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 an itinerary including Canal Grande
Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours to Canal Grande
Canal Grande reviews
-
No photo you make is better than one made before. This city; and especially this canal, is so photogenic.. You can’t not visit this canal while in Venice, because it’s bending it’s way all through..... more »
-
Venice blew me away but this canal is a key visit. The quaint & quirky meets the magnificent canals. Vibrant atmosphere even in quieter times. Beautiful. All along there is just more to see. more »
-
Main way to travel in Venice
-
Amazing! Definitely created goosebumps upon first site!!!
Plan your trip to Venice
Get a personalized plan
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Hidden gems in Venice
Side trips from Venice
Nearby attractions in Venice
Featured attractions
Plans to Canal Grande by other users
5 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM IRELAND
March, popular sights
Preferences: March
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Medium
10 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
October, popular sights
Preferences: October
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Medium
2 days in Venice
BY A USER FROM PHILIPPINES
September, popular sights
Preferences: September
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Medium
31 days in Paris, Italy & Spain
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
July, popular sights
Preferences: July
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Medium
17 days in Italy, Greece & Croatia
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
May, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems
Preferences: May, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums
Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems
Pace: Medium
14 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
December, popular sights
Preferences: December
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Medium
See more plans
