You do not have to take fright at the idea of being able to hire a gondola for a certain number of hours. In this way, you can combine a reasonable way of saving money with an intelligent (and unique) way of visiting Venice.

Rather than asking a gondolier who works in the more central areas of the city, ask one who works in a quieter zone, which is no less fascinating and interesting.

In this way, you are often able to obtain a longer ride at a more reasonable price, and as this type of job fall into the special services category, the price is negotiable.

Therefore, in making this choice, I take the liberty of suggesting that you hire a gondola in one of the following places, because if I wanted to hire a gondola for a number of hours, I too would opt for one of the following:

Rio Marin near the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista near the Indian restaurant.

Ponte della Parucchetta in the vicinity of Campo San Boldo not far from the well-known Palazzo Grimani.

Campo San Barnaba next to Cà Rezzonico (Museum of Eighteenth Century Venetian Art)

Rio dell’Orso in Campo Santo Stefano, right next to one of the most charming squares in Venice which faces the monumental Palazzo Pisani, now the Conservatorium of Music Benedetto Marcello.

Ponte di Ca’ Bernardo in the vicinity of Campo San Polo and right next to the restaurant Da Fiore.

Campo Santa Maria Mater Domini on the bridge that heads towards Cà Bragadin.

Campo San Giovanni e Paolo in the vicinity of the Scuola Grande di San Marco and the monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni.

Campo Santa Maria Nova near the bridge that goes towards the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli.