walk along the canal as if you were scouting out the area, and capture natural movements.
Sit or kneel near the water and play with the reflections to add a creative touch.
Burano
Finally, far away from the huge crowds of tourists. But this does not apply in summer, when even Burano can be overrun by tourists.
The island always looks very Venetian, but different. It really has the feel of a small village, but on the water and with canals. These small canals with all the houses in different colors look absolutely incredible. This is where you have to take the best photos.
Use the small bridges as a visual element. Capture most of the important elements that make Burano so authentic in a single shot. It’s best to find a place with a small bridge, a boat and an authentic restaurant in the background.
It doesn’t get more Venetian than this!
Cannaregio
Cannaregio was once the Jewish ghetto. The entire district is steeped in history. Due to the few monuments, it is usually also a less crowded part of the city.
However, this can be an advantage when we are looking for a quiet place for authentic photos. Let the Instagram star in you come out and be creative.
Not everything here looks like the perfect Venetian decor. But there are a few hidden gems in the form of small streets, picturesque bridges, beautiful buildings and opportunities to take a picture with the canal in the background. Look around, be open to something special and I’m sure everyone will find their perfect photo spot here.
Picturesque bridges and streets
Ponte Chiodo
A real beauty, it’s great to see that these places still exist in Venice.
The Ponte Chiodo is a rare and enchanting bridge in Venice, known for its characteristic lack of railings. It is located in the Cannaregio district.
The bridge’s simple design allows for clear, uncluttered images that emphasize its unique architectural style.
Use the bridge as a vantage point to photograph the canal below or the Venetian facades.
Best poses for this place:
Strike a natural pose and look over the edge of the bridge to create a pensive and calm mood.
Carefully sit on the edge of the bridge, with your feet hanging over the side of the canal, for a daring and dramatic pose.
For couples: Hold hands while crossing the bridge. For groups: sit together on the bridge to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Fondamenta delle Zattere
A nice idea for a Sunday stroll. With a total length of 1.7 km, it is the perfect walk and at the same time the perfect way to discover Venice.
There are countless ways to take beautiful photos.
Here you can play with the light. If you go for a long walk on a Sunday, you will have many different opportunities during the day to take great photos from different angles.
The same applies here to the already existing Giudecca Canal. Perhaps you will see a large cruise ship passing by, so that you can take a different kind of photo of Venice.
Campo Santa Margherita
Campo Santa Margherita in the Dorsoduro district is one of the most vibrant and popular places in Venice. In contrast to the more touristy places, this campo (square) offers an authentic insight into everyday Venetian life.
Shows the daily life of the locals – Captures the entire square, showing its layout, the hustle and bustle, and the surrounding buildings. Include the cafes and people to capture authentic life photographically.
Good ideas for a picture:
Sit at one of the outdoor tables and have a coffee for a relaxed and timeless pose.
Pretend you’re browsing the market, adding an interactive and lively element to the photo.
Stand near one of the iconic buildings or windows to frame your pose.
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