Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Italy  /  Veneto  /  Province of Venice  /  City of Venice  /  Venice  /  Canal Grande

Canal Grande, Venice

4.8

#1 of 6,007 in Parks in Italy

Water Body Nature / Park Must See

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Ride a gondola or water bus down Canal Grande. A major water-traffic corridor, it winds through the city's central districts. Along its banks, you can see more than 170 buildings, including several palaces. Most of the buildings were erected between the 13th and 18th centuries, reflecting the prosperity and art of the once-powerful Republic of Venice. Forming a kind of reverse S-shape, the canal probably follows the course of an ancient river, eventually emptying its waters into a lagoon. The canal is 3.8 km (2.4 mi) long and 30 to 90 m (98 to 295 ft) wide. Centuries-old traditions, such as a historical regatta, are held every year along this ancient canal. Use our Venice trip planner to visit Canal Grande on your trip to Venice, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.

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Canal Grande Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

39,859 reviews

Google

4.8

facebook

4.7

4,169 likes

• By legacyendeavors

  Absolutely A Travelers Dream to Venice, Italy & a Fabulous experience for sure.. This canal is filled with so much to view! The colorful buildings the boats shops restaurants and local housing too! We...  more »

• By PennyW1228

  difficult to find somewhere just to have a drink and ponder as most restaurants are wanting you to eat ,lovely bar just at foot of rialto bridge where you can do just that  more »

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Google

• By steve mcmarson

  While it is the obvious destination for tourists, leave time for exploring the back streets and parks used by locals. Well worth the planning to get to. I would imagine that peak tourist season would be crowded.

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• By Adriana Perez

  This is the perfect bucket list destination, just like in romance movies. The Grand Canal captures exactly what Venice is about; so picture perfect. Beautiful gondolas surrounded by classic buildings that make up the history of Venice. Simply taking a walk around the area is already a fascinating experience. The bridges also add a special touch to this beautiful sight. Strongly recommended.

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