The Grand Canal in Venice
A guide to the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal in Venice
About The Grand Canal
One of the most iconic waterways in the world, The Grand Canal in Venice is lined with more than 170 historic buildings, many dating back to the 13th–18th centuries.
Shaped like a long, curving “S,” the Canal runs for about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) through the heart of the city, dividing Venice into two halves.
It is the main highway of Venice, carrying goods, people, and more both in Venice itself and between the lagoon and the heart of the city.
Some Grand Canal Highlights
Santa Maria della Salute on the Grand Canal
Rialto Bridge
The oldest and most famous of the four bridges crossing the canal, lined with shops and offering wonderful views. Read more.
Ca’ d’Oro (“House of Gold”)
Once covered in gold leaf, this palace is now a museum showcasing Renaissance art. Read more.
Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti & Palazzo Barbarigo
Stunning examples of Venetian Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Santa Maria della Salute
A striking domed church built in thanks for deliverance from plague, standing at the entrance to the canal from the lagoon. Read more.
Ca’ Rezzonico
A grand palace now housing the Museum of 18th-Century Venice. Read more.
Grand Canal Vaporetto (Waterbus)
Sightseing on the Grand Canal by vaporetto waterbus
Vaporetto Line 1
This is the classic way to experience the Grand Canal. Line 1 (view more details about Line 1 here) runs from Piazzale Roma (the bus and car terminal) all the way to San Marco, stopping at nearly every major landmark along the way. It’s slow-paced and perfect for sightseeing. Line 1 is a two way line running from Piazzale Rome to Lido di Venezia (Venice Lido) and back again.
Vaporetto Line 2
A faster option, making fewer stops, but still giving you a chance to admire the palaces and bridges. Ideal if you’re short on time. View Line 2 details here.
Gondola Ride
Gondolas often take side canals before joining the Grand Canal, giving you a quieter, romantic perspective. However, for a gondola ride, you may enjoy using the quiter, smaller, canals. View more on our gondola page here.
Grand Canal Travel Tips
Map of the Grand Canal in Venice
Best Time to Ride
The best time to take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal is early morning or just before sunset, when the light makes the buildings glow and the canal is less crowded.
Tickets
Buy a day pass, or multi-day pass, if you plan to use the vaporetto multiple times—it’s more cost-effective than single rides. View tickets below.
Photography
There are many great views on the Grand Canal. Sitting up front is an experience but you may wish to be able to move about to photograph the best spots.
Evening Experience
The canal at night, with palaces lit up and reflections dancing on the water, is magical—worth seeing at least once.
Grand Canal Tour
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Grand Canal Tour with App Commentary
One of the most popular Venice tours with over 20,000 reviews.
Experience an enchanting gondola ride along the most beautiful part of the Grand Canal and its hidden waterways. Listen to an in-app commentary as you admire the views.
- Enjoy a shared gondola experience on a gondola
- Listen to the in-app commentary of your itinerary
- Discover secret canals reachable only by gondola and of the Grand Canal
- Journey in the past by gondola Virtual Reality Experience
- The Yard of Venice: discover the secrets of a sectioned gondola
All Information from Get Your Guide. Always double check details and times as these may change. E&EO
Vaporetto (waterbus) Tickets
Pre-book Vaporetto Tickets
If you plan to take a few rides on the vaporetto, buying a pass can save you both hassle of buying a number of tickets and a lot of money!
Read more about Vaporetto routes on this dedicated waterbus page.
For more information on the main Grand Canal route, Line 1, visit our vaporetto line 1 page here.
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