Gondola Rides Venice

The experience of a Venice gondola ride

No symbol encapsulates the essence of Venice as a gondola. A trip to the ancient city is considered incomplete without taking a romantic ride in the gondola. Prepare to be enamored by the city’s beauty while the gondola gently travels across placid water. Gondolas have long been used as a poetic device by poets like Robert Browning and Samuel Rogers to express love towards their partners, and maybe it's time to take a cue! Here's what you can expect on a gondola ride (romantic or otherwise) in Venice.

What to expect on a gondola ride

Venice gondola ride
  • You will first board your gondola from a station near St. Marks Basilica or the Grand Canal, or any of the other ​gondola stations.
  • Depending on your preference, your ride could either be shared or private. A ​shared ride would usually mean that you are seated at random and don't have a say in who your co-passengers would be. In a ​private ride, the entire gondola is booked out just for you and your group.
  • If you've chosen a ​sunset ride, see Venice bathed in the warm glow of dusk. Stay a little longer, and you'll see the city light up building by building at nightfall.
  • You could also request an extension if your gondolier is agreeable, albeit at an extra cost.
Venice gondola ride
  • Sit back and relax as you float down scenic canals and take in the views of Venice's top landmarks. Relax and let yourself be lulled by the gentle lapping of the water, the gentle swish of the oar, and faraway sounds of the cityscape.
  • Don't miss the ​Bridge of Sighs, a famous enclosed bridge. It connects the Doge's Palace to the New Prison across the Rio di Palazzo canal. Its name, "Bridge of Sighs," comes from a romantic legend, suggesting prisoners sighed as they crossed the bridge, taking their last glimpse of freedom and Venice through the small windows. Note that you have to pay a little extra to sight it, but it's worth it!
  • You might also catch the ​Teatro la Fenice, a premier stage for opera and performances. It hosts a regular season of opera, ballet, and classical music concerts, attracting renowned artists and international audiences.
  • If you've opted for it, you will also be serenaded by your gondolier or a gondolier in a nearby boat.
  • Your ride will typically last 30 minutes. Don't forget to click photos to capture this experience. These whimsical moments will be punctuated alternatively by silence and soft sounds, dappled sunlight, or the twilit illumination of Venice.
Venice gondola ride
  • Once your ride ends, you will be taken back to your boarding point.
  • From here, feel free to explore the rest of Venice: visit the ​Doge's Palace or ​St. Marks Basilica, or end your ride with a flavorful local meal.
Venice gondola ride
  • Your gondolier will be dressed in a black-and-white striped shirt, black pants and closed-toe shoes and often a straw hat with a black or red ribbon.
  • They will take you through a designated route, giving you the opportunity to witness the best of Venice up close. If you'd like route alterations, you can request your gondolier beforehand to see if they'd be willing to accommodate your request.
  • Gondoliers are usually well-versed in multiple languages, primarily Italian and English, with some being fluent in French, Spanish and German amongst others.
Read more about the famed Venetian gondoliers

Spot these attractions from your gondola

Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace

Seen from the water, the Doge's Palace is a striking symbol of Venetian history. The use of different colored marbles, primarily white Istrian stone and rose-colored Verona marble, creates a visually dynamic effect.

St. Marks Basilica
Teatro la Fenice
The Grand Canal
Rialto Bridge

Frequently asked questions about the Venice gondola ride experience

What would my gondola ride experience look like?

Once you board your gondola from the right station, sit back, relax, and prepare to be spirited away! Depending on your choice of a shared or private ride, you will either be seated randomly with a group decided by the gondolier, or you will be among your tribe in one gondola. Float down Venice's canals, see its top sights and finally see what the hype is about (trust us, it's worth it!)

How long should I wait for my gondola ride?

If you've booked your ticket in advance, then waiting time won't exceed more than 5-10 minutes. If you're trying to book on-spot tickets, note that the wait times can even climb up to 1 hour during peak season. In non-peak seasons, you can snag a ride in under 30 minutes with on-site booking.

How do I choose the right gondolier?

It's best to talk to a few ​gondoliers before making your choice. If you're satisfied that the gondolier meets your requirements (which may range from them being chatty to even agreeing to extending your ride), hop aboard their gondola. However, most gondoliers are happy to share their knowledge of the city with you.

Is live music available on my gondola ride?

It depends on your booking. Some gondola rides include live music serenade, while others don’t. You would have to specifically book a gondola ride that includes live music.

Are these gondola experiences wheelchair-accessible?

Regrettably, none of the gondola experiences on offer are wheelchair-friendly.

What attractions can I expect to see during my gondola ride?

You can expect to see the ​Doge's Palace, ​St. Marks Basilica, ​Peggy Guggenheim Museum, the Rialto Bridge and more during your gondola excursion.

Will my gondola ride ever be canceled?

Cancelations are rare, and only occur in the event of a gondolier's strike or extremely poor weather.

Can I cancel my gondola ride?

If you cancel your ride 24 hours before the experience begins, you can get a full refund.

Are gondola rides in Venice safe?

Gondola rides in Venice are considered safe, as gondoliers are licensed and experienced operators who are trained to navigate the city's canals.

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