Grand Canal Tours

Grand Canal featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a ferry
Grand Canal showing a river or creek and a bay or harbor
Grand Canal featuring a river or creek, a city and a bay or harbor
Grand Canal which includes boating, a river or creek and heritage architecture
Grand Canal featuring street scenes and boating


Venice’s famous canal winds through the city and brings you to nearly all of its world-famous attractions. Hop in a gondola or vaporetto to take it all in!

The Grand Canal is Venice’s famous S-shaped thoroughfare. On any given day you can hear the splashing of the oars of the gondolas that slowly traverse the city just as they have done for centuries. A trip in a gondola is almost unavoidable because there are very few sidewalks along the canal, and the backs of the Floating City’s buildings drop straight into the water. A more modern and faster way to see the Grand Canal, and the main tourist attractions alongside it, is by vaporetto (water bus). For a simple crossing, take a traghetto, a ferry on which you remain standing for the duration of the short trip.

You can travel the entire two-mile (four-kilometer) length of the Grand Canal by boat, passing the many fine palaces and churches that line its banks. See examples of the impressive architectural styles that give Venice its charm. Among the more than 170 landmark buildings is the Gothic palace Ca’ d’Oro, the baroque Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Renaissance-style Palazzo Dario. Several agencies offer tours that will explain the history of these buildings in detail, a great way to get an overview of Venice. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, hire a private gondola and punt your way along the calm waters.  

Be sure to pause at the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic sights. It’s the oldest of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. The other bridges are the Ponte degli Scalzi, the Ponte dell’Accademia, and the ultra-modern, and controversial, Constitution Bridge.

Come on the first Sunday in September for the spectacular Regata Storica, when locals dressed in 16th-century costumes race decorated boats.
The Grand Canal is Venice’s “main street,” central to all that goes on in the city. It is common practice to barter with the gondoliers when arranging your canal trip.

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Hotel Bisanzio
Hotel Santa Marina
Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Grand Canal

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo

4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
Hotel Rialto
Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

3 out of 5
Isola Nova del Tronchetto 17, Venice, VE
Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice

5 out of 5
Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio O Zobenigo, Venice, VE
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Albergo San Marco

Albergo San Marco

3 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 877, Venice, VE
Albergo San Marco
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only

Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only

3.5 out of 5
San Marco 2494, Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, Venice, VE
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Hotel Bella Venezia

Hotel Bella Venezia

4 out of 5
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
Hotel Bella Venezia
Venezia Palazzo Barocci

Venezia Palazzo Barocci

4.5 out of 5
San Marco. Corte dell'Albero 3878/A, Venice, VE
Venezia Palazzo Barocci
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grand Canal

A trip to the Grand Canal in Venice isn't complete without enjoying a scenic gondola ride and exploring local art galleries. Don't miss the chance to shop for unique souvenirs and indulge in the vibrant atmosphere along the canal. Boating is also a popular activity, allowing you to soak in the stunning views of this iconic waterway.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi, just 805m from the Grand Canal, offering a mix of entertainment and local vibes. Also, explore La Bottega dei Mascareri and Libreria Acqua Alta, both located 805m away for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Marina di Venezia offers a family-friendly aquatic center perfect for relaxation and fun in the water. Just 483m from the Grand Canal, Vivaldi Church hosts captivating music concerts for an entertaining evening. For outdoor enthusiasts, Circolo Golf Venezia Alberoni provides a scenic golf course about 9.7km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Caribe Bay, a vibrant waterpark located 22.5km from the Grand Canal, offering exciting rides and family entertainment. For biking enthusiasts, E4 - Il GiraSile, situated 16.1km away, features scenic trails. Enjoy a picturesque hike along Passeggiata Lungo il Fiume Sile, 27.4km from the canal.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife along the Grand Canal by visiting Teatro Malibran and Teatro Rossini, both offering captivating performances just 0.5 and 483m away, respectively. For a unique flair, check out Teatro a l'Avogaria, also 805m away, where culture and romance come alive in family-friendly settings.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Grand Canal

Visiting the Grand Canal in Venice offers a captivating blend of culture and history. You can explore stunning churches, historic palaces, and engaging art museums, making it perfect for travelers seeking rich cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. The picturesque scenery and vibrant atmosphere will ensure your time in this iconic area is truly unforgettable.

  • St. Mark's Square: This iconic piazza, located 322m from the Grand Canal, serves as the heart of Venice, brimming with vibrant culture and city vibes. Here, you can enjoy street performances, sip coffee at historic cafés, and marvel at the stunning architecture that surrounds you.
  • Rialto Bridge: Situated 805m away, the Rialto Bridge is a historic landmark offering picturesque views of the Grand Canal. As one of the oldest bridges in Venice, it exudes charm and is a perfect spot for capturing unforgettable photos while soaking in the local culture.
  • St. Mark's Basilica: Just 322m from the Grand Canal, this magnificent cathedral is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, known for its intricate mosaics and stunning domes. The basilica embodies the rich cultural heritage of Venice and invites visitors to explore its awe-inspiring interior.

Best time to go to Grand Canal

The best time to visit Grand Canal is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
February44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
August75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
September69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grand Canal

To save money on your trip to the Grand Canal, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower hotel rates. Booking about a month in advance or checking for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield significant savings. Aim to stay on a Tuesday, the cheapest day, while avoiding Fridays for higher rates. Use Expedia's search filters to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to look for free cancellation options to maintain flexibility in your travel plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grand Canal are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Grand Canal about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Canal is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Canal is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, starting with the lowest rates, so you can quickly find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your Grand Canal hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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