Venice: Classic Gondola Ride
Enjoy a classic gondola ride in picture-perfect Venice
- A 30 minute shared gondola ride (max. 5 passengers)
- 20-minute introduction to the gondola experience before embarkation on gondola in English, French and Italian
- Multilingual staff at the embarkation point
- Commentary by mobile app on board of the gondola in German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi and Russian
Venice: Gondola Ride Tickets and Information
Is it worth taking a Gondola Ride in Venice
- We think it’s an absolute must to enjoy a gondola ride whilst in Venice! When you think of Venice it’s one of the first things you will think about. But to forewarn you, the canals do get busy!
What you see during a Gondola Ride in Venice
- The canals
- The sights
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About Gondola Rides in Venice
Gondola rides in Venice are one of the most iconic and romantic experiences you can have in the city.
You need to be careful though - they can be VERY EXPENSIVE. Don’t get caught out. Book through us to guarantee your price or negotiate the price before you start your journey or it can cause arguments at the end when they inform you of the price.
Gondolas have been used in Venice since at least the 11th century. They were originally the primary means of transportation for Venetians navigating the city's extensive network of canals, however, today, most locals opt to use motorboats for practical purposes.
Gondolas remain an important symbol of Venetian culture and heritage but are mostly used by tourists now.
The gondolas are operated by ‘gondoliers’ who are highly skilled boatmen that undergo rigorous training and certification before they are allowed to navigate the canals of Venice! They are often also incredibly knowledgeable about the history and landmarks of the city and can provide interesting commentary during the ride.
While gondola rides are undeniably romantic, they also offer a unique perspective of Venice that can't be experienced any other way. Gliding silently through the labyrinthine canals, surrounded by centuries of history and stunning architecture, is an unforgettable experience for many visitors to Venice, which is why we highly recommend enjoying one whilst visiting Venice.
A gondola ride in Venice is a quintessential experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and romantic atmosphere. Whether you're travelling with a loved one or exploring solo, it's sure to be a highlight of your visit to Venice.
Popular Tickets
Popular Attractions
Tips for Visiting Venice
- Avoid Peak Tourist Times: Venice can get very crowded, especially during the summer and major events like the Carnival. If you can visit during the shoulder seasons (April–May or September–October) you will likely find smaller crowds and still pleasant weather. Early mornings and evenings are also great for exploring quieter streets.
- Pack Comfortable Shoes: Venice is a walking city with cobblestone streets and bridges. Comfortable shoes are essential, as you’ll likely cover a lot of ground exploring its winding alleys and scenic spots!
- Plan for Water Transportation: Get familiar with the vaporetto (water bus) system, as it’s the main way to get around in Venice besides walking. Our Vaporetto Pass which gives you access to the public transport in the city can be useful if you’ll be using it frequently. For a romantic experience, splurge on a gondola ride, but we strongly suggest booking in advance as it is generally a lot cheaper.
- Stay Away from the Main Tourist Areas: While landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are must-sees, if you are happy to venture into lesser-known neighbourhoods like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, you can escape the crowds and see more authentic Venetian life.
- Eat Like a Local: Avoid restaurants near major attractions. Instead, look for osterias and bacari (traditional wine bars) which will serve local specialties like cicchetti (Venetian tapas), fresh seafood, and risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto). We also always suggest checking the menu with prices to avoid surprises!
- Learn a Few Italian Phrases: Even basic phrases like "Grazie" (Thank you) or "Per favore" (Please) can go a long way in showing respect and fostering friendly interactions. The locals also love it when you make the effort!
- Book Tickets in Advance: Popular attractions like the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection often have long lines. For this reason we always suggest booking tickets online in advance as it can save you time and hassle!
- Bring Essentials for the Weather: Venice can experience flooding (known as acqua alta) in late autumn and winter. It is common don’t worry, so don’t panic! Pack waterproof boots if travelling during this time. In summer, carry sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Respect the City: Venice is fragile, so follow local rules: Avoid feeding pigeons. Dispose of rubbish properly. Refrain from swimming or dipping feet in canals. Be mindful of noise, especially in residential areas.
Useful Information For Venice Gondola Ride
