Grand Canal Tours and Activities

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


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 Grand Canal Hotel & Accommodation 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
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
The St. Regis Venice

The St. Regis Venice

5 out of 5
Campo Barozzi, San Marco 2159, Venice, VE
The St. Regis Venice
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
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 Danieli, Venice

Hotel Danieli, Venice

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

Hotel Bella Venezia

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

Exploring the Grand Canal in Venice offers a range of delightful activities, including scenic gondola tours and classic gondola rides that capture the essence of this iconic waterway. You can also indulge in shopping at charming boutiques and experience local theatre with la commedia. Don't miss the key attractions and breathtaking sights that make this area a must-visit in Italy, providing a perfect blend of culture and leisure for any traveller.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Grand Canal, visit T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi, a vibrant shopping mall just 805m away. Also, check out La Bottega dei Mascareri and Libreria Acqua Alta, both within the same distance, offering unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

San Giuliano Park offers a peaceful retreat with expansive green spaces and scenic walking paths, perfect for relaxation. At Marina di Venezia, enjoy family-friendly aquatic activities amidst beautiful surroundings. For a cultural experience, Vivaldi Church hosts enchanting music concerts, providing delightful entertainment just a short stroll away.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Caribe Bay Jesolo, a vibrant waterpark 22.5km from Grand Canal, perfect for families and adventure seekers. For a scenic ride, explore the E4 - Il GiraSile Biking Trail, located 16.1km away, offering picturesque outdoor vibes and a chance to immerse in nature.

Nightlife

The Grand Canal offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like Teatro Malibran and Teatro Rossini, both within 805m, showcasing captivating performances. Teatro Verde, also 805m away, adds to the cultural scene. Enjoy a blend of entertainment and romance in this enchanting setting.

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

Find the best attractions near Grand Canal

Whether you're a culture buff or seeking outdoor experiences, the Grand Canal in Venice is a must-visit. Explore historic palaces, charming churches, and captivating art museums while soaking in the stunning canal views. Don't miss the chance to venture into the Venetian Lagoon for a truly memorable adventure. Experience the beauty of Canal Grande and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this iconic destination.

  • St. Mark's Square: A vibrant hub of Venetian culture, St. Mark's Square is renowned for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely coffee while soaking in the sights, including the iconic clock tower and the surrounding cafes.
  • Rialto Bridge: This historic bridge is an architectural marvel, connecting the bustling markets and vibrant life of Venice. Stroll across its stone arches and enjoy the picturesque views of the Grand Canal and the colourful buildings lining the waterway.
  • St. Mark's Basilica: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, this cathedral is adorned with intricate mosaics and stunning domes. Step inside to experience its serene beauty and rich history, making it a must-see for any visitor.

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 in the cheaper months of January, February, or November. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, especially for Tuesday stays, which are the cheapest. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, eco-friendly options, and packages that combine flights and activities for better savings. Additionally, explore free attractions and take advantage of public transport to get around Venice affordably. Always check for free cancellation options to ensure 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: Book your hotel around Grand Canal about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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, preferred location, and type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Grand Canal hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.