How long does it take to see the Doge’s Palace?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours exploring the palace. Guided tours typically last 60–90 minutes, while combo visits or museum add-ons can extend your visit to half a day.

Why should I take a guided tour of Doge's Palace?

The palace is vast and historically dense. A guided tour helps you understand its political system, artworks, and hidden details, while following a clear, time-efficient route.

How big of a difference is there between Secret Itineraries vs. standard entry?

A significant one. Secret Itineraries tours grant access to restricted areas like interrogation rooms and attic prisons, offering a deeper look into Venice’s justice system that standard tickets don’t include.

Can I visit the New Prisons with my standard Doge's Palace entry ticket?

Yes. Standard tickets include access to the New Prisons via the Bridge of Sighs, along with the main palace interiors.

Is it a good idea to combine Doge's Palace visit with other Venice landmarks on the same day?

Yes. The palace is located in St. Mark’s Square, just steps from major landmarks. Combo tickets help you cover multiple highlights efficiently without extra planning.

Are there any discounted or free admission opportunities?

Discounted tickets may be available for EU residents, students, or children, depending on the option selected. Availability and eligibility vary by ticket type.

Are my Doge’s Palace tickets refundable?

Cancellation policy for the Doge's Palace tickets vary with the particular type of ticket that you've chosen.

Is the Doge’s Palace wheelchair-accessible?

Yes. Most of the Doge’s Palace is wheel-chair accessible. Only the Secret Itineraries, Armoury and Prisons cannot be accessed.

Can I visit Doge's Palace with kids?

Yes. Doge’s Palace is suitable for kids, especially older ones who enjoy the prisons and grand halls. Keep visits short (1–1.5 hours) and flexible for the best experience.

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Tickets

Doge's Palace Skip the Line Tickets

Timed entry with three museums, flexible self-paced exploring and optional audio guide in Venice.

Everything you get: Timed entry gets you into Doge's Palace to explore the apartments, council halls, Bridge of Sighs and New Prisons at your own pace. The same ticket gives access to Correr Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana.
Upgrades: Upgrade to an audio guide, a guided palace visit, a combined Basilica and palace tour, or regular skip-the-line entry at both sites.
Why choose this: Book once to secure entry and move between the palace route and three museums without ticket queues or juggling multiple tickets.

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Book now, pay later

Flexible

Audio guide

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Tickets

St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets

Save more than 60 minutes of waiting time in ticket queues to explore the church's dazzling mosaics and the palace's prisons.

Everything you get: Walk past the ticket lines to enter Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica faster, then explore both landmarks at your own pace. Your ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Biblioteca Marciana in St. Mark's Square.
Upgrades: Upgrade to St. Mark's bell tower entry, Bridge of Sighs and prisons access, or a guided tour of both sites with an English-speaking guide and headsets.
Why choose this: This tour gives you the best of both worlds at a competitive price: the freedom to explore at your own pace and time saved in waiting lines so you can dive right into the action.

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Book now, pay later

Flexible

Guided tour

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Combos

Combo (Save 12%): St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets + St.Mark's Museums and Doge's Palace Access with Optional ACTV Transport Pass

Discover how Venice’s power, art, and daily life intertwined, with a simple, well-planned combo.

Everything you get at St. Mark’s Basilica: Skip the lines and dive into Venetian history with a multilingual audio guide. Explore the Zen Chapel, marvel at glittering mosaics, biblical domes, and ornate marble interiors, plus see Saint Mark’s relics up close.
Everything you get at Doge’s Palace & Museums: Fast-track entry to Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, and Marciana Library. Enjoy masterpieces, golden ceilings, and discover the palace’s grand façade, armory, and prisons at your own pace.
Why choose this combo: Save time and money with one smart combo that covers Venice’s essential sights, so you can focus on exploring, not waiting in queues.
Upgrades: Add 1- or 2-day ACTV water bus and mainland bus passes for easy travel across Venice and its islands.

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Flexible

Audio guide

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City Cards

Venice Museums Pass with Doge's Palace Access and Optional Cultural Sites

A flexible gateway into Venice’s museum scene, designed for visitors who want choice and ease.

Everything you get: Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the iconic Doge’s Palace, the former seat of Venetian power, famed for its grand chambers and opulent artwork. Your pass also grants access to a curated selection of Venice’s most celebrated museums and landmarks, offering a flexible way to discover the city’s rich art, history, and culture at your own pace.
Why choose this: Save time with fast-track entry plus flexible validity and see Venice’s must-visit museums without the hassle of multiple tickets.
Options: Select the pass that suits your travel style. You can choose broad access to Venice’s civic museums, priority entry to the museums and landmarks around St. Mark’s Square, or an extended pass that also includes Scuola Grande dei Carmini and Fondazione Querini Stampalia.

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Check availability

Flexible

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Guided Tours

St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Seamlessly explore Venice's royal and religious life with one guide through it all.

Everything you get: Skip ticket lines to enter Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica with an expert guide in your chosen language. Use headsets for groups of ten or more as you cross the Bridge of Sighs into the New Prisons and learn how justice worked in the old republic.
Upgrades: Select from multilingual guide options, or upgrade to Secret Itineraries access to secret prisons, archives, and a torture chamber.
Why choose this: The basilica once served as the palace’s private chapel, and exploring them together reveals how their stories have been connected for centuries.

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1 hr 30 mins - 3 hrs

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Guided Tours

Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Hear gripping tales of Venice's politics as you explore hidden chambers once reserved for insiders.

Everything you get: Skip past the ticket queue and walk straight into the seat of Venice's government. Once inside, follow the marked route through chambers and galleries at your own pace, taking in paintings and canal views before stepping back into St. Mark's Square today.
Upgrades: Add tours of palace rooms, Bridge of Sighs/New Prisons, Secret Itineraries, Casanova walk, evening visit, legends and conspiracies, guides/headsets.
Why choose this: Ideal if you prefer to devote a full visit to the palace's stories and setting, without combining it with other museums or side activities.

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Free cancellation

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30 mins - 1 hr 30 mins

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Public Transport

Combo: 2- Day Venice ACTV Bus Pass + Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace

Discover Venice’s must-see museums and enjoy unlimited public transport with one convenient, value-packed combo.

Everything you get with Venice Museums Pass: Skip the hassle of separate tickets and access Doge’s Palace, the Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and more. Visit 12 renowned cultural landmarks with a single pass, valid for up to 6 months, and explore Venice’s art, history, and architecture at your own rhythm.
Everything you get with ACTV Vaporetto Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: Travel freely across Venice with unlimited access to water buses, city buses, and trams for 2 full days. Cruise along the Grand Canal, reach Murano, Burano, and Lido, and move easily between Venice and the mainland.
Why choose this combo: See more and spend less by combining top museum access with unlimited transport. No ticket switching, no planning stress, just seamless sightseeing across the city.

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Flexible

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Tickets

Doge's Palace Entry Tickets and Venice 11-Museum Pass

Unlock Venice's civic museums with one pass, linking city palaces and lagoon island collections.

Everything you get: Enjoy entry to Doge's Palace plus 11 Venice museums: Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, Biblioteca Marciana rooms, Ca’ Rezzonico, Carlo Goldoni House, Mocenigo Palace-Museum, Ca’ Pesaro, Natural History, Burani Lace, Murano Glass, and Fortuny Museum.
Why choose this: Shape a self-guided Venice itinerary over several days, dropping into these museums whenever it suits you.

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Extended validity

Flexible

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Tickets

Venice St.Mark's Museum Pass & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets

With this pass, you can choose to avail free, one-time access to 3 museums including Correr Museum, and get discounted entry to Doge's Palace.
Enjoy fast track, priority skip-the-line entry and get direct access to the museums’ permanent collections. Relish works of art from different art movements at your own pace.
Home to historical collections about the Serenissima and stunning Venetian paintings until the early 16th century, the Museo Correr is a must-visit for history buffs.
Admire the golden ceilings at Marciana Library, where you can see Roman statues and a world map from 1450.
At Doge's Palace, discover everything from the exquisite waterfront façade to the armory and prisons!

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Flexible

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Walking Tours

Absolute Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & More with Priority Access

Combine a Venice walking tour with entry inside major landmarks and live headset commentary.

Everything you get: Stroll through Venice’s alleys on a guided walking tour, then enjoy entry to Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica. Join guided tours inside both sites and use a personal audio device so you catch every detail and move comfortably as you explore.
Options: Choose your preferred tour language, with English, German, French, or Spanish guides leading the same route.
Why choose this: Rely on a planned itinerary instead of piecing tours together, so you cover Venice highlights efficiently within a time window.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

4 hrs

Guided tour

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Slide 1 of 4

Visiting Doge’s Palace

Ways to explore: Timed entry, skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and combo experiences with gondola rides or city passes.
What’s included: All tickets cover Doge’s Palace, including Bridge of Sighs and prisons; some add museums or guided access.
Extra access varies: St. Mark’s Square museums are included only with non-tour tickets; guided tours typically exclude them.
Unique experiences: Secret Itineraries tours unlock hidden chambers, torture rooms, and historic prison cells not open to standard visitors.
Queues & access: Skip-the-line avoids ticket queues; security checks still apply and can take 10–20 minutes in peak season.
When to book: Reserve at least 3–5 days ahead in peak months; guided and combo tours sell out faster than standard entry.
Good to know: Self-guided tickets mostly include access to St. Mark’s Square museums, valid for 3 days from the palace visit.
Best upgrade: Guided tour with skip-the-line entry adds context and efficient routing through the palace’s vast interiors.

Which Doge's Palace ticket is best for you

Ticket type	Entrance used	Lines skipped	Includes	Guide	Why pick this	Cancellation policy	Price from	Recommended experience
Skip-the-line	Porta del Frumento	Onsite ticket queues	Doge’s Palace + New Prisons + St. Mark’s Square Museums	Audio guide (optional)	• Budget friendly • Bonus museum access • Saves 1–2 hours	No refunds or rescheduling	€35	Doge's Palace Tickets
Skip-the-line + Guidebook	Porta del Frumento	Onsite ticket queues	Palace + Museums + Guidebook + Map	No	• Self-paced flexibility • Context-rich	No refunds or rescheduling	€42.90	Doge's Palace Tickets + Guidebook
Guided tours	Porta del Frumento	Onsite ticket queues	Palace + New prisons	Yes	• Structured route • Expert-led insights into political symbolism	No refunds or rescheduling	€56	Doge's Palace Guided Tours
Special access (Secret Itineraries tour)	Porta del Frumento	Onsite ticket queues	Palace + Restricted rooms + Old prisons (+ self-guided museums access)	Yes	• Exclusive access to Venice’s secret justice system	No refunds or rescheduling	€XX	Secret Itineraries tour
Combo: Basilica + Palace	Palace + Basilica gates	Onsite ticket queues	Palace + St. Mark’s Basilica + Museums (as per option selected)	Audio/Live guide (optional)	• Political & spiritual sides of Venice just 1–2 min walk apart	No refunds or rescheduling	€78	Basilica & Palace Tickets
Venice city passes	Varies by attraction	Onsite ticket queues	Palace + Multiple Venice museums/guided city tour	Optional	• Multi-site access • Flexible pace across Venice • Cost-effective exploration	No refunds or rescheduling	€144	Absolute Venice passes

What to expect at Doge's Palace

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Grand entry

Step into Venice’s epicenter of power: Begin in the grand courtyard, where Gothic arches frame the former seat of the Doge, and feel the weight of centuries of politics, intrigue, and imperial pomp.

Stunning interiors

Wander through opulent chambers: Marvel at Tintoretto’s Il Paradiso, Veronese’s ceilings, and gilded staircases, each hall telling the story of Venice’s wealth and artistry.

One last look

Cross the Bridge of Sighs: Peer through the small windows where prisoners glimpsed their last view of the lagoon before entering the dank, echoing cells below.

The prisons

Explore hidden prisons and secret itineraries: Gain access to private offices, council chambers, and the Piombi and Pozzi cells, uncovering Venice’s political mysteries and chilling justice system.

Make the most of your visit

Choose your pace: Opt for a guided tour to hear tales of conspiracies, ducal ceremonies, and Venetian law, or skip-the-line tickets to maximize your exploration of this historic Gothic masterpiece.

Most visits take 1.5–2.5 hours, with options to combine with St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto, or gondola rides, giving a full sense of Venice’s civic, religious, and artistic heartbeat.

Things to know before buying Doge's Palace tickets

Book in advance: Tickets are available on-site, but queues can reach 30–60 minutes in peak season. Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours often sell out earlier; book at least 1-2 weeks ahead.
What the basic ticket includes: Standard entry covers Doge’s Palace, including the Bridge of Sighs and new prisons.
Skip-the-line access: Timed-entry tickets bypass the ticket counter queue, but not security checks. Expect a short wait of 10–20 minutes even with priority access.
Guided tours vs self-guided: Guided tours help understand political symbolism & governance systems; audio guides & guidebooks offer flexible pacing with insightful context.
Special access areas: Secret Itineraries tours unlock restricted spaces like torture chambers and attic prisons, not included in standard or regular guided tickets.
Combo experiences: Basilica combos and city passes bundle major Venice highlights into one itinerary, saving planning time. Note that museum access is typically excluded from guided combos with basilica.
Beyond the palace: Some tickets extend to gondola rides, or multi-museum passes across Venice, making them ideal if you want a broader, bundled experience.

Exploring the Doge's Palace

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Porta della Carta

The spectacular entrance gate is an excellent example of classical architecture in Venice, decorated with intricate carvings and figurines of historic or mythical personalities, like St. Mark’s Lion.

The Courtyard and the Loggias

The view around the Courtyard at the Doge’s Palace is an awe-inspiring sight. You’ll find the Renaissance wing on one side and the Piazetta wing on the other. You can also see the Giants’ Staircase connected to the Porta della Carta and statues of Mars and Neptune.

Giant's Staircase

Ascend this grand staircase, a powerful first impression. Imposing statues of Mars and Neptune flank the stairs, symbolizing Venice's military and maritime might.

Scala d’Oro

Known as the Golden Staircase due to its rich gold finish, these steps lead from the ground floor of the Doge’s Palace to the top floors that house the former offices, reception areas and residence of the Doge and his advisors.

Chamber of the Great Council

This was where the early Venetian Parliament lower house was seated. This massive room could accommodate more than 1500 voters at a time! The chamber is worth a visit solely for the fantastic artwork in itself.

The Chamber of the Great Council

The Chamber of the Great Council is the largest room in Europe, covering 1,250 square meters of floor space. It is located on the first floor of Doge's Palace. Its most famous highlight is the largest oil painting in the world, Tintoretto's Il Paradiso.

The Doge’s Apartments

A fire ravaged the Doge's residence in the 1480s, which were then rebuilt with the utmost grandeur and pomp. While each Doge furnished the chambers in their own style, the classy carved ceilings, frescoes, fireplace and artwork are still preserved.

The Prisons & Bridge of Sighs

The Doge's Palace even housed prisoners in a section designed for more light and ventilation. These prisons lead to the Bridge of Sighs - eerily named after prisoners’ sighs after a final look at the lagoon outside as they bid farewell to their freedom.

The Armoury

These rooms contain over 2000 exhibits and collections of historic armaments and weapons, dating back to before the 14th Century. These collections include swords, crossbows, firearms prohibited by law and suits of armor, along with possessions captured from enemies after wars.

Plan your visit to Doge's Palace

General timings: 9am - 7pm
Last entry: One hour before closing
Special timings: From April 1 to October 31, 9am to 7pm. From November 1 to March 31, 9am to 6 pm
Closed on: 25 December and 1 January

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Doge's Palace is during the months of April to June and September to October. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a more enjoyable experience compared to the peak summer months. Early morning or late afternoon visits on weekdays within this timeframe are ideal for avoiding crowds.

Check Doge's Palace complete schedule

Entrance of the Doge's Palace in the Piazza San Marco

The Doge's Palace has one main public entrance.

Main entrance (Porta del Frumento): This is the most commonly used entry point, facing the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront on the palace's right side if you're approaching from St. Mark's Square. It features a simple Renaissance style contrasting with the palace's overall Gothic architecture.

A guide to Doge's Palace entrance

Information desk
Cloakroom
Restrooms
Museum app for audio guide
Bookshop
Cafeteria
Elevators
Baby pit stop

Plan your visit to Doge's Palace

While the main entrance (Porta del Frumento) has a slightly raised step, staff are readily available to assist or direct you to a nearby accessible entrance.
A wheelchair ramp is available inside the palace to navigate many areas.
An elevator provides access to most floors within the Doge's Palace, allowing visitors with disabilities to explore a significant portion of the palace.
There are accessible restrooms at the first floor available within the Doge's Palace for visitor convenience.
The palace has a hearing loop system in place to assist visitors with hearing impairments.

Important considerations: Some exceptions exist. The Secret Itineraries tour, Prisons, and Armory are not wheelchair accessible due to their historical layout and architectural constraints.

Enjoy your snacks and drinks outside the palace grounds. Food and drink are not permitted inside the exhibition areas.
While appreciating the art and architecture, please maintain a respectful volume to ensure a peaceful experience for all visitors.
Please refrain from touching any artworks, furniture, or displays to preserve them for future generations.
Regular photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography might be restricted in some rooms with sensitive artworks. Check signage or ask staff for guidance.
Large bags, backpacks, or luggage may not be allowed inside the Doge's Palace due to security and space limitations.
There's no strict dress code, but avoid overly revealing clothing or swimwear. Opt for comfortable attire suitable for exploring a historical landmark.

Visitor tips

Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the palace, including the main halls, armory, prisons, and apartments.
If not joining a guided tour, consider renting an audio guide for detailed information about the exhibits and rooms, while still exploring at your own pace.
Don't miss a gondola ride after exploring the Doge's Palace – it's the perfect way to end your Venetian day trip!
Unfortunately, furry friends are not permitted inside the Doge's Palace, so plan accordingly.
Get a printed copy of your e-ticket, as you may be required to show it at the entrance.
The palace is extensive with many stairs and uneven surfaces; comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant visit.

Frequently asked questions about Doge's Palace tickets

Yes, with prebooked online tickets you can skip the onsite ticket queues lasting around 30-60 minutes at the Doge's Palace.

Experience the best of Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace Skip the Line Tickets

St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets

Combo (Save 12%): St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets + St.Mark's Museums and Doge's Palace Access with Optional ACTV Transport Pass

Venice Museums Pass with Doge's Palace Access and Optional Cultural Sites

St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Combo: 2- Day Venice ACTV Bus Pass + Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace Entry Tickets and Venice 11-Museum Pass

Venice St.Mark's Museum Pass & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets

Absolute Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & More with Priority Access

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Visiting Doge’s Palace

Which Doge's Palace ticket is best for you