Scotland

When it comes to gondola rides in Venice, your choices are limitless. A ride can be something romantic shared by two, or it can be a fun filled excursion for groups of friends and family. Taking a gondola ride during the morning, afternoon or evening are all possibilities as well as whether the ride is short or long. Locations off the main stream and rides along the Grand Canal are also good choices, proving endless options abound.

A gondola ride can be caught at several different locations. Letting your hotel work out the details is a popular and easy way to catch a ride because they’ll find bargains for you or they may even include a gondola ride in your package. When traveling is required to get to your embarking point, the hotel can many times arrange this for you too.

The best places to board a gondola are at main tourist attractions such as Tronchetto, the Piazzale Roma and the Doge’s Palace located in the Piazza San Marco. Gondola ride locations are hard to spot in the city as it is simply a giant tourist melting pot.

In less populated areas near the secondary canals, you will find gondola rides offered by men at many of the pedestrian crossings. Although most are out to drum up business, others may not be so kind. Because of this, it’s wise to use caution before handing over money. On the other hand, less crowded areas may offer slightly less expensive rides saving you money in the long run.

The Grand Canal’s 2 mile stretch covers some of Venice’s spectacular sights such as the Campanile, the Basilica di San Marco and others. Prices here tend to be a bit higher than those a little more out of the way, so this is something to keep in mind before seeking a ride.

Ranging from $120 for a 40 minute ride to $220 for an hour ride, these prices are mandated by the city. Most vendors simply ignore these rates and charge there own, offering the opportunity to find lower prices when possible. However most times vendors will have a starting price of more than the city’s rates.

Price bargaining is normal and expected, but only to a sensible limit. Due to supply and demand of more tourists than available gondolas, don’t expect vendors to lowball their fares too much. To help lower prices, consider sharing a ride with up to 6 people.

The cost being too high for you while on vacation doesn’t mean fun can’t be had. Instead of trying to hassle a vendor for lower prices, consider engaging in the multiple different things to do in Venice that will work with your budget.

For those that do choose to ride a gondola, the experience is quite fun, whether with friends family or a loved one. A mixed romantic aspect is experienced due to thousands of people crowding the streets of the Grand Canal and watching you, being able to focus on the scenery and each other instead of the people takes some talent.