Morning or late afternoon; spring and autumn are best
In brief
The Giardini, in eastern Castello, are the largest public gardens in Venice, laid out in the early 19th century under Napoleon. Part of the area hosts the pavilions of the Biennale, while the public park and the waterfront offer shade, trees and views across the lagoon.
Best for green, shaded portraits — rare in Venice — and for families, maternity sessions and summer shoots.
Green Venice: the Giardini
The Giardini, in eastern Castello, are the largest public gardens in Venice, laid out in the early 19th century under Napoleon. Part of the area hosts the pavilions of the Biennale, the art and architecture exhibition held here since 1895. The public park and the waterfront offer shade, trees and views across the lagoon.
Photos in the Giardini
Venice has very few trees, which makes the Giardini special: gravel paths, benches and big plane trees, a few steps from the water. It's the best place in the city for green, shaded portraits, perfect in summer and lovely in spring and autumn colours.
For families and maternity sessions
Flat paths, shade and space to play make it ideal for family and maternity sessions.
Via Garibaldi and the Riva
Via Garibaldi, Castello's widest street, is nearby for local colour. The view back along the Riva towards St Mark's is lovely at sunset.
Biennale tickets and getting there
The Biennale pavilions are inside a ticketed area during exhibitions, but the public gardens around them are free. The Giardini vaporetto stop is at the park's edge. A couple with one photographer working light doesn't need a permit. Larger crews, set equipment or anything that blocks the way needs authorisation from the Comune di Venezia.
A session plan in the Giardini
- Start on Via Garibaldi, Castello's widest street.
- Walk into the park for shaded portraits under the trees.
- Continue to the waterfront for lagoon views.
- Return along the Riva towards St Mark's at sunset.
The Giardini through the seasons
Spring brings fresh green leaves and blossom; summer brings deep shade, a rare luxury in Venice. Autumn colours the plane trees gold, and in winter the park is quiet and atmospheric. During the Biennale, from spring to November, the area is livelier, with visitors and art installations nearby.
Photo ideas in the park
Walk along the gravel paths under the trees, sit on a bench with the lagoon behind you, or let children run on the lawns. It's the only place in central Venice where photos can look green and natural.
Combine it with
The Riva degli Schiavoni leads back to St Mark's Square, and San Giorgio Maggiore faces the waterfront across the basin.
A short history of the Giardini
Napoleon ordered the creation of public gardens in Venice at the beginning of the 19th century, demolishing churches and convents in Castello to make space. In 1895 the gardens hosted the first International Art Exhibition, the beginning of the Biennale. National pavilions were added over the following decades.
Getting to the Giardini
Walk along the Riva from St Mark's in about 20 minutes, or take the vaporetto to the Giardini or Giardini Biennale stops.
Who the Giardini suit
Families with children, maternity sessions, couples who want shade and greenery, and anyone looking for a calm alternative to the busy centre.
If it rains
Trees give partial cover, and the cafés of Via Garibaldi are close by. Rainy gardens have a fresh, green, romantic feel.
What to wear for photos in the Giardini
Green backgrounds suit soft, natural colours: cream, dusty pink, sage, light blue or white. Avoid bright green, which disappears against the leaves. Gravel paths are easier in flat shoes or block heels, and a light layer helps on breezy days by the lagoon.
For family sessions, coordinate colours rather than matching outfits, so everyone looks like part of the same picture without being identical. Children are happiest in comfortable clothes they can run in.
How long to plan for
An hour is enough for the gardens and the waterfront. With children, 45 minutes is often the sweet spot before energy runs out. Adding the walk back along the Riva at sunset makes it a relaxed two-hour session.
Accessibility and a place to celebrate
The Giardini are one of the most accessible places in Venice: the vaporetto stop is at the park's edge, and the paths inside are flat, with no bridges. That makes them ideal for grandparents, strollers and anyone who finds the city's steps tiring. Afterwards, Via Garibaldi has relaxed trattorie and bars where the whole family can sit down, and the waterfront kiosks are perfect for a gelato with children.
Tips for a photoshoot at Giardini
- Perfect in summer for shade.
- Great for family and maternity sessions.
- Walk back along the Riva towards St Mark's at sunset.
Giardini: frequently asked questions
Are there green spaces for photos in Venice?
Yes. The Giardini in Castello are the largest public gardens, with trees and lagoon views.
Do you need a Biennale ticket to visit the Giardini?
Only for the exhibition areas; the public gardens are free.
How do you get to the Giardini in Venice?
Take the vaporetto to the Giardini stop, or walk along the Riva from St Mark's in about 20 minutes.
When is the Venice Biennale?
The Biennale alternates art and architecture exhibitions, usually open from spring to November.
Is there a playground in the Giardini?
Yes, there are play areas in the park and nearby along Viale Garibaldi, which makes it a good stop with young children.
No permit needed for a couple and a photographer working light; larger crews, sets or anything that blocks passage need the Comune's authorisation; the Biennale area itself is ticketed during exhibitions
Castello — vaporetto Giardini
Green, shaded, calm, lagoon views
Quiet except during Biennale events
Maternity, family or couple session
Services here
Other locations
Let's turn your vision into timeless images
Tell us your date and vision — we'll handle the rest, and reply personally within one business day.
Now booking 2026–2027 · limited dates