The most authentic romantic Venice is today more and more difficult to grasp. However, each city has a “privileged view” which allows you to understand its essence, capturing the best sights as well as its inner soul. If the spirit of NY is definitely captured from the large panoramic terraces of its tallest skyscrapers, and London’s vibe can be breathed by sitting in the bars of its trendy neighborhoods, Venice is perhaps the city that best manages to keep its beauty intact from every point of view, yet truly getting your heart sunk from an aerial perspective where you can fully enjoy the infinite points of view of a city made up of a thousand souls.

The Grand Canal from Fondaco dei Tedeschi

The luxury mall Fondaco dei Tedeschi was recently restored by the famous architect Rem Koolhaas who recovered the roof of the medieval building, originally a warehouse for goods transported by German merchants, creating a spectacular rooftop with a 360° panoramic view on the Grand Canal. Indulge in a shopping session at the luxury shopping center – especially discovering the lovely Venetian artisanal brands – then have a break at AMO, the bistro located on the ground floor signed by designer Philippe Starck, to end up watching the sunset on the Rialto Bridge! Access to the rooftop is free.

Punta della Dogana and Giudecca Island from the Grand Canal historic palaces

The majestic palaces overlooking the Grand Canal near St Mark’s Square offer a wonderful view of the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore and Punta della Dogana, the latter transformed in 2009 into a contemporary art center by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando on behalf of François Pinault, owner of super-brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Christie’s. The terrace of the Hotel Danieli, just perfect for a lunch break, or the bar of the Hotel Bauer, great for an aperitif, are the ideal locations for a special occasion, famous for relying on the experience of the most renowned bartenders in Venice.

The Grand Canal and San Mark’s Square from San Giorgio Bell Tower

The small island of San Giorgio Maggiore, in part designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio, is worth a trip to visit the Cini Foundation, with its charming 17th-century library and the Borges Labyrinth, and, of course, the bell tower of the Church of San Giorgio. Over 75 meters high, one of the very few bell towers that can be visited in Venice, it allows you enjoy a wonderful view of St Mark’s Square as well as the statue of San Giorgio that will pleasantly guide your sight along the Giudecca Canal, the Basilica della Salute, and the Molino Stucky up to the Euganean Hills. Definitely one of the most beautiful views in the world. And for a break, it is absolutely worth stopping at the San Giorgio Cafè. You can get to the island with the Line 2 Water Bus.

The Arsenale from the Porta Nuova Tower

Founded in the 12th-century, the Arsenale of Venice is the heart of the Venetian naval industry as well as the first factory in the history of mankind. The extraordinary industrial archeology playground hides many secrets included the Porta Nuova Tower which dates back to the early 1800s when it was erected as an innovative machine to build ship masts quickly. From the terrace of the tower, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Arsenale which fully captures all its unique charm. After the visit, near the Giardini della Biennale, take a break at Serra dei Giardini, a 19th-century glasshouse that houses a café and a flower shop. We advise contacting the Arsenal Office of the Municipality of Venice to check the updated visiting times of the Porta Nuova Tower.

The Venice Lagoon, Marghera, and St Mark’s Square from Isola delle Rose

Isola delle Rose, 15 minutes from St. Mark’s Square, saw a new life in 2015 with the inauguration of the luxury hotel JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, just the perfect romantic retreat. Treat yourself to a few hours of relaxation at the Goco Spa, the most beautiful wellness center in Venice overlooking St Mark’s Square, have a gourmet break at Fiola at Dopolavoro, the restaurant of starred chef Fabio Trabocchi, followed by a cocktail on the rooftop of the Sagra Bar. Located on the fourth floor of the hotel, it boasts a romantic panoramic swimming pool and a view that, at the sunset, offers the most extraordinary colors on the Lagoon. The island can be reached by free water taxi from St. Mark’s Square.