My Favorite Venice Climbs & Viewpoints – With or Without Kids

We all know that Venice is unique, so why not see if from a unique viewpoint?  After you’ve gazed at Venice from the campi (piazzas), on a gondola ride, or at water’s edge, it’s time to climb!

These are my favorite places to see Venice from up high.  Note that I haven’t included every single spot, but these are some of the best!  I’ve done every one of these except the terraces of St. Mark’s and restaurant rooftops, but I’ve included them because I’ve had clients head up and love them.

I live in central Italy with my family, and I’ve been spending time in Venice for over two decades.  As much as I enjoy these viewpoints on my own, they’re even better with kids!

The info and advice below work whether you’re visiting these Venice climbs and viewpoints with or without children.

Ready to see La Serenissima from up high?  Andiamo – Let’s go!

Tips for Seeing Venice from Up High

Before I get to the actual climbs, here are some tips and things to keep in mind about Venice’s climbs and viewpoints.

See Venice from above at least once, and early in your visit.  Work a climb or vista into your itinerary.  You may enjoy it so much that you’ll want to do it again, so I recommend planning your view from above early on in your itinerary.

Check to see if you need to reserve.  Some of these climbs or views require reservations.  If you’re visiting in the winter, you may be able to book at the spur of the moment.  If you’re coming in the late spring, summer, or early fall, make sure you book in advance as sell-outs are common.

If tickets are sold out, look at third party sites.  Don’t fret if the official ticket site is sold out.  Try sites like GetYourGuide, which may be a bit more expensive, but will likely have tickets.

When possible, time your climb or view for the sunset or sunrise.  Sunrise options work for private locations (like your hotel).

Know how you get to the top.  Not all ‘climbs’ are actually climbs.  Sometimes you get to the top of a tower by taking an elevator.  If you will be walking up, make sure you’ve got appropriate footwear and clothing (for example, it’s easy to trip on steps if you’re wearing a long skirt).

Know what you can bring in.  Review the entry rules on the official website.  You may not be able to bring a backpack in some places.  And, if you’re moving around Venice with a stroller, you may need to leave it unattended at the site (if that’s the case, you may want to leave it at your accommodation).

Take a photo but then put your camera down and really soak up Venice!  Are you old enough to remember a time without smartphones?  When we took a photo with a film camera and then put it down to actually enjoy the scenery?  Do the same at these viewpoints!

If you’re heading to a bar or restaurant, confirm you’ll be seated at a table with a view.

Get a gelato after.   If you’ve climbed up, you’ve earned it!  And, even if you didn’t, when in Rome… err… Venice. 

Map of Where to Get the Best Views of Venice

Venice Towers to Climb

St. Mark’s Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco)

Saint Mark’s bell tower is the most popular climb in Venice, but you don’t have to do any climbing.  An elevator whisks you to the top! 

The views are fantastic (Venice rooftops, St. Mark’s Basilica, Venetian islands, even the Dolomites), but it can get very crowded.

Read my guide to Climbing St. Mark’s Bell Tower

Venice Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio)

You’ll do the walking up the steps of the clock tower on the edge of Piazza San Marco.  This is a guided walk, and you’ll learn a ton about the clock mechanism and history of the building.  The views of Piazza San Marco, the Basilica, the lagoon, and the Venice rooftops aren’t too shabby either.

Read my guide to Climbing Venice’s Clock Tower

San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower (Campanile di San Giorgio)

While no longer a ‘hidden gem,’ the bell tower of Isola San Giorgio’s church is a little less trafficked than St. Mark’s bell tower. 

Take a vaporetto over to the island and then take the elevator up to the top.  The views of Piazza San Marco and Venice are unique and gorgeous!

Good To Know:  I’ve found this closed (with no warning) on more than one occasion.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo

One of Venice’s easiest climbs, the walk up the spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini is easy and affords lovely views of the Venetian rooftops and the domes of St. Mark’s Basilica and its bell tower in the distance.  You can also spot a leaning tower.

Read my guide to Climbing the Scala Contarini del Bovolo

On My List:  The bell tower of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta on a quiet Venetian island, Torcello.

Where to See Venice from a High Window or Terrace

St. Mark’s Basilica Upper Terrace (Loggia della Basilica di San Marco) – See Piazza San Marco from the upper terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica (aka the loggia or the loggia dei cavalli).  Get a closer look at the glittering mosaics on the façade and get a closer look at the clock tower. 

The ticket also includes a visit the museum, where you can see the original horses (the horses on the terrace are replicas).

Helpful Tip:  Remember to come dressed with your shoulders and knees covered.

Hotel Room – One of Venice’s most underestimated ways to see the city from above – book a room with a view!  We often have canal views in mind when booking Venice accommodation, but look into hotels with terraces or balconies (private or common areas). 

Restaurant or Bar – Venice has its share of rooftop bars and restaurants.  You’ll need to reserve in advance as they’re popular spots.  Try: Skyline Rooftop Bar (at the Hilton on Guidecca), 28.5 Rooftop (at Hotel Ausonia Hungaria on the Lido), or Restaurant Terrazza Danieli (at Hotel Danieli).

Fondaco dei Tedeschi Department Store – Shop ‘til you… head to the rooftop terrace on top of this lux department store.  But don’t worry, it’s free!  The only catch is you need to pre-book your 15-minute visit and because it’s free, it’s popular even in the off-season.  You can only book 3 weeks in advance and for 5 people at a time.

Soak up the views of the Grand Canal, Venice’s rooftops, and the Rialto Bridge.

Museo Correr – Okay, so it’s not really that high above Venice (you won’t see any rooftops).  But, the large windows of the Museo Correr give you a nice viewpoint of Piazza San Marco from above.  If you’ve got tickets to the museum or the clock tower, take a break at the café at the entrance to soak up the views and sip on a cappuccino.

Seeing Venice from Above with Kids

My favourite picks for seeing Venice from up high with kids are:

For little ones:

• Stay in a hotel or an apartment with a view!  That way you can take your time, check out the view when you want.  You can even enjoy the view if your kids are sleeping! 
• St. Mark’s bell tower.  It’s an easy option because you take an elevator up and it’s in a convenient location.

For older kids and teens:

• Venice clock tower.   The guided visit is interesting and perfect for curious kids. As a bonus, your ticket includes a visit to Museo Correr, which has globes, maps, coins, and another great view of Piazza San Marco!

For teens and young adults:

• Rooftop bar for aperitivo.  Remember that you don’t need to drink alcohol at aperitivo.  Enjoy the views and have a snack!

For all ages, if you want to get away from crowds:

San Giorgio bell tower.  Take the vaporetto from the San Marco-San Zaccaria stop over to San Giorgio Island and then hop on the elevator up to the top of San Giorgio’s bell tower.  But heads up that it sometimes closes without warning.  So, only do this if it’s not a pain to get your family over to San Giorgio.

Be sure to read about
Venice with Kids
Taking Your Kids on a Gondola in Venice
Our Favorite Playgrounds and Parks in Venice
Burano with Kids
Where to Eat with Kids in Venice

Enjoy your views of Venice from above!