San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower is my favourite spot when it comes to taking a look at Venice from above. Venice is certainly full of churches and bell towers, the most famous and biggest one being the one in San Marco square, is also accessible for looking over the city below. Nevertheless, I think the view you get from the San Giorgio Maggiore one is the best in town.
San Giorgio Maggiore is located in a separated small island right in front of San Marco square, and in theory represents the continuation of the long Giudecca island, although they are two distinct islands. Its position is perfect to have a 360° wide overview of the astonishing surroundings: you can perfectly see the basin facing San Marco and the magnificent Piazza San Marco in all its beauty, as well as the water splitting between the “Canal Grande” and the majestic “Canale della Giudecca” divided by the wonderful “Punta della Dogana”.
The industrial skyline of Mestre is also observable from here, as well as Lido island. Moreover, you have the opportunity to have a glance at the southern lagoon and its many islands, too, just enough to make you want to visit them! Last but not least, usually this bell tower is less crowded than its more famous camarade in San Marco.