Venice‘s famous canals have attracted many tourists for centuries. More than 170 waterways cut through all of the city’s sestieri (districts), so you can explore all of Venice without ever setting foot on the mainland. Almost every waterway in the city is lined with stunning palaces and architecture.
Whether you want a glimpse into local life, escape the crowds, or enjoy views of Venice’s most famous sights, at least one of the city’s canals is covered. Get the most out of your trip by learning more about Venice’s most famous waterways.
Top 10 Most Popular Canals in Venice
We are going to introduce you to the following 10 Most Famous Canals in Venice and the services and entertainment facilities, accesses, and sights.
- Grand Canal
- Giudecca Canal
- Cannaregio Canal
- Venetian Lagoon
- Canal of Saint Peter
- Rio del Greci
- Rio della Misericordia
- Rio San Barnaba
- Rio di San Marcuola
- Rio Della Toletta
Now, here we want to talk about them one by one in detail:
Grand Canal (Main waterway through Venice)
The Grand Canal is famous for its bustling flow of gondolas and Renaissance palaces. In the morning you will see barges carrying fresh fish, meat, and produce to the many markets along the canal. During the day you can visit museums or order Venetian dishes from traditional guests.
The easiest way to get a glimpse of the famous landmarks of the Grand Canal is to take a Vaporetto, Venice’s water-based public transport system. For sightseeing, take line 1 which stops at most of the palaces and museums along the canal. Some of the most popular attractions include Santa Maria della Salute, Palazzo Corner della Ca Grande, and Grassi Palace.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice
Giudecca Canal (Large canal near Venice’s trendy university district)
The Giudecca Canal is important in Venice, deep and wide enough for large ships to reach the city. A Vaporetto ride along this boulevard will allow you to see historical monuments such as the 16th-century Il he Redentore and Le his Gitelle churches. See Renaissance palaces such as Palazzo Giustinian Recanati.
The Giudecca Canal flows through Dorsoduro’s sestieri (sub-district), and Venice’s main university district is home to chilled-out restaurants, casual bars, and vintage fashion boutiques. Galleries such as the Accademia Gallery and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection showcase the city’s classic and contemporary art.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice
Cannaregio Canal (Historic canal bridges and Baroque palaces)
The Cannaregio Canal runs from the Cannaregio district to the Grand Canal. Its 800-meter length is lined with historic buildings and churches, such as the 15th-century Church of St. Job and his 18th-century Santa Maria dei Penitenti complex. See the Guglie Bridge, Venice’s largest bridge, and the Three Arch Bridge, the only remaining multi-arch bridge in Venice.
While strolling the streets along the Cannaregio Canal, we recommend visiting Baroque palaces such as the Labia Palace, the Priuli Manfrin Palace, and the Savorgnan Palace. The easiest way to see this canal’s most remarkable architectural masterpiece is to take the Vaporetto Line 1.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice
Venetian Lagoon (Baroque palaces, historic canal bridges, and small islands steeped in culture)
The Venetian Lagoon, which surrounds the city of Venice, has many small islands worth visiting. These include historic Torcello and tranquil Mazzorbo Island. If you want to experience the local culture, visit a glass-blowing workshop in Murano or a lace shop in colorful Burano.
The cheapest way to visit the lagoon islands is by taking a Vaporetto waterbus. For a more exclusive tour of the Venetian Lagoon, you can hire a private water taxi, but be prepared to put up with that privilege.
- Address: Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Canal of Saint Peter (A small canal in the quiet east of Venice)
The Canal di San Pietro (Canal di San Pietro) lies east of Venice and is close to some of the most famous attractions. Notable landmarks include the Basilica di San Pietro di Castello and Palazzo Patriarchal. It is also close to Venice’s largest sports complex, Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium. Because it is a quiet canal, it is recommended to go around by gondola.
St. Peter’s Canal is full of small boatyards with views of Venice that many tourists don’t even notice. We recommend allowing at least two hours to explore this waterway and surrounding attractions.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice
Rio del Greci (Beautiful canals away from the hustle and bustle of tourists)
The Rio del Greci is a short canal that runs through eastern Venice. Many historic buildings can be seen along this waterway, some beautifully restored and others in decay. He is one of the best places to explore the less touristy areas of Venice. The Grand Canal can also be reached by Vaporetto Waterbus.
There aren’t many shops or restaurants along the Rio del Greci River, but passing under the Ponte del Sepolcro bridge offers a great view of the Venetian lagoon. After exploring the canals, head to the nearby Castello district to visit some of Venice’s best museums.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice
Rio della Misericordia (Romantic canals through the Cannaregio district)
Rio della Misericordia is one of the most beautiful canals in Venice. It stretches from a former 16th-century Jewish ghetto to the vibrant Strada Nova shopping district in the lively Cannaregio district. A great place to enjoy an aperitif in a quaint izakaya. The surrounding streets sell vintage items and handicrafts.
If you’re looking for romance in Venice, we recommend sailing the Rio della Misericordia at night, with the lights reflecting off the water making the most of the city’s historic buildings. Canalside restaurants cluster in the middle of the waterway.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice
Rio San Barnaba (One of Dorsoduro’s most beautiful canals)
The Rio San Barnaba is a narrow canal in Venice, just over 400 meters long. It connects the Grand Canal with the smaller canal Rio della Vogalia. It is named after the famous Campo San Barnaba seen in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). It is also one of the best bases for exploring the Dorsoduro area.
For a glimpse into local life, drive to Rio San Barnaba in the morning. Floating market stalls sell fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit the Ponte dei Punha Bridge for the best views of the canal and historic buildings.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice
Rio di San Marcuola (One of Cannaregio’s main canals)
The San Marcuola River connects the Misericordia River with the Grand Canal. The nearest vaporetto stop is San Marcuola Casino. The most notable landmark nearby is his 12th-century Church of Saint-Marco-Hola, known for its unusually sober façade. Alternatively, cross the Anconeta Bridge for spectacular views of the Rio di San Marcuola and the Grand Canal in the distance.
Rio di San Marcuola is in the Cannaregio district, home to historic attractions such as the 16th-century Jewish Ghetto and shopping streets such as Strada Nova. For nightly entertainment, visit the 16th-century Venetian Casino.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice
Rio Della Toletta (Dorsoduro photogenic channel)
The Rio della Torretta is a small canal that runs through a quiet part of the Dorsoduro district. You can stroll the canals in a gondola or walk along the shores of the neighboring Fondamenta. Notable landmarks include Ponta della Torretta and Ponte del Quero. You can also expect buildings with rusting wrought iron and crumbling stucco elements that highlight the city’s history.
If you want to spend an evening on this postcard-perfect canal, head to Osteria Enoteca ai the artist, a traditional Venetian tavern that serves a variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
