Grand Canal

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


Take a gondola ride along Venice’s beautiful canal and see the city and its magnificent sights in all their glory.

Venice’s aquatic thoroughfare snaking through the bustling heart of the city—the Grand Canal stretches four kilometres and passes by the most iconic landmarks that mark the skyline.

Take a trip in a gondola along the canal for a true, old-fashioned experience of the Floating City. The gondoliers have been splashing their oars in these waters for centuries, and you can enjoy a taste of this glorious heritage too. Don’t be afraid to barter with the gondoliers when booking your canal trip.

For a rather more modern and faster voyage, take the vaporetto (water bus) and see all the tourist attractions too. Bear in mind if you go for a fast crossing on a traghetto you’ll have to stay standing for the duration of the voyage.

As you travel the length of the Grand Canal you’ll see all the palaces and churches on its banks that you will have seen in your tour guide or maybe even visited, but from an entirely different perspective. You’ll be able to spot the old Gothic palace the Ca’ d’Oro, the baroque Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, as well as the Renaissance-style Palazzo Dario. Tours are available which will talk you through the landmarks in the city as you pass them—a fine way to get to know Venice from the water.

Alternatively for a more leisurely and personalised experience, you can hire a private gondola and punt along the waters at your own pace.

Take in the majestic beauty of the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most famous sights, which has been painted and photographed by visitors through the ages. It is the oldest of four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, along with the Ponte degli Scalzi, the Ponte dell’Accademia and the strikingly modern Constitution Bridge.

If you are in town on the first Sunday in September, you’ll get to witness the incredible Regata Storica when locals garbed in Renaissance Venetian costumes race decorated boats along the canal.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

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Shows & concerts

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

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 Principe

Hotel Principe

4 out of 5
Rio Tera Lista de Spagna, 146, Venice, VE
Hotel Principe
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

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

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
Hotel Rialto
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
Hotel Danieli, Venice

Hotel Danieli, Venice

5 out of 5
Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4196, Venice, VE
Hotel Danieli, Venice
Hotel Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo

3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
Hotel Montecarlo
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 is incomplete without indulging in a romantic gondola ride, which offers a unique perspective of the stunning architecture. Be sure to explore the vibrant shopping scene and partake in local events that showcase the rich culture. Don't miss the iconic sightseeing spots that line the canal, providing a picturesque backdrop for memorable photographs.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Grand Canal, visit Libreria Acqua Alta and La Bottega dei Mascareri, both located 805m away. Don't miss T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi, offering a variety of shops and entertainment vibes, also just 805m from the canal.

Recreation

San Giuliano Park, a tranquil recreation park 6.4km from the Grand Canal, offers wellness and relaxation amidst nature. For sports enthusiasts, Circolo Golf Venezia Alberoni, located 9.7km away, provides a vibrant golfing experience, while Marina di Venezia, 8.0km distant, is perfect for family-friendly aquatic activities.

Adventure

Plavilandia, a vibrant waterpark located 49.9km from the Grand Canal, offers thrilling slides and family-friendly fun. For cycling enthusiasts, the E4 - Il GiraSile biking trail, situated 16.1km away, provides an exhilarating outdoor adventure. Meanwhile, the Passeggiata Lungo il Fiume Sile hiking trail, 27.4km distant, showcases stunning scenery.

Nightlife

In Venice, the Grand Canal boasts vibrant nightlife options like the romantic Teatro Malibran and Teatro Verde, both 805m away, and the charming Teatro Rossini, just 483m away. Each venue offers a delightful mix of culture and entertainment, perfect for an unforgettable evening.

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

Find the best attractions near Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, featuring stunning churches, historic palaces, and renowned art museums. This captivating area caters to travellers seeking a blend of culture, outdoor exploration, and the unique charm of Venetian style. Whether you’re strolling along the canal or discovering local attractions, the Grand Canal promises an unforgettable visit filled with historical richness and artistic beauty.

  • St. Mark's Square: A vibrant hub of culture, St. Mark's Square is a stunning piazza only 322m from the Grand Canal. Marvel at the lively atmosphere filled with street musicians and cafés, while surrounded by historic architecture.
  • Rialto Bridge: This iconic historic bridge, situated 805m from the Grand Canal, offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal. It is a perfect spot for soaking up Venetian culture and watching the bustling life below.
  • St. Mark's Basilica: Located a mere 322m from the Grand Canal, this magnificent cathedral is renowned for its stunning mosaics and intricate design, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in art and history.

Best time to go to Grand Canal

The best time to visit Grand Canal can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grand Canal falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Grand Canal falls in January, 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 during your visit to the Grand Canal, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January, February, and November for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can also yield savings. Tuesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia's search tools to filter options by budget and combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for added discounts. Walking is an excellent way to explore, as it’s not only free but allows you to fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Grand Canal is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most affordable options and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make savings by combining your hotel reservation at the Grand Canal with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.