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.
Tours to Canal Grande
Canal Grande reviews
-
We spent many hours venturing around and taking endless pictures of the canal, absolutely breathtaking.
We spent many hours venturing around and taking endless pictures of the canal, absolutely breathtaking. more »
-
This canal with sea water and tides, is the highlight of Venice. Extremely picturesque. At the same time it is the highway of the city, with vaporetti, gondola’s, trachetti, taxi boats, private...
This canal with sea water and tides, is the highlight of Venice. Extremely picturesque. At the same time it is the highway of the city, with vaporetti, gondola’s, trachetti, taxi boats, private... more »
-
Amazing sites for photos, especially during golden hour. The Grand canal stretches and weaves its way through the islands of Italy and it is where the highway that is Venice is located. The bus system travels through the Grand canal and by bus I mean water bus. I highly recommend taking the water bus even for fun as an alternative to the gondola because it is infinitely cheaper. 10 euros!
-
Most important "road" in Venice and definitely a must-see. We totally recommend to take the waterbus or watertaxi or a gondola to see the whole Canal Grande. Also having strolls next to the Canal Grande is really, really nice. So if you're in Venice, don't miss it.
Plan your trip to Venice
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Venice
Museums in Venice
Hidden gems in Venice
Side trips from Venice
Shopping in Venice
Nearby attractions in Venice
Trips in Canal Grande by other users
43 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM SOUTH KOREA
Budapest
Vienna
Prague
31 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Venice
Florence
Rome
30 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Istanbul
Budapest
Prague
25 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Amsterdam
Paris
Geneva
5 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM SLOVAKIA
Venice
Rome
Florence
11 days in Nice & Verona
BY A USER FROM MONACO
Nice
Verona