Grand Canal Venice Tours

Activities and tickets

50-minute Shared Gondola Ride with Audio Guide

Explore the hidden and scenic waterways of Venice as you take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal. Get free access to an app with commentary on your gondola itinerary.

from €35

per person

2111 reviews

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50 Minutes: Traditional Shared Gondola Ride + Venice Guided Tour

A gondola ride through the canals is one of the best ways to become acquainted with Venice. During the trip, admire the majesty and splendor of Venice.

€39.50

per person

3473 reviews

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30-minute Traditional Shared Gondola Ride across Smaller Canals

The gondola is a symbol of Venice, as emblematic of the famous city of canals as it is mysterious in its origins. Experience a half-hour gondola ride that takes you to the heart of Venice as you admire its historic sites as they were meant to be seen.

€38

per person

2996 reviews

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30-minute Gondola Tour with Live and Audio Guide

Discover the charming canals of Venice on a peaceful 30-minute gondola ride with a skilled master gondolier.

from €35

per person

724 reviews

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30-minute Private Gondola Cruise

Journey down the Grand Canal and some of the smaller waterways of the city to see historic palaces and bridges from the water.

from €139

per group

2284 reviews

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Private Walking Tour in Venice

Discover the most interesting sight of Venice with a private guide on a walking tour of the main historical districts. Get an introduction to the maritime history of the city and once powerful empire.

€294

per group

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1-hour Private Boat Cruise: Discovering the Palazzos and Bridges of Venice

Enjoy a boat tour on the Grand Canal of Venice, where you will see the bustling Venetian waterfront and iconic historical landmarks like the luxurious Hotel Gritti, Ca' Pisani Moretta, and the ancient Rialto Bridge.

€39

per person

3024 reviews

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4-hour Murano, Burano, Torcello Islands Private Boat Tour with Hotel Pickup

Explore the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello on a private 4-hour tour of the Venice Lagoon by typical motorboat.

€420

per group

657 reviews

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Activities near the sight

Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit

Taste your way through the canal city on a street food tour of Venice. Walk through gorgeous squares, see impressive churches, and visit the bustling Rialto Market.

€44

per person

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Experience Venice Like A Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour

Taste your way through the backstreet bars of Venice on this delicious food and wine tour. Follow your local guide to different ‘enotecas’ (wine bars) to discover where local Venetians go to drink and mingle.

€109.31

per person

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Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour of Venice

Enjoy a real taste of Venice on a tantalizing lunchtime tour of the Rialto Market and discover the city’s impressive culinary credentials.

€89

per person

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Hidden Venice: 1-3 hours Unusual Walking Tour with an Optional Gondola Ride

An unusual walking tour through most the unusual places of Venice. The specialized guide will escort you through the heart of Venice narrating its secrets and history.

from €27

per person

757 reviews

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2-hour Private Romantic Sunset Venetian Boat Tour

Climb aboard a typical Venetian boat and sail into the sunset.

from €95

per person

1837 reviews

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Tourists reviews

Isabelle

2-hour Private Romantic Sunset Venetian Boat Tour

The sight of the boat when arriving was a little disappointing, another idea at the start, according to the photo of the very selling site. But our skyper swept this negative note. Thank you to him for his energy, his passion for the place and his history

1 day ago

Remo V.

2-3 hours Gondola Ride & Historical Venice Walking Tour

The tour was great! We walked (a lot!) and explored many roads, pontes and campos. The guide explained the History of the city and also the History behind the Monuments. We had almost 2 hours break before the gondola ride, and that was not expected. By the time we Started the gôndola ride, it was already very dark.

1 day ago

Austin K.

50 Minutes: Traditional Shared Gondola Ride + Venice Guided Tour

Interesting trip around the grand canal. The gondola is very beautiful. The only thing is that the "driver" was more interested in checking his phone than in interacting with ourselves. And if we were to do it another time, it would be ourselves alone in the Gondola, sharing takes a bit away from the experience.

2 days ago

Daria B.

Half Day Boat Trip to Murano and Burano Lagoon Islands

Just nice, and we wanted to take an individual picture on the gondola but was told many others are waiting as we are still in the gondola before we leave. I was disappointed with it and the only picture we took for ourselves, like in a group or selfie, not an individual.

2 days ago

Timothyyyy

Shared Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello and Burano Islands

This is a very easy, no stress trip. The price is very reasonable for the boat ride and the guided history tour in between the islands. We started from the S. L. train station, which allowed us to see quite a bit of the southern side of Venice as we looped around to the St Mark's pick up. We saw a quick glass-blowing demonstration in Murano and purchased several pieces of beautiful jewelry. After a light lunch in Torcello, we made our way to my most favorite island - Burano! Burano was so very charming, with the bright houses, the shops lining the waterways, and the shaded park near the vaparetto stop. Burano offers more than your usual kitschy tourist shops - local artisans there sell beautiful clothing and art that you won't find in Venice. Knowing what I know now, I'd probably skip Murano and Torcello, pack a lunch, and take a vaparetto to Burano and spend several hours there. The 50 minutes given to us was simply not enough time for what this village has to offer.

2 days ago

Irene

30-minute Private Gondola Cruise

We had booked a gondola ride at 7.30pm only for the two of us. Since we had read in the reviews that the office is not so easy to find, we left earlier. With Googel Maps that was no problem at all. Since it was our turn earlier, the employee asked us if we wanted to drive earlier and where we were we said yes. She wrote a new time on the slip of paper we went to the stop at the Hard Rock Cafe where there was a long line but we were led straight to the next arriving gondola and off we went. It was a special experience from time to time we saw or heard the gondola with musicians. So I enjoyed it very much, I enjoyed it and it would not have occurred to me to look at the watch for how long we were on the road.

2 days ago

LauraQW

Shared Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello and Burano Islands

It was a highly concentrated tour on the three (probably) most important islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Our guide Francesco went into many important details for all three islands in three different languages. I only wish we stayed more on Burano which was very picturesque!

3 days ago

Jamie S.

50-minute Shared Gondola Ride with Audio Guide

It is a charming experience. I thought our gondolier would provide live commentary but he did not nor did he sing. Guess that’s a separate booking. Only live commentary ON THE GONDOLA was for a minute as we entered Grand Canal.

4 days ago

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Discover the Best of Venice with a Grand Canal Tour

The Grand Canal is the lifeblood of Venice, Italy, stretching 2.4 miles (4 km) and serving as the city's main transportation route. This winding waterway is lined with breathtaking palaces, churches, and historic buildings, offering visitors a chance to witness Venice’s architectural splendor from the water. Whether you’re interested in a Grand Canal gondola ride, a Venice canal boat tour, or a luxurious Grand Canal cruise in Venice, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable experience.

The History of the Grand Canal

Dating back to the 12th century, the Grand Canal was developed as a crucial trade route, linking the Venetian Lagoon to the heart of the city. Over the centuries, it evolved into a bustling artery of commerce, symbolizing the wealth and prestige of the Venetian Republic.

Many of the palaces lining the canal reflect a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, showcasing the city's artistic heritage. Notable landmarks include Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, built in the 17th century to commemorate the end of a devastating plague, and numerous Renaissance-era palaces that were once home to Venice’s elite.

Today, the Grand Canal remains Venice’s most famous waterway, attracting millions of visitors who come to admire its historic charm and scenic beauty. It continues to serve as a vital mode of transport, with traditional gondolas, vaporetti (water buses), and private boats navigating its waters daily.

Planning Your Grand Canal Tour

Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to explore the Grand Canal are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and congested, while winter offers a quieter, more atmospheric experience.

Choosing Your Mode of Transport

Several options are available for exploring the Grand Canal:

Venice Canal Boat (Vaporetto): The public water bus is the most affordable way to tour the canal.
Grand Canal Gondola Ride: A romantic and traditional option, perfect for an intimate experience.
Venice Canal Boat Ride (Water Taxi): A faster, more private alternative to vaporetti.
Grand Canal Cruise in Venice: A luxurious experience that offers guided commentary and stunning views.

Planning Your Route

Key landmarks along the Grand Canal include:

Rialto Bridge & Market – One of Venice’s most iconic sights, offering stunning views of the canal.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute – A magnificent Baroque church built to celebrate the end of a plague.
Ca’ d’Oro – A breathtaking 15th-century Venetian Gothic palace housing an impressive art collection.
Palazzo Dario – A historic Gothic palace, rumored to be cursed.
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni (Peggy Guggenheim Collection) – Home to modern masterpieces by Picasso, Dali, and Pollock.
Accademia Bridge & Gallery – A must-see for art lovers, featuring works by Venetian masters like Titian and Tintoretto.

Unique & Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Hidden Canals and Alleys

While the Grand Canal is Venice’s main waterway, some of the city’s most charming and peaceful spots can be found in its smaller canals and alleyways. Consider a Venice canal boat tour that ventures into these quieter waterways.

Local Shops and Authentic Eateries

Venice is home to incredible artisanal shops and traditional trattorias. From handcrafted masks to Murano glass souvenirs, exploring these hidden gems provides a glimpse into local Venetian culture.

Lesser-Known Museums & Galleries

Beyond the famous Peggy Guggenheim Collection, visit:

Palazzo Grassi – A hub for contemporary art.
Museo del Merletto – Showcasing the delicate craft of Venetian lace-making.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco – Featuring masterpieces by Tintoretto.

Tips for a Memorable Grand Canal Tour

Dress Comfortably: Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring the city on foot.
Bring a Camera or Binoculars: Capture stunning views of historic buildings and hidden details.
Respect Local Regulations: Venice carefully preserves its historic sites, so be mindful of your surroundings.
Learn Basic Italian Phrases: Simple greetings like Buongiorno (Good morning) and Grazie (Thank you) go a long way with locals.

Final Thoughts: Is a Grand Canal Tour Worth It?

Absolutely! Whether you choose a Venice Grand Canal boat tour, a romantic gondola ride, or an off-the-beaten-path experience, exploring Venice from its famous waterway is an unforgettable journey. With stunning architecture, rich history, and incredible views, the Grand Canal is the heart of Venice, Italy, and no trip to the city is complete without experiencing it.

So, whether you're searching for Grand Canal tickets, Venice canal boat rides, or a luxurious royal canal cruise tour, this guide ensures you make the most of your Venetian adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Grand Canal boat tour last?

A typical Venice Grand Canal boat tour lasts about 1 hour, but private tours may be customized for longer durations.

Can you see the Rialto Bridge on a gondola ride?

Yes, many Grand Canal gondola rides pass under the Rialto Bridge, offering one of the best views in the city.

What’s the best way to see St. Mark’s Square and its architecture?

A walking tour provides the best views of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace.

How can I book a private gondola ride in Venice?

You can book a private gondola ride online in advance or hire one at designated gondola stations around the city.

Can I book a private gondola ride in Venice?

Yes, you can book a private gondola ride in Venice.

What are the main attractions near the Grand Canal?

Rialto Bridge – Iconic views of the canal. St. Mark’s Square – Home to Venice’s most famous landmarks. Doge’s Palace – A historical gem of Venetian architecture.

How long does a typical gondola ride last?

Most gondola rides last about 30 minutes, though extended tours are available.

What is unique about the Grand Canal?

Unlike any other city in the world, Venice’s Grand Canal serves as its main boulevard, lined with centuries-old palaces and historic sites, accessible only by water.