Venice Canals - 5 Must-See Sights and the Best Ways to Visit Them

The enchanting city of Venice was born in the fifth century on a series of small islands in the Venetian Lagoon as people from the mainland sought refuge from invading barbarian tribes. To create a stable foundation, the local inhabitants drove wooden piles deep into the ground to support buildings and infrastructure. Over time, a network of canals developed, serving as the city's transport routes, since streets were impractical in the tidal environment. The canals eventually enabled Venice to grow into a major maritime power during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Since 1987, Venice and its canals have been a UNESCO World Heritage site for their unique cultural and historical significance. Today, the renowned canals symbolise Venice's remarkable adaptation to its environment and its enduring legacy. They also make it one of the most captivating bucket-list destinations in Europe.

What better place to begin your tour of Venice's canals than the legendary Saint Mark's Square? This vast paved piazza is watched over by the Doge's Palace with its hundreds of white arches, and the magnificent Basilica San Marco with its ornate domes and spires. Book a combined Palace and Basilica tour in advance to avoid the queues. The Campanile di San Marco towers over all at close to 100 metres tall. Don't worry, there's a lift to the top!

This widest and longest canal snakes through the sestiere (districts) of Venice, affording unobstructed views of the dozens of beautiful buildings, including several palaces, lining its banks. Take a leisurely waterbus or gondola ride for the most authentic experience of the city's main thoroughfare. Then take a walk for a different perspective from one (or all) of four pedestrian bridges over it.

One of the most remarkable houses in Venice is visible from the Ponte dei Conzafelzi. Located on the Rio Santa Marina at the point where it branches off to form two other waterways – the Rio di San Giovanni Laterano and the Rio Tetta – this home is surrounded on three sides by water, the case of only a handful of houses in Venice.

A little off the beaten track is the fascinating Cannaregio district, home to the historic Jewish Ghetto – the oldest in the world. Confined to this quarter by ducal decree in 1516, the Venetian Jewish community thrived, and the area is still a cultural hub today. Munch on a pastry from a kosher bakery on your way to the Scola Spagnola synagogue to admire its huge ark and grand stucco interior.

Experiencing Venice from the water offers the best views of the city's many spectacular bridges, such as the Ponte del Chiodo over the Rio di San Felice canal. This most ancient bridge in Venice – they don't make them like this anymore – is built of stone and without guardrails. The city’s most iconic historic bridge is the Ponte di Rialto. Its 24-foot arch, spanning the Grand Canal, is considered the true heart of Venice. Lined with shops, it is still supported by its 12,000 original wooden piles 400 years on. Browse the boutiques for some authentic blown glass and take in the best views of the canal. The Ponte dei Sospiri or Bridge of Sighs is a unique enclosed bridge, made of openwork limestone and so named because it is crossed by convicts entering the New Prison. Over the Rio di Palazzo canal, it was designed by the aptly named Antonio da Ponte, whose uncle designed the Ponte di Rialto.

Don't miss the opportunity to try cicchetti, the Italian equivalent of tapas – substantial snacks eaten with pre-dinner drinks or sometimes as the actual meal. Osteria Alla Bifora in the Dorsoduro district serves a family-friendly cicchetti meal. For a romantic dinner for two, the Ristorante Luna Sentada in the Castello district has a lovely terrace on the Rio de San Severo canal.

Stay in the elegant, family-friendly Papadopoli Venezia hotel, nestled in the Papadopoli Giardini park, for full immersion in the heart of Venice. The large park with many paths is surrounded by canals on three sides. The Rio de la Cazziola canal, with its Sante Croce bridge, borders the rear of the hotel.

Could there be a more romantic image than a gondolier on a Venetian canal? Preferably a singing gondolier – and some really do sing! If for you, a visit to Venice without a gondola ride is inconceivable but €80-€120 is beyond your budget, you can split the cost by taking a shared tour, which can be pre-booked if you wish.

Travel like a local. In Venice, taxis, ambulance, police and postal services are all provided by boat. So of course, the same goes for public transport. Vaporetti are Venice’s waterbuses. There are several different lines, most of which run from early morning until after midnight. Tickets cost €8 and are valid for an hour.

If you'd like a little more freedom and proximity to the water, a guided kayak tour is a more immediate way to explore some of the smaller, hidden canals. Set out in the late afternoon when traffic is lighter. If you time it right you could even experience an unforgettable Venetian sunset on the water.

Of course, if you are a landlubber and prefer to admire water while not actually floating on it, Venice can also be visited on foot. There are many guided walking tours along the canals and further afield. Or simply enjoy the freedom and spontaneity of following your nose and experiencing your own Venetian adventure.