Everyone dreams of gliding through Venice in a gondola — that black, curved symbol of romance and beauty. But once you arrive, curiosity sets in: Do Venetians actually use gondolas themselves? Or are they only for tourists these days?
Let’s answer that (and nine other questions every traveler secretly wonders about Venice) — with real local insight from those who live and work inside this extraordinary city. 🇮🇹✨
1️⃣ So… Do Venetians Actually Use Gondolas?
Not anymore — at least, not in the way you might think. Once upon a time, every Venetian family owned a gondola, and they were the city’s main mode of transportation. But today, locals use vaporetti (water buses), private boats, or simply walk everywhere. Venice is small enough to cross in 30–40 minutes on foot!
Gondolas are now used almost exclusively for tourism and ceremonies — weddings, regattas, or official events. There are only about 400 licensed gondoliers left in Venice, all part of a centuries-old guild that passes down both the craft and the secrets of rowing.
👉 Want to experience it the authentic way? Try our Private Gondola Ride — a 100% local, storytelling experience that shows you hidden canals far from the crowds.
2️⃣ How Do Venetians Get Around Then?
Venetians move mainly by foot — because they can. The entire city is car-free, compact, and surprisingly walkable. When longer distances are needed, locals rely on:
- 🚤 Vaporetto (Waterbus): Venice’s main public transport, connecting every neighborhood.
- 🚣 Private boats: For residents or professionals like artisans, electricians, and delivery services.
- 🚕 Water taxis: Used occasionally — convenient but pricey.
- 🛶 Traghetto gondolas: A local secret! They ferry people across the Grand Canal for just a few euros.
Read more in How to Get Around Venice Like a Local.
3️⃣ How Do Deliveries Work in Venice?
With patience — and muscles. 🚚💪 Everything in Venice travels by water. Delivery boats bring goods up to certain piers, where workers unload and carry packages, crates, or even refrigerators by hand, across bridges and into buildings.
It’s an extraordinary daily ballet of logistics, tradition, and resilience. You can read the full story in How Deliveries Work in Venice.
4️⃣ How Do Venetians Move Furniture or Groceries?
With trolleys, timing, and teamwork. You’ll see locals pushing small carts loaded with shopping or supplies. When they need to move furniture, they coordinate with porters and boats during early morning hours to avoid crowds. Some bridges even have ramps built for rolling loads — Venice logistics at its best!
5️⃣ Can You Really Walk Everywhere in Venice?
Yes — and that’s one of the city’s biggest luxuries. With over 400 bridges connecting 118 islands, Venice was designed for walking long before cars existed. Every step reveals a new vista — hidden canals, neighborhood campos, and artisans at work.
Start your journey with our Venice Orientation & Hidden Gems Tour — it’s the best way to get your bearings and fall in love with Venice from the ground up.
6️⃣ Why Are Gondolas All Black?
It’s not just for style. In the 16th century, Venice’s nobles were in constant competition over whose gondola was the most lavish. The Senate intervened with a law requiring all gondolas to be painted black — to end the rivalry and promote modesty.
Today, each gondola still follows this rule, but its details — like carvings, upholstery, and the metal ferro at the prow — reflect the gondolier’s personal story and tradition.
7️⃣ Who Can Become a Gondolier?
Becoming a gondolier is not easy. It’s a licensed profession passed down through generations. Candidates must:
- Train for years in navigation and traditional rowing techniques
- Pass exams on Venetian history and languages
- Earn their license from the Ente Gondola
There’s currently only one licensed female gondolier — proving that Venetian traditions are slowly evolving. 💪
8️⃣ Do Venetians Own Cars?
No — and they don’t miss them! Venice has no cars, no roads, no scooters. Residents who need a car keep it on the mainland, in Mestre or Marghera, and reach it by private water transfer or bus over the Ponte della Libertà bridge.
Need a ride yourself? Our Private Airport Transfer Service takes you from the airport to your hotel’s dock — stress-free and scenic.
9️⃣ How Do Venetians Manage with High Water?
They adapt. High water — acqua alta — has always been part of life here. Locals use elevated walkways, waterproof boots, and a sense of humor. The MOSE system (a series of movable barriers) now protects the city during extreme tides, keeping most areas dry even during storms.
Learn everything about this phenomenon in What Is Acqua Alta, and When Does It Happen?.
🔟 What Do Venetians Eat Every Day?
Simple, seasonal food from the lagoon and surrounding countryside — nothing fancy, but always full of flavor:
- 🦑 Risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto)
- 🍞 Baccalà mantecato (whipped cod spread)
- 🥖 Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) paired with local wine
- 🍷 Ombra — a small glass of house wine, shared among friends
Want to taste like a local? Join our Venice Cicchetti & Wine Tour — a delicious journey through real Venetian life.
💙 Why Understanding Local Life Matters
Venice isn’t an open-air museum — it’s a living city, with 50,000 residents who keep it alive every day. The gondolas, markets, and even the quiet bridges are part of their daily rhythm. When you see Venice through their eyes, you understand why this place still inspires wonder after a thousand years.
👉 Explore the real Venice with us — beyond myths, crowds, and clichés. Book a private tour of Venice today and uncover the city’s soul, one canal at a time.
Do locals ever ride in gondolas today?
Only for special occasions — weddings, festivals, or regattas. Daily life happens on foot, by vaporetto, or in private boats. The gondola has become a cultural treasure rather than a practical one.
What’s the difference between a gondola and a traghetto?
A traghetto is a simple gondola ferry used by locals to cross the Grand Canal. It costs just a few euros and operates at several crossing points — a great way to experience a gondola like a Venetian.
Can tourists row their own gondola?
Yes — in a safe and authentic way! Join our Venetian Rowing Experience to learn how to row standing up in a traditional boat — no license required, just balance and curiosity!
