6 Scenic Promenades for the Perfect Stroll by the Water

Waterfront Walks

These are some of the longest and most scenic embankments in Venice.

Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, relax with your feet dangling above the water, or sip a drink on a sunny terrace while soaking in the views.

01 |Riva degli Schiavoni

Monumental waterfront along the San Marco Basin, framed by historic buildings and lagoon views.

Riva degli Schiavoni : The monumental waterfront is constantly bustling with crowds, especially the closer you get to the Doge's Palace

Walk Venice's monumental waterfront along the San Marco basin for unrivaled, postcard-perfect views of the city's most iconic landmarks set against the glittering expanse of water.

Riva degli Schiavoni : full guide

02 |Riva del Vin

Sunny quayside south of the Rialto Bridge with prime views of both the bridge and the Grand Canal.

Riva del Vin : Thanks to its south-facing position on the Grand Canal, this waterfront enjoys plenty of much-needed winter sun

Take in some of the best views of the Rialto Bridge - whether dangling your feet above the Grand Canal or relaxing at one of the many terrace restaurants.

Riva del Vin : full guide

03 |Zattere

Laid-back waterfront promenade on the southern edge of Dorsoduro, offering open views across the Giudecca Canal.

Zattere : Zattere ranks as the second-widest promenade in the city, following Riva degli Schiavoni, and it's perfect for a quiet walk along the water

The second-widest waterfront promenade in Venice is a soothing spot, perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere, watching the sunset with an aperitivo in hand, and easing into the evening.

Zattere : full guide

04 |Punta della Dogana

Contemporary art museum in a former customs house, set at the tip of Venice where the Grand Canal meets the open lagoon.

Punta della Dogana : The former customs house sits at the entrance of Grand Canal, next to Santa Maria della Salute (visible on the right side of the photo).

Enjoy rotating contemporary art exhibitions inside a beautifully restored historic customs house, along with some of the finest views over the Venetian lagoon.

Punta della Dogana : full guide

05 |Parco delle Rimembranze

Tranquil park with shaded pine trees, a playground and stunning views over the San Marco basin.

Parco delle Rimembranze : The park is characterized by its unique umbrella pine trees, which offer a shaded retreat in the midst of a bustling urban setting

Escape the city's narrow streets and crowds to open, green expanses and witness one of the best sunsets.

Parco delle Rimembranze : full guide

06 |San Giorgio Maggiore

Island church with a bright, vast interior, offering sweeping views over Venice from its bell tower.

San Giorgio Maggiore : You've seen this facade in so many photos of Venice, so maybe now it's finally time to take the vaporetto to the island, enter the church, and climb its bell tower

Reach the waterfront in front of the church with just one vaporetto stop from St. Mark's Square. As soon as you arrive, you're met with sweeping views across the San Marco Basin, with the familiar sights of St. Mark's Square visible across the water.

Want to see even farther? A short elevator ride takes you up the bell tower, where you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views across Venice.

San Giorgio Maggiore : View towards the Venetian skyline

And once you're back at ground level, the church's bright, spacious interior invites you to linger a little longer and discover Tintoretto's dramatic works.

Don't rush back just yet: take some time to wander around the island, where there's more to discover beyond the church.

San Giorgio Maggiore : full guide

Consider a waterbus pass

Since these waterfronts are scattered around Venice, a vaporetto day pass lets you easily hop between them - or even between different sections of the same long waterfront.