This was a friend’s recommendation and we’re glad we took it. Just take a water-bus to S. Giorgio, and the church entrance is right in front of the station. You can wander the lovely church free of charge, but at the back is the campanile (bell tower), just €8 fee to take the lift to the top and the absolute best view of Venice you could possibly wish for. Even better, on a sunny March Monday afternoon there was barely anyone there, so no queues and no bustle, perfect!
PS if you’re reading this before 18th June 2023, there are also *free* guided tours of the otherwise inaccessible Conclave Chapel including Ai Weiwei’s “untitled” George & The Dragon artwork. Tours tend to start on the hour and half hour, and we had a tour to ourselves, which was excellent.
Best value in Venice!