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

Canal Grande, Venice

4.8
#1 of 6,437 in Parks in Italy
Must see · Water Body · Nature / Park
Create an itinerary including Canal Grande
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.
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Canal Grande reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
41,665 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • The canal grande is very beautiful.very busy ,the view is stunning.i can recommend to take a boat to fully enjoy the visit.taking the vaporetto was the best option 
    The canal grande is very beautiful.very busy ,the view is stunning.i can recommend to take a boat to fully enjoy the visit.taking the vaporetto was the best option  more »
  • If you wanna see picturesque places and you are eable to walk and feet well to the navigator is an experience you should add in your list I was amazed. 
    If you wanna see picturesque places and you are eable to walk and feet well to the navigator is an experience you should add in your list I was amazed.  more »
  • Spectacular architecture. Wonderful experience at night, when the buildings are illuminated. We used the vaporetto. 
    Spectacular architecture. Wonderful experience at night, when the buildings are illuminated. We used the vaporetto.  more »
Google
  • 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.
  • Main canal of Venice which connects all other small canals in city. All ferries run through this canal and islands near to Venice are connected through this canal. All ferry stops are in this canal, so we can get to all tourist attractions, train stations and main Venice airport from any of the ferry stops in the canal. Famous bridge like Rialto are over this canal.
  • Just great. I think this is the main part of Venice, where one must take the boat and enjoy. Interestingly on the first Sunday of June this canal gets filled with rowing boats of various colours from various destinations. Wonderful and much more from the sky.
  • I've to admit that I don't like a smell here but this place is very beautiful and classic. All I can say, it's a place you should not missed in this life. And the food is so great!

Plan your trip to Venice

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.