Gondolas in Venice
 

Haven't been to Venice in more than 15 years, so feel pretty rusty on what the best spots/tips/protocols are for gondola rides these days! Do they mostly still congregate to start near the Piazza San Marco, and what is the going rate in the 2020's? Referrals welcome.

Gondolas, or rather gondoliers, are found pretty well everywhere. Cash is well received. Just engage a trip when you feel like it.
But avoid the area around San Marco - around there, the gondolas look like a procession.
In Campo San Barnaba, there are generally a couple, and you will traverse the side canals.
80 euro for about 45 minutes.

Or the tragetto at Rialto, about 2 euro to cross the Grand Canal.