The Grand Canal is main waterway in Venice, and as old as the settlement itself. It snakes through the heart of this unique city, its sides lined with buildings that chronicle Venice’s economic and social history. Many of these buildings stand right up against the water, so the only way to see them is from a boat.
Of course, the most appealing way of travelling around Venice is by gondola, but that can be very pricey. The same goes for water taxis. Fortunately, there’s a third option, that’s much lighter on the wallet.
The vaporetti (singular vaporetto) are the transportation workhorses of Venice and its surrounding lagoon. Just like a regular bus service, these water buses have scheduled routes and timetables, to move locals and tourists from one part of the city to another, and between the lagoon’s numerous islands. They’ll even take you to the airport!
Unsurprisingly, several of the main vaporetto routes run along the Grand Canal, making them a great means of sightseeing, while crossing the city. And early one morning in August, during our most recent visit to Venice, we did just that.

The Grand Canal from Santa Lucia railway station.
Venice’s main waterway runs roughly 2.4 miles from near here to St Mark’s Basin

Approaching the Rialto Bridge, the only bridge across the Grand Canal until 1854.
Today it is one of four bridges spanning the canal.

Vaporetto stops line the Riva degli Schiavoni near St Mark’s Square (photo taken from the Doge’s Palace)
This post was inspired by Cee’s Which Way Challenge.
While you’re daydreaming of messing about in boats in Venice, why not sign up and follow my continuing Journeys here at Jaspa’s Journal (on WordPress or Bloglovin’), or through my website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr?
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I so enjoy being on the water. Great photos. Thanks for playing.
You’re welcome, Cee!