Venice Gondola Ride 101: Do's & Don'ts

A gondola tour in Venice is often a tourist's number one "must do" activity.  I've had many people ask me about our gondola tour on our last trip to Italy, so here's a quick & dirty "gondola 101" rundown of the do's and don'ts of an ideal gondola ride in Venice.

Evenings Canalside In Venice

• DO agree on a price with the gondolier before you step into the gondola.  You may be able to get a small discount on a slow day, but prices are set by the by the City of Venice and are posted at all gondola stations.  The rate is €80 for 40 minutes,  then after 7pm the price increases to €100 for 40 minutes.

• DON'T try to bargain too much, you will most likely end up with a shorter tour or on a less scenic route.

Gondola Station Along The Grand Canal

• DO hop on a gondola wherever you see a gondolier parked, you don't have to start your tour at a gondolier station.

• DON'T book a gondola tour through your hotel, tourist office, or online.  You are paying an additional fee for this service.  It's best to pick a gondolier who you like and let them know exactly what kind of tour you are looking for.

Cruising The Grand Canal In A Gondola

• DO ask your gondolier if you are permitted to eat, drink or smoke while aboard HIS gondola.  While it may be nice to sip a glass of prosecco on your cruise, nobody wants to sit on stained or dirty chair cushions.

• DON'T insist your gondolier sing to you.  Gondoliers are trained professional boatsmen and tour guides.  Seriously, would you ask your dentist to sing to you while having a root canal?  If you want a singer or musician, you should pre-arrange it with the chief of the gondola station who will be able to assist you.

We Are In Great Hands With Tommy Our Gondolier

• DON'T be behind your camera the whole trip.  The unique perspective of Venice's canals seen from the gondola is something that needs to be taken in by all your senses.  Just think: this is how it felt to be Venetian 500 years ago!

• DO bring along your friends!  If you want to save money on a gondola tour, why not share the gondola with one or two other couples or a pack of friends?  You can have up to six passengers in a gondola for the same €80.

Rialto Bridge At Sunset From A Gondola 

• DON'T worry about paying you gondolier until the end of your tour.  Always remember to honour the price that you and your gondolier agreed upon before you stepped onto his gondola.

• DO tip your gondolier if you feel he went above and beyond your expectations; especially if you had a serenade, historical tour or were permitted to drink on board the gondola.  A tip is always appreciated but never obligatory.

Gondola Detail

Yes, a gondola ride is a tourist activity in Venice.  While some may see it as a "complete rip off" or "Disneyland For Adults" (a phrase that makes me throw up in my mouth a little every time I hear it), a tour through Venice in a gondola is a historic tradition that goes back 1000 years.  For more on the significance of the gondola and the role it plays in Venice read my blog post, it may shed some light on why we need to keep this slice of Venetian culture alive.

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