Venice Instagram Spots: 21 Best Places to Take a Picture in Venice, Italy
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Given its beauty, there are so many great Venice Instagram spots; seriously, almost everywhere you look is photo-worthy there!
I was lucky enough to visit Venice while studying abroad in Dublin, and I took the time to scope out so many great photo spots.
Throughout this post, you’ll get a complete look at the best Instagrammable places in Venice. It covers popular spots like the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal and some lesser-known places like Cannaregio.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly where to go to get the perfect photo in Venice. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to learn all about the best Venice Instagram spots!
#1 Best Venice Instagram Spot
The best Venice Instagram spot is Libreria Acqua Alta. This Venice bookstore has Instagram-worthy gondolas filled with books!
Map of the Best Venice Instagram Spots
Use this Instagram Venice map to help you find all the places mentioned throughout this article.
Instagrammable Venice Locations
Libreria Acqua Alta
📍Location: C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Libreria Acqua Alta is one of the best bookstores in the world.
It’s incredibly unique because it’s located right along the canals, and almost all of the books are actually kept in gondolas because of frequent flooding. It’s the best the owner can do to protect the books from the water!
Throughout the bookstore, you’ll find tons of little nooks and crannies that are Instagrammable. There’s even this staircase that leads up to a great view of the canals made entirely out of books!
And yes, you can walk up the stairs to get a unique Instagram photo.
Be on the lookout for the cats that the owner has, too. They’re hidden all throughout the bookshop and are super friendly!
Because this is a store, you obviously have to visit during store hours to take a picture. It tends to be pretty busy, but it’s easy enough to take a photo without other people in it, so you can visit any time during open hours and most likely get a great picture.
Gondolas Near Doge’s Palace
📍Location: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
First up is this gorgeous spot near Doge’s Palace. Venice is one of the prettiest cities in Europe, and this location is no exception. There’s a gondola service station where all of the gondolas not in use just sit and float in the water.
This is the perfect spot to snap a photo for Instagram, especially given the beautiful buildings in the distance.
Be careful lingering around this spot for too long, as it is an active gondola boarding spot as well. So, people will be boarding gondolas here, and since they’re paying customers, you don’t want to get in their way.
The best time to stop by this gorgeous spot is in the early morning. This is when the least amount of people are in the area.
However, because this isn’t a spot where you’d really get other people in your photo, you could get away with visiting here any time of day.
The quickest way to get here is to head right to the Doge’s Palace from St. Mark’s Square and then turn right. You’ll immediately see the water, and there should be a bunch of gondolas docked where you can snap some great photos.
There’s a reason this is one of the best Venice Instagram spots.
St. Mark’s Square
📍Location: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Next up is St. Mark’s Square. As you can see, I didn’t take my own advice here; by the time I got there, the entire square was flooded with people.
Because I was only in Venice for a day, I had to take my photo then and there, and couldn’t come back at a different time, unfortunately.
So, word of advice: get to St. Mark’s Square super early in the morning if you can. Even if you can get there around sunrise, you’ll be able to beat the crowd. This is easily the busiest square in all of Venice.
Around St. Mark’s Square, there are many different spots to photograph. You can take pictures of Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and more.
The square itself is also gorgeous and is lined with many different shops, restaurants, and cafes. Truly, the photo spots here are endless.
Cannaregio
📍Location: Cannaregio, 30121 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Cannaregio is one of the lesser-visited spots by tourists in Venice, so it’s somewhat of a hidden gem in the city.
This is a great place to stay if you don’t mind walking a little more to get to the tourist attractions because it is a bit of a walk to get to St. Mark’s Square.
This district is located near the train station, though, so it’s great if you’ll be taking a train into the city. The area is filled with spots to take pictures, including canals, cafes, restaurants, and more.
I personally stayed here during my Venice trip and loved it; the area was very quiet!
Because this area isn’t super busy, you can pretty much get away with taking photos at any time of day. However, if you wish to avoid having anybody else in your photos, then get there earlier in the day.
Or, of course, just stay in the area, and you’ll be able to easily wander out your hotel door and snap some great shots!
From a Gondola
📍Location: Anywhere you can get a gondola
Obviously, this list of Instagram spots in Venice would not be complete without including a gondola as an option! This is easily the most famous photo to take while you’re in the city, though it is definitely one of the more expensive ones to try to get.
Gondola rides can cost around $80 and up, and they charge per boat. So, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting Venice with a group of people, you may be able to bring that cost down.
However, they might be in your photo, too, so consider that if this is a shot that you really want to get.
Because it’s a gondola and you’re out on the water, you can really take this photo any time of day.
To get awesome photos with a beautiful sky, though, consider going early in the morning for sunrise or late at night for sunset. The colors in the sky will make your photos even more unforgettable!
Burano
📍Location: Burano, 30142 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Located a short ferry ride from Venice is none other than Burano. There are so many Burano photo spots. This area is most well-known for its incredibly colorful buildings. Everywhere you look, there’s a bright color that you’ll just want to take a picture of!
However, keep in mind that people do live in Burano, and that means you should respect boundaries when trying to get a photo.
A simple walk around Burano will lead you down to many beautiful allies filled with pops of color.
The best way to find photo spots in Burano is not to plan at all; just see where your feet take you, and you’re guaranteed to find something to work photographing without much trouble at all.
Because you have to take a ferry to get to Burano, you can genuinely get a great photo no matter the time of day.
Of course, Burano is one of the most popular Venice day trips, so consider getting there earlier in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds as best as possible.
Libreria Acqua Alta Canal
📍Location: Behind Libreria Acqua Alta
Next is another of the best Venice Instagram spots: the canal behind Libreria Acqua Alta. To get there, all you have to do is walk up the book staircase at the back of the shop and look around.
You’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the nearby bridges. This canal is usually tranquil and calm, making for a great photo.
This is one of the lesser-known Venice Instagram spots, which is why it’s worth visiting. Because it’s always reasonably tranquil, you can truly get this shot pretty much any time of day. Even if the shop is busy, this canal typically isn’t!
There’s a different bridge each way you look in this canal, so you can get two great photos here. There’s a little bit of room where you could also stand to be in the photo if you prefer!
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
📍Location: Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a famous Venetian palazzo known for its gorgeous spiral staircase. You don’t even have to go inside to get a beautiful photo of it; all you have to do is find it and snap a photo on your phone or camera!
If you do want to go inside for a photo from the palace’s staircase, you absolutely can as well. It’s open between 10 am and 6 pm every day, and there’s a small fee of less than $10 to enter.
Then, you’ll be able to walk the staircase yourself to get some incredible photos.
This staircase is only located a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, so you can easily get a photo of both within the same hour if you’re in a rush.
Consider getting there any time before noon to be able to get a great photo of St. Mark’s Campanile while it’s busy.
Gelato di Natura
📍Location: Campo San Giacomo dall’Orio, San Croce, 1628, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy
No trip to Venice is complete without having some gelato! Most people will recommend other gelato shops, but Gelato di Natura is easily the most photogenic gelato place in Venice.
This specific location is located right near the water, and there’s a staircase where everyone sits to eat their gelato as it starts to melt down their hands.
They have tons of flavors, and you know it’s authentic gelato because it’s all-natural colors. If you’re wondering what kind to get, be sure to try the dulce de leche; it’s incredible!
You can also ask for samples if you’re unsure what kind to get and want to try a few before committing.
Order your gelato, and then walk over near the water to get the perfect shot. If it’s not super busy like it was during my visit, then you can sit right on the steps and snap a photo with the canal as the background view!
Grand Canal
📍Location: Grand Canal, 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
The Grand Canal is one of the most well-known places in all of Venice. It’s incredibly scenic and photogenic, so you can easily take a beautiful photo that’s perfect for Instagram.
Because it’s a popular spot, it’s almost always busy. So, no matter what time of day you go to take your photo, you’ll find that there are tons of people around.
Therefore, you can take a great picture no matter the time of day. For an excellent sky photo, consider going at sunrise or sunset!
You can also take a photo from many angles at the Grand Canal. If you have the time, consider walking around it to find the different angles so you can have lots of beautiful shops to choose from!
Random Bridges
📍Location: All over the city
This might seem like one of the obvious best Venice Instagram spots, but take a walk around the city and just see what you stumble upon.
The bridges in Venice are incredibly beautiful and photogenic, even those that aren’t super well-known, like the one pictured above.
You can do this at any time of day, and you’ll be surprised to see how many beautiful bridges you come across! A lot of the smaller canals aren’t very well-visited, so you’ll be able to take a photo without any people in them at all.
Often, you’ll find that there are only locals around because tourists flock to places like St. Mark’s Square.
Murano
📍Location: Murano, 30141 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Another of the nearby islands worth visiting is Murano. Like Burano, this one can be reached by a short ferry ride that won’t take much time. It’s another of the popular day trips from Venice, so it can be reasonably busy almost any time of day that you go.
However, unlike Burano, Murano is well known for its excellent glass-making. You can attend glass-making workshops or even go into a glassmaker shop and watch shapes form before your very eyes.
Most of the workers are also more than happy for you to take some photos while there!
Murano is also filled with brightly colored buildings, so if glass-making isn’t something you’re interested in taking photos of, you can also just explore the island and see what you stumble across.
Bridge of Sighs
📍Location: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
One of the most Instagrammable places in Venice is the Bridge of Sighs. It’s located right near St. Mark’s Square, and it’s impossible to miss.
There’s usually a huge crowd in the area of people taking a picture of it, so it’ll be pretty easy to spot if you’re not sure exactly where to look!
This bridge was made famous because it’s where prisoners would walk on their very last day. Legend says that it’s called the “Bridge of Sighs” because they’d let out a sigh as they passed across the bridge, knowing it would be their last time doing so.
The bridge itself is lovely. Because it’s just taking a photo of a canal and a bridge, you don’t have to worry much about other people being in your image.
So, you can take the photo any time of day and get the same shot that I did! In fact, my picture was taken in the early afternoon.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
📍Location: Dorsoduro, 1, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
One of the famous basilicas in Venice is Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute! It’s impossible to miss because of its giant dome, which can be spotted from pretty much anywhere throughout Venice.
The basilica itself dates back to the 17th century and was built in the Baroque style of architecture. It’s been relatively well preserved, which is why it’s still so beautiful.
The best way to get a photo of the basilica is to try to snap a shot from across the water, or you could consider going right up to it and taking a picture outside. It’s truly beautiful any time of day, so not much planning has to go into taking a photo of it!
Rialto Bridge
📍Location: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Last but not least is one of the most famous Instagrammable places in Venice: the Rialto Bridge. The bridge is absolutely massive and is lined with shops.
While you can get a photo from the Rialto Bridge, it’s best to sort of walk around it and take a picture of it!
It’s an extremely historic bridge and is the oldest one crossing over the Grand Canal. It is covered in many exquisite details that you won’t want to miss, including the intricate carvings.
The bridge is usually reasonably busy, so try to get there early in the day if you care about getting a photo with nobody else in it.
Ponte Maria Callas
📍Location: Fondamenta Maria Callas, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Though there are many bridges throughout the city, one of the best Venice photospots is Ponte Maria Callas.
Unlike the Rialto or Bridge of Sighs, Ponte Maria Callas is not always filled with tourists. This makes it easier for photographers to capture candid shots without the interference of large crowds.
Located right in San Marco, this bridge offers a quintessential Venetian backdrop. The narrow canal over which it spans, the historic buildings that frame it, and the gondolas that occasionally pass underneath all contribute to its beauty.
To get a great shop here, include local elements, respect the locals, experience with angles, and try visiting during the golden hour.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
📍Location: San Polo, 3054, a, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Built in the 1560s, Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a museum filled with many paintings by Tintoretto. The building itself is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture and makes for an incredible backdrop.
For even better photos, be sure to go inside. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Venice! Try to get there earlier in the day when they first open to avoid the crowds.
St. Mark’s Campanile
📍Location: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
St. Mark’s Campanile, standing tall and proud in the heart of Venice, is undeniably one of the most iconic structures in the city.
Situated in St. Mark’s Square, the Campanile is surrounded by other architectural marvels, including the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. This central location means that photos taken here can encompass multiple Venetian landmarks in a single frame.
Its historical significance, combined with its impressive stature, makes it a magnet for photographers and travelers alike.
One of the most obvious reasons to visit St. Mark’s Campanile is the panoramic view it offers.
From the top, you can gaze out over the entirety of Venice, capturing the maze of canals, historic buildings, and even distant islands in the Venetian Lagoon. This bird’s-eye view is unparalleled and offers photographers a unique perspective of the city.
Rialto Market
📍Location: Fondamenta Vin Castello, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
During our trip to Venice, we happened to stumble across the Rialto Market, and it truly is a great spot for a Venice photo. The hours of the market change throughout the year (same with the days), but it is usually always lively.
Make your way around the market to get some great photos. Of course, similar to other Venice landmarks, the earlier you arrive, the fewer people you’ll have in your photo.
Try to get there before 10 a.m. if possible for the best results – it normally opens around 7:30 a.m. Luckily, this is one of the spots that locals are more likely to visit than tourists. Be respectful!
Ponte Chiodo
📍Location: Rio di san Felice, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
Ponte Chido is one of the most unique bridges that you can stumble upon in Venice. It has no rails on the sides, so you can get your full outfit in the photo!
This arched footbridge stretches over the canal and is actually one of the only bridges in the city that are left without a parapet. You may also hear people refer to it as the Nail Bridge.
Because it’s a super rare type of bridge in Venice, it is often sought out by tourists. Again, just visit early to try to avoid the crowds that the afternoon may bring.
Caffè Florian
📍Location: P.za San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
The most popular cafe in all of Venice is Caffè Florian. It’s situated right off Piazza San Marco and was built in the 1700s – the architecture of the cafe itself will draw you in.
You can get photos of the outside or go inside to get a bite to eat for more photos. It’s actually one of the oldest cafes in the world (with the oldest actually in Paris).
As the oldest cafe in Italy, the prices for drinks here are higher than you will find elsewhere. But it’s one of those places that you go for the experience (and the photos), so it’s worth it!
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Tips for Getting the Perfect Shot at the Most Instagrammable Places in Venice
Since you’ll be visiting the best photo spots in Venice, it’s essential to consider these tips. Venice is a pretty busy and touristy city, so you’ll want to be prepared to get the best shot possible. Here are a few tips from my experience in Venice!
Wake Up Early (It’s Worth It)
Plan on waking up early if you want to take a photo with nobody else in it. Truthfully, it tends to be pretty busy no matter what time of year you visit Venice.
My trip was at the very beginning of May, and it was crazy busy during my trip! I didn’t follow my own advice, so you’ll find that some of my photos are filled with people.
⏰ Don’t be like me – wake up early to get the perfect shot if you can!
Plan Your Poses
If you are taking photos with yourself or someone else in them, plan your poses ahead of time. Consider making a Pinterest board with some pose inspiration, or at least have a few ideas in your head.
This way, you can make the most of your time and visit quite a few places before it gets too busy in the morning.
Don’t Be Afraid to Pack Multiple Outfits
You may think it’s weird to bring multiple outfits just for a fun shoot around the city, but it’s not! Consider wearing something simple, like biker shorts and a tank top, and then you can throw different outfits on over the top.
Just pack them in a backpack as you run around to the best Instagram spots in Venice!
Frequently Asked Questions: Instagram Spots Venice
The most popular Instagram spots in Venice include St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the picturesque canals, especially around the Grand Canal.
Early morning, just after sunrise, is the best time to capture photos in Venice with fewer crowds.
Venice is photogenic year-round, but autumn and winter offer moody atmospheres and fewer tourists, making them ideal for photography.
Apart from the famous Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and the Ponte dell’Accademia also provide iconic and Instagram-worthy views.
Final Thoughts: Venice Photo Spots
Venice, with its enchanting canals and timeless architecture, is truly an Instagrammer’s dream.
From the iconic landmarks of St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge to the hidden gems in quaint neighborhoods, there’s a photo opportunity around every corner.
So, whether you’re an avid photographer or just someone looking to sprinkle some Venetian landmarks on your feed, the City of Canals won’t disappoint.
Pack your camera, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to capture the heart of Venice in every shot!
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