Things to do in
Grand Canal

Gaze upon the stately homes of former merchants with a gondola ride down Venice’s longest canal.

Grand Canal: Our most recommended tours and activities

Venice: Waterbus and Mainland Bus Pass

Venice: Waterbus and Mainland Bus Pass

With this transportation pass, bypass the ticket lines and ride on Venice's public transport services. Climb aboard the public ship, known as the vaporetto, and explore the city by waterway. The ticket is valid for nearby areas and for buses in Mestre and Marghera. Begin traveling around Venice with your pass by first pausing at a vaporetto stop. Once you've acquired your ticket, head out with one of the unique water buses to your destinations. Cruise around the city and take in the sights for an hour or up to a full week, depending on your ticket. Make the most out of your ticket by journeying to area destinations, including Venice's surrounding islands. Experience the magic of Lido, Murano, Burano, and Torcello Island with the handy ticket that has you covered at every step of the way. Zip over to Mestre and Marghera with a bus.

Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Feel the essence of Venice as you explore hidden and picturesque waterways near the Grand Canal with a gondola ride. Listen to in-app commentary to learn more about the city as you admire the sights. Start your activity by meeting the host, who will explain some curiosities about the history of gondolas and gondoliers. Get free access to an app with commentary of your itinerary on the gondola. As you enjoy the beauties of the Grand Canal, admire the marvelous Palaces such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace, the Gritti Palace, the Salute Church, the Punta della Dogana. Discover the worldwide-famous La Fenice Theatre and the Mozart House along the romantic and hidden waterways. At the end of your ride, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Saint Mark’s Basin with San Giorgio Island. Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Explore the canals of Venice aboard a gondola. Enjoy live commentary from your guide as your gondolier takes you down narrow ways and along the Grand Canal. Learn about the city's palaces, churches, and attractions. Hear about local stories and the history of the gondola and gondoliers. During your journey, admire the Mozart’s House and pass by the magnificent La Fenice Theatre and the “De le Ostreghe” Canal. Continue to the most important canal in Venice, the Grand Canal. Make your way towards the Salute Church, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and some of the stunning Venetian palaces that run alongside the canal, like Ca' Dolfin, Ca' Loredan, Grimani Palace, and many others. You will also see Punta de la Dogana and Saint Mark’s Basin before making your way back to Campo San Moisè.  Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

Venice: Shared Gondola Ride Across the Grand Canal

Venice: Shared Gondola Ride Across the Grand Canal

Share a gondola ride with up to 5 other people and a master gondolier through the canals of Venice. Glide gracefully through the mysterious canals of Venice on a peaceful 30-minute ride. Discover the quaint and charming canals of Venice that have different charms and appeals, which you'll experience on this tour. Float down the iconic Grand Canal, ride down minor waterways, and pass by the famous theater, La Fenice, to soak up the atmosphere.

Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

Experience the romance of Venice aboard a traditional gondola for up to 6 people and enjoy a more intimate experience, exclusive to your group. Depart from the Campo San Luca at a time to suit you. Gondola rides are available by day and at night, when you can marvel at the monuments illuminated after dark. Journey along the legendary Grand Canal to see some of the historic buildings from the water. Venture down some of the smaller canals and get away from the tourist crowds. Pass the Gothic façades of palazzos at a gentle pace as your gondolier punts you through the historical center aboard the city's most traditional mode of transport. Glide back to the starting point for the end of your amazing gondola ride.

Venice: Traveling Opera in a Historic Palace on Grand Canal

Venice: Traveling Opera in a Historic Palace on Grand Canal

Experience Italian Opera in one of the most important Venetian-Gothic style palaces in Venice, Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto. Within this historical venue, an innovative approach to opera has been conceived, with a formula that focuses on the interaction between the singers, the musicians, and the audience. This gives spectators the feeling of living Opera ‘from the inside’. This sensation is amplified by the clever 360-degree use of the ‘stage’ and by having the guests move through 3 different rooms within the Palazzo, one for each act of the show. The whole setting changes, not just the background. Reviving a tradition dating back to the late 1800s, this reimagining is brought to life by some of the finest lyrical voices, accompanied by a talented small group of strings and a piano: a virtuoso ensemble who performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world.

Venice: Private Gondola Ride along Grand Canal

Venice: Private Gondola Ride along Grand Canal

Board an authentic gondola and take a romantic journey along the Grand Canal in Venice. See the historic sights along the shoreline as you glide down the canal. Set off from the departure point and admire marvelous palaces, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Explore the secret waterways of Venice and soak up the city's atmosphere with your friends or your beloved. Travel by gondola close to St. Mark's Square, Fenice Opera House, Punta della Dogana, and many other charming palaces. Pass under a small bridge as you discover the hidden spots reachable only by gondola.

Venice: Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings

Venice: Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings

Eat your way around Venice on a tasting tour of some of the city's eateries, and see historical monuments along the way. Follow your foodie guide through the historic Rialto Market alongside the Grand Canal. End at Campo Santa Margherita square, surrounded by local restaurants and farmers’ markets. Meet your guide in the San Marco district. Cross the Rialto Bridge to visit the Rialto Market and marvel at the colorful fruit and vegetable stalls. Experience everyday life in the city as the locals come to purchase fresh fish and other ingredients. Next, go to Campo San Polo and enter the Basilica dei Frari. Pass the square of Campo San Bartolomeo, where the locals like to gather. Along the way, taste a wide range of food specialties, from regional cheeses to buranelli biscuits and traditional cakes. Sample some sweet tiramisù in the city where it was invented, and experience the unique culture of cicchetti, the tapas-like snacks loved by Venetians served in typically cozy bàcari (bars). End on the Campo Santa Margherita in the historical sestiere (district) of Dorsoduro near the university.  

Venice: Traditional Shared Gondola Ride

Venice: Traditional Shared Gondola Ride

Embark on an enchanting gondola ride and admire elegant canal-side palaces, unique bridges, and the magic atmosphere only found in Venice. Pass highlights, including La Fenice Theater and the Salute Church. Meet your gondolier in their distinctive blue and white striped shirt and head along the hidden channels of Venice on a 30-minute ride. Considered one of the most beautiful and elegant boats on earth, experience the traditional Venetian gondola. Sail along the narrow canals of the Campo San Moisè and admire La Fenice Theater from the water. Pass palaces, glide under city bridges, and make your way onto the Grand Canal for the best views. Marvel at the Salute Church from this wide and iconic waterway.

Venice: Romantic Sunset Shared Gondola Ride

Venice: Romantic Sunset Shared Gondola Ride

Experience the enchanting allure of Venice with our exclusive sunset gondola ride through St. Mark's Basin and the charming smaller canals. Embark on a journey through time as our knowledgeable tour guide unveils the rich history and tradition behind Venetian gondolas. Learn about their unique design and exquisite craftsmanship before stepping aboard. For those seeking an extra touch of romance, opt for the serenade option and let the soothing melodies serenade you as you drift along the serene waters. Don't forget to capture the magic with your mask on and share those unforgettable moments with your loved ones on social media. As you glide gracefully under the quaint bridges, immerse yourself in the breathtaking atmosphere of San Marco, letting the beauty of Venice capture your heart and soul. Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

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What people are saying about Grand Canal

Overall rating

4.2
(24,848 reviews)

Fantastic!! Great way to have someone show you around town and taste the local foods. Neela was informative, knowledgeable, and a delight to stomp around the backstreets of Venice with. Sign up for the tour!!!

A great experience. The guide was very informative before the Gondola ride and the Gondola experience itself was amazing. Thorough enjoyed and would definitely recommend.

Paola was the most kind and informativ person, simply the perfect guide, the tour was all and more that I could wish for, Grazie mille

The food was delicious and the tour took us through areas we wouldn’t have discovered by ourselves. Vanessa was a fabulous guide.

all in all gret experience punctual better to book individual gondola option if availble