Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is Venice's "main street" — 3.8 km long, S-shaped through the city, lined with over 170 palazzi from the 13th to the 18th century. The most splendid: Ca'd'Oro (Gothic), Ca'Rezzonico (Baroque), Palazzo Grassi (contemporary art, François Pinault collection), Ca'Pesaro (modern art).

Vaporetto Line 1: The Cheapest Boat Tour of Venice

Instead of an expensive gondola (80–100 € for 30 min.), take the Vaporetto Line 1 from Piazzale Roma or the train station to San Marco. The waterbus ticket costs 9.50 € (or in the 24h pass 25 €), the ride takes 45 minutes and runs the entire length of the Grand Canal. Grab a seat at the very front or back on the open deck — it's the best boat tour of Venice for a fraction of the gondola price.

Gondola Ride

Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's expensive (80 € for 30 min. during the day, 100 € in the evening, for up to 6 people). But a gondola ride through the quiet side canals — under bridges, past crumbling palazzi, with the sound of water as the only noise — is an experience you'll never forget. Negotiate the price beforehand, insist on a route through side canals (not just the Grand Canal), and share the cost with other travelers.