The gondolas plying the busy Grand Canal and smaller waterways of Venice are one of the most iconic images in the world. They are the symbol of history, tradition, and romance in the city on the lagoon, and a gondola ride in Venice ranks among one of the most dreamed-about experiences for travelers.
So when you finally get to Venice and have a chance to ride in one of its gondolas, of course you should go, right? That depends. While undeniably romantic and a one-of-a-kind experience, gondola rides also can be expensive, and sometimes they are a let-down for visitors.
Here are a few tips to help you decide if a gondola ride is for you, and how to get the most out of your ride should you decide to take the plunge.
What is a Venetian Gondola?
While gondolas were once regularly used by Venetians, especially of the upper classes, today vaporetti have become the main form of water transportation in Venice. A few hundred years ago there were about 10,000 gondolas plying the canals and lagoon but today, there are only about 500.
A gondola is a flat-bottomed, wooden boat. It's 11 meters long, weighs 600 kg and is hand built in special workshops called squeri of which there are still a few today. Gondoliers own and maintain their own boats, and the crafts and careers are often passed down from father to son for generations.
