The Ultimate Guide to Venice's Canals: Boat Rides and Gondola Tours - EuroTrekker (2024)

FAQs

What is the best canal for gondola ride in Venice Italy? ›

The most popular pier to board a gondola is undeniably the Grand Canal, known as the city centre from where smaller canals branch out. It's a 3.8-kilometer (2.4-mile) long, S-shaped canal that winds through the city, dividing it into two parts.

Gondolas are part of the history and tradition in Venice. Most people find gondolas worth it because it's something different to do and it's an iconic way to explore 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.

Venice has been known as the "La Dominante", "Serenissima", "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "City of Masks", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City", and "City of Canals".

Rio della Misericordia is one of the most picturesque canals in Venice. It runs from the former 16^th-century Jewish Ghetto to the busy shopping street of Strada Nova in the lively Cannaregio district. It's an excellent place to enjoy an aperitif in a quaint tavern.

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).

(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.)

In both hot and rainy months, carrying an umbrella is advisable. Given that the gondolas have no shade, go for a ride before or after the sun's out so you can have a pleasant experience. While there is no strict dress code for a gondola ride, you can opt for a more formal attire if you're going after sunset.

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

The water taxis take credit cards but the gondoliers don't AFAIK.

Do all gondolas in Venice take the same route? ›

Not all gondola rides follow the same itinerary.

Once in the city, you'll notice that there are gondola stands scattered throughout central Venice. Some (often near heavily trafficked sites like St. Mark's Square) have dozens of gondolas bobbing in the water together.

Gulmarg's Gondola Ride is a prominent tourist attraction in Kashmir, India. It is one of the world's highest and longest cable car journeys, with stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. The Gondola ride is located in Gulmarg, a lovely town in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Venice gondola rides are best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon of a weekday, specially during the lean season (from October to April). This ensures lesser crowds at the boarding points and a more relaxed ride experience.

The view from the cupola is one of the best views of Venice, and a viewpoint that not many people know about. From the cupola, you can gaze out over the Grand Canal, the lagoon, Riva degli Schiavoni, and San Giorgio Maggiore. Here are the views. You can visit the cupola on the hour and the half hour.

(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.)