Doge’s Palace & Prisons Guided Tour

Doge’s Palace is best known for its stunning Gothic architecture and its role as the center of power in the Venetian Republic. Highlights include the opulent Great Council Chamber, the beautiful Golden Staircase, and the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prisons. The palace also features exquisite artwork by masters like Titian and Tiepolo, showcasing Venice’s rich political and artistic legacy.

February is a fantastic time to visit Venice, especially for the lively Carnivale atmosphere. In spring (March to May), enjoy mild weather and vibrant energy, though larger crowds are expected. Summer brings warmth and exciting festivals, but also more visitors. In the off-season (October to January), you’ll find fewer crowds for a more intimate experience, but be aware that this period is prone to flooding, which may cause entrance delays. Each season has its perks, so pick the one that suits you best—Doge’s Palace is captivating year-round!

While there’s a lovely (though pricey) café inside the palace serving drinks, sandwiches, and sweet treats, you’ll find even more delightful dining options just a short stroll away. Be sure to check out Harry’s Bar, renowned for its classic Bellini cocktail, and Caffè Florian, one of the world’s oldest cafés, where you can enjoy delicious pastries in a charming setting.

The area is filled with great lunch and dining spots, so be sure to sample local specialties like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), and bigoli in salsa (thick spaghetti with anchovy sauce). For a quick snack, grab some cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a nearby bacaro for an authentic taste of Venice.

Doge’s Palace is located in the vibrant heart of Venice, right on Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), the city’s most iconic gathering spot. This prime location puts the palace next to other must-see landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile (bell tower), making it an ideal starting point for your Venetian adventure.

Since Venice is a car-free city, you can easily reach Doge’s Palace via its famous waterways. Hop on a vaporetto or water taxi and get off at Palazzo Ducale from the Grand Canal or from St. Mark’s Boat Stop—you can’t miss it!

While it’s definitely possible to explore Doge’s Palace on your own, you’d be missing out on a wealth of fascinating history! A knowledgeable guide brings the palace’s stunning halls to life with captivating stories and historical insights that truly enhance your experience.

The palace is quite expansive, and navigating it solo can be challenging. A guide will not only help you discover the highlights but also ensure you don’t miss any hidden gems along the way. Plus, with a guide by your side, all your questions will be answered, making your visit even more enriching!

The ideal times to visit Doge’s Palace are early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Getting there right when it opens allows you to appreciate the stunning architecture without the crowds, while later visits provide a more peaceful atmosphere as our tour groups start to thin out. The soft afternoon light also adds a beautiful glow for your photos! However, don’t stress too much about the exact time—just make sure to go! No matter when you visit, you’re sure to be captivated!

While photography is permitted in most areas, flash photography and tripods are not allowed. Be mindful of the rules to avoid disruptions.

Some of the best photo spots include the magnificent façade of the palace itself, the picturesque St. Mark’s Square, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Don’t forget to snap some shots of the Golden Staircase from outside and the beautiful canals nearby. While you can’t take photos inside, the breathtaking views outside will surely make up for it!

There’s no limit on how long you can stay in Doge’s Palace after your tour—you’re welcome to continue exploring the site! The only restriction is based on the opening hours. Your tour also includes access to St. Mark’s Museum, which features the Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana. Just keep in mind that the last entrance for these sites is 1 hour before closing, and each museum can be visited only once.

The Correr Museum is open from April 1 to October 31 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entrance at 5:00 PM. From November 1 to March 31, the hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entrance at 4:00 PM.

Please note that all guests will receive two PDFs on the day of their visit. Access to the three additional sites is granted for one entrance per museum within 24 hours of the date and time printed on the “MUSEI P. SAN MARCO – CORRER” ticket.

The National Archaeological Museum is open from November 1 to March 31 (winter hours), from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In the summer months, April 1 to October 31, the museum extends its hours to 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Last entry to the museum is granted 1 hour before closing time. 

Please note that the museum is closed on January 1 and December 25.

Please note that all guests will receive two PDFs on the day of their visit. Access to the three additional sites is granted for one entrance per museum within 24 hours of the date and time printed on the “MUSEI P. SAN MARCO – CORRER” ticket.

The Biblioteca Marciana is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. During the holiday season, it operates with special hours from December 24 to December 31, opening from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Please note that the library is closed on weekends and the following holidays: January 1 and 6, Easter Monday, April 25, May 1, June 2, August 15, November 1 and 21, and December 8, 25, and 26.

Please note that all guests will receive two PDFs on the day of their visit. Access to the three additional sites is granted for one entrance per museum within 24 hours of the date and time printed on the “MUSEI P. SAN MARCO – CORRER” ticket.

Inside Doge’s Palace, there are several key highlights that you won’t want to miss. Let’s start with the Great Council Chamber, a grand hall adorned with magnificent frescoes, where the Duke and his council once shaped the fate of Venice. Of course, there’s also the Golden Staircase, richly decorated with gold, which leads to the upper floors of the palace. And the infamous Bridge of Sighs, a poignant connection to the prisons, where prisoners took their last look at freedom. We can’t forget about the Chamber of Torment reveals the darker side of Venetian justice with its eerie atmosphere and methods of interrogation. Finally, there’s the prison cells, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by those confined within.

Doge’s Palace is home to several remarkable artworks that highlight Venice’s rich artistic heritage. One of the standout pieces is “The Paradiso” by Tintoretto, a stunning ceiling painting that captures the grandeur of the heavenly realm. In the Great Council Chamber, you’ll find “The Battle of Lepanto”, another masterpiece by Andrea Vicentino, depicting the historic naval battle. Don’t miss Titian’s “The Presentation of the Virgin”, located in the Sala dello Scrutinio, showcasing his masterful use of color and light. Additionally, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s frescoes adorn the palace, infusing the space with vibrancy and life. Each artwork contributes to the overall grandeur of the palace, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts!

We recommend traveling light. Small backpacks are allowed, but medium to regular sized bags,, and umbrellas may be considered unsuitable by staff upon entry. If so, they’ll need to be stored in the cloakroom for the duration of your visit. The good news is the cloakroom service is free of charge!

Please note, the cloakroom has limited space, larger more bulkier items, such as suitcases will need to be stored in luggage facilities around the city.

Yes, you can buy tickets on the day of your visit at the ticket office, but be prepared for potentially long lines. To make the most of your time, we highly recommend booking in advance. Whether you prefer a standard ticket or a guided tour, booking online with us allows you to skip the line and dive straight into the history of Doge’s Palace!

Yes, there are a few restrictions when it comes to food and drinks at Doge’s Palace. To help maintain the beauty and integrity of this historic site, visitors are not allowed to bring food or beverages inside. But don’t worry! There are plenty of charming cafes and restaurants just a stone’s throw away where you can grab a bite or a drink before or after your visit. Alternatively, if you’re looking to hang inside the Palace at the end of your visit for some self exploration, you could grab yourself a treat at the onsite Palazzo Ducale Caffe.

Start by checking your confirmation voucher, which contains specific details about the meeting point and any additional instructions. It’s advisable to arrive at least 15-30 minutes early to give yourself ample time to locate your guide. If you have difficulties finding the meeting point on the day of the tour, don’t hesitate to use the dedicated tour group chat, where our team will be ready to assist you. This way, you can ensure a smooth start to your experience!

While the Doge’s Palace doesn’t have a strict dress code, modest attire is recommended—especially if you plan to visit nearby basilicas. Comfortable shoes are essential, as there’s a lot of walking during the tour. Please note that admission will be denied to those with covered faces.

Yes, there are security checks at Doge’s Palace, including bag checks at the entrance. If you’ve purchased tickets at a reduced price, please note that you may also need to present ID for verification, which could cause a slight delay in entering. The good news is that if you book your tickets or tour online, you can skip the ticketing queues and get right to exploring!

Generally, tours will continue rain or shine. Please note that high tides in Venice, especially during October, November, and December, can lead to delays in entry to Doge’s Palace and may temporarily impact pre-reserved priority access. In cases of severe flooding, skip-the-line access may be suspended, as all visitors may be required to enter through an alternate entrance.

For this tour, we recommend that guests with mobility issues consider alternative options, as accessibility at the Doge’s Palace is limited. While there is a dedicated entrance for wheelchair access, certain areas between the ground floor and the first level remain inaccessible. Notably, the Armory and the Bridge of Sighs feature narrow passageways and staircases, which may pose challenges. We encourage guests to reach out for further assistance or to discuss accommodations before their visit.

Yes, each tour group has a maximum capacity of up to 20 guests. To ensure everyone can hear the guide clearly, we provide audio equipment at the beginning of the tour. This way, you won’t miss any fascinating details about the history and beauty of Doge’s Palace!

Absolutely this is a great family activity! We encourage families to join us and explore the captivating history and stunning architecture of Doge’s Palace together. It’s a fantastic way for kids to learn and have fun in a beautiful setting!

At Crown Tours, we believe in flexibility. Guests may cancel their tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time to receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour will not be eligible for a refund. Alternatively, guests may choose to reschedule their tour within this time frame, subject to availability.