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From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Irene Marsani

Irene

Jan 2026
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A wonderful experience, a very friendly gondolier, everything organized to perfection. My eight-year-old son was overjoyed.
Anja Evers

Anja

Dec 2025
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+2 more

A very nice exhibition, in a beautiful building with a lovely garden. Definitely a highlight in Venice.
Alessa Schulz-Laff
DE

Alessa

Germany
Oct 2025
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Our guide was super friendly and made the lagoon city very accessible to us. We learned a lot about the history of Venice and the gondola ride was a real highlight. Absolutely recommendable.
Klaus Wisskirchen
DE

Klaus

Germany
Dec 2025
Good-humored and friendly gondolier, the trip took us from the Grand Canal to the side canals, which we really enjoyed. It was very nice and I can recommend the tour!
Matthias Deretz

Matthias

Nov 2025
We loved our gondola trip and especially our photos with Filippo, who was very attentive and friendly. He found us some really nice places to take photos in complete privacy, without the crowds we wanted! I highly recommend
Alexis Malandro
US

Alexis

United States
Oct 2025
Our tour guide Natalia was AMAZING! So knowledgeable and nice. We were touring with our one year old who became a little fussy during the tour and she scooped her right up and was being so kind!

Sail through the floating city on a gondola ride

Picture this: golden sunset hues reflecting off Venice’s waters, the city’s silhouettes mirrored in its canals. Steered by a gondolier with a single oar, you’ll glide past Gothic palaces, arched bridges, and narrow secret waterways. Each elegant black boat, handcrafted from over 280 pieces of wood and designed asymmetrically to navigate tight canals, has carried Venetians for centuries. Today, only about 400 remain licensed, making every ride a rare and romantic journey. Whether framing palazzi from the Grand Canal or soaking in the quiet glow of hidden canals at dusk, a gondola ride is Venice at its most serene, timeless, and unforgettable. Read ahead for shared vs private options, routes, and other important details.

Why to expect on a Venice gondola ride?

Gondolas on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge in Venice.
Gondola ride through Venice canal with vibrant buildings and flowers.
Gondolas passing under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy.
Gondolas on the Grand Canal in Venice during sunset.
Couple enjoying a gondola ride in Venice, Italy.
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Stress-free start to your ride

Venice’s gondola stations can get busy and confusing, but your experience begins smoothly. Meet your local host at the designated meeting point, who will escort you past the long queues, negotiate with gondoliers on your behalf, and get you comfortably seated, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy.

Glide in intimate gondola, not overcrowded boats

Once seated into plush, velvet-upholstered seats of your traditional, hand-crafted 5-seater gondola (far more intimate than a crowded water bus) you’ll be gently pushed off into Venice’s canals. These boats, uniquely asymmetrical and made from over 280 pieces of wood, have been gliding through the city for centuries, carrying nobles, lovers, and travelers alike.

Scenic journey through history

Drift past Venetian highlights like the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace, Accademia Bridge and centuries-old palazzi. Smaller canals reveal secret courtyards, stone arches, and quiet corners rarely glimpsed from land.

Romance of the sunset

Opt for a twilight ride to see the city shimmer in golden reflections, or sail at night when lanterns and palaces cast enchanting silhouettes across the rippling canals.

Make it your own

Choose a shared ride for a classic experience or upgrade to a private gondola for just you and your group. You can add special touches like a gondolier serenade or even a personal photographer to capture your once-in-a-lifetime Venetian moment.

Things to know before booking a Venice gondola tour

  • Peak times to ride: Gondolas are busiest late mornings and afternoons. Sunset and evening rides are the most romantic (and most popular), so secure your slot early if you’re visiting in peak season.
  • Shared vs private options: Shared rides are the most budget-friendly, with each gondola holding up to 5 guests, so you book a seat, not the whole boat. A private gondola, on the other hand, gives you the whole vessel for up to 5 people. It’s ideal not just for couples and special occasions but also for small groups, often working out cheaper than booking multiple shared seats while adding exclusivity.
  • Boarding logistics made easy: With host-escorted entry at the gondola station, you avoid haggling with gondoliers and long waits at busy piers.
  • Tour duration: Gondola tours typically last around 50 minutes in total. Of this, about 20-30 minutes are spent on the gondola itself, while the remaining time covers the meeting your host, the short walk to the pier, boarding, and returning to the meeting point.
  • Routes differ: Some rides glide past landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs or Teatro La Fenice, while others focus on quieter canals. Pick based on whether you want iconic views or hidden corners.
  • Enhancements available: Add live serenades , or even a personal photographer, for a more tailored experience. These extras are usually only available with select routes or private rides.
  • Tour combos save time: Some tickets bundle your gondola with skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace or St. Mark’s Basilica, letting you cover Venice’s highlights in one go.
  • Accessibility notes: Gondolas aren’t wheelchair accessible and boarding can be tricky if you have limited mobility, consider a vaporetto ride as an alternative.

How to choose the best gondola ride

Ride typeRoute/sights coveredInclusionsRecommended ticketQuick links

Classic shared gondola ride

Bridge of Sighs, La Fenice, Accademia & Grand Canal (varies by route)

Standard 5-seater gondola in sharing, local host assistance

Venice Classic Gondola RideRead more

Gondola ride with serenade

Grand Canal + side canals (La Fenice / Accademia route)

Live Italian music and serenade, standard 5-seater gondola in sharing, host escort

Gondola Ride with Serenade Read more

Private gondola ride

Flexible: Grand Canal highlights + quiet canals

Private gondola for up to 5 guests, host escort

Private Gondola RideRead more

Private gondola with extras

Grand Canal + hidden canals

Private gondola for up to 5 guests, choice of live serenade or personal photographer, host escort

With Serenade /PhotographerRead more

Combo tours with gondola

St. Mark's Square and Castello district on foot + Grand Canal & side canals on gondola

2-hour guided walking tour of Venice, 30-minute shared gondola ride

Walking Tour & Gondola RideRead more

About the Grand Canal: A scenic backdrop to your gondola ride

The Grand Canal is Venice’s main artery, a sweeping S-shaped waterway that winds through the heart of the city. Flanked by Gothic palaces, Renaissance façades, and bustling waterfronts, it has been the stage of Venetian life for over 1,000 years.

More than just a route, the Grand Canal is a living museum of Venice’s past, spanned by iconic bridges like the Rialto and Accademia, and lined with landmarks including Ca’ Rezzonico and Palazzo Barbarigo. A gondola ride here offers the most authentic way to experience the floating city’s history, beauty, and timeless rhythm.

​Learn more about Venice’s canals

All Venice gondola routes explained

La Fenice & Grand Canal Route

Route: Going through Teatro La Fenice, joining the Grand Canal.
Sites covered: Teatro La Fenice, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Santa Maria della Salute, Grand Canal palazzi, Punta della Dogana
Duration: ~20-30 minutes
Ideal for: Art & architecture lovers who want Venice’s cultural icons plus a taste of hidden canals.

See more on La Fenice

Accademia & Grand Canal Route

Route: Glide under Accademia Bridge, circling through quiet canals before gliding onto the Grand Canal.
Sites covered: Accademia Bridge, Palazzo Barbarigo, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Grand Canal façades.
Duration: ~20-30 minutes
Ideal for: First-time visitors seeking a balance of famous landmarks and calm waterways.

Bridge of sighs route

Route: Departs near St. Mark’s Square, loops by the Doge’s Palace and secret canals.
Sites covered: Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace exteriors, Campo S. Maria Formosa, small bridges & calli.
Duration: ~20-30 minutes
Ideal for: History buffs and romantics drawn to Venice’s most legendary sights.

Legends of the Bridge of Sighs

Venice gondola route map

Most gondolas navigate the routes around the St. Marks Square, although some may choose to dip in and out of internal canals to escape canal traffic. In case of the latter, you might stand a chance to catch sight of hidden gems, like the famous Bridge of Sighs. Note that these routes are fluid and not predetermined, so the route a gondola may be following today might not be the same as the one it follows the next day. Route variations are also subject to changes in water levels and weather conditions.

​Where to board your gondola?

Venice gondola route map highlighting key canals and landmarks.

Boarding points

Most of these experiences begin around St. Marks Square, although the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal are popular boarding points as well. Here are some popular gondola stations:

Address: Bacino Orseolo, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Getting there:

  • Walk: 2 min from Piazza San Marco. Head towards Basilica di San Marco, turn onto Via dei Fabbri, follow canal, and cross the bridge.
  • Vaporetto: Line 1 or 2 to San Marco stop, then follow signs.
  • Taxi: Water taxis can drop you at nearby canals, or ask for Bacino Orseolo.
    Famous for: Bustling, iconic hub right behind St. Mark’s Square, dotted with cafes, shops, and lively atmosphere. Ideal for combining a gondola ride with sightseeing at Piazza San Marco.

Address: Calle Vallaresso, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Getting there:

  • Walk: Steps from St. Mark’s Square near Harry’s Bar. Head to the Grand Canal side and follow Calle Vallaresso.
  • Vaporetto: Line 1 or 2 to Vallaresso stop, 3 min walk.
  • Water taxi: Ask for Calle Vallaresso, close to main drop-off points for St. Mark’s.
    Famous for: On the Grand Canal just beside St. Mark’s, offers direct views of Santa Maria della Salute and luxury bars; prime for classic Grand Canal routes.

Address: Calle del Traghetto O Ca’ Garzon, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy | Find on map
Getting there:

  • Vaporetto: Line 1 to San Tomà stop, then 2-min walk.

  • Walk: Short walk from the Frari area or Rialto Bridge.
    Famous for: Near Rialto Bridge and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, offers quieter yet scenic Grand Canal routes under historic bridges.

Address: Campo Santa Sofia, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy | Find on map
Getting there:

  • Vaporetto: Line 1 to Ca’ d’Oro, then cross the street.
  • Walk: Steps from the Strada Nuova and close to Rialto Market.
    Famous for: Adjacent to the bustling Rialto Market, perfect for pairing with food exploration; local vibe.

What you’ll see on your Venice gondola ride

Gondola on canal near Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy.
Gondola on Venice's Grand Canal with historic buildings in the background.
Canal view near Teatro La Fenice, Venice, with historic buildings and gondola passage.
Grand Canal at sunset with Ponte dell'Accademia bridge in Venice.
Gondola on Venice Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute in the background.
Gondola navigating a narrow canal in Venice, Italy, with historic buildings on either side.
Couple taking selfie on gondola near Rialto Bridge, Venice.
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Bridge of Sighs

This ornate white limestone bridge arches over a narrow canal beside the Doge’s Palace. From your gondola, its enclosed windows frame perfectly in photos, glowing softly in the late afternoon light.
Only visible on certain St. Mark’s routes

Grand Canal Palazzi

Glide past Gothic and Renaissance palaces with weathered facades rising straight from the water. Their balconies reflect in the canal, making golden-hour rides especially photogenic.

Teatro La Fenice

As you float through smaller canals, you’ll glimpse Venice’s legendary opera house. Its elegant neoclassical lines are mirrored in the calm waters of the Rio della Fenice.

Accademia Bridge

From beneath this wooden arch, the Grand Canal stretches wide. The view toward Santa Maria della Salute is one of Venice’s most iconic photo moments.
Seen best from right side of boat

Santa Maria della Salute

This grand baroque church rises like a marble crown at the mouth of the Grand Canal. Its dome glows peach-pink at sunset, creating one of Venice’s most famous reflections.

Hidden Back Canals

Narrow waterways wind past quiet corners, flower-decked balconies, and laundry lines swaying overhead. These secret passages offer intimate glimpses of Venetian life, away from the crowds.

Rialto Bridge

If your route extends far enough along the Grand Canal, you’ll pass under the Rialto. Its stone arch casts dramatic shadows on the water, with lively shops bustling above.
Only on extended Grand Canal routes

Plan your Venice gondola tour

Gondolas navigating a canal in Venice near a restaurant, with a bridge in the background.

Venice gondola rides generally operate from 9am to 7pm at standard rates. Timings are consistent year-round but can be shorter in winter months.

  • Best time to the day: For golden hour views and fewer crowds, morning and sunset rides are recommended.
  • Best time of the year: Spring and early autumn (April–June, September–October) offer ideal weather, pleasant temperatures, lighter crowds, and lively city events.
Detailed gondola ride timings
Gondola ride with people on a canal in Venice, Italy.

Traditional gondolas are not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, as boarding involves stepping down into narrow boats from stone piers without ramps or lifts. Elderly travelers and those with reduced mobility may need assistance with boarding. Crew are usually available to steady passengers, but early arrival is recommended to avoid rushed boarding.

No food or drink sign against a blue sky.
  • Large bags, strollers, and bulky luggage are not permitted onboard.
  • Food, alcohol, and smoking are not allowed in gondolas.
  • Pets are not permitted, except certified service animals.
  • For serenade rides, guests are asked to remain seated for safety.
  • Drones and flash photography near bridges are prohibited.
Gondola on Venice canal near St. Mark's Basilica during guided tour.
  • Gondolas glide smoothly—even those sensitive to motion often have no trouble aboard. Still, taking anti-nausea medication beforehand or focusing on distant fixed points can help if needed.
  • Opt for neat, casual attire, no need for formal wear on sightseeing rides. Light layers work best; temperatures on the water can shift quickly.
  • While tipping the gondolier is not compulsory, it is a good gesture to thank the gondolier for the company and experience.
  • Summers can get quite hot since you’re directly under the sun. Carry a hat, wear sunglasses and lather on a generous amount of sunscreen before you hop aboard.
  • There's very little storage space on a gondola, so it's best to bring only what you absolutely need. Large bags, backpacks, or luggage are not recommended.
More tips for the perfect gondola ride

Frequently asked questions about Venice gondola tours

A standard gondola ride in Venice usually lasts about 20-30 minutes. Some tours extend to 40 minutes (especially those with serenades or longer Grand Canal routes), but if you want extra time, you’ll need to book a private ride and request an extension.