The best photo spots in Venice

-Europe.Italy.Venice-

Surely you have seen photos of the lovely Venice Island and was impressed. However when actually there – there is a phenomenon where you aren’t able to stop taking photos anymore. I am speaking from my own experience, of course. I have visited Venice – a total of 8 times – and I am still finding beautiful photo spots in Venice. Here are my top 18 picks with locations.

1. Piazza San Marco (St Marks Square)

Starting with the obvious place – is the beautiful square of San Marco. Surrounded by such unique architecture. All visitors come to this main spot and no wonder. The scene looking toward the Basilica and the Campanile is very scenic. Come early in the morning for an empty square like this.

2. Caffe Florian

On the Piazza on the right side , if you are facing the Basilica is Caffe Florian – an 18th century coffeehouse that is the oldest continuous running one in Italy. Inside, it has quite an ambience where beautiful art and decoration takes you back to a dazzling era gone by. Do expect high prices with your order. Also from outside it looks special.

3. Piazzetta San Marco

The Piazzetta San Marco is just as crowded as the Piazza. Many photo opportunities here with the Campanile as part of the focus. A personal favourite is the one from a low angle to the length up the Tower.

4. Riva degli Schiavoni (Waterfront promenade)

The waterfront promenade is something else. These lamp posts are so pretty – and worth a capture with the Palazzo Ducale in shot as well. In the background is the bridge – Ponte della Paglia from where to view the Bridge of Sighs.

5. Ponte della Paglia (View of Bridge of Sighs)

There are really countless bridges here in Venice. One of the famous ones you should not miss capturing is the Ponte de Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) which is a covered bridge where convicts walked across to the prison after being judged. There are normally lots of people there stopping to view it from the Ponte della Paglia. You only have to wait a while to get a passing Gondola in shot as well. I personally like the night view with the lights.

6. Waterfront towards Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

From the Bridge of Ponte della Paglia , looking towards the waterfront promenade after the lights come on. The Basilica looks imposing even from this distance.

7. Gondolas by the Grand Canal

Here is also a good photo opportunity of the gondolas parked by the Grand Canal. A truly classical photo of Venice. This was taken at sunrise.

8. Ponte de Canonica- (for Bridge of Sighs)

This for me is a still a less known spot to capture the Bridge of Sighs. The main spot by the main area is not easy to take without people around. Get to this spot from the lane between the St Marks Basilica and the Clock Tower. Go till the end and turn right. You can’t miss it.

9. Ponte di Rialto

The Ponte di Rialto is the other famous bridge on Venice. It is one of the major stops for visitors to the Island. I find that taking the shot from the right side of the Bridge is nicest as you can use the gondolas in the foreground. The white bridge stands out amongst the colourful buildings at the side.

10. Grand Canal

At the middle point of the Ponte Rialto bridge looking out towards the Grand Canal for a wonderful view.

11. t Fondacio Terrace (Rooftop Terrace)

For a more elevated view, it is possible to go to t Fondacio Terrace. A rooftop terrace on top of a shopping mall selling branded and luxury fashion products. Best of all is it is free – only thing is the need to make an online appointment and you can spend 15 minutes enjoying the views. This one is on my list which I haven’t had a chance to do due to I am not able to plan my time enough to accurately make a reservation. Click here to make a reservation for free.

12. Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

A mere 1-min walk from the Rialto Bridge when you cross to the other side from the t Fondacio. I just love a capture of this facade with the clock and the bells . Porticos on the left and in the distance on the right is the Rialto Bridge. This place can get crowded – so early mornings are best.

13. Campo Sant'Angelo

You will pass by many squares while walking in Venice. The Campo Sant’Angelo I find to be very interesting to photograph with its combination of colours – unique buildings – with cool windows. Behind is a leaning campanile providing an anchor for the background. A quiet square that provides a reprieve from the busy San Marco Place.

14. Santa Maria Formosa (Canal Facing)

This was an accidental find – but its one of my favourite photos. The multi-coloured buildings with the bridge provided such a picturesque scene. This was taken about 10 am where the sun was shining on the buildings. How to get there- the Santa Maria Formosa church facade which faces the canal.

15. Libreria Acqua Alta

This bookstore is just a 2-3 minute walk from the Campo Santa Maria Formosa above. At the back of the store – is where you will find the book stairs. Sometimes there is a queue for taking photos. After that – do support the actual book store.

16. Small Pier by Moise

Easiest way to get here is to search for Hotel San Moise entrance. Or walk the shopping street filled with fashion brands on Calle Larga to the Gucci shop. Walk into the small lane opposite Gucci – at the end turn right to the canal and left to the pier.

This place is relatively unknown – here you can take a picture with a passing Gondola as they pass by.

17. Scala Contarini del Bovolo

This spiral staircase is quite hidden even though its high up. It seems to be still unknown to visitors and definitely worth taking a snapshot of. Get to Campo Manin and from there look out for the sign for the Scala.

18. Venice from the sea / from San Giorgio Maggiore

This is a special view taken from a ship as it sailed by the Venetian Island – In frame the San Marco’s Campanile stands out and I particularly like the snowy mountain peaks in the far back. If not on the ship, the other place to get a similar shot would be to visit Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore and climb its tower.

Ze Weekend Traveller

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