From the Rialto bridge to the top of the San Marco bell tower, here are some of the most sensational and soothing sunsets in Venice, Italy.
11 Best Places to Watch the Venice Sunset
1. Rialto Bridge
For a memorable experience, visit the world-famous Rialto bridge landmark over the Grand Canal and watch the sun glisten orange off the still water. Know as the heart of Venice, the Rialto is oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal and attracts many visitors from across the world.
The elegant stonework was made at the end of the 16th century by Antonio da Ponte and is considered one of the many architectural achievements of the Renaissance.
When crossing the Rialto bridge, you will notice it is broken into three areas, two pathways on the side for walking and the views of the canal off the railing.
The area along the railing is normally lined with people enjoying the atmosphere and beautiful sights. So, if you can wait a few short minutes to jump into a spot on the railing to watch the sunset, it will be well worth your time. Take your time and appreciate the gorgeous colors reflecting off the water and the sunset over Venice.
The third pathway is the main area, filled with vendors, an area where you can walk around and experience authentic Italian culture. The small shops sell items mainly for tourists, such as linens, glasswork, and jewelry. The market continues alongside the canal with an array of selections of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish suitable for both locals and tourists.
The view from atop the bridge is simply magical and even if it might be crowded it is a must-see view in Venice.
2. La Giudecca
Laying on top of a clump of islands in the Venetian lagoon, La Giudecca is a smaller area of Venice and is perfect if you are looking for a more laid-back vibe.
Located right in front of Venice, you can reach the secluded island by taking a “vaporetto,” or waterbus, for a short 3-minute ride. The island is loved for its natural beauty as all the major industries lost business during the 2nd World War. Now, a completely residential island cut off from the rest of Venice and set away from the bustling city.
La Giudecca is starting to gain popularity among tourist so get there before the crowds do!
3. Combine a Gondola ride with the Skyline Rooftop Bar
If you have ever seen a movie set in Italy, then you are aware of the classic gondola rides that are famous to the canals of Venice and Italy. Take a romantic gondola ride through Venice for a very fair price.
After, have a drink atop the Skyline rooftop bar and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Venetian lagoon or book a table at the fine dining restaurant Aromi.
Both are located inside of the Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel, perfect for couples looking for a luxurious hotel and restaurant for their romantic getaway in Venice, Italy.
4. The Top of San Marco
If you have ever been to Venice, you have probably been to the San Marco district, famous worldwide for the St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge’s Palace. This area is the heart of tourism in Venice, bringing in large crowds year-round.
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Aside from St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s palace, there is a secret place unknown by the majority of visitors. St. Mark’s Campanile, a 99-meter-high bell tower, made famous for the Angel flight ceremony that opens the Venetian carnival, offers a unique and jaw dropping view of the city!
An old watchtower that sits near the mouth of the Grand Canal, where it oversees all the incoming ships to the canal and the city of Venice on the surrounding sides.
Enjoy one of the most spectacular sunset views from the heights of San Marco. This area is great to visit because you can avoid the busy main square and the tourist crowds. But make sure to buy your ticket in advance to get your spot.
5. Luxurious Hotel Danieli Terrace view
An exclusive private view in the center of Venice is offered by the luxurious Hotel Danieli, named by CNN as one of the most lavish hotels in the world.
This five-stars hotel, located just a few minutes walking distance from the Doge’s palace in St. Mark’s square, will definitely ensure you a timeless stay. Through the years’ royal families, famous artists, and International stars have chosen this place for their stay in Venice.
Not only for its services but also and because this luxury hotel combines one of the best experiences in terms of location, elegance, and historical origin.
Feel like a celebrity sipping a Bellini – a famous Venetian drink made with Prosecco, sparkling white wine, and pureed white peaches – at sunset time on the panoramic terrace of Hotel Danieli. Nothing beats the sophisticated atmosphere of this place. Keep in mind this luxury venue also for your destination wedding in Italy !
Read more about Italy in my posts on the 15 beautiful cities in Italy, best places to visit in Puglia, 7 Charming Sardinia Boutique Hotels, 11 Places to see the Venice Sunset, 55 Fascinating Facts about Rome, 16 Beautiful Bridges in Rome, 18 Venetian Palaces to Visit or Sleep In 27 Must-See Landmarks in Venice, What is Italy Known for? 35 Italian Claims for Fame, 20 Beautiful Fountains in Rome, 25 Rome Monuments, 24 Famous Landmarks in Italy and the Best Ski Resorts in Italy.
6. Hidden Gem: Experience Venice with sights of the Canal Grande
T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a historical building that used to be the old living quarters for German merchants back in the 1200’s. Today it is open to the public for tours and luxury shopping.
Located right along the Canal Grande, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi is now home to a new luxury department store in Venice that offers a stunning 360-degree rooftop terrace view of the city (which means you can enjoy both a wonderful sunset and spectacular sunrise).
Only a few feet away from the Rialto bridge, there are plenty of things to do to keep your day busy and feel like in an open-air museum.
However, it is highly recommended to book in advance any tour that include a visit tours to the famous rooftop terrace so you will not miss this one-of-a-kind setting.
Visiting the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is free of charge but the availability of the terrace is always unpredictable so make sure to make a reservation online before you visit to secure your spot for your choice either the sunrise or sunset.
Each time slot is only 15 minutes long per visitor so don’t waste your time on the terrace and soak in the majestic horizon.
⇒ Planning a trip to the Eternal City? Don’t miss my posts on 20 Dazzling Fountains in Rome, 55 Fascinating Facts about Rome, 15 Beautiful Bridges in Rome, 25 Spectacular Rome Monuments and my Skip the Line Colosseum Guide.
7. Enjoy your Venice Sunset with an Italian gelato on Fondamenta Delle Zattere
One of the things that Italy is well-known for, is its Italian gelato. Turn your direction to the Sestiere Dorsoduro Zattere and visit the Gelateria Nico for some “Gianduiotto da Passeggio.”
They have high-quality chocolates and authentic Italian gelato along with other fantastic sweets. If you’re visiting Italy one of the things you must try is authentic Italian gelato. This is one of the best Gelateria’s in Venice and is in a great location for watching the set over the Venetian Lagoon.
Right on the water with a view of the horizon and La Giudecca, this is the perfect location to sit down and enjoy your combination of an ice-cream delight and sunset view.
After you chow down your ice cream the best thing to do is take a calming stroll down the Punta Della Dogana with a view of the Giudecca canal.
Walking down the Zattere during the evening is an everyday activity for locals as it is the perfect break from the bustling city life. This district is the least visited by tourists, so it still has a strong presence of traditional Italian shopping and lower prices overall.
8. “Festa del Redentore”: an annual appointment not to be missed in Venice
The night of the Festa del Redentore is an amazing night you do not want to miss on your trip to Venice. On the third Sunday of every July, the Doge will have a celebration that takes the attention of all Venetians.
This is a very important day in Venetian’s history, the celebration dates to the 1500’s when the terrible plague finally came to an end.
The locals decorate their boats and houses to get prepared to watch the night sky be filled with thrilling fireworks. On the night before the Il Redentore festival, the city celebrates with a beautiful show of fireworks.
Most people tend to hop on a boat along with some to enjoy the night show from the comfort of the water. The atmosphere of the festival is simply amazing, the boats are covered in decorations, the sky is crowded with fireworks, and the air is full of emotions.
If you want to get all the views, make sure to be on the water with the rest of the crowd. If you prefer a quieter setting, enjoy one of the most memorable sunsets over the Venetian lagoon from San Giorgio Maggiore Square during this historical celebration.
9. Accademia Bridge
Accademia bridge will most likely be very busy when you visit it at sunset but you will be guaranteed a fantastic sunset view of Venice. Accademia bridge is also a great spot to watch the sunrise in Venice if you’re willing to get up early enough.
10. Murano Island
Murano is famous for its glass blowing and colourful houses. However, it is not as well known that it also has a location that makes it perfect for appreciating the sun setting in Venice
11. Riva Dei Sette Martiri
This area is situated right on the Grand Canal and offers a sunset view of Venice that includes St Mark’s Basin, the Salute’s Custom Point, and St George’s Island.
Whether you choose to brave the crowds on one of Venice’s most famous bridges or to choose one of our more off-the-beaten-track sunset view locations you will always remember watching the sunset in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
This guide to experiencing the vibrant colors and beauty that Venice has to offer is a guest post by The Italian Planners.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.