20 Best Instagram Spots in Venice, Italy for Photography (With a Map)
I’ve been to Venice a couple of times now, and most recently I went with my husband in September, which was a perfect time to visit. On every trip I find myself noticing new Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, from cute little bridges to different angles of famous landmarks around the city. Venice is one of those cities where beautiful photos almost happen by accident, but a few specific Venice photo spots really stand out if you know where to look.
Venice is one of those places where you could trip over a canal and accidentally take a great photo. But some Instagram spots in Venice, Italy are just better framed, better lit, or less chaotic than others. I’ve learned that timing matters when trying to capture the perfect shot. Here’s exactly where we went and what I’d recommend.
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Map: Best Instagram Spots in Venice, Italy
Here is your cheat sheet for a list of the best Instagram spots in Venice, Italy for photography. I’ve included a map, as well, and you can find all of the details in the post! The pink numbers correspond to the photo locations, and the purple bed icons correspond to my hotel recommendations.
1. Ponte dei Conzafelzi
2. Piazza San Marco
3. Hotel Colombina Dock
4. Bridge of Sighs Viewpoint
5. Pier View by Hotel San Moise
6. Fondamenta de la Verona
7. Libreria Acqua Alta
8. Gondola Dogana Vallaresso (Viewpoint of Santa Maria della Salute)
9. Burano
10. Ponte dei Pignoli
11. Arced Steps of Ponte Del Parucheta
12. Lamps of Piazzetta San Marco
13. Gondola Traghetto di Riva del Vin
14. Gondolas Along Riva degli Schiavoni
15. Rialto Bridge Viewpoint
16. Ponte Bernardo
17. Piazza San Marco by Drone
18. Bridge of Sighs Background (Ponte de la Canonica)
19. Ponte San Boldo
20. Gelato on Ponte de Sant’Antonio
1. Ponte dei Conzafelzi
Ponte dei Conzafelzi is one of those quiet Instagram spots in Venice, Italy that most people walk right past. It’s a small iron bridge with a unique split canal view, and you can see the beautiful façade of Palazzo Tetta in the background. When my husband and I stumbled across it, we couldn’t believe how empty it was compared to the main areas of Venice.
I love Venice photo spots like this because they are so easy (and I love how the photo turned out!) No waiting, no dodging tour groups, just classic canal views and old buildings doing their thing. Sometimes the best shots are on random bridges no one talks about.
When to Visit: Anytime. It’s rarely busy.
Google Maps Location: Here
2. Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is easily one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, and yes, it lives up to the hype. The square is massive, framed by buildings with stunning arches, and St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile anchoring the space. The history here goes back centuries when this was the political and religious heart of the Republic of Venice.
Recommended Tour: Skip-the-Line: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Fully Guided Tour
When we went at sunrise, it felt calm and I really enjoyed the peaceful nature of it. Later in the day, it turns into a sea of people, which can be overwhelming. As far as Venice photo spots go, this one requires strategy and an early alarm clock…good luck!
When to Visit: Early morning. It gets wildly busy during the day.
Google Maps Location: Here
3. Hotel Colombina Dock
This was one of my personal favorite Instagram spots in Venice, Italy because it was literally outside our hotel room. We stayed at Hotel Colombina, and the dock with its blue and white striped mooring poles is ridiculously cute. I’m not even sorry for how many photos I took there.
It was quiet, convenient, and the canal backdrop felt like classic Venice. Staying somewhere photogenic is honestly a smart travel move!
When to Visit: Anytime, as long as you’re a guest.
Google Maps Location: Here
4. Bridge of Sighs Viewpoint
The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, and for good reason. Built in the early 1600s, it connected the Doge’s Palace to the old prison. Legend says prisoners would sigh as they crossed it, catching their last glimpse of Venice.
Recommended Tour: Venice Best of: Doge’s Palace, Prisons, Bridge of Sighs & Gondola
What’s interesting is that this specific corner viewpoint doesn’t draw huge crowds. People know the bridge, but they don’t always find this angle on their own. That makes it one of the more manageable Venice photo spots even during the day. Even if someone is there when you arrive, you usually only wait a few minutes. No one can really photobomb this tight corner view, which I appreciate.
When to Visit: Anytime. It’s surprisingly doable during the day.
Google Maps Location: Here
5. Pier View by Hotel San Moise
This little pier near Hotel San Moise is all over lists of the best Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, and I get why. It’s tucked away and not super obvious to find, so you don’t have to fight crowds. Gondolas pass by pretty regularly, so you just need a little patience to get that perfect shot. Old buildings, the stone bridge, the dock, and the gondola all come together to create the perfect photo!
When to Visit: Practically anytime. It stays fairly quiet.
Google Maps Location: Here
6. Fondamenta de la Verona
Fondamenta de la Verona is one of those classic canal-side Instagram spots in Venice, Italy that is pretty relaxed. Have your photographer stand on the bridge while you walk along the canal for this perspective. It doesn’t get overly busy, which makes it one of the easier Venice photo spots to enjoy without stress. I’m always a sucker for skinny canals and colorful old buildings.
Google Maps helps to navigate Venice up to a point, and I do recommend downloading an eSim in advance. But honestly, some of my favorite moments happened when we wandered in the general right direction and let the city unfold. It will lead you to beautiful destinations spots like this!
When to Visit: Anytime.
Google Maps Location: Here
7. Libreria Acqua Alta
Libreria Acqua Alta is easily one of the quirkiest Instagram spots in Venice, Italy. The bookstore is famous for protecting its books from flooding by storing them in bathtubs, waterproof bins, canoes, and even a full-size gondola. That’s right…you’ll find a gondola full of books in the middle of this bookstore!
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The courtyard staircase made of old books is what most people come for. I didn’t get there right at opening, so I waited a few minutes to grab a picture, but everyone moved pretty quickly. It’s free to enter, but you can buy a book to support the shop. I’m a huge book lover, so this was one of my favorite stops!
When to Visit: Right at opening around 9 am to avoid crowds. However, if you come later in the day, it is still doable with a bit of patience.
Google Maps Location: Here
8. Gondola Dogana Vallaresso (Viewpoint of Santa Maria della Salute)
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most important religious buildings in Venice. Built in the 17th century to commemorate the end of a plague outbreak, its massive dome dominates the skyline at the entrance to the Grand Canal.
Near the Gondola Dogana Vallaresso station, you can sit on the edge of the pier and frame the basilica behind you. It’s one of those iconic Instagram spots in Venice, Italy that looks dramatic but is easy to grab. Venice photo spots don’t get much more classic than this with the combo of the Basilica, Grand Canal, and gondolas!
When to Visit: Anytime. It’s busy but easy to snap a quick photo.
Google Maps Location: Here
9. Burano
Burano might be one of the most colorful Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, and it’s absolutely worth the Vaporetto ride. You can go independently or join a Murano and Burano tour if you want it organized. We went early and explored at our own pace, and I’d recommend this approach.
The island is famous for its rainbow-colored houses and long history of lace-making. Fishermen reportedly painted their homes bright colors so they could find them coming home from sea. Is this true? No idea, but I was absolutely obsessed with the pretty colors!
We spent a few hours just strolling, snapping pics (obviously), and stopping for lunch. Compared to central Venice, it feels a bit more laid-back. As far as Venice photo spots go, Burano delivers color in every direction.
When to Visit: Morning, before it gets crowded, though it doesn’t have to be at the crack of dawn.
Google Maps Location: Here
10. Ponte dei Pignoli
Near the Splendid Venice hotel, have your photographer walk to Ponte dei Baretteri to frame you on Ponte dei Pignoli. It creates one of the most perfectly composed Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, with buildings lining the canal on both sides. It’s busy but not chaotic, especially earlier in the day. We went in the morning and had no trouble grabbing a few clean shots.
When to Visit: Earlier in the day to avoid crowds.
Google Maps Location: Here
11. Steps of Ponte del Parucheta
Ponte del Parucheta’s arched steps are one of those blink-and-you-miss-it Instagram spots in Venice, Italy. It’s cute, easy to swing by, and not swarmed with tourists. We just wandered into it while exploring, and I loved the shape of the steps against the canal. Plus, how cute is the name of the bridge?!
Recommended Tour: Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
When to Visit: Anytime. It doesn’t really get busy here.
Google Maps Location: Here
12. Lamps of Piazzetta San Marco
The lamps in Piazzetta San Marco create one of my favorite sunrise Instagram spots in Venice, Italy. I loved framing the ornate lamp posts against the soft pink sky. It was nice and calm, even though we weren’t the only early risers. Later in the day, this area fills up very quickly. Plus, sunrise gives better light, so I’d recommend an early visit if you can swing it in your schedule.
When to Visit: Early morning just before sunrise.
Google Maps Location: Here
13. Gondola Traghetto di Riva del Vin
This gondola station on the San Polo side is one of my favorite Instagram spots in Venice, Italy. You get classic gondolas in the foreground and the chaos of the Grand Canal behind you. It wasn’t busy when we went, which surprised me considering that the surrounding area was pretty crowded. You’ll definitely run into other crowded Venice photo spots along the Grand Canal, but this one stayed manageable.
When to Visit: Anytime.
Google Maps Location: Here
14. Gondolas Along Riva degli Schiavoni
Along Riva degli Schiavoni, you’ll find gondolas lined up with Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore in the background. The church was designed in the 16th century, and is easily recognized as one of Venice’s most famous landmarks.
In one frame, you get two Venice icons at once! That’s why this is one of the top Instagram spots in Venice, Italy. This spot is definitely best at sunrise with the soft colors of the sky.
Recommended Tour: Gondola Ride with Private Walking Tour
When to Visit: Early morning around sunrise.
Google Maps Location: Here
15. Rialto Bridge Viewpoint
Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world and one of only four that cross the Grand Canal. It dates back to the late 1500s (which is incredibly impressive!) and has been a central commercial hub for centuries.
While the bridge itself gets packed, there’s a small corner behind it on the San Polo side that works beautifully for photos. The red and white striped pilings add a nice pop of color to the photo. Among Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, this one is a classic.
I went in the afternoon and didn’t mind people on the bridge in the background. If you want it empty, go early. Otherwise, embrace the energy and go whenever best fits your schedule!
When to Visit: Early morning for fewer people, or anytime if you don’t mind crowds.
Google Maps Location: Here
16. Ponte Bernardo
Ponte Bernardo isn’t on many official lists of Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, but I loved it. It’s just one of those skinny canal scenes with old homes leaning in close. Venice photo spots are everywhere if you slow down and wander. This one was effortless and quintessential Venice.
When to Visit: Anytime. This isn’t a famous photo spot (yet).
Google Maps Location: Here
17. Piazza San Marco by Drone
Seeing Piazza San Marco from above adds a whole new layer to these Instagram spots in Venice, Italy. From the air, you see the geometry of the square and can really appreciate the architecture. We flew our DJI Mini 3 Pro drone in the afternoon, and you can clearly see the crowds (and how many more people are there vs. our morning shots!)
When to Visit: Anytime, just check local drone regulations in advance.
Google Maps Location: Here
18. Bridge of Sighs Background (Ponte de la Canonica)
For a different angle of the Bridge of Sighs, stand on the Ponte de la Canonica while you have your photographer head to the bridge beyond that. I loved the framing for the Bridge of Sighs and the early morning light.
Take note that this area gets incredibly packed during the day. We went early and were grateful for it. Venice photo spots near major landmarks always benefit from an early start.
When to Visit: Early morning.
Google Maps Location: Here
19. Ponte San Boldo
Ponte San Boldo sits in front of Campo San Boldo, which is known for its picturesque bridge. The area offers a bit of glimpse into a quieter, more typical Venetian life, away from the busy areas of Rialto and Piazza San Marco. I loved the framing here, with the building, bridge, and canal all coming together. Among Instagram spots in Venice, Italy, this one is understated.
When to Visit: Anytime.
Google Maps Location: Here
20. Gelato on Ponte de Sant’Antonio
We grabbed gelato from Suso and took it straight to Ponte de Sant’Antonio. Holding out a cone over a canal might be the most classic of all Instagram shots in Venice, Italy.
It’s simple and fun, and you can replicate it almost anywhere in the city (there are plenty of gelato shops and even more bridges!) Venice photo spots sometimes just require good timing and good dessert. No one can photobomb your gelato if you hold it high enough.
When to Visit: Anytime.
Google Maps Location: Here
Where to Stay in Venice, Italy
Here are my recommendations on where to stay while scoping out the top Instagram spots in Venice, Italy:
- Hotel Colombina for best classic Venetian charm near Piazza San Marco (*My Recommendation*)
- The Gritti Palace for best luxury hotel
- Ai Mori d’Oriente for best hotel in the Cannaregio district
- Hotel Palazzo Priuli for best boutique hotel
- Hotel Antigo Trovatore for the best value near Piazza San Marco
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