Venice Travel Tip

I suppose, having lived here for 5 years, I should offer some advice for visiting this very popular destination.

Tip of the Day: Gondolas

photo courtesy of abster.wordpress.com

The most popular Venetian attraction is the Gondola ride. Gondolas used to be used as transportation for the affluent Venetians, but now are strictly reserved for tourists. Many say it is a rip-off, but I disagree. True, they are extremely expensive, but an evening ride through the back canals of Venice in a silent gondola is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Venice from the water is not the same as Venice from the streets. The gondola can offer a different perspective, and give you a taste of how that city might have been in its glory days. Gondoliers are infamous in Venice, they make a lot of money and pay very little taxes. Many say that they are ruining their trade by being disrespectful of its heritage and rude to their clients. Do not fret though, there are still a couple wonderful gondoliers, who love what they do and are happy to offer you your true Venetian experience!

When choosing your gondola ride, be aware of prices and times. This is the best way to avoid getting ripped off. The official price is 80 euro for 40 minutes for up to 6 people before 7pm. Every additional 20 minutes is 40 euro. After 7pm it costs 100 euro for 40 minutes and 50 euro for every additional 20 minutes. BY LAW they cannot ask more. Establish time and price before setting foot in the gondola! Tips are not necessary unless your gondolier was exceptionally gracious and entertaining.

Now for the most important part: DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT take a gondola ride in St. Marks. Any stop where there are 15 gondoliers waiting around trying to sell you a ride is a big NO-NO. The touristy areas do not offer characteristic gondola rides, and more likely than not you will end up in a gondola parade-- lined up with a billion other tourists and a gondolier yapping on his cell phone and smoking a cigarette while yelling across the canal to his gondolier friends. This behaviour should not be tolerated and if your gondolier does any of the above, complain and report him.

To maximize your experience get as far away from the touristy areas as possible. You also want to avoid the choppy Grand Canal and Giudecca Canal. You want your ride to be through the quiet, back canals of Venice. I recommend S. Croce, Dorsoduro, and Castello. You will see a gondolier or two hanging around a small bridge somewhere--that is who you want to approach.

Most gondoliers do not sing, however there are a few who do, and they are to be treasured (and tipped!). Recently I have seen one in Castello who sings beautifully to his clients. Next time I see him I'll try to get his number in case anyone wants to book him!