"The air was heavy and foul, the sun burnt down through a slate-colored haze. Water slapped gurgling against wood and stone. The gondolier's cry, half warning, half salute, was answered with singular accord from far within the silence of the labyrinth" - Thomas Mann, Death in Venice 1912
One of my favorite lines from Mann's famous novella grittily describes the sensation of being rowed through the labyrinth of my adopted hometown. I often hear tourist proclaim "cliché" when deciding whether or not to shell out the price of a gondola ride. I say it's required.
These long, sleek, sexy black row boats are part of the city's history. Their unique design was developed specifically for this lagoon. The Gondoliers themselves are true Venetian personalities, you should not miss the opportunity of mixing with them.
Travel for me is about the experience. A gondola ride is the ultimate Venetian experience, include it in your budget. Go at twilight for the most peaceful paddle. Be quiet. Listen to the secrets La Serenissima whispers in your ear.
Of the various locations throughout the city you can journey from I choose Traghetto Santa Sofia. Located across from the Rialto fish market, here you find yourself near center of the Grand Canal. Glide along the water as the grandest of grand palaces glow and glitter around you.
The word traghetto means a ferry crossing. At Traghetto Santa Sofia you can either invest in a private gondola ride or cross the Grand Canal standing up like the locals.
Campo Santa Sofia
35 minutes:
€
80
0415222844
Find your way with 96 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Being one of Venice’s more ancient Bacaros, Osteria Rivetta is perfect to dive into the local ritual of Venetian apertivo, that is “Ombra de vin e cicheto”
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The only spot in Venice with city-like nightlife vibe is Campo Santa Margherita! Enjoy having tourists, locals and students all gathered in a single place.
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The Remer Pier is an amazing spot to enjoy some moments of deserved rest after the long walks in Vencie with a takeaway drink from the taverna nearby.
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In the Jewish quarter, one can visit two synagogues & taste some Jewish food, especially pastry. The luckiest visitors might even come across celebrations!
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Rizzardini’s evergreen sweets are: bussolà, meringhe and mandorlati. On weekends, if you are early and lucky, you can have the pleasure to try a “festivo”.
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Does anyone know how a gondola, the iconic symbol of Venice is built? To learn about it, one should visit one of the few squeros left in town!
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The two parts of Rialto's Fish Market are worth visiting not only for the buildings' beauty and the surrounding scenarios but also for the atmosphere.
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"Fondaco dei Tedeschi" is a historic Venice building repurposed as a shopping mecca. Controversial among the locals, it does have a truly spectacular view!
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"Basegò Bacaro" in Venice is one my favorite bacaros/bars in the city, and I especially like their pay-it-forward tradition of cicchetto & prosecco pagato.
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"Magazzino delle Scope" is a chic restaurant I really recommend you choose for one of your dinners if you're staying for a short time in Jesolo...
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"Stadio Pierluigi Penzo" is Venice's football stadium. It's a very welcome break from the otherwise sterile life in the lagoon city. Come slightly drunk!
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"Santa Maria dei Miracoli" in Venice is small church with fascinating architecture -- it's a treasure from a historical, and a sentimental, point of view.
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96 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 96 Insider Tips