Venice's main artery, the Grand Canal sweeps in a broad reverse-S through the city for 3.8 km, lined with over 170 buildings spanning five centuries of architecture. Venetian Gothic palaces like Ca' d'Oro and Ca' Foscari sit beside Renaissance and Baroque facades, all slowly sinking and shimmering in the reflected water.
The best way to see it is from the No. 1 vaporetto, which stops at every landing stage between Piazzale Roma and San Marco. Grab a spot at the stern for an unobstructed view. The ride takes about 45 minutes and costs the price of a single transit ticket. Late afternoon light is best, but night runs have their own appeal — the palaces lit up, water taxis cutting across the bow.