Where can I find the best views in Venice?
Searching for the best views in Venice? The city’s unique landscape of canals, historic buildings, and winding streets is even more impressive from above. To help you find the perfect vantage point, we’ve teamed up with Riddhi from Beantowntraveller. As an avid travel blogger who has explored Venice’s most scenic spots, she has shared her top recommendations with us. Based on her expert advice, here are the best places to capture stunning panoramic views of Venice.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo (Spiral Staircase) is a unique architectural feature in Venice. Its multi-arch spiral staircase winds up an elegant tower, offering clear views of the city’s rooftops and the nearby St. Mark’s Campanile. The full-price entry ticket is €9. The staircase combines Renaissance and Gothic styles and provides a memorable photo opportunity from its viewing arch at the top.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
As the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal, the Ponte di Rialto provides a classic Venetian viewpoint right in the heart of the city. Standing on the bridge, you can watch gondolas and vaporettos (water buses) navigate the bustling waterway below. For the best experience and fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening. The view is free and accessible at all hours, offering a dynamic look at Venetian life.
Ponte dell’Accademia
This simple wooden bridge offers one of the most famous postcard views in all of Venice. Looking east from the Ponte dell’Accademia, you can see the Grand Canal open into the St. Mark’s Basin, with the dome of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute creating a stunning backdrop. It is a popular location for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset.
San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower (Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore)
For a different perspective away from the crowds of St. Mark’s Square, take a short vaporetto ride on line 2 to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. An elevator takes you to the top of the bell tower, from which you can enjoy an expansive view of the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square, and the entire Venetian Lagoon. The entrance fee for the bell tower is €8.
St. Mark's Bell Tower (Campanile de San Marco)
Standing at 98.6 meters, the Campanile is the tallest structure in Venice and provides a sweeping 360-degree view of the city. An elevator carries you to the top, where you can look out over the red-tiled roofs, the surrounding islands, and the Piazza San Marco below. Standard tickets booked online are around €10-€12, though prices can be higher with skip-the-line options. Booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues.
Finding Your Perfect Venice Viewpoint
From the city’s tallest towers to its most historic bridges, Venice’s viewpoints offer something for every traveler. Whether you prefer the architectural charm of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo or the classic canal scenes from the Ponte dell’Accademia and Rialto Bridge, these spots recommended by Beantowntraveller will help you see the city from its best angles.
For more detailed information to help you plan your travels in Venice, please visit our Venice city page.
