PHOTO // ITALY6 locations

Best Photography Spots in Venice

Venice belongs to the early riser: St. Mark's, the Rialto and the canals are magic and empty at dawn.

Venice, Italy — Venice — a city photo, not one of the spots below

Best light overall

Sunrise everywhere; the crowds arrive with the day-trip boats mid-morning.

St. Mark's Square

San Marco

The basilica, campanile and arcades.

Best light: Sunrise for soft light and an empty square; mirror reflections after high water.
Tip: First light also means the pigeons and selfie sticks haven't arrived.

Rialto Bridge

San Polo

The stone bridge over the Grand Canal with gondolas below.

Best light: Sunrise from the Riva del Vin for warm light and calm water.
Tip: The Fondamenta on either bank gives a lower, gondola-level angle.

San Giorgio Maggiore

San Marco

The island church lit gold across the water.

Best light: Sunrise, seen from the Riva degli Schiavoni.
Tip: Climb the church campanile later for the best view back over St. Mark's.

Punta della Dogana

Dorsoduro

The Salute church at the mouth of the Grand Canal.

Best light: Sunset, with warm light on the domes.
Tip: A long lens compresses the gondolas and the Salute together.

Burano

Rows of saturated, candy-colored fishermen's houses.

Best light: Morning for even light in the narrow lanes.
Tip: A 40-minute vaporetto from the center; go early to beat the tour groups.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Castello

A bookshop with gondolas full of books and a book-stair.

Best light: Daytime; it's an interior.
Tip: Small and popular — go at opening for space to shoot.

A note on access

Opening hours, ticketing and access change, and some viewpoints sit on private or ticketed property. Check before you go, respect closures and residents, and never trespass or block traffic for a shot.