Yes, you can absolutely enjoy a gondola ride at night in Venice, and many travelers consider it the most magical time to experience the canals. Nighttime service typically begins at 7:00 PM and can continue well into the early morning hours, sometimes as late as 3:00 AM, depending on the availability of a willing gondolier. In 2026, the official "night rate" is set at €100 for a standard 30-minute ride, which is €20 more than the daytime rate of €80. After 7:00 PM, the city's atmosphere transforms as the crowds thin out and the historic palazzos are illuminated, reflecting off the dark water. While most gondola stations (stazi) near major landmarks like St. Mark's Square operate late, you may find fewer gondoliers available in quieter residential districts. If you want a specific "serenaded" experience at night, you must arrange and pay for the musicians separately, as music is never included in the standard city-regulated fare.