Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace) | Venice Carnival

Using Boats on the Grand Canal - Vaporetto Motoscafo and Gondola

Taking a boat trip along the Grand Canal is one of the most popular tourist attractions Venice has to offer. It serves as a very apt way to get acquainted with the "City of Water". The historic buildings along the canal make it like a tour bus in any other city. All you will need is a guide book to spot some memorable attractions by boat.

Venice is a number of islands in a lagoon. So, public transportation will be on water. The modes of transport in Venice are on foot and by boat. You will have to use boats if you really want to see the city.

Before you set off however, you'll have to decide how you're going to travel. Your choice may depend how much time you have to spare and how much money you want to spend. The several types of water transportation available are:

Waterbus (Vaporetto) - cheap and frequent. Hop on at one historic building and hop off at another all day long.
Water taxi (Motoscafo) - expensive and you have to book one in advance or hail one on the canal.
Gondolas - a must for any tourist. The most iconic of all boats in Venice.
Gondola ferrys (traghetto) - cheap and frequent. They cross the canal. There are a number of docks to get one from.