“Il Canalazzo”, The Grand Canal Of Venice

Main Artery of the City of the Doges, the Grand Canal is a must-see for any visitor passing through Venice. Luxurious palaces, gondolas, and vaporetti… Captain Ulysses takes you on a journey to explore the “most beautiful avenue” of the Serenissima: All aboard!

The Grand Canal in a Few Words

Among the 177 canals in Venice, there’s one that stands out: the Grand Canal!

This monumental S-shaped canal is the longest (3.8 kilometers), widest (50 to 70 meters), and deepest (5 to 10 meters) of all Venice’s canals. It winds its way through the city from St. Mark’s Square in the south to the Liberty Bridge, which connects Venice to the mainland in the northwest.

The Grand Canal divides the City of the Doges in two, with the districts of Santa Croce, San Polo, and Dorsoduro on the left bank, and the districts of Cannaregio, Castello, and San Marco on the right bank.

In total, seven bridges cross the Grand Canal, but only four of them are pedestrian bridges:

• The famous Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
• The Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione)
• The Scalzi Bridge (Ponte degli Scalzi)
• The Academy Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia)

However, the Grand Canal’s fame isn’t just due to its monumental size. It’s also because of the approximately 170 historic buildings that line its banks, including luxurious palaces and ancient churches, that the Grand Canal is worth a visit!

Exploring the Grand Canal of Venice

Along the Grand Canal, you won’t find any quays or sidewalks: most of the buildings lining it are constructed directly at the water’s edge. Therefore, the best way to explore the Grand Canal is by boat, much to the delight of Captain Ulysses, who is a sailor at heart!

To discover the Grand Canal of Venice, you have three options:

• Explore the canal on your own aboard a vaporetto (a boat that serves as public transportation)
• Embark on a guided tour of the Grand Canal
• Indulge in a gondola ride

Exploring the Grand Canal on Your Own

If you love freedom and/or are on a budget, Captain Ulysses recommends discovering the Grand Canal on your own.

Vaporetto lines 1, 2, and N travel the entire length of the Grand Canal, allowing you to explore it at a modest price compared to organized tours. However, vaporettos can be quite crowded, and you may not find a quiet spot to peacefully admire the view.

If you plan to use public transportation (bus and/or vaporetto) multiple times, Captain Ulysses suggests getting a transport pass: this option is more convenient and cost-effective than buying individual tickets for each trip.

👉 Book your vaporetto and/or bus tickets

Guided Tour on the Grand Canal of Venice

For a serene discovery of the Grand Canal, a guided tour is undoubtedly the ideal option.

Aboard a small motorboat, these guided tours (available in several languages) take you through the waters of the Grand Canal, uncovering the bridges, palaces, churches, and historic buildings that line it.

The boats are small, allowing for a much more relaxed view than on a vaporetto. Expect to pay around thirty euros on average for the tour.

👉 Book your guided tour on the Grand Canal

Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal of Venice

What would Venice be without its famous gondoliers?

If you want to step back in time, the most immersive (and romantic) way to discover the canals of Venice is undoubtedly a gondola ride.

However, be warned, this activity is not cheap and may not be within everyone’s budget, especially if booked on-site. GetYourGuide offers private rides at a very competitive price with excellent customer reviews.

👉 Learn more: Gondola Tour

The Palaces & Monuments Lining the Grand Canal of Venice

A symbol of Venice’s charm and power, the Grand Canal quickly attracted the favor of the Venetian aristocracy. For the wealthy Venetians, nothing was more chic than owning a palace on the largest canal of the Serenissima!

Most of the palaces along the Grand Canal, built between the 13th and 18th centuries, have survived the centuries nearly unscathed! About 170 historic buildings line the canal, providing a feast for the eyes.

Here are some of the most famous among them:

• The Doge’s Palace (and St. Mark’s Basilica a little further along)
• The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
• The Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
• The Gallerie dell’Accademia
• Ca’ d’Oro Palace
• Ca’ Rezzonico Palace
• Ca’ Pesaro Palace
• Palazzo Barbarigo
• The Rialto Bridge
• San Stae Church
• Santa Maria di Nazareth Church
• The Fondaco dei Turchi (Turks’ Warehouse)
• The Rialto Bridge

The Grand Canal of Venice at Dusk

At dusk, the white, yellow, ochre, and red facades of the Grand Canal take on golden hues: it’s a truly spectacular scene. If you’ve taken a stroll along the Grand Canal during the day, be sure to enjoy the view from the Rialto Bridge at sunset.

As night falls, the Grand Canal takes on an enigmatic and mysterious atmosphere. One can easily imagine Casanova heading to a secret rendezvous aboard a gondola under the cover of darkness!

It’s also the most romantic time for a gondola ride with your loved one.

👉 Learn more: Private Night Gondola Ride

👉 Avoid the lines: book your tickets and tours in Venice, Italy!