Venetian Grand Canal

Overview

The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian recreate Venice's iconic canal system indoors, complete with gondola rides under a painted sky ceiling. The quarter-mile canal winds through an Italian-themed retail and dining complex.

Highlights

• Gondola Rides: Singing gondoliers navigate the indoor canal, offering a 15-minute ride through the recreated Venetian streetscapes.
• St. Mark's Square: A full-scale recreation of Piazza San Marco with live street performers and classical musicians.
• Painted Sky: The ceiling is painted to resemble a perpetual Venetian sunset.

History

The Venetian resort opened in 1999, built on the site of the demolished Sands Hotel. The Grand Canal Shoppes were part of the original design, inspired by co-owner Sheldon Adelson's honeymoon in Venice.

Visitor Tips

• Gondola Reservations: Walk-up lines can be long on weekends — book online in advance.
• Free to Walk: The canal and architecture are free to enjoy; only the gondola ride requires a ticket.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.