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20 Amazing Instagram Spots in Venice

With exact location, tips on how to find them and what to expect

Venice is like a dream.. wherever you go it will be picturesque.

But if you want to find all this famous Instagram spots that inspired you to visit Venice for the first time you should make a research in advance.

Navigating this magic maze takes an afford.

To save you from the hustle I've prepared this article with most popular (and some secret) photo spots in Venice.

Information is up to date for 2023

Save the Venice Instagram Spots map (more spots added)

Most instagrammable places in Venice

1. San Marco square
Location on Google Maps: St. Mark’s Square
Why its on the list:
Its probably the most popular place in Venice all the signs lead to San Marco square.
How to get there:
You can get the on foot or arrive by vaporetto or water taxi
When arriving by water, the first thing you will see is the beautiful façade of Doge Palace and tower, facing the lagoon with its two columns.
Best time to go:
Being the most instagrammable places in Venice it also makes it the hardest places to take photos.
It gets crowded already around 9 am when doge Palace, Basilica of San. Marco and the tower opens their doors to visitors
However, if you want to capture the beauty of the square, the best time to take photographs is before 8 am or directly at sunrise.
San Marco Square is truly picturesque and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places for you photo shoot in Venice.
2. Paper door
Location on Google Maps: Paper Door
Why its on the list:
This beautiful 15th century Gothic Door was the main entrance to the Doge Palace.
It was first referred to as the “Golden Gate” because its sculptures were originally covered with gold.
The name "Paper Door" probably because scribes (who helped people with paper work) and archives were located there. It's my favorite door in Venice
How to get there:
Located on the left corner of doge Palace
Best time to go:
Together with San Marco best time to admire it will be before 8 am, later the doors will stay open for the palace visitors.
3. Little corners in front of the Bridge of Sighs
Location on Google Maps: Corner in front of the Bridge of Sighs
Why its on the list:
Most of the tourist would stop to take photo with famous Bridge of Sighs from the footbridge in front, this spot offers you a new perspective and now has become super popular all over internet.
How to get there:
Just go below the bridge to this small corner you can see in the below photos left or right - choice on you!
Best time to go:
Even if the corner is so popular it seams that most people just don't see it, so any time will be good and if there are others taking photo just take your turn and wait. Anyway I usually include this spot as a part of the early morning San Marco photoshoot.
this photo was taken for Flytograper
this photo was taken for Flytograper
4. Stone bridge on the back of the Bridge of Sighs
Location on Google Maps: Stone bridge ion the back of the Bridge of Sighs
Why its on the list:
It's a popular and requested spot also I prefer this view later in the morning when sun hits the bridge of Sighs in front
How to get there:
Walk all the way around the Basilica of San. Marco on your right till you find yourself on this bridge.
I love to take photographs from the same bridge or from the bridge in front (keep in mind its private so you or your photographer will be breaking the rules)
Please be careful not to fall!
Best time to go:
Same as for many other locations in san. Marco surrounding the best time will be early in the morning before the crowds hit the streets (before 8 am)
this photo was taken for Flytograper
5. Gondolas at St. Mark’s Square
Location on Google Maps: Gondolas at S. Marco
Why its on the list:
Well it unarguably on the most pictures views on the lagoon with gondolas and San Giorgio Maggiore island
How to get there:
After enjoying the San Marco square walk your way to the right and the view will find you
Best time to go:
Morning or evening when the gondolas are parked and only few tourist passing by.
To get on the one of the wooden piers you just need to lift up the chain but please be respectful to the gondoliers, ask permission or go early in the morning.
Don't step on the wet or dirty with sea weed steps they are extremely slippery!
6. Caffè Florian
Location on Google Maps: Caffè Florian
Why its on the list:
Caffè Florian is oldest coffee house in continuous operation in Italy, and one of the oldest in the world.
The impressive
book of signatures testifies the passage of characters such as Thomas Mann, Oscar Wilde, Goethe, Lord Byron, Ernst Hemingway, Amedeo Modigliani, Coco Chanel, Gina Lollobrigida, Marcello Mastroianni, Paul Newman , Grace Kelly, Charlie Chaplin, Andy Warhol, Clint Eastwood and many others.
How to get there:
Located right at San Marco square offers indoor and outdoor tables
Best time to go:
Opens at 9 am
During the summertime is a fantastic experience to sit on on of their tables at San Marco square and enjoy aperitif with live music orchestra playing
Check the prices before ordering as its one of the most expensive cafes in Venice

7. Splendid Venice Hotel

Location on Google Maps:  Splendid Venice Hotel
Why its on the list:
This beautiful pier is an attraction for tourist eyes and long time famous now
How to get there:
Just few minutes away from San Marco square on your way to Rialto
Best time to go:
Anytime will work but of course to avoid line and people better to chose morning
8. Rialto bridge
Location on Google Maps: corner with a vie on Rialto bridge
Location on Google Maps: alternative view on Rialto bridge
Why its on the list:
Rialto Bridge is the first bridge constructed on the Grand Canal and now it’s home to many tiny shops and on both sides. Its a famous landmark and one of the iconic place of Venice. So no wonder its also one of the most popular spot for the photographs.
How to get there:
Rialto is a true heart of Venice even if come to visit Venice for one day you won't miss it.
The bridge is getting crowded already early in the morning however there are few spots from where you can take a nice photo with the Bridge on the background

My two favorite are both located on the San Polo side of the Bridge one is right on your left and for another you need to go around the big building of Palazzo dei Camerlenghi

on your right. (btw in the past the ground floor of this palace was a jail for those who defaulted on their debts)
Best time to go:
Any time of the day will work but in the mid day expect a line of people who also want to take a photo

9. T fondaco Rooftop Terrace

Location on Google Maps: t fondaco Rooftop Terrace
Why its on the list:
Best rooftop view and its for free!
Its also located on the rooftop of a very cool shopping mall so if you into shopping plan some time to check it out.
How to get there:
Booking is free but mandatory
The terrace is located on the fourth floor and can be reached using the escalators, the monumental stairs and the elevators.
The rooftop is open from 10:15AM to 6PM.
You can book up to 21 day in advance secure your free booking here
Best time to go:
My favorite time is in the evening but any time of the day will be great!
10. Acqua Alta book shop
Location on Google Maps: Libreria Acqua Alta
Why its on the list:
Claims to be one of the most beautiful bookshop in the world and this place is special indeed.
Named after high water phenomena which accrues pretty often in Venice.
To protect the books from flooding, the owner of this shop has found a very creative solution and placed them into bathtubs and waterproof bins and they even installed a full-sized gondola in the middle of the shop.
We love it because its a house for many cats that strolling there free, for the book stairs on the background, for a gondola at fire escape (the only gondola where you can take photographs for free)
How to get there:
10 minutes away from Rialto or San Marco
Best time to go:
Opens 9 AM–7:30 PM
To avoid crows best time to be there at the opening.
Keep you backpack in hands as this place is busy and tiny.
Please purchase some little souvenir or a book to support the shop!
11. Ponte Chiodo
Location on Google Maps: Ponte Chiodo
Why its on the list:
It's a pretty arched canal footbridge without any balustrades (rails). In the past most bridges in Venice where like this now its the only one left. (there is another one similar Ponte del Diavolo located on island of Torchello)
How to get there:
Located in Cannaregio district visit it on your way to exploring less touristic areas.
Closest Vaporetto stop is Ca'D'Orro
Best time to go:
Any time of the day
Its a private bridge, please be careful not to fall
12. Pier at San Moise Hotel
Location on Google Maps: San Moise Pier
Why its on the list:
This pier become famous thanks to Instagram and it is cute and worse to visit
How to get there:
Just fie steps away from San Marco square located behind Campo San Moise right next to the San Moise hotel main entrance.
Best time to go:
Might work anytime but sometimes during the morning hours you will find some boats parked tight at the pier so you may need to revisit later.

13. Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Location on Google Maps: Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Why its on the list:
Restored 15th-century palace with a spiral staircase, a film location for Orson Welles' Othello.
A true hidden gem of Venice. Offers you great views and fun experience.
Made of red cotto bricks and white Istria stone staircase grants access to six different floors of the Palace.
How to get there:
Not easy to find without exact location about 5 minutes away from the Rialto Bridge.
Best time to go:
Opening hours 10 AM–5:30 PM
Full ticket is 8 euro
Better book in advance to secure the spot here
14. Burano island
Location on Google Maps: Colorful Burano Island
Why its on the list:
Colors, colors, colors!
if this is not enough I wrote the whole article of 5 Good reasons to visit Burano Island
How to get there:
About 30 minutes by Privat taxi or 50 min by Vaporetto #12 from Fondamenta Nove or Vaporetto # 14 from San Zaccarica
Best time to go:
The tiny islands gets packed with tourist during the day time so morning or evening
During summer long days best time to come is after 6pm (don't worry vaporetto goes till late)

Hidden and Less - Known Venice Instagram Spots

15. View from Accademia Bridge
Location on Google Maps: View from Accademia Bridge
Why its on the list:
One of the 4 bridges on the Grand Canal Ponte Accademia offers beautiful view on Grand Canal with Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute
How to get there:
Its about 15 min walk from Sam Marco or Rialto or you can arrive with Vaporetto to the stop Accademia
Best time to go:
Its a popular and busy bridge but any time of the day will be possible to stop for the photo, however my favorite time to enjoy the view will be evening around the sunset.
16. View from Punta della Dogana
Location on Google Maps: View from Punta della dogana
Why its on the list:
How to get there:
You can get there by traghetto from San Marco, or by vaporetto to the stop Salute, or you can walk all the way exploring beautiful Dorsoduro district
Best time to go:
Place is popular so I recommend early morning or late evening
17. Lions of campo Arsenale
Location on Google Maps: Lions of campo Arsenale
Why its on the list:
Venice Arsenal is an important part of its history here were build the major part of its maritime and trade vessels which generated much of the city's economic wealth and power.
Main gates of Arsenal are guarded with 4 beautiful stone lions.
One of them is  The Piraeus Lion famous in ancient times; it originally guarded the port of Athens. It was stolen as war booty by Venetian naval commander.
How to get there:
Vaporetto stop Arsenale, or 15 min walk from San Marco
Best time to go:
I love to enjoy my hot cappuccino in the bar there early in the morning before the gate opening.

18. Ponte dei Conzafelzi

Location on Google Maps: Ponte dei Conzafelzi
Why its on the list:
Unique view on the canal that goes splitted in two
How to get there:
Locate right behind the famous book shop Acqua Alta. When exiting the bookshop turn  right to the tiny narrow street it will lead you on this bridge
Best time to go:
Any time will work
19. Back of Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Location on Google Maps:  Back of Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Why its on the list:
Love this little hidden corner because its always quiet
How to get there:
You will find it right behind the Scuals Grande di san Rocco just go around it on your right or left
Best time to go:
Any time of the day
20. Café Combo
Location on Google Maps: Cafe Combo
Why its on the list:
Its simply my favorite café in Venice not only they serve good food, but also its super beautiful!
check out also their terrace on the canal
BTW its the only caffe in Venice offering you their space as coworking (coffee, snacks, lunch and wi-fi)
How to get there:
Located in the old Cloister of Gesuit church you need to enter thru the door from campo dei Gesuiti
Best time to go:
The bar (café) is open all days from 7:30 to 22:30
coworking service from 9:00 to 17:30
Sundays there is a vintage market with DJ set