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Gondola Rides at The Venetian: A Slice of Venice in Las Vegas

Discover Gondola Rides at The Venetian: What Makes It So Special

Step into the romance and charm of Venice — without ever leaving the Las Vegas Strip. The Gondola Rides at The Venetian Tours recreate one of Italy’s most iconic experiences, floating you through serene, canal-lined corridors amid singing gondoliers and hand-painted skies.

Whether you’re looking for a dreamy date night, a unique family photo op, or a moment of calm between casinos, the gondola ride delivers elegance, atmosphere, and timeless charm. Every ride, every note sung by your gondolier, turns into a miniature vacation within your Vegas vacation.

Looking to explore more? See our full Las Vegas Travel Guide for shows, casinos, and day trips across the Nevada desert.

Location, Access & Orientation

The Gondola Rides are located at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, on the northeast side of the Strip between The Palazzo and The Mirage.

Getting There:

By car or rideshare: Input “The Venetian” into any GPS app. Valet and self-parking garages are available.
On foot: From anywhere on the Strip, follow signs to The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes.
By monorail: Closest stop is Harrah’s/The LINQ Station (approx. 8-minute walk)

Where exactly?

Outdoor rides: Located near the Strip entrance, past the hotel’s replica of the Rialto Bridge
Indoor rides: Begin inside the Grand Canal Shoppes, by the indoor lagoon and food court

Tip: Indoor rides run longer and offer climate-controlled comfort, while outdoor rides give better views of the Strip and photo ops.

A Brief History of Gondola Rides at The Venetian

Opened in 1999, The Venetian Resort set out to reimagine the magic of Venice, Italy. With precise architectural details including the Campanile Tower, Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Square, the resort brought la dolce vita to the Nevada desert.

The gondola experience has been part of the concept since Day One, modeled after Venice’s world-famous canals. Trained gondoliers sing traditional Italian ballads as they steer their handcrafted gondolas through the resort’s waterways, just like their European counterparts.

It’s become one of the Strip’s most beloved attractions — a rare blend of authenticity, artistry, and American-style luxury.

Best Times to Visit the Gondola Rides

Time of Day:

Morning (10 AM – 12 PM): Shortest lines, cooler temps, great for photos
Evening (6 PM – 9 PM): Most romantic and scenic, with glowing lights reflecting on the water
Late night: Fewer crowds but outdoor rides may be closed

Seasonality:

Spring & Fall: Ideal temperatures for outdoor rides
Summer: Best to ride indoors to avoid desert heat
Winter holidays: Expect larger crowds but festive ambiance with holiday lights

Insider Tip: Indoor rides operate rain or shine. For special photos, aim for golden hour (5–6 PM) or post-sunset lighting indoors.

Entry Requirements, Fees & Booking Options

Ticket Prices (subject to change):

Shared Gondola Ride:
- $34 per person (indoors or outdoors)
- Up to 4 people per gondola
Private Gondola Ride:
- $136 per boat (indoors only)
- For 2 people, with optional romantic packages

Ride Duration:

About 12–15 minutes
Includes live serenade by your gondolier

Booking Options:

On-site: Purchase at the Gondola Guest Services Desk near the canal area
Online:
- Viator

Want a special package? See our Las Vegas Tours page for VIP options that include a gondola ride and dinner.

Top Things to See Inside or Around The Venetian

Indoor Canal – A beautifully lit waterway winding through shops and cafes
Singing Gondoliers – Serenading each ride with Italian ballads or romantic classics
St. Mark’s Square – Vibrant plaza under a painted blue sky with live performers
Rialto Bridge Replica – Iconic photo spot near the outdoor canal
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas – Right next door for celebrity selfies
Grand Canal Shoppes – Upscale shopping with Italian-themed architecture

Top Experiences & Tours Involving the Gondola Ride

Romance Package – Includes a private gondola ride, roses, and photo keepsake
Gondola + Madame Tussauds Combo – Great value for families or first-timers
Dinner + Gondola Experience – Offered by select tour providers; includes ride and meal at nearby restaurants
Group Rides with Singing Dedications – Ask your gondolier for a birthday or anniversary song

Local Tip: Want to propose? Gondoliers can coordinate romantic gestures in advance — just notify staff before your booking.

Visitor Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Book early on weekends – Lines build quickly from 11 AM onward
Know your ride type – Private = more romantic and personalized; Shared = budget-friendly
Don’t expect it to be Venice – Embrace the theatrical charm of Vegas with an open mind
Outdoor rides may close – Wind or extreme heat often cancels outdoor runs
No food/drinks allowed – Finish your gelato before boarding

Avoid this mistake: Don’t show up 10 minutes before closing expecting to ride — tickets often sell out in advance.

What to Pack for The Venetian Gondola Ride

Essentials:

Camera or smartphone for photos
Sunglasses (outdoor rides)
ID and credit card (for ticketing)

Optional:

Dressy attire if combining with fine dining
Jacket or sweater (indoor area can be chilly)
Lightweight scarf or shawl for added flair in photos

Good to Know:

Photos are taken professionally during the ride — available for purchase afterward
Wear comfortable shoes if exploring the Grand Canal Shoppes

Where to Stay Near The Venetian

On-site:

The Venetian Resort – All-suite luxury with pools, casinos, and spa
The Palazzo – Upscale wing of The Venetian with premium rooms and lounges

Nearby Luxury:

Wynn Las Vegas – Glamorous casino resort across the street
The Mirage – Tropical-themed classic resort next door
Resorts World Las Vegas – Modern mega-resort with global food court and nightlife

Budget-Friendly:

Treasure Island (TI) – Great deals and walking distance to The Venetian
The LINQ Hotel + Experience – Trendy, youthful vibe with easy Strip access

Best for couples: The Venetian remains the gold standard for romantic stays with its Italian flair and in-house gondola charm.

Where to Eat Nearby

Canaletto – Fine Italian dining overlooking the indoor canal
Yardbird Southern Table – Upscale comfort food within The Venetian
Buddy V’s Ristorante – Italian-American with a celebrity touch
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer – Known for towering milkshakes
Bouchon by Thomas Keller – Elegant French bistro within the hotel

Casual Tip: Grab a gelato at Cocolini Gelato just steps from the canal before or after your ride.

Hidden Gems & Nearby Sights

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas – Celebrity wax figures with photo ops
The Sphere at The Venetian – New futuristic venue for live events and immersive shows
Bellagio Conservatory – Just a short walk; seasonal floral displays
High Roller Observation Wheel – Stunning views of the Strip (especially at night)
Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan – Hidden food spot for post-ride bites

Only a 5-minute walk away, The LINQ Promenade offers dining, shopping, and zip-lining under Vegas lights — a great next stop after your gondola ride.