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

Canal Grande, Venice

4.8

#1 of 6,028 in Parks in Italy

Water Body Nature / Park Must See

• ©
• ©
• ©
• © +9
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©

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.

more less

Create an itinerary including Canal Grande

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Canal Grande Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

40,769 reviews

Google

4.8

facebook

4.7

4 likes

• By runhunt

  like everyone else we stood atop the Rialto and looked up and down. great view watching all the boats and comings and goings. however find a side exit/entrance and look up and down the grand canal...  more »

• By ClaireR0b

  Great area for people watching and catching a gondola ride Views along the canal from the Rialto bridge are great 👍  more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Josekutty Thadathel

  Wonderful tour through the Grand Canal shouldn't be missed if you are visiting Venice, and you shouldn't miss Venice if you are visiting Italy. No words can describe the experience that is Venice. The place is so rich with history that it really needs quite a few days to explore it even superficially.

  more less
• By Mark Gibbs

  Simply taking a walk around the area is already a fascinating experience. The bridges also add a special touch to this beautiful sight. Love love this place. It’s filled with positive vibes. It’s one of the major water-traffic corridors in Venice. One end leads to the railway station and the other to the famous San Marco church. It’s a small area but very rich in experience and ancient buildings

  more less

See more on Google »

Places to stay near Canal Grande

Plan your trip to Venice

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. 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.