Grand Canal

Canal Venice, Veneto, Italy

What to expect

The Grand Canal is the main waterway of Venice, Italy, following a natural channel that traces a reverse-S course and divides the city into two parts. It is 3.8 km long, 30 to 90 m wide, with an average depth of 5 metres. The canal is lined on either side by palaces, churches, hotels, and other public buildings in Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. The Grand Canal is bridged at four points, including the famous Rialto Bridge. Traditional poled gondolas and motorized public-transit water buses are popular ways to explore the canal. The canal is also home to many historic palaces, including the Ca' d'Oro and the Palazzo Pesaro, which now houses the International Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Oriental Art

Plan your family visit to the Grand Canal with these blog insights 👇

...Venice!

This family's experience:

Activities: We crossed the Grand Canal by vaporetto on the N°1 line, seating in the front. It takes 40 minutes…and you can do it again in the opposite direction

Highlights: Our children were regaled! Crossing the Grand Canal is a must, and we were able to admire the palaces ✨

VENICE with family, Venice with children

This family's experience:

Activities: We took the vaporetto from line N°1 and sat at the front of the boat. The children loved it! We admired the palaces and the activity on the canal. We enjoyed a 40-minute ride

Highlights: It was a must-do! We loved admiring the magnificent palace facades and the activity on the canal. We did it both ways! The children were thrilled, especially with the breeze in their hair ✨

Venice with children: Our tips and sights

This family's experience:

Activities: A boat tour through the Canale Grande is a great experience for the whole family. The impressive palaces and other sights of Venice pass by on the left and right. The highlights can be found on the route between the Piazzale Roma station near the main train station and San Marco / San Zaccharia

Highlights: The family took a boat tour through the Canale Grande. The boat tour passes under the Accademia Bridge and the famous Rialto Bridge ✨

Venice With Teens: Classic & Unique Things To Do, Eat & Buy

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Grand Canal, which is a large canal in Venice. The water taxi took us across the lagoon and down the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is a must-see in Venice

Highlights: We really enjoyed the view of the Grand Canal. We saw the grandest Palazzos and bridges along the way. It was a beautiful experience ✨

Venice with the family: our 10 must-sees

This family's experience:

Activities: We took the vaporetto (water bus) on the Grand Canal to get to our accommodation near St. Mark's Square. We also enjoyed several walks across the canal

Highlights: The changing light on the water was beautiful and we enjoyed seeing the city from the water ✨

Venice with children - activities, excursion tips & experience report

This family's experience:

Activities: We spent time observing boats along the Canal Grande. The children were fascinated by the boats, as the streets are made of water here and all vehicles are boats

Highlights: The children were completely fascinated by Venice. Everything on the water fascinated them: buses, taxis, police, rescue, fire department, and the post office are all boats ✨