JUESnyc

Hi everyone!
July 4th my husband and I will be arriving in Venice to start off our honeymoon!
We are looking for restaurant options and the best place to take a sunset gondola tour. I know it is touristy, but we still want to take it at sunset.
We have one restaurant booked so far- Osteria Alle Testiere. We are looking for one more restaurant to dine at. I read reviews about a great wine bar- Rusteghi?

Also, where is the best place to take a sunset gondola tour?

Thanks so much!

Dukey1

I will not comment on the gondola experience but what I would urge you to do is to go to San Marco around dusk. The many day visitors will have left and as night falls hopefully you will experience what some feel is an absolutely magical feeling in the so-called "Europe's drawing room."

nrwayne

Restaurant=Riviera

Zenqi

My husband and I are going in the end of May 2017. I'd love to know the same.

Also, what is the current going rate for a gondola ride? Do you tip the gondolier? How long do rides last?

I've seen old postings with these questions, but this in the only current one I've found so far.

Thanks!

cicchettigirl

The gondola rates are €80 for 35 minutes before 7PM, then €100 for 35 minutes after 7PM. These are the official rates, so I wouldn't expect to haggle the price, unless it is a very slow day for them. No need to tip the gondoliere, they own and operate the gondola. Personally, I prefer to get a gondola away from the more crowded stations around San Marco. It can get very busy, and tour groups load 6 passengers at a time at the crowded stations. I also prefer the smaller canals to the Grand Canal, which can get very choppy.

Agree with the Riviera restaurant suggestion, it is very, very romantic, and there is decent space between the tables.