The Best Cheap Gondola Rides and Tours in Venice

A Classic Venetian Experience

Gondola rides in Venice offer a quintessential experience that allows visitors to explore the city's iconic waterways in style. These sleek, black, flat-bottomed boats, steered by expert gondoliers, glide gracefully along the narrow canals, providing a unique perspective of Venice's historic architecture, romantic bridges, and charming alleyways.

While the origins of the gondola date back centuries, today, these iconic vessels serve primarily as a means of transportation for tourists, offering leisurely cruises through the city's labyrinthine waterways. Passengers can sit back and relax as they drift past historic palaces, bustling piazzas, and hidden courtyards, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of Venice.

Gondola rides are especially popular during the evening, when the city takes on a magical glow as the sun sets and the lights of the buildings reflect off the shimmering water. Many gondoliers serenade their passengers with traditional Venetian songs, adding to the romantic ambiance of the experience.

While gondola rides can be a bit pricey (more on that below), they are considered a must-do activity for visitors to Venice, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and captivating beauty from a different perspective. Whether enjoyed as a romantic excursion for couples or a memorable outing for families and friends, a gondola ride in Venice promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world's most enchanting cities.

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

How much do gondola rides cost in Venice?

In Venice, gondola rides cost on average $207 based on our research of 215 different rides. Many of these rides offer varying activities, add extra services, and last different lengths of time, so it's not always possible to compare every option equally. Also, the highly rated options tend to cost a bit more on average.

Looking for more trip planning information? You can see more information about Gondola Rides here, including costs, availability, and more.

More Options

If you're looking for more things to do in Venice, see also The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Venice, The Best Doge's Palace Tours in Venice, The Best Tours to Murano from Venice, The Best Tours to Burano from Venice, The Best Affordable Wine Tours in Venice, The Best Cooking Classes in Venice, The Best Verona Tours and Day Trips from Venice, or The Best Jewish Ghetto Tours in Venice.

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If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Venice?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Venice?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Venice?.