Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace: Our most recommended tours and activities

Venice: Doge's Palace Reserved Entry Ticket

1. Venice: Doge's Palace Reserved Entry Ticket

Skip the ticket line to Doge's Palace in Venice, a historic landmark that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries, with this reserved entry ticket. Admire its Gothic architecture. Also get entry to the Museo Correr, National Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library. Enter the Doge's Palace to explore the seat of a 1000-year republic and travel back in time to the Middle Ages. Relive the anguish of the prisoners as they crossed the Bridge of Sighs. Admire the palace's impressive structure and ornamentation, from its 14th and 15th-century original foundations to the significant Renaissance and opulent Mannerist adjunctions. Marvel at the rich details of the magnificent gold staircase and spectacular works of art. Also, enjoy entry to the Museo Correr on St. Mark's Square, a building that was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy.

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

2. Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

Delve deep into Venice’s history with a 3-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace, either as a private tour or shared group experience. Take in two of the city’s most important landmarks while discovering the history of the one-time mercantile capital of the Mediterranean.  Start by exploring St. Mark's Square with your guide before heading into the cathedral. From the first-floor terrace you’ll be able to admire views across the lagoon and see the famous bronze horses up close. Hear how they traveled all the way to Paris and back in Napoleon’s time. St. Mark's Basilica sometimes closes to visitors without warning. If this happens, visit the Church of San Zaccaria or the Correr Museum instead, depending on availability. Take a tour of the beautifully ornate 15th-century church and its flooded crypt or learn about the art and history of Venice. Next, you’ll use the priority entrance to reach Doge's Palace, formerly the residence of the leader of the Republic of Venice. Enjoy visiting the Chamber of the Great Council and courtrooms among other things. Highlights include frescoes by Tintoretto and the Giants’ Staircase.  After this, cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs that links to the New Prisons. Learn how the bridge got its name and the purpose for its construction in the 17th century as you take in the amazing views of the canals. At the end of your tour, feel free to stay and explore the Doge’s Palace with tips from your guide.

Venice: Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace

3. Venice: Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace

Discover the essence of Venice on an intimate guided tour, exploring two of the city's most iconic sites: the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace. With skip-the-line tickets included, you'll bypass the queues and immerse yourself in the grandeur of these Venetian marvels under the expert guidance of your knowledgeable host. Begin your journey at St. Mark's Square, where you'll be captivated by the historic Clock Tower and the majestic Marble Lions. Delve into Venice's rich history as your guide shares fascinating tales of the city's past. Then, step inside the renowned Basilica of St. Mark with exclusive access, marveling at its shimmering golden mosaics and lavish décor while uncovering its significance as a symbol of Venetian prestige and prosperity. Continue exploring the magnificent Doge's Palace, a splendid example of Gothic architecture and once the seat of Venetian governance. Gain insight into the lives of the Venetian Doges and the masterful craftsmen behind the palace's intricate design. As you wander through this architectural gem, soak in panoramic views of the lagoon and hear captivating stories, including the legendary exploits of Casanova and the poignant tale of the Bridge of Sighs and the adjoining Old and New Prisons. After the tour, extend your Venetian odyssey with complimentary access to the Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana, where you can further immerse yourself in Venice's rich heritage and culture.

Venice: Unusual Sights Walking Tour with Optional Gondola

4. Venice: Unusual Sights Walking Tour with Optional Gondola

Get off the beaten path of Venice, away from the crowds. With a guide, explore the heart of Venice, including lesser-known areas, rich with history such as the Rialto Bridge. First, discover Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the largest squares of the city, and explore the nine streets and 11 bridges that branch from it. Cross the Campiello degli Orbi, where once lived presumably a blind people Confraternity. Next, arrive at the Saints John and Paul area, now the site of Venetian hospital. Visit the labyrinth of calli and campi (narrow Venetian streets and squares) and find Marco Polo's House, a building believed to be the home of the famous explorer, marked by a white plaque and now used as a theater. Finally, pass through St. Mark's Square with its stunning monuments as well as Doge's Palace. Continue your experience with an optional gondola ride discovering Venice from a unique angle: glide under the Bridge of Sighs into the magical San Marco Basin and greet the charming San Giorgio Island. A dream journey awaits!

Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

5. Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

Depart from the railway station on Piazzale Roma and journey to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing industry. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the still-thriving tradition has been passed down over generations and each glass blower has developed their own personal style. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration and learn to recognize the difference between the various artisans and brands during your stay on the island. Then, continue to the island of Burano, known for its crochet work and brightly colored houses. Get picture-perfect views of the landmarks of Burano, such as the leaning bell tower and the main square of Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, named after a major 18th-century Venetian composer. Look in some of the lace shops during your visit to the island. Then, conclude your travels at the starting point of your tour.

Venice Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

6. Venice Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

Set off on a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, the Doge's Palace, and St Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line entry. Meet your guide at St. Mark’s Square and head for Doge's Palace, the extraordinary palace that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Enter the splendid rooms, with hundreds of painted masterpieces. Explore where the Duke and his Council controlled the fate of a 1,000-year republic and admire the details of the medieval gold staircase. See the famous Bridge of Sighs. Enter the notorious Venetian prison that held Giacomo Casanova. Visit St Mark’s Basilica and enjoy a guided tour of this Byzantine masterpiece, with its beautiful gold mosaics and marble floor inlays. See the treasure and the terrace of the Basilica of St.Mark's

Venice: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs Guided Tour

7. Venice: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs Guided Tour

Enjoy the best of Venice on a small group guided tour and visit three of the city's most iconic monuments, the St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge's Palace. Skip the long lines outside with our skip-the-line tickets to save precious time. Discover the imposing Doge's Palace with its splendid rooms and hundreds of masterpieces. Here, the Doge and his Council controlled the fate of a thousand-year history Republic. Live it together with a guide that shows you the halls of power, plunging you into a very particular historical context: the European Middle Ages and the immediately following centuries. Then, cross the world-famous Bridge of Sighs and visit the humid and dark Piombi Prisons. Its name comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells. Continue the visit with the main hall and the shining golden naves of St. Mark's Basilica, learn about the history of the artworks decorating the church, and if foreseen in the visit option you chose reach the Basilica museum. Admire the breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, from the Basilica's terrace. Finally, you can continue to visit Venice by yourself using our audioguide. The mobile app includes a digital map that guides you through the city showing the best spots.

Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace & Doge’s Palace

8. Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace & Doge’s Palace

Combine the top two sights in Venice on one extraordinary tour led by a local guide. With pre-reserved tickets and skip-the-line access, head straight into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace for a guided experience. Select the 8 AM tour to enjoy exclusive early entry to the Doge's Palace and have the door opened exclusively for your group an hour before the general public arrives. First, step inside Venice's most important church—St. Mark's Basilica—and gain a full appreciation for its east-meets-west architecture and breathtaking gold mosaics. In the company of a local guide, get up close with some of the basilica’s greatest treasures, such as the millennia-old Quadriga of four gold horses. Have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. At every step of the way, you’ll hear the fascinating story of how most of the basilica's prized possessions ended up here by less-than-honest means. The second stop on your itinerary is no less beautiful. The Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, was home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. Skip the long line with pre-reserved tickets and walk straight inside to explore huge council chambers, incredible audience rooms, and a stunning ballroom with larger-than-life works by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear the intriguing history of this building that housed the world's oldest republic—as well as its fascinating government and even an incarcerated Casanova. To finish your morning of discovery, walk in the footsteps of many a less-fortunate Venetian from centuries past. Head over the Bridge of Sighs from the inside and into the grim New Prisons—a stark yet fascinating contrast to the opulent halls and galleries that lie within the palace just across the narrow canal.

Venice: Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs & Prisons Tour

9. Venice: Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs & Prisons Tour

Visit Doge's Palace with an expert guide and tour its extraordinary rooms. Together with your expert guide, you will be escorted inside the palace where you can admire artistic masterpieces created by the most famous painters and sculptors of that time. Tiepolo and Tiziano make up only a few of the many artists that decorated this palace. Be stunned in front of the golden staircases, the entrance of the rooms of the Doges, and the halls of power from where you can see the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the greatest and largest paintings in the world. Visit the Old Royal Palace in St. Marks Square. Here you will discover the Venice lifestyle in the past; the rooms of Sissi (Empress of Austria) and the archaeological museum.

Venice: City Pass with Museums, Churches & Public Transport

10. Venice: City Pass with Museums, Churches & Public Transport

Make your trip to Venice more comfortable with the Venice City Pass. Gain access to all of the city's prominent churches, museums, monuments, and more. Choose from multiple-day passes, with the option to add public transportation tickets. Visit the Byzantine monuments of St. Mark's Square and venture inside the palace that was the seat of a 1000-year republic, the Doge's Palace. Get access to all 16 churches of the Chorus Circuit such as Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio, Chiesa di Santo Stefano, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Make your way to the Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, Biblioteca Marciana, Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, Glass Museum on Murano Island, Natural History Museum, Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, Carlo Goldoni's House, Lace Museum on Burano Island, and Museo Fortuny. List of museums:Doge's PalaceMuseo CorrerArchaeological MuseumBiblioteca MarcianaCa' RezzonicoCa' PesaroNatural History MuseumMocenigo PalaceCarlo Goldoni HouseLace Museum on Burano IslandGlass Museum on Murano IslandMuseo Fortuny The 16 Churches of the Chorus Circuit include: Santa Maria del GiglioSan StaeSanto StefanoSant'AlviseSanta Maria FormosSan Pietro di CastelloSanta Maria dei MiracoliSantissimo RedentoreS.Giovanni ElemosinarioSanta Maria del Rosario (Gesuati)San PoloSan SebastianoSan Giacomo dall'OrioSan GiobbeSanta Maria del Carmelo (Carmini)S.Giovanni Battista in Bragora

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What people are saying about Doge's Palace

Overall rating

4.5
(35,199 reviews)

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Gloria, our guide, was informative, enthusiastic and her historical knowledge and how she put it across was excellent and had my attention throughout. Great humour as well... As for the Bascillica and the Palace, quite fantastic in every way.

Nothing. Our guide was so amazing and engaging. Loved the way he delivered his history. Absolutely fantastic tour guide. Didn’t get his name. Shout out to him. Brilliant

Rosanna was a fun walking guide and the gondola guide was worth it. St. Mark’s was closed due to the pope’s visit but they refunded that portion quickly.

Franscesca was outstanding. She was knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed the tour completely. The only complaint was the awful headsets.

The guide is extremely professional. His passion to the history and Venice culture was really impressive.