18 Best Photo Spots in Venice: Instagram Spots
Are you looking for the best photo spots in Venice? We got you covered. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, a romantic sunset, or a picturesque view from atop one of its many bridges, these Venice Instagram spots will be sure to give you an incredible shot.
18 Best Photo Spots in Venice: Instagram Spots
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Venice is located in the northern part of Italy. The city stretches across 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges, of which there are 400. These waterways have since become iconic symbols of this unique destination.
With our photo guide, you can also explore the city like never – use it to discover Venice in a day, or include it as part of your Italy itinerary!
This photo guide was created with the help of a local photographer, Kristina (more details below). We have also added a Google Maps location guide which includes all the beautiful Instagrammable spots in Venice.
So let’s get started!
Piazza San Macro (with all the iconic landmarks of the city at the backdrop)
- Address: P.za San Marco, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free to explore the square
San Marco Square or Piazza San Marco is the largest square in Venice and one that is the MOST iconic. The square is home to important Venetian landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, its bell tower, and the Doge Palace.
Standing at the center of the square, you can get an excellent Venice Instagram shot covering all these 3 attractions, along with beautiful lamp posts, museums, and restaurants that are located at the busy piazza.
This square dates back to the 9th century but gained its current shape in the 12th century. San Marco Piazza is a popular meeting point for tours and photoshoots. This is one Venice Instagrammable spot that should not be missed!
It’s centrally located so there are plenty of things for you to do – from museums, shopping to restaurants.
Tips to photograph San Marco Piazza
- The best time to capture the Piazza is during sunrise. Consider heading there before 7:30 to have the piazza all to yourself.
- Mornings are great as the complex is usually empty, and helps to capture images without people!
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire square. If using an iPhone, use the .50 lens to cover both the Basilica and the nearby Doge Palace.
- I like the spot right opposite the Basilica, which is home to a walkthrough area, with shops nearby (photo above)
- Another option is to shoot amazing architecture from an outdoor café. Cafes near the piazza are expensive, but worth it for the views and vibes!
Saint Mark’s Basilica with the Campanile Tower
- Address: P.za San Marco, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free to capture from outside, as well as inside
Saint Mark’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of the most important monuments in Italy. Although this is not the largest nor the oldest church in Venice, it is still the most iconic landmark of the city.
The Basilica was built on the site where St. Mark’s body had been buried. It has an incredible history and is full of amazing artwork that will make your trip unforgettable!
We highly recommend visiting the Basilica from the inside and admiring the mosaic and masterpieces like Tintoretto’s Paradise, Veronese’s Last Supper, or Carpaccio’s Crucifixion.
The wonderful mosaics depict stories from the Old Testament on the gallery floor and of Jesus Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All) above the high altar.
Did you know that there are more than 500 columns and capitals in the Basilica, and they date back to the 6th and 11th centuries?
Tips to photograph Saint Mark’s Basilica
- The best time to capture the Basilica from the outside is during sunrise.
- To focus on the Basilica and the Campanile tower, try to stay closer to the subject and shoot both (via iPhone lens 1).
- If you wish to do a nice portrait, use the Basilica as the immediate backdrop (create a bokeh, or portrait mode on iPhone and then edit with soft focus).
- The Basilica opens at 09:00 am, so if interested to shoot the intricate details and mosaics, line up, before the gates open.
- Bring a macro/zoom lens to capture those fine details (inside).
On a Gondola Ride Instagram Photos In Venice
- Address: Gondola station near Hotel Bauer, or Campo San Luca
- Costs: Starts at 85 euros for a private ride. Or shared, check options here
Venice is synonymous with its canal and gondolas, and this activity itself makes for a great Instagrammable shot. They are also the most romantic way to see all of Venice’s famous sights.
You can take a relaxing, peaceful tour through the city or go on an adventure and explore hidden corners that only locals know about. Private gondola tours last for 45 minutes, or you can share them with 5 other guests for cheaper.
Tips to photograph from/on a gondola ride
- Pose from the gondola, or capture the Grand Canal, small alleyways, and bridges from the waters – there are so many options!
- For best portraits (with bridges or buildings as the backdrop), a private tour is better. With 45 minutes in hand, you can relax and also take photos!
- If you wish to capture just the gondola floating, you can do so from the banks or even a shared gondola.
Rialto Bridge Venice Instagram Spot
- Address: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
The Rialto Bridge is the most famous bridge in Venice. It is the oldest of four bridges that span the Grand Canal and it connects the San Marco and San Polo districts.
The very first bridge that was built over the Grand Canal dates back to the 12th century. It has been rebuilt several times since then.
The current stone bridge dates back to the 16th century. This bridge was built to replace an older wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524.
In addition to its beauty, this iconic landmark also offers visitors a great place for shopping or dining while taking in all of Venice’s history!
Tips to photograph the Rialto Bridge
- Being a popular Venice Instagram spot, we recommend visiting the Rialto Bridge in the morning.
- It is best captured from the nearby pier and promenade.
- You can also get a great shot at it, from the restaurants nearby, or from a gondola ride.
- When visiting during sunset, you can get an incredible shot of the Grand Canal, gondolas, and the golden sky from the Rialto Bridge itself!
The Banks Of The San Marco Waterfront (Riva degli Schiavoni)
- Address: Riva degli Schiavoni 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
Riva degli Schiavoni is the waterfront area in Venice. It stretches from east of San Macro Piazza and is usually crowded with people at all times of the day.
Although crowded, people usually keep moving as it is forbidden to sit or eat by the waterfront. You will be able to find a spot without people for a nice Venice Instagrammable photo!
This is a perfect location if you wish to capture everything that Venice is known for – canal waters, gondolas, and beautiful architecture as a backdrop! San Giorgio Maggiore church can be seen here from across the canal. Plus it is just steps away from St Mark’s Square.
Tips to photograph Riva degli Schiavoni
- The promenade itself is huge. We recommend going on a stroll and finding a spot without any crowds to capture the gondolas and the view of the picturesque waterfront.
- This is a great spot for portraits and Instagrammable shots, right infront of the waters. Although this area is always bustling with people, it it not difficult to find an empty spot facing the canal.
- The promenade will give you an amazing view of the San Giorgio Maggiore church, from across the canal. The tower, blue waters and the gondolas make for an easy Venice Instagram snap!
Bridge of Sighs: Prettiest Instagrammable Spot in Venice
- Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
The Bridge of Sighs, one of the most famous landmarks in all of Italy, was built so that prisoners could be taken from their cells across the canal and into the courtroom without being seen by anyone else.
Essentially, it was built to connect two buildings, which were prisons at that time.
It’s also where lovers would meet after dark and whisper sweet nothings to each other before parting ways forever. It is believed that if couples kiss underneath this bridge, their love becomes eternal!
You can check out the Bridge of Sighs from a gondola ride through Venice’s waterways or stroll there from the Doge Palace!
Tips to photograph Bridge of Sighs
- You can capture the bridge from Ponte della Paglia, which is located next to St. Mark’s square and just behind the Doge’s Palace.
- Or from below Ponte della Pagila.
- There is a bridge near Trattoria Canonica restaurant (Google Map location), which is great to capture it.
- The best way to capture this bridge, is from a gondola ride!
Pier area near Museo Diocesano di Venezia or by the Ponte de la Canonica (bridge)
- Address: Campo Santi Filippo e Giacomo, 4272, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy (1 minute from Bridge of Sighs)
- Costs: Free from outside
Museo Diocesano di Venezia is a musuem located in the Castello district of Venice. It is housed inside a Benedictine monastery. There is a nice pier and restaurant area near it, which makes for a great Venice photo spot. Take a look below!
Tips to photograph
- The pier area in front of the museum makes for a nice Instagrammable spot. It is not usually crowded until the museum or when the nearby restaurants open.
- The bridge (Ponte de la Canonica) near the Museo Diocesano di Venezia is great to capture the Bridge of Sigh, the canal, and the floating gondola.
- I sat down infront of the Museo Diocesano di Venezia area for an EPIC shot!
Gondola Bauer
- Address: Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2091/b, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
Gondola stations make for an epic photo spot in Venice. One of them is located close to Hotel Bauer, and from here you can capture the canal and gondolas as they wait to be hired by tourists.
This area is home to a lot of Instagrammable spots which we will share below such as the Teatro la Fenice, from Punta Della Dogana to the majestic Santa Maria Della Salute.
Tips to photograph this Venice photo spot
- Let’s make it easy. You can just stand at the bridge right in front of the Gondola station and capture a nice snap.
- From the pier nearby, you can also create a great Instagram shot with floating or docked gondolas!
Ferry terminal with the famous Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute
- Address: Calle del Traghetto Venezia. 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
This is one of my favorite photo spots in Venice. It is completely free to visit, and unlike the previous option it is not very crowded, but still offers that iconic Venice snapshot with the Basilica, gondolas, and the Grand Canal.
Traghetto is a ferry station, close to the centre. You can type this address – Calle del Traghetto Venezia, this is the street leading to the terminal.
Or head to the ferry terminal at San Marco Vallaresso SX. Take a right to see a view of the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute from across the canal.
How to photograph this Venice Instagram spot?
- Love this spot to capture the Basilica and gondolas together in a postcard-worthy way.
- With a lot of negative space (and clear blue skies), this is great to photograph portraits or images for Instagram stories (or Pinterest to add text later) .
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
- Address: Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Starts at 8.50 euros to visit inside. Tickets here
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a small palace in Venice. As far as epic photo spots go, the palace’s external multi-arch spiral staircase is worth capturing. These stairs are known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, like snail shape!
It is located in a small calle (or street) near Campo Manin, at the foot of the Rialto, and Campo Santo Stefano.
Tips to capture the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and the staircase
- You can capture the Scala Contarini del Bovolo or the staircase for free (from outside).
- A visit to the inside of the palace is worth it for the views! The staircase leads to an arcade with gives a nice glimpse of Venetian bright orange rooftops!
Libreria Acqua Alta
- Address: C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
Libreria Acqua Alta is a bookstore, and it is one of the popular photo spots in Venice. Its claim to fame is colorful stacked books, like a staircase!
It is often called the “most beautiful bookstore in the world”, with its over-stuffed rooms stacked with books, magazines, maps, and others in a colorful manner.
Tips to photograph Libreria Acqua Alta:
- The name of the bookstore literally means “Book Store of High Water.” Snap a photo of the bookstore with one door that leads directly to a canal.
- The most popular pose is to sit by the stacked books leading to the bookstore.
- Inside the bookstore, there are picturesque piles of unique things like a full-size gondola and a bathtub!
Ponte del Remedio on Rio del Palazzo or de la Canonicain in Venice
- Address: Ponte del Remedio 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
Ponte del Remedio is a pretty bridge near San Macro Piazza. It is one of the many bridges built on the Rio del Palazzo canal.
The easiest way to get there is to use Hotel Colombina as your landmark.
The bridge area makes for a nice Instagrammable spot, and it is not a very common/popular one (so save it for your next trip!)
Tips to photograph the Ponte del Remedio
- Local photographer, Kristina from PhotoWalkVenice, shot this perfect photo of me by the bridge and canal views.
- The architectural backdrop of the Ponte del Remedio makes for a nice Instagram spot. Do wait for canals to pass by for an iconic snapshot of Venice!
- You can also sit on the Ponte del Remedio steps for a nice photo!
Hidden pier near Hotel San Moise
- Address: S. Marco, 2058, 30173 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
Hotel San Moise is a property located close to the San Marco Piazza. The best way to get here is by using – Hotel San Moise, as the landmark. The hidden pier is a popular Instagram spot as it gives you a wonderful view of Calle Dario la Chiesa bridge.
Tips to photograph this hidden pier
- This Venice Instagram spot is accessible at all times of the day. We recommend getting there when gondolas as passing by so that you can capture them as a backdrop!
Ponte Maria Callas
- Address: Fondamenta Maria Callas, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Free
This quiet bridge is located near Ponte Storto o Caotorta. The Ponte Maria Callas is a bridge named after a famous opera singer and near the La Fenice theatre.
Ponte Maria Callas is a stone bridge and is often ignored by visitors looking for an epic Venice Instagram spot.
Tips to photograph this hidden gem
- What you will LOVE here is to snap a photo of you, with a nice bridge and pretty Venetian buildings framing you!
- Visit during the daytime!
View from San Macro Bell Tower
- Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
- Costs: Tickets
St Mark’s Campanile tower opens up to an uninterrupted view of the city of Venice. We left this Instagrammable spot towards the end is because it has an entry fee and restrictions.
The access is only available from 1 April to 3 November, and tickets are for the daytime and have a strict time slot entry. You can go up and down the bell tower exclusively via lift (no steps).
Access to the Campanile may be suspended in extreme weather conditions.
Tips to photograph the Campanile
- This is an easy shot where you are capturing the city’s orange rooftops and the piazza underneath you.
- Plan to visit when they open, or an hour before they close to avoid sharp/direct sunlight.
Riva del Ferro
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
- Costs: Free
Located on the side banks of Rialto Bridge is Riva del Ferro. If you are looking to capture colorful buildings, evening lights, or a general ‘busy’ touristy spot, this promenade near the Rialto Bridge is perfect!
Tips to photograph Riva del Ferro
- When you are at the Rialto Bridge, on the left you will find colorful buildings (mostly hotels, and shops). On the right-hand side are restaurants. Restaurants are decorated in lovely lights and canopies or covers.
- Capture the colorful buildings from the right side of the Rialto Bridge; you can also frame some boats and gondolas that are docked on the side.
- We enjoyed dining by the canal-side cafes and restaurants. Use this time to capture an Instagrammable shot with the decorative lamps, and the canal/building view.
San Polo District
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
- Costs: Free
When you are at the heart of Venice (Rialto Bridge or San Marco Piazza), wander to the San Polo district or sestiere nearby. This area was a marketplace before and is home to pretty restaurants and the iconic – Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari and the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto.
This district is located on the west end of San Marco and across the Grand Canal (via the famous Rialto Bridge).
Tips to photograph San Polo District
- Wandering this neighborhood is the best way to capture it. Stop by any bridge, capture the canal with gondolas docked around, etc.
- We found that in smaller alleys it is way easier to change clothes/outfit change for Instagram and even do Reels, as they aren’t too crowded, but still present a nice image with all things Venice is known for!
Burano: Colorful Venetian district
- Address: Burano Island
- Costs: Tour, or travel by Vaporretta (starts at 2.50 euros)
The colorful island of Burano makes for an easy day trip from Venice. This island is located near Torcello at the northern end of the Venetian lagoon.
Burano is well known for its lacework, but it is the brightly colored homes that will create a lovely canvas of sorts for your Venice Instagrammable photos!
Tips to photograph Burano
- Choose a bright colored wall, and match up with your outfit.
- If you love showcasing walls or doors, Burano Island is perfect for that.
- Capture the colorful houses, boats, and canal from the Love Viewing Bridge. Use a wide-angle lens for this!
Travel Photography Locations for Venice Italy: Google Maps
Don’t forget to save this Google Map with Venice photo spots. You can also click to open the full map.
Now that you have a list of Instagrammable places in Venice, do check out these hotels for accommodation in the city!
If you are visiting Venice for a short trip, consider staying near Santa Lucia Train Station, or San Marco Piazza. These properties will be expensive, so ensure you book them ahead of your trip! This will make sightseeing and photographing easy, as you can just walk down to the Instagrammable spot!
Our top recommendations:
- Hotel Papadopoli Venezia: This upscale hotel by the canal is minutes away from the Piazzale Roma terminal, and Santa Lucia Train Station. You also have a private deck from where you can arrive directly by boat or water taxi. Click to view availability here
- Hotel Cà Zusto Venezia: Hotel Cà Zusto is housed inside a historic building, located only 5 minute away Riva di Biasio Vaporetto water bus stop, and 20 minutes from Piazza San Marco. The property is located in a nice peaceful area, which is also very Instagrammable (perfect to beat the crowds). Click to book a stay here
Venice is such a picturesque destination in Europe, and you can’t go wrong in photographing this city! With so much beauty around every corner, we are sure you’ll be reaching out for your cameras often to capture Venice’s charm!
If you want to do an EPIC photoshoot with a flying dress then contact Kristina from PhotoWalkVenice
Read our Italy travel guides below:
- Italy: Most beautiful cities in Italy, Amalfi Coast towns, Italian Riviera
- Rome: 3 days in Rome, 4 days in Rome itinerary, Visiting the Colosseum in Rome, Best Instagram spots in Rome
- Milan: One day in Milan itinerary, How many days in Milan is enough?
Pin: Best Venice photo spots to add to your itinerary
