Are the gondola rides in Venice really worthwhile or just a tourist rip-off? I feel like I should take one when we're there. (going in April)

They're irresistible - - yes, they exist for tourists, to a certain extent all of Venice exists for tourists.<BR><BR>Expensive - - yes, they can be. 60 to euros easily, for a 45 minute ride (2 to 5 people) - - but a rip-off? Hardly anyone thinks so.<BR><BR>I have only ever been very late at night (twice now), and I find it hard to think that I would like daytime as well. But it's all in the eye of the beholder.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

If you want to sample a gondola ride at a fraction of the price, take the traghetto (ferry across the grand Canal) which is in a gondola! It's custom to stand rather than sit. From the following: San Marco to Salute, S. Maria del Giglio-Salute; San Toma- S Stefano; S Barnaba-S Samuele; Riva del Carbon-Riva del Vin; S Sofia-Rialto; S Marculola-Fondaco dei Truchi an train station - S Simeone.

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I don't think a traghetto ride could really take the place of a full gondola ride, but I think it's interesting and something that real Venetians but few tourists do, so I think you should do a traghetto ride as well as a full gondola ride. I've done the American Express gondola rides and been very happy. I think they're about $25 or $30 per person for an hour. You'll share your gondola with a couple of other people; it may be a little less authentic than hiring a gondola just for yourself, but it's still 75% of the gondola experience. I love the ones that start right before sundown so the lights come on on the Grand Canal while you're out there. Go to the American Express office and buy your ticket. No one should go to Venice and not take a gondola ride.

Oh, for goodness sake! Go for the gondola! Sure, it's touristy when you see them all over, but get one late on a moonlit night and WOW! My bride and I (on our 25th anniversary) spent the weekend in Venice. We bought a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses (in a neighborhood grocery), got a gondola and had one of the most memorable hours of our lives! And all for about 60 bucks. You have to do it.

Take the gondola ride, absolutely. We went in the late afternoon just before sundown and went through the side canals. It was lovely. The gondolier told us about a great restaurant, and as we went by its canal side, he called to the proprietor "Hey, Paulo!" Sure enough, Paulo came to the door, and they had seating for the five of us for dinner that evening. We were delighted by the whole experience, which gave us a very different perspective on a wonderful place. The dinner was fabulous, and we watched many other potential diners be turned away. Enjoy your trip.

I don't think a traghetto ride could really take the place of a full gondola ride, but I think it's interesting and something that real Venetians but few tourists do, so I think you should do a traghetto ride as well as a full gondola ride. I've done the American Express gondola rides and been very happy. I think they're about $25 or $30 per person for an hour. You'll share your gondola with a couple of other people; it may be a little less authentic than hiring a gondola just for yourself, but it's still 75% of the gondola experience. I love the ones that start right before sundown so the lights come on on the Grand Canal while you're out there. Go to the American Express office and buy your ticket. No one should go to Venice and not take a gondola ride.

Celia - I have to agree with all the above you cannot go to Venice without taking a gondola ride, whether by yourself or as suggested with others - it is a must do!<BR>Have an exciting time!

Thanks to everyone for all the input. I think we will do the gondola ride regardless of price then.

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I just wanted to add that the traghetto ride is very cheap, probably only around one Euro. It only lasts a few minutes, just the time it takes to row across the Grand Canal. I tried to do it standing up like the Venetians do, but felt a little wobbly and ended up sitting down. It was fun, but I still maintain that it is not really a substitute for a full gondola ride.