All you need to know about a gondola ride in Venice | Hotel Ca' D'oro (2024)

A lot of people think that taking a gondola ride is too expensive and maybe that it’s something only tourists do, but, in reality, both of the things aren’t true.

We would like to share with you some useful information regarding gondola rides in Venice, by answering some of the most frequent questions people ask the web and at our reception desk.

Let’s start.

How much is a gondola ride in Venice?

This is usually the first question we are asked because the rumors about gondola tours say that a lot of people can’t afford it.

All you need to know about a gondola ride in Venice | Hotel Ca' D'oro (1)

Let’s reveal how much a gondola ride costs for real. The price for a gondola tour is 80 euros if you book it before sunset or 100 euro if you want it after and during sunset. The price isn’t per person but per gondola, which means that if you’re in Venice with your family, it won’t be 80 or 100 euros per person but for the entire family.

Where to pick up a gondola in Venice?

The places where gondolas start their route are distributed all over Venice, and they are called “stazi”.

The closest “stazio” to our hotel is located next to the beautiful Ca’ d’Oro palace, where you can also take a gondola just to cross the canal and get faster to the Rialto’s market, paying only 2 euros per person.

Walking around the city, you’ll notice that there are several places where you can take a gondola ride, especially when you gradually get closer to St. Mark’s Square. But, we can also book a gondola tour for you at the reception if you want.

How long is a gondola ride in Venice?

The answer is: it depends. A gondola ride can last 30 minutes or 1 hour, but it’s up to you. The prices we reported here are related to an hour tour.

All you need to know about a gondola ride in Venice | Hotel Ca' D'oro (2)

You can also ask the gondolier to take to some specific place you would like to see, according to his possibilities.
One of the most requested tours is the one through the Grand Canal or under the famous and iconic bridge of sight, which connects the Doge’s palace to the prisons.

Is a gondola ride for you?

A gondola ride isn’t just a couple’s kind-of-thing, but an experience to visit the city differently.

In the past, Venetians used to get on a gondola to go everywhere in the city, because the real soul of Venice is between is canals and not on its streets were just the people from the lowest classes used to walk.

All you need to know about a gondola ride in Venice | Hotel Ca' D'oro (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth doing a gondola ride in Venice? ›

To me, it's a yes. Sure, it's touristy, but it's just one of those things that so unique to a place. You won't realize it until you're actually on the gondola, but you get a completely different perspective seeing Venice at the water level. Even if you've taken the vaporettos to get around, it's different.

How much should a gondola ride in Venice cost? ›

The price of a gondola ride in Venice is 90 euros during the day (from 9am to 7pm) and 110 euros at night time (from 7pm to 3am). The price is for up to 5 people and the gondola ride usually lasts 30 minutes but it's possible to extend it by paying a surcharge calculated by reference to the time.

How long is the wait for a gondola ride in Venice? ›

Waiting times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, season and gondola station. During peak hours, especially at busy gondola stations like St. Marks Square waiting times can range from 30 minutes to an hour or even longer.

Do you tip gondola drivers in Venice? ›

(While not required or even expected, if your gondolier does the full 35 minutes and entertains you en route, a 5–10 percent tip is appreciated; if he's surly or rushes through the trip, skip it.)

What do you wear on a gondola in Venice? ›

What should I wear for my gondola ride? While there is no strict dress code, dressing comfortably (think flat shoes, breathable clothing) is key. Dress in layers, especially during the cooler months.

Are Venice gondolas cash only? ›

Good to know: Unless you pre-book a gondola tour, you'll have to pay cash for your gondola ride. So make sure you have enough money on you. Private Venice gondola tours that you can pre-book online are usually a bit more expensive than the official rates. Shared tours are usually cheaper online.

Do gondolas in Venice take credit cards? ›

- Please bring cash on the day to cover the gondola ride (they do not take credit or debit cards) and your photographer will assist in purchasing the ride from an available station.

What is the best time of day to ride the gondola? ›

Best Time of the Day- Visit the Gulmarg Gondola early in the morning between 8am to 9am During this time, you will experience less rush and you can avoid long waiting lines as well.

What is the best gondola route in Venice? ›

Piazza San Marco – This is one of the most popular spots in Venice to take a gondola ride. The gondolas here offer stunning views of the Doge's Palace, the Campanile, and the Basilica di San Marco. Rialto Bridge – The Rialto Bridge is another popular spot to catch a gondola ride in Venice.

Do you tip waiters in Venice Italy? ›

In Venice, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you've received. Sometimes it's appropriate to tip simply because it's customary - for example in a restaurant, hotel or cab.

Can we drink tap water in Venice? ›

The tap water in Venice adheres to the quality standards set by the European Union and the World Health Organization. These standards guarantee that the water is free from harmful contaminants and suitable for drinking and cooking purposes.

How many people can fit in a gondola in Venice? ›

How many people can fit in a gondola? The gondola can carry a maximum of 5 people, including children.

Is the Venice Carnival worth it? ›

It's simply a grand place to meet. Venice is delightful at all times. Yes, Carnival is a lot of fun, especially if you bring your own costume, and if you reserve your lodgings ahead of time. You can be as elegant and extravagant, or as simple and funny as you wish !

Is the gondola worth it? ›

Not only were the views amazing, but we loved how we were able to enjoy the boardwalk and views without the many summer crowds that Banff - plus the ride is worth it just to enjoy the yummy food at the top!

What is the cheapest way to go on a gondola ride in Venice Italy? ›

A traghetto is a public ferry gondola that is wider than a traditional gondola and can accommodate up to 10 passengers. It is also much cheaper to take a traghetto, which is priced at just €2 for tourists and €0.7 for locals. The traghetto ride only lasts for under 5 minutes.

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