Doge's Palace: Tickets and Tours

Dating back to the 12th century, this Gothic-style palace gracefully stands out among all the other buildings in Venice. It was the principal residence of the Doge of Venice, the leader of the former Venetian Republic, and served as a seat for the government.

After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, the palace has been occupied by different administrative offices. In the 19th century, the Italian government decided to renovate the building and opened it as a public museum in 1923.

The palace has been rebuilt, restored and extended multiple times throughout history, which has helped preserve this masterpiece of Gothic architecture — a proud symbol of Venice and a must-see for visitors. Book your Doge’s Palace tickets and tours to explore this architectural jewel.

Here's all you need to know about Doge's Palace, one of the must-visit attractions of Venice.

What are the prices of Doge's Palace tickets?

To visit Doge's Palace, you must choose from several ticket options — the St. Mark's Square Museums ticket, the Secret Itineraries Tour, the Doge’s Hidden Treasures Tour and the Museum Pass.

St. Mark’s Square Museum Ticket

The St. Mark’s Square Museum ticket costs €30. However, if you reserve your ticket online at least 30 days in advance, it costs €25. This ticket gives you access to the following locations.

• Doge's Palace
• Museo Correr
• Museo Archeologico Nazionale
• Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana

Secret Itineraries Ticket

You can also book a Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries ticket for €32, which includes access and a guided tour of the Doge’s secret meeting rooms. Tours are in English, French or Italian, and last about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

After the tour, you can freely explore the rest of Doge’s Palace at your own pace.

Doge’s Hidden Treasures Ticket

You can also book the Doge’s Hidden Treasures ticket for €32, which includes access and a guided tour of the Doge’s private rooms — the Chiesetta and Antichiesetta. Tours are in English, French or Italian.

After the tour, you can freely explore the rest of Doge’s Palace at your own pace.

Museum Pass

You can book a Venice museum pass for €40, which is valid for six months and includes a single entry to the following museums.

• Doge's Palace
• Museo Correr
• Museo Archeologico Nazionale
• Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
• Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo
• Carlo Goldoni’s House
• Ca’ Pesaro
• International Gallery of Modern Art
• Natural History Museum
• Fortuny Museum
• Glass Museum (in Murano)
• Lace Museum (in Burano)

Are there any discounted ticket rates?

Doge’s Palace tickets have reduced prices for children from 6 to 14 years old, students between 15 and 25 years old, seniors over 65, families with two adults and at least one child and holders of the Venice Rolling Card or the ISIC (International Student Identity Card).

The Doge's Palace standard ticket is reduced to €15 (or €13 with early booking). The Secret Itineraries and Hidden Treasures tickets are discounted to €20, and the Museum Pass is only €22.

You must bring an ID to receive a reduced ticket.

Can I visit for free?

Yes. Children under 5, disabled people plus one companion, Art Pass Venice Foundation and Art Pass Fondazione Venetian Heritage holders can visit Doge’s Palace for free.

Why should I book in advance?

Yes, it’s a good idea to book in advance for several reasons.

• You skip the line at the entrance. There’s no need to wait in line for your ticket.
• You reserve your preferred date. Doge’s Palace is one of the most popular sites in Venice, and tickets often sell out.
• You save money. If you book at least 30 days in advance, you get a discount on your tickets.

Are guided tours of Doge's Palace worth it?

Yes. A guided tour offers many advantages to fully enjoy your Doge's Palace visit.

You'll be accompanied by an expert, who will inform you about the palace's history and construction and answer all the questions that you may have during your visit.

What are the best Doge's Palace tours?

Group Tours

Group tours of Doge's Palace in Venice offer a fun and informative way to explore this magnificent landmark. They are often more affordable than private tours, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget. By sharing the cost of the guide and other expenses with other travelers, you can save money while still enjoying a high-quality tour.

Group tours offer an opportunity to meet and interact with other travelers. You'll have the chance to share your experiences and make new friends while exploring the palace together. This can be particularly enjoyable for solo travelers or those who want to connect with like-minded people.

You can also benefit from the knowledge of expert guides who know all about the palace's history, art, and architecture. They'll provide you with informative commentary, bringing the palace's stories and secrets to life.

Private Tours

For a more personalized and in-depth experience, consider taking a private tour of Doge's Palace in Venice. You'll have the undivided attention of your guide. This allows you to ask questions, delve deeper into the palace's history and art, and customize the tour to your interests.

Private tours offer greater flexibility than group tours. You can choose the date, time, and duration of your tour, and you'll have the freedom to explore the palace at your own pace.

They can also be tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply interested in architecture, your guide can customize the tour to suit your needs.

Audioguided Tours

An audio-guided tour is an excellent way to explore Doge's Palace in Venice at your own pace. It will provide you with all the information you need about each room, painting, and artifact, allowing you to focus on what interests you the most.

The audio guide provides rich and detailed information about the palace's history, art, and architecture. You'll learn about the palace's role in the Venetian Republic, the stories behind the paintings, and the symbolism hidden in the decorations.

The audio guide is easy to use, with clear instructions and user-friendly controls. The guide is available in several languages, allowing visitors from all over the world to enjoy the tour.

At-Night Tours

For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, consider taking a night tour of Doge's Palace in Venice. On an at-night tour, you will have exclusive access to the palace after it has closed to the public. This means you will be able to explore the palace without the crowds and with the benefit of expert guides.

Seeing the palace at night offers a different perspective than during the day. The palace is illuminated, casting a soft glow over the grand courtyards and halls. The atmosphere is quieter and more intimate, allowing you to appreciate the palace's grandeur and history in a more personal way.

At certain times of the year, the palace hosts special exhibitions that are only open during the evening hours. These exhibitions offer a chance to see rare and unique artifacts and artworks that are not on display during regular hours.

Are there any combined tickets or tours with Doge’s Palace and other attractions?

Yes! Combined tickets are a perfect option if you're looking for a full experience in the city of Love.

• Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica: Choose a combo of the two most visited attractions and enjoy a complete tour of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of Venice.
• Doge’s Palace and its Prisons: Why not head down into the dungeons during your visit? Walk across the ominous Bridge of Sighs and follow in the footsteps of the condemned from centuries ago.

What will I see inside?

Simply wandering around the palace to appreciate its unique architecture and sea views already makes for an enjoyable visit. However, there are also plenty of marble sculptures and priceless paintings to see as well.

The Courtyard

Upon entering, the grand courtyard with its marble arches and statues welcomes you to the palace. Antonio Rizzo designed this courtyard, which was built in the 15th century and has since been used for public events and ceremonies.

The Doge's Apartments

The Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge, the ruler of Venice, and his family. You can visit their luxurious apartments, which are adorned with intricate frescoes and decorated ceilings.

The Great Council Hall

The Great Council Hall is the largest room in the palace and was used for official ceremonies and meetings. It is decorated with grand paintings by famous Venetian artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese.

The Armory

The Armory holds a vast collection of weapons, including swords, shields, and suits of armor. It is a fascinating display of the military power of the Venetian Republic.

The Bridge of Sighs

This connects Doge's Palace to the prison and was used to transport prisoners. It offers a beautiful view of the lagoon and is one of Venice's most famous landmarks.

The Prisons

The cells that once held Venice’s prisoners are located beneath the palace and are a haunting reminder of the dark side of Venice's history. The cells are small and damp, and prisoners were often held there for years without trial.

How to get there?

Doge’s Palace is located in the heart of Venice, next to St. Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco. You can easily get there on foot or by boat.

On foot

From the Santa Lucia Train Station, the walk is 2.5 kilometers and should take you about half an hour.

By boat (vaporetti)

From Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia Train Station, take Line 1 to Vallaresso or San Zaccaria, Line 2 to Giardinetti or Line 4.1 or 5.1 to San Zaccaria.

From Lido di Venezia, take Line 1 to Vallaresso or San Zaccaria or Line 5.2 to San Zaccaria.

What are the opening times?

The Doge’s Palace opening times change depending on the time of year.

From April 1st to October 31st, Doge’s Palace is open Sundays to Thursdays from 9 AM to 7 PM. The last entry is at 6 PM.

From November 1st to March 31st, Doge’s Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The last entry is at 5 PM.

When is the best time to visit Doge’s Palace?

The best time of day to visit Doge's Palace in Venice is in the morning. Arriving early allows you to avoid the crowds and appreciate the palace's beauty without distractions.

The best time of year to visit depends on your preferences. Summer is the peak tourist season, spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while winter is the quietest time of year.

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your priorities. If you want to avoid crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn, while summer may be the best option to experience the palace at its liveliest.

Which other attractions can be visited in Venice?

• La Fenice Theatre
• Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
• Prisons Palace

Travel tips

• If you want to visit the New Prisons, make sure to visit Doge's Palace early. Visits to the new jails end at 6 PM.
• You will have to walk and stand up a lot in the museum, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes and avoid bringing heavy bags.
• If you choose a combined ticket for Doge's Palace and St. Mark Basilica, don't forget to wear modest clothes for the basilica, as it is a holy place.
• Book your tickets online well in advance to ensure you get your preferred date and time. Besides that, you can skip the line and avoid waiting for a long time at the ticket office.