A gondola ride is one of the best things to do in Venice. Find out everything you need to know to take a gondola ride in Venice: prices, piers, private gondola booking, the best route for couples, and Vaporetto.
1. How to take a gondola ride in Venice?
You do not have to book in advance to take a gondola ride in Venice. You can simply go to the city piers, where you can find gondoliers and their gondolas. However, depending on the season, there may be a queue.
1.1 Gondola prices in Venice
Officially, a gondola ride in Venice costs 80 euros for 30 minutes before 7 p.m. and 100 euros after 7 p.m. On the spot, these prices are far from being applied. On the other hand, by booking in advance, you can benefit from more attractive rates. We talk about it in the “Gondola reservation in advance” section.
1.2 Where to embark?
The piers are numerous in the tourist center of Venice and, more precisely, in the Saint Mark district. You have Bacino Orseolo, Campo San Moisè, or Rialto Bridge among the most central piers. It is the heart of Venice.
You can also move away from the tourist epicenter and find gondoliers elsewhere with fewer people. To save time, locate the “Servizio Gondole” signs. They indicate the piers.
2. Advance gondola reservation
Some booking platforms offer attractive rates (less than 40 euros per person) if you book in advance. Here is an example.
The vast majority of tours are done in groups. However, a gondola can only accommodate a maximum of 5 people. In general, the tours are done by 4 or 5 people.
3. Private gondola reservation in Venice
You can book a private gondola in Venice to experience a more intimate and romantic moment. It’s the same here: either you find a gondolier on-site or book in advance. Prices for taking a private gondola ride in Venice are, of course, higher than group tours.
If you want something exceptional, here is an example of a unique and out-of-the-ordinary tour: a private ride with dinner in a Venetian palace.
4. The best romantic gondola route in Venice
The classic routes pass through the most mythical places in Venice. But some gondoliers can also offer tours in the small canals of Venice. It’s a great experience as a couple in both cases!
Couples are often interested in the Bridge of Sighs because it makes love eternal. That’s not the only requirement! You have to kiss in a Venetian gondola, under the Bridge of Sighs, at sunset! Therefore, the route that crosses the Bridge of Sighs is the best for couples traveling to Venice.
5. Venetian public transport
In addition to the Venetian gondolas, there is the Vaporetto or Venice water bus. It is the public transport of Venice. They allow you to move quickly between the different parts of Venice and even go to the Burano and Murano islands.
Finally, public transport in Venice works like everywhere else. You must have a transport card or pay by unit. The Vaporetto will be handy if you move to several places in Venice. Here is a ticket that allows you to take the waterbuses and the classic buses of Venice. It’s simple to use and perfect for easy on the go.
If you are going to Venice soon, here is an article to help you prepare for your trip: Best neighborhoods and hotels in Venice (Coming Soon).
The gondola is a true symbol of Venice. Taking a gondola ride in Venice is a must-do activity. Whichever option you have chosen, in a small group or on a private tour, this walk will please you, that’s for sure!
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