Gondola tips?

Tips!!! At the rate they charge no way. As far as I am concerned tips are for people who work for less than (wait staff in US) or close to minimum wage.

When I was there in May a gondola was 80€ before 7:00 p.m. and 100€ after. We searched for someone on a quiet small canal for our ride. We briefly went on the Grand Canal, but primarily stayed in smaller ones. There are plenty of choices on the the GC and elsewhere. I don't remember if we tipped or how much. Italy (and Europe in general) people are not dependent on tips like they are here.

You should not tip a gondola, in either sense of the word "tip". They are all over Venice, esp. in the many piazzas sprinkled around.

I've been to Venice a few times but haven't, personally, sprung for the ride. However, if I were to "choose" one, I'd scout them out, first. I'd look at the decor (they are all individual) and, if possible, I'd look for a gondolier who acts like a professional one! That may sound silly, but I'd like one who is interested in engaging with us... To tell us about things, and to sing when under the Rialto bridge. I have seen Too many who dont add value to the rides... They're busy texting (yup) and not engaging whatsoever. There might as well be a motor on the back of the gondola! I've seen MANY of these and I've thought that THAT experience sure isn't worth the money.

Others, however, are engaging and appear to really add to the experience.

These are just my, very limited, observations. I hope you pick one that gives you a wonderful, life-long memory!

Cheers,
Vivian
(We will be in Venice again in less than 4 weeks. LOVE it there!

You can buy tickets on a 6 seater gondola for $34 on viator.com. I've done it twice and it's great!

In Dorsoduro, there are generally a couple of gondoliers at Campo San Barnaba. A ride with them would be through the back canals.

If you want another experience in addition to or instead of the gondola, we did a tour with these ladies and you actually get to row the boat. Not quite a gondola but close. Super fun!!

rowvenice.org

Kim

The price that Andrea quoted is the standard, fixed price. Don't pay more unless adding extra services. See more notes and a link at https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/the-gondolas-of-venice.

Just returned from Venice.
Finding a gondola will not be an issue, they seem to be most everywhere and are seeking passengers.

I like many found it a total tourist trap and overpriced however it sure is a fun 30 minute drive and glad I did it once.
Not sure anyone could not have a smile on their face as you glide through the canals.

Avoid the really busy areas and times, if you find a back canal area you will likely have a more enjoyable ride and see something interesting. Something a little away from the Rialto or San Marco and you should be fine.

As noted they charge more in the evening and rates seem set, so all have the same price. There is no tipping.
This is the price for a basic ride and they offer longer ride options for even higher prices but imagine most take the standard ride.

Most of the gondoliers are very personable and will talk about what you are seeing/history if you want it or be quiet if they think you want that and are on a romantic ride, so make sure to let them know what you want them to do. They do not sing, that might be an additional charge option for some gondoliers I am not sure but would definitely say it is not something they normally do.

One thing I did not know is that you cannot really have a gondola take you from one place to another, or at least I was told if you do that you pay the same price for a shorter ride since the gondolier still needs to return to the same starting point.
I was told this by a couple of gondoliers.