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.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Tours to Canal Grande
Canal Grande reviews
-
What more can be said about this icon of beauty. It really is unmissable. Of course it gets very busy, with large crowds and entertaining boating fiasco's but it never tires or disappoints. There are.... more
What more can be said about this icon of beauty. It really is unmissable. Of course it gets very busy, with large crowds and entertaining boating fiasco's but it never tires or disappoints. There are.... more »
-
The best way to experience the grand canal is to hop on a vapoeretto. Quite inexpensive and fun but sometimes it can get crowded.
The best way to experience the grand canal is to hop on a vapoeretto. Quite inexpensive and fun but sometimes it can get crowded. more »
-
First bridge you see once you arrive in Venice. What else.
-
I give him 5 star but there are very high ship traffic I couldn't enjoy there
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
Side trips from Venice
Museums in Venice
Hidden gems in Venice
Shopping in Venice
Nearby attractions in Venice
Trips in Canal Grande by other users
12 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Bellagio
Venice
Siena
16 days in Northwest Italy
BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA
Milan
Verona
Venice
14 days in Italy & Greece
BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Rome
Venice
Athens
12 days in Greece & Italy
BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Kamari
Athens
Venice
59 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Istanbul
Venice
Florence
18 days in Bologna
BY A USER FROM DENMARK
Doge's Palace
Piazza San Marco
St Mark's Campanile