When is the best time to go for a ride? I've seen photos at night that look cool, but I'm worried it might be too dark to see anything. Is morning better to avoid the crowds?

We only have one day in Venice, so I want to get the timing just right for the best lighting and fewest "boat jams."

My personal favorite is the "Golden Hour" - about an hour before sunset. The buildings glow pink and the water looks like glass.
However, if you want total peace, go as early as possible in the morning (around 9 AM). The city is just waking up and it's so quiet. Avoid the afternoon (1 PM - 4 PM) because it’s hot and the main canals near San Marco get really congested. You can check the availability for different times on Gondola Rides in Venice https://alle.travel/en/venice/category/gondola Night rides are romantic but you miss out on the architectural details. If it's your first time, go for the late afternoon light - your photos will look amazing!

Golden hour sounds like a dream for photos! I'll try to aim for a 5 PM or 6 PM slot then. Thanks for the tip about avoiding the afternoon rush!