Taking a gondola through Venice’s canals is expensive, brief, and often debated, but it’s also one of the most iconic travel experiences in the world. Last summer, we decided to do it ourselves and see Venice from the water. Here’s our honest take on whether a gondola ride is really worth it, how much it costs, and why it still feels like part of the true Venice experience.
Our Gondola Ride in Venice
We took our gondola ride on a warm summer day, drifting away from the busy streets and into the quiet canals that most visitors never see. The moment the gondola left the dock, Venice felt different. The noise faded, the pace slowed, and suddenly the city revealed itself from a completely new angle, arched bridges above us, weathered facades at eye level, reflections dancing on the water.
Seeing Venice from the canals feels intimate. You’re no longer walking through the city, you’re floating inside it. For us, that alone made the experience special.
How Much Does a Gondola Ride Cost?
Let’s address the biggest concern upfront: price.
- €90 during the daytime
- €110 in the evening
- Ride duration: around 30 minutes
These are official, fixed prices set by the city, not something gondoliers make up on the spot. Yes, it’s expensive, there’s no way around that. But knowing the price in advance helps set expectations and avoid disappointment.
Is a Gondola Ride Really Worth It?
This depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want the classic Venice experience, the kind you imagine when you think of the city, then yes, it’s worth it. A gondola ride isn’t just transportation, it’s atmosphere, history, and tradition combined into half an hour.
Would we do it every day? Of course not.
Would we skip it entirely? Definitely not.
For a city like Venice, some experiences are part of the place itself, and this is one of them.
What About the Traghetto? Is It the Same?
Many influencers and travel tips suggest taking a traghetto instead. A traghetto is a simple gondola used to cross the Grand Canal at certain points, and it costs only a few euros.
While that advice is technically correct, it’s important to be honest:
The experience doesn’t come close to a real gondola ride.
A traghetto:
- Is very short
- Has no scenic route
- Is purely functional
- Often requires standing
- Lacks the atmosphere entirely
It’s useful, yes, but it’s not a substitute. Comparing a traghetto to a gondola ride is like comparing a bus ride to a scenic drive through the countryside.
Why Taking a Gondola Is Part of the Real Venice Experience
Venice is unlike any other city in the world, and experiencing it from the water is essential to understanding it. Gondolas have been part of Venetian life for centuries, and even today, they remain one of the city’s strongest symbols.
Walking Venice is beautiful.
But floating through it is unforgettable.
If you’re visiting Venice even once in your life, taking a gondola ride adds a layer to your trip that photos alone can’t capture.
Our Honest Advice
Yes, it’s expensive.
Yes, it’s short.
But it’s also uniquely Venetian.
If you’re planning a trip to Venice, build a gondola ride into your budget, even if it means cutting back somewhere else. Skip a souvenir or an extra restaurant meal, but don’t skip the experience entirely.
We’re glad we did it, and it remains one of the moments that defined our time in Venice.
One Experience You’ll Remember
A gondola ride isn’t about value for money in the traditional sense. It’s about place, emotion, and memory. Venice is a city you feel as much as you see, and from the canals, that feeling is stronger than anywhere else.
If you’ve ever wondered whether taking a gondola in Venice is worth it, our answer is simple: yes, once is enough, but once is necessary.
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Italy - Venice