Early morning picture taking in Venice

Venice is one of the safest cities on the planet. There's no easy way for criminals to make a fast getaway. You'll be fine. And you'll end up with some gorgeous photos. I envy you. :-)

I have never felt unsafe in Venice at any time early or late. There are only a few folks out and about really early. Watching the Rialto fish market being set up is a highlight of a trip to Venice.

very safe. i arrived in venice about 430 in the morning once and there is nobody on the street so perfect for picture taking. i think only the water bus from train station to town was running, the water bus running to other islands probably won't start till a later time.

I can provide the female point of view, which is---no worries! I would get up early and go out for a run by myself. I never felt the slightest twinge of anxiety. There are businesspeople out and about at that hour, especially around Rialto market, setting up. but even when I was on a deserted path I felt completely safe.

Nicole... I am a female photographer and have gotten up in many European cities before sunrise and taken photos. Sometimes by myself, sometimes with other female friends, and I have never felt unsafe. There are usually some people around, and often times other photographers. Those are some of my favorite images and also a really special time of day to watch the city wake up.

Tks - kinda verifies my feeling that things would be OK- this being our 3rd visit, not sure we'll get back for a long time (I can only 'sneak' Venice into our travel plans so many times)...hubby also reminded my that Cinque Terre would be great for early morning photos too! (Hopefully staying in Corniglia again) So, as long as the weather is fine...I hope I can get up! Nothing like seeing a place awaken...

Nicole, my best friend and his wife did a very early morning phoo shoot of Venice last year. The shots were all amazing...I have never seen anything llike them. The early morning light does wonders to the building andcanals. And don't worry...it is very safe.

If you are able to get to the Canal Grande near Saint Marcs square at sunrise, you will get some great shots. Added bonus: walk into Saint Marks Basilica around 6:45 (or a tad earlier) and you will probably have it to yourself except for people arriving for mass which starts at 7 a.m. although I dont think youre allowed to take photos. But the experience of being there alone is ... beyond words!

Absolutely, I've been telling people for years that the best time to see Venice is late at night or early in the morning. Venice in the early morning is usually reserved for the locals getting ready for the day so to walk around and observe it is to see the Venice that few tourists ever see. It's almost surreal to see the Piazza San Marco with only two or three people on it.

I love taking photos early in the morning - I'm usually out by 6 am, and so are the people who are getting the bars ready to open, and other merchants as mentioned. I've never had a problem and have some great photos (especially of the medieval hill towns) and memories of having the place to myself for a few minutes at a time.

Awesome - I am all keened up now - as long as I can get over the jetlag as that is our 1st stop after flying to London and catching a flight to Venice (arriving afternoon)..but I imagine I'll go to bed early and I'll have 2 mornings to try this - I really like the thought of seeing it without all the crowds...kinda like the 'secret' side of Venice that most people don't experience...I'm glad I can wake up fast in the morning and don't have to lay there for 30min waking up... ;p

(and I love Venice at night - I think that is why I fell in love with it!)

Venice is a great place to recover from jet lag. It's so quiet in the evenings. Have a great time!

My best memory of Venice is riding down the Grand Canal at 5:30 in the morning. (We were staying at St. Mark's square and needed to catch an early morning train) My family was not happy about getting up so early but it was absolutely beautiful.

Thanks! Saved me from asking a similar question! When I look back over my photos from 3 + years ago, I think "this would have looked GREAT at X time of the day; I should try to get that next time I go." Often, "X" was either sunrise or sunset. I'll be in Venice for 2 days this time in early October. Can't wait!
Have a great trip!

Nicole, you mention jetlag - I do a couple of things to prepare for it (fortunately I don't get it on the way over very often). One, eat yogurt for a couple of weeks before you go (if you don't already) - helps your tummy adjust. Two, keep hydrated on the flight over and once you land. Three, set your watch or smartphone to local time as soon as you get on the plane.

We at least aren't hit too bad with jetlag as we leave fr Halifax, so only a 5 hr time diff...I didn't know the yogurt thing - will have to try that! Good thing I like yogurt...and this time I should have a few days off work before we fly out instead of working and leaving that night, so may try to adjust my schedule a tiny bit to prepare... I actually recall now coming into Venice on our last trip on a night train fr Salzburg - got there around 7am-ish, but our main concern at the time was getting to the B&B to drop off our stuff...(and the covering on one of my wheels on my luggage gave way - now I have crooked luggage...lol)