Besides the gondola ride, there are other things to do in Venice. The journey usually begins with a boat ride from the main arrival point, passing famous landmarks along the way. Summer is the peak season, but Venice in Italy (PISA ITALY TOP ATTRACTIONS) attracts crowds throughout the year. During busy times, lines form to disembark, and once on land, the walk into Venice begins. Gradually, the crowd spreads out, leaving enough space to move around for the activities in Venice.
Things You Must Know about Venice Gondola Ride
Booking a gondola ride in Venice online is usually not necessary, as walk-up
options are generally available. However, during peak season (June-September),
it’s best to book a few days to a week in advance to avoid long waits. Payment
is typically in cash (euros), though some operators accept cards if booked
online (VARANASI INDIA TOP SITES).
Gondola rides can start from several
points around Venice. The Rialto Bridge area is central and very popular, while
St. Mark’s Square is near the waterfront and convenient for tourists. For a
quieter experience, rides can start near the Accademia Bridge, or from the
Santa Maria Formosa and San Barnaba areas, which are ideal for scenic
inner-canal rides.
Rides can also vary by time of day. Daytime gondola rides let you see Venice’s landmarks clearly. Night rides are more romantic, with canals and city lights reflecting on the water for a completely different view.
What to See on a Venice Gondola Ride
It is basically sitting back and letting the ride follow the routes. These
moments in Venice are ideal for taking photos and videos. It is also best to
familiarize yourself with the landmarks in Venice beforehand, as the ride does
not include explanations. Summer afternoons can be hot, so it is wise to plan
the timing of your ride.
Sometimes the ride involves sharing with unknown people, which means giving everyone enough space and being mindful throughout the ride.
Things to Do in Venice
St. Mark’s Square/Piazza San Marco
Within St. Mark’s Square in Venice, there are several must-see sights. The
square, often called the “drawing room of Europe,” is surrounded by historic
buildings. One of the most important landmarks is St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s
most famous cathedral, also known as the “Church of Gold” because of its
sparkling mosaics.
Its architecture is a mix of Byzantine,
Gothic, and Romanesque styles. Inside, the walls and ceilings shine with gold
mosaics showing biblical scenes, and the marble floors and details are very
impressive. It is also worth looking at St. Mark’s Basilica from the outside by
standing across the square.
Next to the cathedral is the Campanile,
the tall bell tower. You can climb it for a panoramic view of Venice. The Doge’s
Palace, a historic and beautiful building, is nearby, along with the Clock
Tower, which shows the time, moon phases, and zodiac signs.
The square also has patterned stone pavements and two tall columns topped with statues of Saint Theodore and the Lion of Venice. While pigeons often fill the square (feeding is not allowed), you may also see street performances. Walking around and taking in all the sights makes time pass quickly in this historic spot in Venice, Italy.
Attractions in Venice
The time available in Venice determines how many attractions can be seen. A
single day is enough for the city’s essential sights, while staying overnight
or spending more days allows for more activities or less time at each site to
see more. The Venetian islands include Murano, known for glassblowing; Burano,
with its colorful houses and lacework; and Torcello, a quiet historic island
with an ancient cathedral.
In the city center, walking through Venice’s streets and canals reveals hidden corners and daily life, while the Rialto Market has fresh produce and local products.
Shopping in Venice
Venice is a shopping haven, with a mix of stalls and branded boutiques. You’ll
find high-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as more affordable
options. Prices in the boutiques are fixed, while street shopping may allow
some bargaining. The boutiques, especially the most famous ones, can get very
crowded, with Asian tourists.
Street shopping is great for picking up
souvenirs, and one of the most popular items is a Venetian mask, a keepsake
from the trip.
What to Eat in Venice
There is an abundance of food to try in Venice. You can sample Italian snacks
and the famous gelato, or grab hot drinks like Italian coffee to sip while
walking around. For a sit-down meal, there are cafés and high-end restaurants,
with set meals or menu options that vary by price. Set meals are generally
affordable and worth trying.
