The Venetian Face-Off: Why You Should Skip the Gondola and Head to the Wax Museum Instead

The Venetian gondolas vs. Madame Tussauds wax museum

The Venetian is easily one of the most stunning resorts on the Strip, and it’s a place where you can get lost in the romance of Renaissance architecture without leaving Nevada. But when it comes to spending your hard-earned vacation budget, not every attraction is created equal.

At LAS Discounts, we want to make sure you’re getting the most "bang for your buck." Here is our honest take on what’s worth your time and what’s better left as a photo op from the sidelines.

Avoid: The Gondola Ride

It’s the most iconic image of The Venetian... a gondolier in a striped shirt singing as you float down a turquoise canal. It looks dreamy, but here is the firm reality: it is substantially overpriced for what you actually get.

A standard shared ride (where you’ll likely be paired with strangers) currently costs around $39 per person. For a journey that typically lasts only 10 to 12 minutes, you’re paying nearly $4 per minute. While the singing is charming, the "canals" are quite short, and you’ll spend a good portion of your time being stared at by hundreds of shoppers on the walkways above.

The LAS Discounts Verdict: It’s a lovely thing to watch, but the price tag is a bit steep for such a brief experience. You can enjoy the singing and the atmosphere for free just by standing on one of the many stone bridges.

Try: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

If you want an experience that actually gives you time to explore, head to Madame Tussauds. Located right at the front of the resort, this is the world-famous Madame Tussauds, and it’s significantly more than just a room full of wax figures.

For a similar price point to the gondola, you get access to two floors of interactive "zones." You can hop on Miley Cyrus’s life-sized wrecking ball, party with the Hangover crew in a themed bar, and see the "Las Vegas Legends" room featuring Elvis and the Rat Pack, an exhibit you won’t find at any other location in the world. Discount Tickets Here.

• Insider Tip: Don’t just look... interact! This museum encourages you to touch the figures and use the props. Also, if you’re a Marvel fan, look for the tickets that include the Marvel Universe 4D movie. The special effects (water sprays, wind, and seat tremors) make it a great way to cool off.

• Best For: Families, celebrity hunters, and anyone who wants a solid 60 to 90 minutes of entertainment.

Final Pro Tip:

If you absolutely must do both, do not buy your tickets separately. Madame Tussauds sells a "Silver Ticket + Gondola" package that can save you a significant amount over buying them individually.

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