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Take a Gondola Ride Along the Grand Canal Venice
Published by Kristin Cowles, Editor-in-Chief
Country: Italy 
The Experience
With 118 islands poised atop a marshy lagoon, it's no wonder you can't find a single car in Venice. All means of transport here take a more placid form: gondolas, vaporetti (water buses) and traghetto (gondola ferries). With buildings emerging directly out of the water, a gondola ride along the Grand Canal Venice remains one of the best ways to see the enchanting reflections of this marvelous city.
Gondola rides hail tired visitors, drained from wandering Venice's maze-like streets, to sit back in their lushly appointed seats draped in velvet and Persian rugs. Melting into the well-preserved old world extravagance of a gondola, one can hardly refrain from rampant day dreams. This traditional Venetian rowboat is also a popular evening pastime for love birds—whom, if they are lucky—might persuade their gondolier to sing a moonlight serenade. Gondola rides are typically used for pleasure. For more functional and affordable transport to and from different locations in Venice, vaporetti or traghetto are far more practical.
With 177 canals, a good bet for exploration in Venice is a nice mix between the tried and tested, and the lesser known waterways. The Grand Canal Venice is the main waterway stretching in a long S-shape between the Santa Lucia lagoon and the Saint Mark Basin. Spanning the banks of the 3,800 metre-long Grand Canal Venice is a wealth of buildings dating back to the 13th century which depict a stunning array of architectural creations from the Republic of Venice.
With some 400 bridges spanning the canals, one of the most famous is the Rialto Bridge crossing the Grand Canal Venice. The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the three main bridges that span the Grand Canal Venice; the others being the Ponte degli Scalzi and the Ponte dell'Accademia. Another popular sight is the Bridge of Sighs which passes over the Rio di Palazzo. The namesake for the Bridge of Sighs originated from convicts en route to prison, as it was said to be their last sight of beauty before imprisonment. Local legend says that lovers who kiss on a gondola ride at sunset here will have true love forever.
Gondola rides hail tired visitors, drained from wandering Venice's maze-like streets, to sit back in their lushly appointed seats draped in velvet and Persian rugs. Melting into the well-preserved old world extravagance of a gondola, one can hardly refrain from rampant day dreams. This traditional Venetian rowboat is also a popular evening pastime for love birds—whom, if they are lucky—might persuade their gondolier to sing a moonlight serenade. Gondola rides are typically used for pleasure. For more functional and affordable transport to and from different locations in Venice, vaporetti or traghetto are far more practical.
With 177 canals, a good bet for exploration in Venice is a nice mix between the tried and tested, and the lesser known waterways. The Grand Canal Venice is the main waterway stretching in a long S-shape between the Santa Lucia lagoon and the Saint Mark Basin. Spanning the banks of the 3,800 metre-long Grand Canal Venice is a wealth of buildings dating back to the 13th century which depict a stunning array of architectural creations from the Republic of Venice.
With some 400 bridges spanning the canals, one of the most famous is the Rialto Bridge crossing the Grand Canal Venice. The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the three main bridges that span the Grand Canal Venice; the others being the Ponte degli Scalzi and the Ponte dell'Accademia. Another popular sight is the Bridge of Sighs which passes over the Rio di Palazzo. The namesake for the Bridge of Sighs originated from convicts en route to prison, as it was said to be their last sight of beauty before imprisonment. Local legend says that lovers who kiss on a gondola ride at sunset here will have true love forever.
When to Go to Gondola Venice
If you plan on visiting in May then check out the Voga Longa festival which celebrates the first day of spring. This 30 km race starting outside Saint Marks Square causes most vaporetti and traghetto to shut down and fully enjoy the festivities. The Regata Storica (historic fleet event) celebrates with a classic regatta on the first Sunday of September. Along the Grand Canal Venice, teams prepare in classic attire for a chance to take home the title and be bestowed with a lifetime of honour and accord.
Odds n' Ends
With Venice gondolier licenses limited to approximately four hundred and fifty, the market suffers from scarcity and inflated prices. Gondola rides cost about €80–100 for about a 35 minute ride.
A good way to try and save money is by going in a group and splitting the cost. Most gondolas hold up to six people. The more affordable method of seeing the Grand Canal Venice is by traghetto, which costs only €0.50.
A good way to try and save money is by going in a group and splitting the cost. Most gondolas hold up to six people. The more affordable method of seeing the Grand Canal Venice is by traghetto, which costs only €0.50.
Places to Stay Nearby
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Massimiliano welcomes you to the Locanda Armizo, an antique residence of Venetian merchants now converted into six welcoming rooms finished in typical Venetian style, all ... 0 miles away
$59 EUR+
The B&B San Luca is set in Castello, a few minutes from La Fenice, Procuratie and Palazzo Papadopoli. Only two minutes away from Teatro Rossini, ... 0 miles away
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
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You'll stop to enjoy complimentary gelato (delicious in Summer) or hot chocolate (warm end to your tour in Winter).Next, board a gondola and take a ...
Starting from $45.49 per person.
Starting from $45.49 per person.
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