FAQ

• What is the Doge’s Palace and why is it so famous?

The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture located in the heart of St. Mark’s Square. For over six centuries it was the political and judicial heart of the Serenissima Republic, home to the Doge, the government chambers and the famous prisons. Today it’s one of the most visited monuments in Venice, prized for its frescoed halls, Renaissance courtyard and the legendary Bridge of Sighs.

• Where is the Doge’s Palace located in Venice?

The Doge’s Palace stands right on St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), next to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Bell Tower — the historic and cultural centre of Venice, easily reached on foot from the San Marco – San Zaccaria waterbus stops.

• What are the Doge’s Palace opening hours?

The Doge’s Palace is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with last admission at 6:00 PM. We recommend booking your entry time in advance, especially during high season.

• Is the Doge’s Palace open in the evening during summer?

Yes. From May 1 to September 30, the Palace stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays until 11:00 PM, with last admission at 10:00 PM. An evening visit is a great way to explore the halls in a quieter, more atmospheric setting.

• How much does a Doge’s Palace ticket cost?

A standard ticket to the Doge’s Palace starts at EUR 35.00. Combo tickets that include additional museums or guided tours are also available — see our combo tours for full pricing.

• What is included in the Doge’s Palace ticket?

Depending on the ticket you choose, admission to the Doge’s Palace can also unlock access to the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the National Library of St. Mark’s — all located right on Piazza San Marco. One ticket, far more than one palace.

• Can I skip the line at the Doge’s Palace?

Yes. Our combo guided tours are designed to skip the line, so you can move straight from St. Mark’s Basilica to the Doge’s Palace and the Bell Tower without wasting time queuing — ideal if you’re visiting Venice on a tight schedule.

• Can I cancel or get a refund on my Doge’s Palace ticket?

Yes, all our Doge’s Palace tickets include free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, so you can book with confidence and adjust your plans if needed.

• How long should I plan for a visit to the Doge’s Palace?

We recommend setting aside at least 2 hours to comfortably explore the Palace’s state rooms, courtyard and prisons. If you’re combining it with St. Mark’s Basilica or the Bell Tower, plan for half a day.

• What are the must-see highlights inside the Doge’s Palace?

Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs, the New Prisons, the Hall of the Great Council (the Palace’s most majestic room), the Renaissance courtyard with the Scala dei Giganti, and the hidden passages and secret doors scattered throughout the building.

• What is the Bridge of Sighs and can I see it on my visit?

The Bridge of Sighs is the legendary enclosed passageway connecting the Doge’s Palace to the New Prisons. It’s included in a standard visit to the Palace and remains one of the most photographed – and most evocative – spots in Venice.

• Can I visit the Doge’s Palace prisons?

Yes. Your visit includes the New Prisons, reached via the Bridge of Sighs, where you can see where prisoners of the Serenissima Republic were once held.

• Are guided tours of the Doge’s Palace available?

Yes, we offer guided combo tours that pair the Doge’s Palace with St. Mark’s Basilica and the Bell Tower, led by knowledgeable local guides who bring the history of the Serenissima Republic to life.

• What does the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica & Bell Tower combo tour include?

This combo lets you skip the line at all three St. Mark’s Square icons in one seamless booking: the Venetian Gothic splendor of the Doge’s Palace, the Byzantine mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica, and the panoramic lagoon views from the top of the Bell Tower.

• Can I combine my Doge’s Palace ticket with a gondola ride?

Yes, gondola tours can be booked alongside your Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square combo, letting you pair Venice’s most iconic monument with a classic ride along the canals in a single, easy booking.

• Do I have to pay the full price when booking online?

No — on our guided combo tours you can book with a small deposit online and pay the rest on-site at our office in St. Mark’s Square, so you can secure your spot without paying everything upfront.

• What is the best time of day to visit the Doge’s Palace to avoid crowds?

Arriving right at opening (9:00 AM) is usually the quietest option. In summer, the special Friday and Saturday evening openings (until 11:00 PM) are another excellent way to experience the Palace with fewer crowds.

• Is the Doge’s Palace ticket and website available in different languages?

Yes. As a local Venice-based company, we offer our booking site and customer support in multiple languages, so international visitors can book and get assistance in the language they’re most comfortable with.

• Who is Venice Tours and why book my Doge’s Palace ticket with them?

Venice Tours is a local, family-run company based in St. Mark’s Square, serving hundreds of thousands of travellers every year with authentic Venice experiences — from the Doge’s Palace to gondola rides. Booking with a local team means real, on-the-ground support before and during your visit.

• How can I contact Venice Tours if I need help with my booking?

You can reach our team by email at booking@venicecitytours.it, by phone at +39 0414 761926, or in person at our office in Calle de le Rasse, 4536, Venice.