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Grand Canal

The water boulevard

Venice's main waterway, lined with a dazzling procession of grand palaces.

Classic Venice Water Escapes

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All the stops on line #1 between P.le Roma to San Marco

Waterbus Guide

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What makes it special

'Warehouse of the Germans'

The English translation of the name reveals its origin: the building served as palace, warehouse, market and living quarters for predominantly Germanic merchants from cities such as Nuremberg and Augsburg.

The only shopping mall in Venice

More than 150 luxury brands spread across 4 floors provided a variety of shopping options: fashion items, perfumes and even fine wines and gourmet sweets.

The rooftop terrace

The terrace offered close, elevated views of the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, but it has been closed since the end of April 2025.

Grand Canal : As evening sets in, the area around Rialto Bridge becomes calm and almost magical

Discover more about Grand Canal through 30 photos with explanations.

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What to experience here

Admire exquisite architecture and grand palaces as you glide through Venice's iconic waterway.
Pause on a quiet pontoon and watch the vibrant parade of boats - it's surprisingly soothing.
Catch a bird's-eye view from Santa Maria della Salute or Ca' d'Oro.

Start your Grand Canal cruise

Venice's main waterway isn't just a thoroughfare - it's an experience.

From vaporettos to gondolas, here are five memorable ways to navigate the Grand Canal.

Take the #1 vaporetto

This waterbus travels the entire route with numerous stops on both banks making it the most budget-friendly option.

Vaporetto Guide

Take a boat tour

The vaporetto is often crowded, so if you want to enjoy the cruise without the hustle, a one-hour tour on a spacious and comfortable boat is definitely a better choice.

Plus, you'll get expert commentary from an English-speaking guide as you glide past the most iconic sights.

Take a private boat

Elevate your boat tour to the pinnacle of comfort and privacy with a private cruise, where you can truly enjoy having the vessel all to yourself.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable expert guide, glide gracefully along the Grand Canal and savor the sights at your own leisurely pace.

Embrace tradition with a gondola ride

If riding a gondola is already on your bucket list, this might be the perfect time to do it, though it won't cover as much distance as the previous options.