Venice Viewpoints
Venice is my most visited European city! I’ve been lucky enough to stay in Venice five separate times with three different loved ones! For some reason, Orlando has great round trip rates to Venice! I’ve done the touristy things like St. Mark’s Square and Murano, but I’ve also experienced some amazing local activities! Below I’m sharing my most favorite Venice viewpoints. You won’t want to miss these during your stay!
- Lookout point in the Dorsoduro District
- Rooftop terrace at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Dorsoduro District Venice Viewpoint
My favorite Venice Viewpoint is at a lookout point in the Dorsoduro District, an area located toward the bottom of the island. Many of the locals compare the shape of Venice’s island to the shape of a fish. For some context, the Dorsoduro District is located in the “belly” of the fish with the Santa Croce being the head. Toward the tip of the Dorsoduro District is a coast of the island that reveals encompassing views of St. Mark’s Basilica. Free of herds of tourists, this lookout point also offers views of Venice’s sister island, Giudecca.
How To Get To The Dorsoduro District Venice Viewpoint
There are a few different ways to get to this Venice viewpoint. Set your navigation to Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute to place you near the point overlooking St. Mark’s Square. Either take a vaporetto to the Salute terminal or walk across the Accademia Bridge. Luckily Google Maps does an excellent job of providing vaporetto times and recommending which vaporetto number to take. When my husband and I went, we walked to the point by crossing the Accademia Bridge then using Google Maps to navigate to the basilica.
What To Do And Where To Eat In The Dorsoduro District
Plan on visiting the lookout point at sunset for the most even sunlight! Before sunset, check out the Peggy Guggenheim Museum just steps away from the viewpoint and Basillica. After snapping a few photos with St. Marks or Giudecca as the backdrop, check out Ristorante Lineadombra for a fine dining experience with a romantic ambiance. Jason and I stumbled upon this restaurant after taking a few photos near the Venice viewpoint point. The restaurant has a candlelight dining terrace that hovers over the water and a calming view of Guidecca.
T Fondaco dei Tedeschi Terrace Viewpoint
T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a department store inside a historic palazzo located on the Grand Canal. On the fifth floor is a free rooftop terrace that overlooks the entire Grand Canal. Be sure to book reservations in advance via this link as reservations for the viewpoint fill up quickly! A reservation guarantees a specific time slot with a group of people. Since the terrace is pretty small, each small groups gets about fifteen minutes to take photos and enjoy the view. Just as a heads up, this terrace is simply an observation deck and does not have any food or beverage options.
Where To Eat Near The Rialto Bridge
Close to T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is the Rialto Bridge, a must visit architectural landmark in Venice. Even though this area is very touristy, Jason and I found two tucked away inexpensive restaurants with a local feel. Below are two restaurant recommendations:
- Bacarando in Corte dell’Orso – After our visit to T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, we found this gem while heading down side streets to avoid the crowds. Quaint restaurant tucked away and in a square that dead ends to a private canal.
- Al Pesador Osteria – During my several trips to Venice, I always end of at this restaurant for either drinks or cicchetti, a Venetian style of appetizers/tapas. The restaurant has lots of outdoor seating and overlooks the Grand Canal. Very relaxed atmosphere and perfect resting spot of in between locations.
Other Italian Cities To Visit
Curious about visiting other charming Italian coastal towns? Don’t miss out on a trip to the Island of Procida near Naples! It’s a pastel paradise and the perfect addition to a South of Italy trip!
Questions?
Comment below! I’m always happy to answer and usually very quick!
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