Canal Grande
Canal Grande
4.5
About
Venice's main water thoroughfare, lined with great Renaissance palaces, is a colorful and busy spectacle of gondolas and vaporetti.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: San Polo
The Rialto Bridge is the most famous sight along the Grand Canal in San Polo, smallest of Venice's six sestieri (districts) and by far the busiest neighborhood. Morning Venetians arrive to peruse the markets for fish, fruit and vegetables, while shops display goods from cheese to wine to desserts. San Silvestro and Rialto Market vaporetto (water taxi) stops add to the steady stream of foot traffic. San Polo is defined by churches including Basilica dei Frari, one of the most important churches sought by art lovers.
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1,483 within 3 miles
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959 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- tinylassSheffield, United Kingdom4,399 contributionsAmazing!Got to be one of the prettiest places in the world! The views from the bridges up and down the canal are breathtaking. We arrived at our hotel via private water taxi which took us the whole length of the canal; this was an amazing way to get a closer look at the whole of the canal which I would highly recommend. Make sure you have a decent camera and note that it does get extremely busy in places!Visited March 2023Written April 1, 2023
- LnihiserDunedin, Florida145 contributionsAwesome awesomeThere are no words to express how absolutely gorgeous the grand canal is. It literally takes your breath away as you stand on top of the bridge looking outward I recommend this when you come to Venice it’s a must as the other events are also. Venice is a very beautiful place and I highly recommend you try and visit Venice once in your lifetime.Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 11, 2023
- Zfy EdSingapore, Singapore8,646 contributionsStunning and awesome scenic view!The Grand Canal, known as the Italian Canale Grande, is the main waterway in the City of Venice, Italy, following a natural channel that traces a reverse-S course from San Marco Basilica to Santa Chiara Church and divides the city into two parts. The wide canal is used by passenger ferries, which are the only means of public transport around the islands in Venice. The lines 1 and 2 of the so-called Vaporetti (name of the ships in Italian) travel along the entire length of the canal. The Canal Grande is the most important waterway of the lagoon city and therefore very busy. During our visit here in Venice, we had walked around through the several bridges that link from one island to another and also took the gondola service around. It was stunning and awesome scenic view of this "water city"! It's great to visit here as the city has been submerging in water year by year and flooding seemed more often according to our guide.Visited June 2023Written June 26, 2023
- need2trvlMiamisburg, Ohio471 contributionsA must do in life!Venice and the Grand Canal should be on everyone's bucket list. Sit and have a cup of coffee or glass of wine and just take it in. Just be in the moment. You are staying overnight. Go early in the morning and go at night. It's so much different when the day tourists have left. Amazing.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 30, 2023
- WanderingOttersonsDenver, Colorado1,380 contributionsIconic - you can't miss itWhen in Venezia, it's hard to miss the Grand Canal. It winds through the middle and if you're walking you have to know where the very few bridges are to cross it (hint - there are only four and three of them are in the northern half of the city). The best views for us were from Ponte dell'Academia, which is also the only southern bridge so your sure to cross it at some point.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 19, 2023
- Phill147Sydney, Australia889 contributionsFantastivIs what it is.. "the Grand Canal" no where in the world can you experience a place like Venice! head there before they stop the masses and or make it even more expensive then what it already is. A good tip is to purchase a regular ferry ticket and cruise up down all day for the one price its a great way to explore Venice.Visited July 2023Written July 28, 2023
- Kallang370 contributionsHighway of VeniceA good way to see the grand canal is to take a water taxi from the train station to your hotel. Our hotel booked us a water taxi in advance as there was quite a queue to get one from the train station. Many old and ornate buildings unchanged for centuries line the canal.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 30, 2023
- Kendot52Denton, Texas389 contributionsKnow Before You GoAlong the shores of the Grand Canal are so many beautiful and truly historic buildings. Take a few minutes before you go to Venice and research the canal so you will recognize those places as you pass them. Your pre-trip preparation will be totally worth the time.Visited June 2023Written August 3, 2023
- GAR243 contributionsOne of the world’s most beautiful placesIt was a very happy accident that I ended up seeing the canal from the water. I ended up getting the Line 1 vaparetto from Lido to the train station, and the public transport boat meanders through the entirety of the Grand Canal. It was a surreal experience and I recommend doing this - much cheaper than a gondola!Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten August 21, 2023
- Ken TGlen Oaks, New York609 contributionsLovely Canal of VeniceWater taxis are busy with tourists but definetely a must do in Venice. You can see the pretty canal, boats, gondolas and all the beautiful buildings from the taxi vantage point. Venice is such a picturesque city from the Canal grande.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten September 29, 2023
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SmileyKay
Cluj-Napoca, Romania1,423 contributions
Jul 2020
When in Venice, a cruise along the Grand canal is a must! You can easily do it by using the "Linea 1" vaporetto line, which takes you from San Marco right until Piazzale Roma. The vaporetto runs every 20 min. (a single ride is 7.5 eur per person) so it is easy to catch a ride both ways. Some of the major attractions on the way are Rialto Bridge & Market, Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia), Santa Maria del Giglio Church, Basilica della Salute, Goldoni House, many foreign embassies and ancient palaces.We took the ride close to sunset, which made it even more magical.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoonaMuslim
729 contributions
Aug 2019
Unique and a must when visiting Venice.
The Grand Canal (Canałazzo) divides the city in half and is the largest waterway in Venice. In addition to a view of the Grand Canal, a boat trip is required, past the over 100 palaces and under bridges, such as the most famous Rialto Bridge.
There is the possibility to take a water taxi (Vaporetti / Vaporetto), this is cheaper. Or the stylish and romantic gondola rides.
The Grand Canal and a boat trip are definitely a great experience, steeped in history, and allow a great view of the ornate and beautiful buildings and the city.
However, also here - high activity, like on the highway.
Due to the many tourists and queues, it is advisable to book gondola rides and entry to sights online in advance.
The Grand Canal (Canałazzo) divides the city in half and is the largest waterway in Venice. In addition to a view of the Grand Canal, a boat trip is required, past the over 100 palaces and under bridges, such as the most famous Rialto Bridge.
There is the possibility to take a water taxi (Vaporetti / Vaporetto), this is cheaper. Or the stylish and romantic gondola rides.
The Grand Canal and a boat trip are definitely a great experience, steeped in history, and allow a great view of the ornate and beautiful buildings and the city.
However, also here - high activity, like on the highway.
Due to the many tourists and queues, it is advisable to book gondola rides and entry to sights online in advance.
Written June 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alantomkins
Lundin Links, UK126 contributions
Jan 2020
The water can be choppy, we took a 2 Euro Gondola ferry crossing across, I loved it but my Wife does not have sea legs and you satnd up. I highly recommend you take hte number 2 water bus from St Marco (anti clockwise) or San Zaccaria (clockwise) for 7.50 each. It'sa 75 minute trip and takes you around Dorsodura past the cruise terminals and up (or down) the Grand canel. Amazing views and a cheap trip.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Reynards
Isle of Wight, UK509 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Canal Grande, is the main artery of Venice offering the only alternative transport other than walking to get around this wonderful city. It is crossed in only four places so water taxis or the local vaporetti continually ply up and down. The number 1 & 2 are the main vaporetti for this route stopping frequently at most stations, recognised by their yellow markings, at the waterside stations. A trip on the canal really should not be missed, to view the many renaissance palaces which line these waters. A boat tickets cost €7.50, or you can purchase travel cards for varying amounts of time starting @ €20, for one day. There are many gondola stations near to prominent places where gondolas can be hire for a trip on the canal, (€80 for half hour) however in my opinion better views can be obtained from the vaporetti. There are a couple of places along the river where you can catch the local gondola which is basically just a quick canal crossing and it costs €2, but at least you can say you been on a gondola.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R V
57 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
You can save a lot by riding around the Grand Canal on one of the vaporettos (water buses) ans still see everything. There are regular stops along the canal. It is about €20 to ride from the top near tje train station (Santa Lucia) to the bottom, for 2 people or around four times that for a water taxi.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McKenna N
Gainesville, FL119 contributions
Jul 2020
Venice is best seen by water. We did this tour shortly after arriving, and it was a great way to absorb the magic and get a sense of bearing. We got on at the train station and listened to the Rick Steves audio tour right at dusk to see a little in the light and a little in the day. It's just stunning!
Written February 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thenorthlondonguy
London, UK88 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We opted to not bother with water taxis, instead me and the wife preferred to take everything in at our own pace on foot and try to avoid the lumped together tourist blobs.
There's plenty of major bridges to take in all the sites. You can get especially great views around the back of the Peggy Guggenheim museum! (Obviously this costs admission fees but also recommend).
There's plenty of major bridges to take in all the sites. You can get especially great views around the back of the Peggy Guggenheim museum! (Obviously this costs admission fees but also recommend).
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlbtravels
Noosa, Australia2,767 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
We were able to get onto the water twice during this visit to Venice. The first time was via water taxi from the station to our hotel. The second time was by taking the vaporetto (local water bus) for Euro 7.50 per person. This is the cheapest way to get onto the water. It is crowded as it is used by tourists and locals to travel up and down the water ways. Fairly rough boats but a thoroughly enjoyable experience. On our next visit we will likely do a full circuit. Highly recommended.
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J H
Toronto, Canada43 contributions
Sep 2019
I was there in late September so it wasn't as crowded as it might be at other times of the year. It is definitely worth it to get a daily or even a multi-day pass to ride the water bus (Vaporetto) while travelling in Venice. Walking is also a great method to move around, but seeing Venice from the canals and being able to take it all in was really worth it, too.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duck8to
Montville, NJ6,864 contributions
Aug 2019
The Canal Grande has been a water-traffic corridor since ancient times. During Roman Times it was referred to as the Rio Businiacus and was possibly a branch of the Bienta River. At that time the Adriatic Ventiti people lived on fishing fishing and salt commerce. It winds its' way through Venice in an "S" shape configuration. The canal is 2,4 miles long with an average depth of 16'. One end of the canal leads into the lagoon near Santa Lucia railway station while on the other end leading into the basin at San Marco.
Over the centuries Venice developed by virtue of many influences that formed its' character. In the early 9th century the doge moved his seat of power from Malamocco to a safer Rivoaltus site in Venice, thereby laying the foundation of economic expansion. Fondaco houses (warehouse + merchant residence) were established along the canal and still exist today. The Fondaco del Torchi (13th ) is a prime example. The canal at the Rialto bridge, the first bridge to cross the canal, became the center of commerce and finance. Byzantine influences came with the crusades and the sack of Constantinople in 1204 in terms of sculpture, friezes, columns and capitols which decorated patrician homes. The Polychrome, three partitioned facades which are still very evident on the canal represents another major architectural feature of the canal. The Venetian Gothic design of the Doge;s Palace is yet another example of influences which took hold along the canal. The Renaissance brought Venetian Baroque in the form of Palazzo Balhi (1582) to prominence. It features cornices, broken pediments and ornamental motifs. The Santa Maria Della Salute (1631) near San Marco Square is another example of this style of architecture.
While the beauty of its' many architectural styles enhance the appeal of the Grand Canal, it is the total ambiance of the water, vaporettis and gondolas, restaurants and art galleries, that create the magic of this city.
Over the centuries Venice developed by virtue of many influences that formed its' character. In the early 9th century the doge moved his seat of power from Malamocco to a safer Rivoaltus site in Venice, thereby laying the foundation of economic expansion. Fondaco houses (warehouse + merchant residence) were established along the canal and still exist today. The Fondaco del Torchi (13th ) is a prime example. The canal at the Rialto bridge, the first bridge to cross the canal, became the center of commerce and finance. Byzantine influences came with the crusades and the sack of Constantinople in 1204 in terms of sculpture, friezes, columns and capitols which decorated patrician homes. The Polychrome, three partitioned facades which are still very evident on the canal represents another major architectural feature of the canal. The Venetian Gothic design of the Doge;s Palace is yet another example of influences which took hold along the canal. The Renaissance brought Venetian Baroque in the form of Palazzo Balhi (1582) to prominence. It features cornices, broken pediments and ornamental motifs. The Santa Maria Della Salute (1631) near San Marco Square is another example of this style of architecture.
While the beauty of its' many architectural styles enhance the appeal of the Grand Canal, it is the total ambiance of the water, vaporettis and gondolas, restaurants and art galleries, that create the magic of this city.
Written May 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackson_
Foz do Iguacu, PR481 contributions
Quanto custa em média os passeios de gôndolas, comprando na hora? Paga direto ao gondoleiro?
Norm the Nomad
Australia1,003 contributions
De memória, o custo foi de cerca de 60 euros para 45 minutos de viagem Você paga o homem no cais que depois o levará a uma gôndola disponível. Valeu a pena o custo – pois é uma boa experiência
From memory the cost was about 60Euro for 45 minutes ride
You pay the man on the wharf who will then take you to an available Gondola.
It was worth the cost – as it is a good experience
Anja M
Sardinia, Italy7 contributions
Hallo, suche eine Unterkunft am Canale Grande am liebsten untere Etage mit Terrasse am eigenen Zimmer, oder mit eigener Dachterrasse. Ich freue mich auf eure Antworten
Anja M
Sardinia, Italy7 contributions
Hallo, ich such eine Unterkunft am Canale Grande am liebsten untere Etage mit Terrasse am eigenen Zimmer, oder mit eigener Dachterrasse. Ich freue mich auf eure Antworten
Mohammed A
Manchester, UK188 contributions
Hi - I’m looking to go for 3 days in June. What’s the best and cheapest way of touring Venice? Also can you get a day pass for the water taxi
mavis332017
Hemel Hempstead, UK14 contributions
It's very easy to get around via the Vaporetto taxis. You can buy a 24 hour ticket or multiple days. Always remember to scan the ticket at the barrier before getting on every time. Another excellent way of getting around is, of course, walking. It is so easy to walk and explore and many buildings have signs pointing to various places e.g. Rialto, San Marco. Whilst it seems like a maze walking amongst the narrow streets, you can always find your way to somewhere you know. Google Maps are excellent to use too.
quanto dista l'hotel Canal Grande dalla più vicina fermata dei vaporetti. grazie
Katia O
Florence, Italy27 contributions
Se arrivi in treno o dal Piazzale Roma, il vaporetto non ti serve neanche perché poco di là dalla stazione hai la fermata più vicina all'Hotel che è Ferrovia e Ferrovia A e B.
Dalla stazione però puoi andare a piedi attraversando il Ponte degli Scalzi (lo vedi bene perché avendo la stazione alle spalle, il ponte è grande e bianco ed è alla tua sinistra). Lo attraversi, prosegui sulla sinistra e arrivi in Hotel. Però secondo me, fai meglio a prendere il vaporetto che da Ferrovia scende alla fermata dopo, cioè Riva de Biasio perché non so esattamente se una volta attraversato il Ponte degli Scalzi puoi andare dritto all'Hotel lungo canale o se devi passare dalle stradine interne perché c'è un canale che non puoi attraversare se non passando dall'interno (e con le valigie - soprattutto secondo di che dimensione le hai - non sempre è agevole).
Se invece esci dall'Hotel e vuoi prendere il vaporetto, o torni di là dal Ponte e vai fino alle fermate Ferrovia dove ci sono più linee che passano, oppure poco più avanti dell'Hotel c'è la fermata Riva de Biasio. Dipende da che vaporetto devi prendere per andare dove.
kelfords
Newmarket Ontario
How assessable are the gondolas for getting in and out of?
sunsets18
Toronto Ontario93 contributions
It seems you got plenty of great answers, the gondoliers will help you get in and out. The boats are long and narrow and a bit unsteady when first getting in and out but you should have no problem. Enjoy
Wonder Woman
Austin, TX10 contributions
So what is the difference between the Vaporetto and the Ferry’s?
We have 2 days in Venice, and would like to spend time in Moreno as well.
Thx for your help...much appreciated!
frank1e
Edinburgh, UK1,283 contributions
Forgot to say dont get alilaguna they only go to certain stops its the actv you need. Enjoy.
Юлия Н
Kyiv, Ukraine
Здравствуйте. А что за приложение даёт такую информацию?
Сергей Р
Moscow, Russia224 contributions
Здравствуйте.
К сожалению, Трипадвизор не позволяет делиться ссылками на какие либо источники. Если на словах то.
Есть официальный сайт Венеции. На котором очень все подробно отражено. Вот прям все. Я думаю там можно найти ответ на любой вопрос. А если в друг ответа не нашлось, то всегда его можно задать. Но я думаю до этого не дойдёт . Ссылку на него выдаст любой я думаю поисковик в интернете .
Там же можно найти и сайт официального перевозчика, который на сколько мне известно является чуть ли не монополистам в Венеции касаемо водного транспорта. И также есть приложение. Через которое можно даже купить билет на вапоретто. Есть карта всех маршрутов вапоретто. Как активировать проездной билет и тд и тп. Уйма разной информации.
Но я, честно признаться, не одним из этих приложений не пользовался. Мне это показалось слишком сложным. Может в силу того , что языков не знаю.
Всю необходимую информацию для себя получил, ещё до отъезда, в сети интернет.
Что то взял на карандаш, что то, например такое как карту маршрутов вапоретто, распечатал дома. Хотя и она не пригодилась.
В Венеции как и в принципе в большей части европейских туристических мест, на столько развита инфраструктура, что проблем вообще не возникает, абсолютно.
Главное перед поездкой посидеть не много, поизучать вопрос. Получить хотя бы минимальную базу, Почитать различные отзывы людей, побывавших в том или ином месте.
В общем я думаю, Вы и сами все это знаете.
Что касается конкретно Венеции, то зайдите на оф. сайты. Пользоваться приложениями или нет, решите сами. Лично для меня, в этом не было никакой необходимости...
Надеюсь смог хоть как то Вам помочь!
И хорошего Вам путешествия. Все получиться...
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Claim your listingCanal Grande - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Canal Grande
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Canal Grande:
- Classic 30-Minute Gondola Ride in Venice (From $39.99)
- Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade (From $55.54)
- Venice: Private Half Day Guided Tour and Gondola Experience (From $201.16)
- Your Evening in Venice (From $44.44)
- Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride (From $55.54)
- Hotels near Canal Grande:
- (0.01 mi) Magic Rialto
- (0.01 mi) View on the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge: luxury property in an exclusive
- (0.01 mi) Royal Apartment with the view on the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge
- (0.01 mi) RIALTO GRAND CANAL - BH
- (0.03 mi) Antica Locanda Sturion Residenza D'Epoca
- Restaurants near Canal Grande:
- (0.01 mi) Ristorante Florida
- (0.01 mi) Ristorante Terrazza Sommariva
- (0.01 mi) Bar Mister Sandwich
- (0.02 mi) Cafe Saraceno
- (0.02 mi) Ristorante Caffe Saraceno
- Attractions near Canal Grande:
- (0.02 mi) Traghetto di Riva del Vin
- (0.03 mi) Riva del Ferro
- (0.05 mi) Ponte di Rialto
- (0.08 mi) Best Venice Guides
- (0.06 mi) Gioielleria Eredi Jovon