Are you looking for the most Instagrammable places in Venice? No need to look any further, cause this blogpost covers them all! Including some hidden gems that no one knows of and insider tips on how to get there, when to go and what to wear to get that perfect shot!
Venice is a photographer’s dream come true! From the rustic coloured houses to the beautiful canals. You can’t turn a corner in this city without bumping into a hidden gem or a beautiful and Instagrammable place.
So far I have visited this beautiful city 4 times. The first time was with my parents when I was a teenager. I bought two beautiful Venetian masks that still decorate my wall to this day. However my sense of fashion hadn’t really kicked in yet and I can’t even look at these photos without cringing.
The last two times I visited Venice I was already armed with my camera! A city trip to Venice with my mom was actually the first real “Instagram Trip” I ever did.
After spending so much time in this beautiful city it’s safe to say that I know all of the best photography spots including the hidden gems and secret Instagram spots!
18 Hidden Gems and Famous Instagrammable Places in Venice
1. Scala Contarini del Bovolo
The Scala Conatirini del Bovolo is one of those more secret Instagrammable Places in Venice that most people haven’t heard of yet. It’s a beautiful tower close to San Marco Square that will offer you an incredible view over the city of Venice.
How to get there – You can find this hidden gem in Venice in a little side street right next to Campo Manin. On the wall there will be a little sign that will lead you right to it
When to go – It opens at 10 am and so far isn’t that well known with tourists but still make sure you are there 15 minutes before opening time so you can run up those stairs to take your photo. You need a photographer here that stays outside first in the garden
What to wear – I would definitely opt for a hat here. You can find these typical gondolier hats in a shop underneath the Rialto bridge! Or you can find a similar one here.
Google Maps Location – Click here
2. Libreria Acqua Alta – a hidden gem in Venice
This bookshop is another one of those unique Instagram spots in Venice. Who would have thought that a book store would turn into photography hot spot?
How to get there – This little shop is located in Castello on the Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa
When to go – You don’t need to be here as soon as the store opens. It’s a popular Instagram place but everyone just waits and takes turns to take photos on the famous stair of books
What to wear – You can shop my red sequinned dress here.
Google Maps Location – Click here
3. Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the most famous Instagram spot in Venice for sure. And it’s not just photographers that flock here, it’s everyone! From Saint Marks Basilica to St Mark’s Campanile and Doge’s Palace. You really don’t want to miss this place when you’re in Venice. Just know that if you want to take beautiful photos here, you will have to be here before sunrise!
How to get there – This one is easy, just follow the gazillion street signs if you’re on foot. Or you can go the glamorous way and arrive by water taxi.
When to go – Prepare to wake up early and be there at sunrise, otherwise don’t even bother cause once it’s 8am this place is crawling with people
What to wear – You can shop my silver sequinned dress here.
Google Maps Location – Click here
4. Ponte Chiodo
Ponthe Chiode isn’t just one of Venice’s coolest bridges, it’s also the entrance to a Bed & Breakfast! This historic bridge is located in Cannaregio and the last bridge in Venice without balustrades.
When to go – Cannaregio is a more quiet area so feel free to visit this place whenever it fits in your schedule.
What to wear – I would go for a long dress that you can drape over the bridge.
Google Maps Location – Click here
5. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Why this beautiful Instagram spot isn’t on anyone’s list I will never understand. It’s one of my favourite buildings in entire Venice. Make sure to view it from the opposite side of the Grand Canal as well!
How to get there – It’s located in Dorsoduro so either take a water taxi to the other side of the Canale Grande or you can walk across the Accademia bridge.
When to go – This place is way less crowded so you can visit just during the day.
Google Maps Location – Click here
6. Burano
When you’re staying in Venice for a couple of days you have to take a day trip to Burano! A lot of people tend to only just visit Murano since it’s so famous for it’s glass making. What they don’t realise is that they are missing out on a true gem close to Venice.
How to get there – Take Vaporetto number 12 starting from Fondamenta Nove and after 46 minutes you’ll arrive to the colourful island of Burano.
When to go – As early morning as possible since Burano already tends to get busy around 9am!
7. Along side the river banks of the Canale Grande
You can let your creativity roam free since there are so many beautiful places to see and to take photos around the Canale Grande.
How to get there – Follow the street signs towards Rialto Bridge, from there you can even choose which bank although the one on the other side of San Marco is way less crowded.
When to go – Make sure to include an evening walk when all the buildings are lit up
What to wear – A flowy skirt and jacket if it gets cold in the evening
8. House of Tintoretto
How to get there – Located in Cannaregio close to the Boscolo Hotel
When to go – You can go whenever through the day since it doesn’t tend to get crowded here.
What to wear – Tintoretto was a famous painter so choose something colourful!
Google Maps Location – Click here
9. The gondola’s at San Marco Square
How to get there – These gondola’s are located at the Canale Grande.
When to go – Go early morning, otherwise the place will be swarmed with tourists.
10. Cafe Florian
How to get there – Cafe Florian is one of the most famous cafe’s in entire Venice. It’s located on the San Marco Square so you basically can’t miss it :).
When to go – It depends on the kind of photo that you want actually 🙂 If you want it to look like you’re having a coffee you will have to wait until they open at 10am. But be prepared to pay a lot of money for just 1 coffee! If you want a photo like I did you can just go between 7am and 8am when they are setting up everything. Make sure to not disturb the people that are working and ask for permission!
Google Maps Location – Click here
11. The hidden pier
How to get there – The easiest way to reach this spot is to walk to the Calle Largo from San Marco Square and stop in front of the enormous Gucci store. Across from said store, you’ll see a small alley. Make your way through the alley and turn right at the end. You’ll see the small pier on your left :).
When to go – This place is rather unknown with tourists so pretty quiet. But however the bridges behind it are not! So if you don’t want 30 people constantly crossing the bridge in your photo, make sure to go between 8am and 9am.
12. Bridge of Sighs
How to get there – Most likely one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. The Bridge of Sighs can be found behind the San Marco Square. This photo was taken two bridges away from the actual bridge.
Tip – The bridge next to the Canale Grande is already crowded at 7am.
When to go – Go between 7am and 8am
Google Maps Location – Click here
13. SuSo
How to get there – SuSo is THE gelateria in Venice that you absolutely can’t miss! It’s located near the Rialto Bridge and has some of the most original and yummie flavours! The bridge in my photo is only 10 meters away from the ice cream shop!
When to go – If you can go at opening time. Ain’t nothing wrong with having ice cream for breakfast ;).
Google Maps Location – Click here
14. Rialto Bridge
How to get there – Besides San Marco this spot is the most crowded and most famous place in entire Venice! However if you cross the bridge and go to the right you can find some corners and piers where it’s way less crowded!
When to go – Go early morning nevertheless. Once 10am it’s pretty impossible to get a decent photo.
Google Maps Location – Click here
15. A gondola ride on the canals
How to get there – You can pretty much find a gondolier on every street corner in Venice. Do know that during the evening the price is almost double! They will always try to up the price by saying you can also go underneath the Rialto Bridge but to me honestly that isn’t worth it. The price for 40 minutes should be €85
When to go – I did this in the afternoon when it was too crowded to roam around the streets of Venice.
16. Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
This is one of the most beautiful buildings and hallways in Venice! When I visited Venice in February all of these fairy lights were still present made for one of my favourite photos ever. Make sure to arrive here in time since these buildings are part of Saint Mark’s Square and tend to get really crowded during the day.
Google Maps Location – Click here
17. Hidden canals
The most fun part about exploring Venice is actually getting lost in the maze! Believe me when I say that you can’t trust your navigation system all the time. You’re bound to get lost at least once or twice. But not to worry, that’s a good thing! Cause while the main tourist attractions are swarmed with tourists you can easily wander off into the little side streets and find yourself completely alone. That’s my favourite part of Venice and how I bumped into beautiful canals like this one below.
18. The lesser known area of Cannaregio
I guess if I have to name my favourite area in Venice it would be this one. Not many tourists wander off here and you’ll mostly just find locals here enjoying food and drinks alongside the canals.
Where to stay in Venice
Grand Hotel Dei Dogi, The Dedica Anthology, Autograph Collection – Formerly known as a Boscolo hotel. This one is located a short walk from all the main attractions and has the feeling of a Venetian Palace!
Palazzo Daponte – A stunning room in the heart of Venice including a private balcony overlooking the canals!
I hope this guide will inspire you to visit these hidden gems and beautiful Instagrammable places in Venice! If you have any questions make sure to drop them below in the comment section!
Other blog posts you might like
- Top things to do in Venice
- How to celebrate Carnival in Venice
- The perfect day trip to Burano from Venice
- The Best Euro Trip Itinerary
What gear do I use for taking my photos?
It’s a question I get asked a lot and below you can find the exact camera and lenses that I use to create my dreamy photos.
Camera – Canon 6D Mark II
Lens 1 – Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
Lens 2 – Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6
Tripod – Manfrotto Tripod – Good for heavy camera and lens!
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