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The 2.4 mile long Grand Canal divides the city into two parts. It's a sight to see and you wouldn't be able to miss it if you're in Venice.
Beautiful! This was on my bucket list for Europe. And I'm glad I got to see it! Awesome! The grand canal is quite busy. There's boats going back and forth and water taxis too. It was so fun to see it in person! You always see things like this in movies, and in real life it's just great.
Historically one of most influential city of Europe. There is so much to do in this floating city, day and night. The Venice Carnival can magically transport the place back into the dawn of the 13th century; even off season, the gift shops are filled with elaborate masks. When you travel in the right season, you can visit the lower levels (only presence of damp moisture). And don't forget the gondola ride, San Marco Square, the back streets, the opera house. With a map, you can easily navigate different streets, channels, and water taxis dropoff/pickup points.
The Canal Grande is the largest canal in Venice, which has been forming one of the major water-traffic corridors in the city. It's always been busy among all the times throughout the day, and it draws the most traffic in Venice. I would say it's hard to miss the canal when visiting here.
There are no pictures that can quite prepare you for the beauty of the Grand Canal! I have seen a number of pictures of Venice growing up, and I can honestly say that none of them do Venice justice! We arrived to Venice on a train from Rome! As soon as we exited the train station, our jaws dropped like WOW! I highly recommend a ride on a gondola while you are in Venice! Try to get in a gondola ride with a rower that will tell you about Venice, while you are in the gondola. If you do, the gondola ride instantly turns into a small guided tour of Venice at a fraction of the cost of an actual tour with a tour company. A gondola ride will cost you anywhere between 90 to 140 euros, but it is worth every bit of the money. I would even venture to say that they should charge more, for the surprising peace and calm of the gondola ride and the beautiful scenery!
Beautiful place in Italy. This looks so pleasing in the morning , evening, and night. The place is so lively with a lot of people. There are plenty of places to eat but fewer places to pass and watch out for limited bathroom availability. Gondola services are available everywhere, but most of them will cut it short by 1o minute. Magnificent buildings and lot of history.
When I think of Venice, the Grand Canal is one of the first things that comes to mind. I've seen it on TV and in pictures, but gliding through this tranquil canal while soaking up the beauty of Venice first hand is an experience unlike any other. It is truly amazing is every sense of the word. It's easy to admire the canal whilst perusing the streets of Venice since it practically cuts right through the island itself. But if you have the time and money, I'd highly recommend hopping aboard a gondola. It's truly the best way to experience the Grand Canal and all of its' glory. Laying back and taking in the picturesque architecture of this island whilst traversing the canal by gondola is nothing short of amazing. It'll make you feel like you're in a storybook. So magical. Even if you don't take a gondola ride through the canal, you can still absorb the beauty by foot. Take advantage of these views and walk to the canal. There are so many different view points to choose from. And honestly, you're bound to catch some sort of scenic view of the canal while in Venice... even if you're not looking for it.
Venice is situated on 118 islands with 150 canals in between. Still, nothing can prepare you for the idea of Venice till you start exploring tiny passages, lively squares, with buildings that date to 13-16th century and with water almost always at your sight. It is one of a kind, for sure. Canal Grande as a name suggests is the largest and most popular canal, with only 4 bridges across and all kind of water traffic that you should definitely consider even at the stiff price of 100$ for 30-minute ride. You can try to negotiate the price, but if you're visiting in a busy hours 10-7, I doubt you'll find anyone interested. We stayed in Venice for few days in order to see Venice during sunrise and sunset hours, with no crowds. It was spectacular. I would never go back (and this was my 3rd visit) unless I can roam the empty streets during sunrise hours. There is nothing like it.
I saw Grand Canal in Venice many times on TV or in pictures. But it looks much more impressive with I see it in person. I have to say it still looks like a picture. So beautiful! One of the best ways to see the Grand Canal is by gondola. The canal is more magnificent than when I see it on the banks or on the bridges. The building standing upright on both sides of the Grand Canal is showing to me how the prosperity of Venice almost a thousand years ago. The water traffic is bustling after hundreds of years today. Of course, tourists from all over the world are making Venice's water traffic even busier! I'm one of them too! Lol!
Well! If you come to Venice!! Ya can't miss!! What's not to love. It's everything and a bag of chips for this floating city on the water. My first time, I was a teen and we came on a big boat. Pulling into the grand canal/ canal grande was a sight: a vision and a memory I can't ever forget. I've been here for Venezia, Morano, Lido film festival, Burano, Christmas, crazy summer and just rainy season in Venice visits. All have been great. Flying in, taking the train and water taxi to Piazza San Marco/ hotels being my preferred way. Gondola rides made famous in this Canal Grande but with so many moving boats, water taxi ( private boats) is the best way. $250 for one way anywhere (10-15 mins ride). Or you can try water bus! No luggages allowed since Venetians do use these as daily commute. Or simply cross one of many bridges, sit on the bridges, grab a latte or dine and take in the marvel that is Venezia !! The history, the cathedrals, the architecture of all things Venetian. What's not to love!
Just beautiful with gondolas, water taxis moving across. Passing over the 4 main bridges or 500 smaller ones. Viewing the spectacular churches & palaces that line the canal, and watching the sunset. The waterways of Venice are like nothing else!
Anything less than 5 stars seems less than grand. Sure, Canal Grande is almost as photogenic as Ariana Grande (easy ... Arianators, I said "almost" ...), but as the biggest and most legendary waterway in Venice, the 2.4 mile canal clearly lives up to its grand title. If you've never been, go. If you've been, go again. Bucket list activities along Canal Grande include: * ride a gondola * snap some snaps * wander a walking tour * sip a spritz * marvel at the architecture * cross all 4 bridges * gloss some local gelato * shop along Ponte di Rialto * give Risi e Bisi a taste * experience a Vaporetto waterbus * sample some Sarde in Saor * explore San Marco * have a grand time! Canal Grande really is grande and anything less than 5 stars is simply less than grand.
Ah...the world renown Grand Canal... If you are going to Venice you will definitely be on or around the Grand Canal at some point. No matter how you get to Venice...via boat or feet...the first time you set eyes on the Grand Canal it will be a "wow" moment...guaranteed! It is the main vein (waterway) through Venice...sort of like the main road, only it is water. There are, without a doubt, a lot of sights to see along the Grand Canal, not to mention its beauty. The water bus (public transit) can take you from one end to the other and there are stops in between...you just need to know what stop to get off (Of course, you are welcome to take a private taxi or gondola as well). There are areas where you can walk along the Grand Canal too. It is amazing to know all of this was basically man-made. That said, instead of giving you all the regular fluffy stuff...I want to address a little history about it to give you something to think about while you are on or around the Grand Canal. Before all the magnificence and splendor we see today...it was a muddy swamp. The early settlers drained areas of the lagoon, dug canals and lined them with closely placed wood stakes (some lined with water-resistant alder wood) and shored up the banks to prepare for building. With no forest nearby, the wood was imported from Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia. Of course, on top of these wood stakes wooden platforms were placed, then stone and then this is what the buildings sit on. Voila...the Grand Canal and the rest of the canals were created! Through time, building, etc....it has evolved into the beautiful city it is today. Venice has withstood the test of time because of the lack of oxygen on the wood since it is submerged. Plus, saltwater, sand, stone and other particles have seeped into the wood hardening it like stone. People often ask (yes, I asked) how deep the canals are. There are a variety of answers and it depends on where you are referring to, the tide and dredging. From what I understand, the Grand Canal is about 5 meters deep, while the smaller canals (like a side street for the lack of a better term) are only 1 1/2 to 2 meters deep. However, the Canale Della Giudecca (main canal entering Venice) is 12 to 17 meters. No matter what canal you are on, walking along, around, crossing over or whatever the case may be...it's pretty awe inspiring to know the work that went into this by the early settlers. Wow! Enjoy!
The waterways are the lifeline of Venice and the Canal Grade, or Grand Canal, is the main water way that connects everything in Venice. If you look at the map of the islands, the Grand Canal connects everything with a graceful S shape. In the medieval and renaissance times, Venice was a major trade area and an essential route for merchant ships bringing spices, silk, and other goods from the east. Our gondolier told us how there weren't bridges until Napoleon came along. Everyone traveled around by boat and the closer to the water the richer they were. Even today, traveling by water is the main method of getting around the city. When we first arrived, we saw movers with a crane on their boat hauling furniture. On our last day there, we even saw ambulance by water. It was also such a treat being able to take a gondola ride as part of our experience in the city. I enjoyed the day to day moments of walking around and exploring the city and taking photos on the Grand Canal. Every scene was so unique and stunning. read more
This waterway runs the entire length of the Lagoon of Venice! There is much traffic on the waterway: water buses, water taxis, gondolas and private boats and amazing to see how they navigate it all. I purchased a 3-Day Water Bus pass and it allowed me to enjoy the beautiful views, massive buildings, Rialto Bridge and exquisite architecture of all the other buildings along the waterway. read more
The heart of Venice - chaotic, beautiful, and totally unforgettable. Gondolas, water taxis, vaporettos... it's like a highway made of water but way more magical. Best views are from the Rialto Bridge or just hopping on a vaporetto and riding it like a budget boat tour. Every building along the way looks like it belongs in a painting. Romantic, cinematic, and somehow peaceful even with all the movement. A Venice must! However, the vaporettos are crazy packed all the time with sweaty people during the summer. read more
2 years ago
Beautiful! This was on my bucket list for Europe. And I'm glad I got to see it! Awesome! The grand canal is quite busy. There's boats going back and forth and water taxis too. It was so fun to see it in person! You always see things like this in movies, and in real life it's just great. read more
Historically one of most influential city of Europe. There is so much to do in this floating city, day and night. The Venice Carnival can magically transport the place back into the dawn of the 13th century; even off season, the gift shops are filled with elaborate masks. When you travel in the right season, you can visit the lower levels (only presence of damp moisture). And don't forget the gondola ride, San Marco Square, the back streets, the opera house. With a map, you can easily navigate different streets, channels, and water taxis dropoff/pickup points. read more
The Canal Grande is the largest canal in Venice, which has been forming one of the major water-traffic corridors in the city. It's always been busy among all the times throughout the day, and it draws the most traffic in Venice. I would say it's hard to miss the canal when visiting here. read more
There are no pictures that can quite prepare you for the beauty of the Grand Canal! I have seen a number of pictures of Venice growing up, and I can honestly say that none of them do Venice justice! We arrived to Venice on a train from Rome! As soon as we exited the train station, our jaws dropped like WOW! I highly recommend a ride on a gondola while you are in Venice! Try to get in a gondola ride with a rower that will tell you about Venice, while you are in the gondola. If you do, the gondola ride instantly turns into a small guided tour of Venice at a fraction of the cost of an actual tour with a tour company. A gondola ride will cost you anywhere between 90 to 140 euros, but it is worth every bit of the money. I would even venture to say that they should charge more, for the surprising peace and calm of the gondola ride and the beautiful scenery! read more
Beautiful place in Italy. This looks so pleasing in the morning , evening, and night. The place is so lively with a lot of people. There are plenty of places to eat but fewer places to pass and watch out for limited bathroom availability. Gondola services are available everywhere, but most of them will cut it short by 1o minute. Magnificent buildings and lot of history. read more
When I think of Venice, the Grand Canal is one of the first things that comes to mind. I've seen it on TV and in pictures, but gliding through this tranquil canal while soaking up the beauty of Venice first hand is an experience unlike any other. It is truly amazing is every sense of the word. It's easy to admire the canal whilst perusing the streets of Venice since it practically cuts right through the island itself. But if you have the time and money, I'd highly recommend hopping aboard a gondola. It's truly the best way to experience the Grand Canal and all of its' glory. Laying back and taking in the picturesque architecture of this island whilst traversing the canal by gondola is nothing short of amazing. It'll make you feel like you're in a storybook. So magical. Even if you don't take a gondola ride through the canal, you can still absorb the beauty by foot. Take advantage of these views and walk to the canal. There are so many different view points to choose from. And honestly, you're bound to catch some sort of scenic view of the canal while in Venice... even if you're not looking for it. read more
2 years ago
Venice is situated on 118 islands with 150 canals in between. Still, nothing can prepare you for the idea of Venice till you start exploring tiny passages, lively squares, with buildings that date to 13-16th century and with water almost always at your sight. It is one of a kind, for sure. Canal Grande as a name suggests is the largest and most popular canal, with only 4 bridges across and all kind of water traffic that you should definitely consider even at the stiff price of 100$ for 30-minute ride. You can try to negotiate the price, but if you're visiting in a busy hours 10-7, I doubt you'll find anyone interested. We stayed in Venice for few days in order to see Venice during sunrise and sunset hours, with no crowds. It was spectacular. I would never go back (and this was my 3rd visit) unless I can roam the empty streets during sunrise hours. There is nothing like it. read more
5 years ago
4 years ago
I saw Grand Canal in Venice many times on TV or in pictures. But it looks much more impressive with I see it in person. I have to say it still looks like a picture. So beautiful! One of the best ways to see the Grand Canal is by gondola. The canal is more magnificent than when I see it on the banks or on the bridges. The building standing upright on both sides of the Grand Canal is showing to me how the prosperity of Venice almost a thousand years ago. The water traffic is bustling after hundreds of years today. Of course, tourists from all over the world are making Venice's water traffic even busier! I'm one of them too! Lol! read more
Well! If you come to Venice!! Ya can't miss!! What's not to love. It's everything and a bag of chips for this floating city on the water. My first time, I was a teen and we came on a big boat. Pulling into the grand canal/ canal grande was a sight: a vision and a memory I can't ever forget. I've been here for Venezia, Morano, Lido film festival, Burano, Christmas, crazy summer and just rainy season in Venice visits. All have been great. Flying in, taking the train and water taxi to Piazza San Marco/ hotels being my preferred way. Gondola rides made famous in this Canal Grande but with so many moving boats, water taxi ( private boats) is the best way. $250 for one way anywhere (10-15 mins ride). Or you can try water bus! No luggages allowed since Venetians do use these as daily commute. Or simply cross one of many bridges, sit on the bridges, grab a latte or dine and take in the marvel that is Venezia !! The history, the cathedrals, the architecture of all things Venetian. What's not to love! read more
Just beautiful with gondolas, water taxis moving across. Passing over the 4 main bridges or 500 smaller ones. Viewing the spectacular churches & palaces that line the canal, and watching the sunset. The waterways of Venice are like nothing else! read more
4 years ago
Anything less than 5 stars seems less than grand. Sure, Canal Grande is almost as photogenic as Ariana Grande (easy ... Arianators, I said "almost" ...), but as the biggest and most legendary waterway in Venice, the 2.4 mile canal clearly lives up to its grand title. If you've never been, go. If you've been, go again. Bucket list activities along Canal Grande include: * ride a gondola * snap some snaps * wander a walking tour * sip a spritz * marvel at the architecture * cross all 4 bridges * gloss some local gelato * shop along Ponte di Rialto * give Risi e Bisi a taste * experience a Vaporetto waterbus * sample some Sarde in Saor * explore San Marco * have a grand time! Canal Grande really is grande and anything less than 5 stars is simply less than grand. read more
7 years ago
Ah...the world renown Grand Canal... If you are going to Venice you will definitely be on or around the Grand Canal at some point. No matter how you get to Venice...via boat or feet...the first time you set eyes on the Grand Canal it will be a "wow" moment...guaranteed! It is the main vein (waterway) through Venice...sort of like the main road, only it is water. There are, without a doubt, a lot of sights to see along the Grand Canal, not to mention its beauty. The water bus (public transit) can take you from one end to the other and there are stops in between...you just need to know what stop to get off (Of course, you are welcome to take a private taxi or gondola as well). There are areas where you can walk along the Grand Canal too. It is amazing to know all of this was basically man-made. That said, instead of giving you all the regular fluffy stuff...I want to address a little history about it to give you something to think about while you are on or around the Grand Canal. Before all the magnificence and splendor we see today...it was a muddy swamp. The early settlers drained areas of the lagoon, dug canals and lined them with closely placed wood stakes (some lined with water-resistant alder wood) and shored up the banks to prepare for building. With no forest nearby, the wood was imported from Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia. Of course, on top of these wood stakes wooden platforms were placed, then stone and then this is what the buildings sit on. Voila...the Grand Canal and the rest of the canals were created! Through time, building, etc....it has evolved into the beautiful city it is today. Venice has withstood the test of time because of the lack of oxygen on the wood since it is submerged. Plus, saltwater, sand, stone and other particles have seeped into the wood hardening it like stone. People often ask (yes, I asked) how deep the canals are. There are a variety of answers and it depends on where you are referring to, the tide and dredging. From what I understand, the Grand Canal is about 5 meters deep, while the smaller canals (like a side street for the lack of a better term) are only 1 1/2 to 2 meters deep. However, the Canale Della Giudecca (main canal entering Venice) is 12 to 17 meters. No matter what canal you are on, walking along, around, crossing over or whatever the case may be...it's pretty awe inspiring to know the work that went into this by the early settlers. Wow! Enjoy! read more
What is more romantic than being cuddled up in a gondola, snogging your lover whilst riding down the canal towards the sunset, being serenaded in Italian song? I don't know; I haven't had this experience, but I had plenty of time to dream about it during my gondola ride! There's a lot of walking involved in touring Venice. Take a nice break from the summer heat, and a break for your feet, by hitching a ride on the often imitated Venetian gondolas. Your gondolist (I totally just made that up!) will row you down the canal at a relaxing pace, allowing you to completely chill as you take in the sights. God willing, you'll get an awesome breeze to accompany you on your journey. If you're lucky, your gondolist will sing you an Italian lullaby on your way. (I'm sure I dozed off once or twice.) I experienced the Canal Grande a second time via water taxi as I headed to Lido. Just take care before pre-booking any water taxi services or island stays that require transportation via water taxi as they go on strike from time to time and you don't want to be stuck for days, weeks, or longer. Or maybe you do? read more
6 years ago
We have been in Venice a bunch of times. But still amazes us the same as the first time. It's just a lovely place to be. Countless sights, great food and no (car) traffic. The Canale Grande is one of the most famous sights in the city. And rightly so. You could rent a private water taxi, take a tour boat or just hop on one of the water buses. For us the water bus was fine. Drive along the whole canale or hop and off (buy a day-ticket). You will pass endless interesting sights. Starting from the train station (Ferrovia) the Ponte degli Scalzi, the Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo, the Chiesa di San Geremia, Rialto Mercato and Rialto Bridge, the Ponte dell'Accademia, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, the Punta della Dogana and at the other end the Piazza San Marco with the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Marco. And that's just the very big sights along the way. Of course you also can walk through Venice (we love it) and you will pass the Canale lots of times. It's also fun just to wander around without plan and getting lost in the beautiful backstreets of Venice. This time we were lucky to rent an apartement for a few day directly on the Canale Grande. With views of the canal from every room. Be it in the morning during breakfast or in the evenings when the lights on the canal seemed magical: We never got and never will get bored of that sight. Light or dark, day or night, sunny or rainy. The Canale Grande is a sight to behold. Love it - and we love this town. read more
Grand Canal, Considered to be the main street of Venice, the 2-mile-long Grand Canal is one of the city's most popular and highly photographed attractions. if you want to cover the whole stretch, Vaporetto line No. 1 travels down the Grand Canal, stopping in the six or neighborhoods, along the way. The Vaporetto, or water bus, is a great way - and the least expensive - of exploring this canal, but water taxis are also available, as well as the typical Venetian gondolas, although tourists should be careful to avoid scams. You can buy extended passes that allow for multiple uses so you don't have to worry about buying a ticket each time you use one Once the main routes in Venice, teeming with merchants' ships, the Grand Canal is at present still a heavily transited waterway that runs through the center of Venice, from the railway station to San Marco. Grand Canal is a magnificent attraction and must be experienced during your trip. Tip: take a picture from Academia Bridge. That's the Grand Canal you see in pictures or youtube videos read more
This was such an incredible experience. We booked through Grand Canal by Gondola. The gondola was clean and the own driving the boat took our pictures happily. Even others we passed by were super kind. Got one of the best shots for my iconic travel pics. I thought it would be dirty or smelly but it was delightful. read more
4 years ago
Greetings and salutations yelpers. Besides being a foodie and always in somebody's restaurant stuffing my face I'm an avid traveler. Do not know the meaning of expired passport. One of bucket list check was Italy, visited many parts but we will focus on Venice for this segment . Yelpers what an amazing journey traveling the streets and seeing sights. Of Course I was there when high tide came in and flooded the square. However in time the water receded and it was business as usual. My bucket list excursion was a gondola ride and being serenaded. The most amazing experience. The scent around is not the best but when immersed in such culture and architecture you will get lost in the beauty of it all. Pictures do not do it justice. If you haven't already plan that trip and explore all what Italy has to offer. Now to find out how to post the parts I've been to. read more
This is one of the world's most famous waterways (in my opinion). It's absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Especially at sunrise or sunset. The beautiful bridges, water taxis, and architecture along the canal are most definitely going to be burned in your mind after a visit. read more
6 years ago
9 years ago
Zero potholes! No bumper to bumper traffic! No stoplights! Quite literally the best mode to travel!! All kidding aside - one can only truly appreciate Venice by boat on the Canal Grande!! You see a side of Venice only seen from your seat or spot on a boat! We traveled to Venice via boat taxi from the Venezzia - St. Lucia station (boat 2) and "exited" at the Rialto then a short "5 minute" (once you traverse Venice you'll find every local telling you it's only a 5 minute walk over the bridge...to anywhere to go to) to our hotel. Let me just say...traveling via the canal is far easier!!! read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
The Grand Canal was a magical spot. I was in the area around sunset, and had magnificent views from the Rialto Bridge. There are a lot of shops and restaurants lining the canal, so it made an interesting area to stroll and people-watch. I didn't have an occasion to take a boat through the canal, but I enjoyed my time there all the same! read more
Such an amazing canal, and it's part of history to the highest extent. You have seen it in films, art, and pretty any sort of media possible. It's the largest canal in Venice for crying out loud! I had heard that taking a gondola ride through this canal was overrated, but I beg to differ. You get an entire boat to yourself and it takes a good thirty minutes and you don't even see the entire thing! There are all kinds of boats on this canal which also proved interesting. You can't go to Venice and miss this or you will regret it for the rest of your life. It's beautiful and due to the water levels rising, who knows how long it will be here. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
This is the main canal that runs through the centre of the city. There is an awful lot of traffic along here, and while going on a Gondala ride may be fun, it is also pretty expensive (and generally fairly short). Also, they tend to try to avoid this canal as much as possible, due to all the other boats on here. However, it is well worth going on a cruise, on one of the boat busses (or whatever they are called - I can't remember) just to check out all the old buildings. read more
7 years ago
Our hotel was right on the grand canal. Attached is a photo of our view and it is breath taking. The water is so blue (but don't go swimming because I hear it is used as their sewage system? Correct me if I'm wrong). read more
Two and a half miles of majestic highway that flows through Venice. It's banks are lined with palaces and water is filled with gondolas, ferries and other boats. It is only 230 feet wide in the widest area and averages 15 feet deep. Cruise ships do not travel through Venice on this. When I cruised through the Canal Grand on a vaporetto one evening you could see inside some of the homes with their chandeliers gleaming through the windows. Other places looked boarded up and uninhabited. We also cruised past the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. When we came upon the famous Rialto Bridge the moon just happened to be shining right above. The Rialto Bridge was completed in 1591. One of the famous residents of Venice, Antonio Vivaldi, was born in 1678. His concerto known as The Four Seasons were composed in 1723. Here is a nice video with shots of the Canal Grande and the Rialto Bridge with Vivaldi's music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfh2h_xdHs0&feature=youtube_gdata_player read more
When in Venice, you need to ride along the Grand Canal in some sort of transportation at least once. I liked taking the waterbus because it was fast and the breeze felt great. I was about 5 miles away from my hotel so I got to see a lot of cool views along the way. read more
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