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St. Mark's Basilica Tickets

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St. Mark's Basilica Tickets
























































From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Sarah Valerie Sidbeck
PT

Sarah

Portugal
Jan 2026

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Our tour guide, Marina, was incredible! Her knowledge was matched only by her kindness and friendliness. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone coming to Venice!
FORESTIER STEPHANE
FR

Forestier

France
Oct 2025

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Our guide was very informative and kind. Lots of details given, both historically and artistically. We recommend this tour.
Nini tavkhelidze
GE

Nini

Georgia
Jan 2026

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On the first day we entered Venice and saw the Doges Palace, we realized that we had to see it. When we entered, I was immediately amazed. The building was beautiful, the details were amazing, and the ceiling was the most impressive, which was wonderfully painted. Thank you for this pleasure.
LEONID BORIN
IL

Leonid

Israel
Dec 2025

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Visiting the Doge’s Palace was an experience that genuinely exceeded expectations. What struck me most was how seamlessly the site brings Venice's rich and complicated history to life — not in a distant, abstract way, but vividly, through its art, architecture, and the weight of the events that took place within those walls. The rooms are breathtaking in both size and detail. Walking through the palace feels like moving through a timeline — from the grandeur of the halls where Venice governed an empire, to the armory filled with relics of a military that once projected power across Europe and into the Middle East. Each chamber is layered with meaning, adorned with paintings that aren’t just decorative, but stories — political messages, victories, diplomatic relationships, and cautionary tales all embedded in brushstrokes. The art itself is stunning — ceilings covered in gold, massive canvases that dominate entire walls, portraits of Doges and statesmen who shaped centuries of policy and trade. It’s impossible not to feel small standing in a room where decisions were made that impacted countries far beyond Italy. The palace makes clear that Venice wasn’t just a beautiful city on the water — it was a powerhouse that influenced European politics, Middle Eastern commerce, and the entire Mediterranean region. What also adds to the emotional impact is the contrast inside: incredible wealth and power on one side, and — across the Bridge of Sighs — the cold prison cells where fate was sealed for many. This physical contrast between glory and consequence makes the visit especially memorable.
John Remond
US

John

United States
Jan 2026

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We purchased the 48 hour pass and it was the best purchase we made in Venice! We used it from the train station to a stop close to our hotel so we didn't have to drag our luggage, even though we packed light, half way across Venice. We also used the pass, after spending hours in the Basilica & Doge's Palace, for relaxing tour...I mean ride to Murano...it was a great day but it wasn't over...then we used the pass for a ride to the Rialto Bridge. I don't know if you are counting, but we got our $$ worth in the first 24 hours!
Nadia Maria Magnaguagno

Nadia

Jan 2026

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+1 more

I executed the ticket online and after printing the tickets I went to the ticket machine to type in the code, I was issued two tickets valid for 48 h for two people. With those tickets we traveled on the vaporettos far and wide visiting all of Venice without any problem of queues at the counters and schedules. Excellent choice
Belhachemi Dimitri
FR

Belhachemi

France
Oct 2025

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+2 more

It was great, we were able to see a lot of Venice, a very profitable ticket at €25 a day, I recommend it.
Margaret Colgan

Margaret

Jan 2026
It was very easy to find and book the ticket. It was a fantastic experience and one which I will tell my family and friends to take. Beautiful paintings and architecture plus an amazing learning experience. Thanks

Top things to do in Venice

St. Mark's Basilica - Home to God & Gold

Located in the heart of St Mark’s Square, the St. Mark's Basilica stands tall as a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture. Revered as a symbol of Venice, the church is breathtaking on the inside as it is on the outside with its awe-inspiring mosaics, and priceless works of art, including the esteemed Pala d'Oro altarpiece. Find the best tickets & tour options, highlights, travel guide and insider tips to explore the best of this landmark effortlessly.

Things to know before buying St. Mark's Basilica tickets

  • Long waiting times at St. Mark's Basilica are the norm often extending to anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour even during the off-season. Plan ahead and buy skip-the-line tickets online in advance. It's a game-changer. The convenience of bypassing the queue outweighs any loss of spontaneity.

  • San Marco Basilica's history, from stolen relics to centuries of legacies, is one gripping tale. Consider a guided tour for an insightful visit, where you can spend more time at the site and learn fascinating stories and lesser-known secrets of this sensational monument from the experts.

  • Be aware that there are additional fees for specific areas within the basilica, such as:
  • Pala d’Oro (€6-8): One of the major highlights of the Basilica is its stunning golden altarpiece behind the main altar. Considered one of the most refined and accomplished works of Byzantine craftsmanship.
  • Treasury (€3-5): Housing religious relics, manuscripts, and precious metals, offering insights into the cultural and religious heritage of Venice and the Basilica.
  • Museum (€7-10, usually included in our Basilica tickets, Terrace optional): Witness history in the sculptures, mosaics, and artworks showcasing the artistic and architectural evolution of St. Mark's Basilica over the centuries.

  • The St. Mark's Bell Tower (costs extra €12-15) is one of Venice's beloved and most sold-out highlights, owing to its mesmerizing views. Don't let the climb deter you, there's an elevator for your convenience. The extra Euros seems well worth it for this unique experience. It is closed in adverse weather conditions like strong winds, fog, intense cold, etc.

  • Children under 6 years can enter the Basilica for free.

  • St. Mark's Basilica closes during Sunday morning mass, reopening at 2pm for tourists. Entry is free during mass. The Museum is accessible from 9:30am to 2pm. The tickets are timed so choose wisely; early hours are less crowded. Bright lights illuminate the golden mosaics from 11:30am to 12:30pm for optimal viewing.

  • During busy hours, visiting time inside the Basilica might be limited to around ten minutes, while during low or mid-seasons, you have the freedom to explore for as long as you like.

Which St. Mark's Basilica ticket is best for you?

If you're short on time

Go for: Skip-the-line access
Duration: Flexible

  • Speedy access to St. Mark's Basilica, bypassing queues, enabling efficient exploration without delays.
  • With optional upgrade to access Pala D'Oro and an audio guide, you get a rich understanding of the basilica's significance, enhancing your visit despite time constraints.

Recommended tickets:

  • St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets

If you wish to explore in-depth

Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible

  • The guides reveal the fascinating history & often-overlooked mysteries of St. Mark's Basilica, explaining the meaning behind its detailed mosaics, sculptures, and artwork.
  • With combined options like the one including the Doge's Palace, you'll enjoy a thorough exploration of Venice's cultural treasures and a deeper connection to the city's heritage.

Recommended tours:

  • Guided Tour of St. Marks Basilica with Priority Entry
  • Absolute Venice - Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & More with Priority Access

If you want exclusive access

Go for: After hour tours
Duration: 1 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.

  • Presents a special chance to visit St. Mark's Basilica after regular hours, giving a peaceful and private experience without crowds.
  • Enjoy an expert-led tour by a local English-speaking guide, complete with a headset for detailed insights into the basilica's history and art.

Recommended tickets:

  • St. Mark's Basilica Night Tour with Optional Doge's Palace

If you're on a budget

Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: 2 hours

  • Choosing the combo ticket enables budget-conscious travelers to save by bundling attractions together, with several seasonal discounts as an added bonus.
  • Pair a basilica tour with another must-do Venetian experience- a guided gondola ride, ensuring memorable experiences without overspending.

Recommended tickets:

  • Combo: St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace Fast-Track Tickets
  • St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour with Gondola Ride

Exploring St. Mark's Basilica

St Marks Basilica - Pala d'Oro
St Marks Basilica - St. Mark's Museum
St. Mark’s Campanile
St Marks Basilica - The Treasury
St Marks Basilica - Tomb of St. Mark
St Marks Basilica - The Domes
Gold Mosaics
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Pala d'Oro

The Pala d’Oro is an exquisite structure made of Byzantine enamel. It is globally recognized to be one of the most sophisticated and accomplished works with both of its sides decked with thousands of jewels and pearls.

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St. Mark's Museum

The museum showcases several objects and artifacts that are historically related to the heritage of St. Mark's Basilica. The collection includes an incredible curation of liturgies, Persian carpets, broken fragments of mosaic, golden tesserae, 78 bones of different Saints, and many other relics.

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St. Mark’s Campanile

A 99-meter bell tower located in Piazza San Marco, is an iconic symbol of Venice. With a simple structure featuring a square shaft made of fluted brick, it culminates in a pyramidal spire. You can buy lift tickets for panoramic views of Venice and its lagoons from the top.

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The Treasury

The treasury at St. Mark's Basilica houses of the most special collections of Byzantine portable objects. You will find reliquaries, liturgical vessels, and vestments used during religious ceremonies, many of them Constantinople.

Tomb of St. Mark

The putative corpse of St Mark is held at St. Mark's Basilica. The corpse was stolen and smuggled all the way from Egypt, by Venetian merchants. The main intention of constructing the basilica was to serve as a tomb for St Mark.

The Domes

St. Mark's Basilica has 5 cupolas — the Narthex, the Western dome, the Central dome, the Northern dome, and the Southern dome —all decked with golden mosaics that depict scenes from the Bible. The best place to view these domes is from the galleries near the museum.

Gold Mosaics

Real gold adorns the mosaics, outlining biblical scenes and historical events, creating a warm glow that illuminates the entire Basilica when sunlight filters through.

Plan your visit to St. Mark's Basilica

St Marks Basilica - Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5:15pm
Last Entry: 4:45pm
Sunday: 2pm to 5.15pm, with the exception of Museum – Loggia dei Cavalli, which can be visited between 9:30am to 2pm.

Mass times

Daily: 8am to 7:30pm

Best time to visit

The best times to visit St. Mark's Basilica are early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Try visiting right after opening or closer to closing time for a quieter experience. Weekdays may be less busy than weekends or peak seasons like summer.

St. Mark's Basilica opening hours
St Marks Basilica - Location

Address: Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice
Find on maps

Getting there

  • By vaporetto: Lines available: 1, 5.1 (direct), 2 (direct)
    Closest stop: S. Marco-San Zaccaria "F"
  • By train: Take a train to Santa Lucia Station, vaporetto available from the train station.
  • By bus: ATVO (fastest), ACTV Route 5
    Closest stop: Piazzale Roma
  • By car: Access through Piazzale Roma
    Parking: Available at Municipal Garage, Garage San Marco, Tronchetto, or mainland parking in Mestre/Marghera
  • By ship: Closest stops - S. Basilio (Zattere), Maritime Station, Riva dei Sette Martiri (Castello district)
Directions to St. Mark's Basilica
St Marks Basilica - Entrances
  • Door of Saint Clement: The main entrance of the Basilica, known for its Romanesque portal and often crowded with tourists.
  • Door of Flowers: Situated on the northern side, adorned with a lovely Romanesque bas-relief of the Nativity scene, mainly used for prayers, masses and services, typically less crowded.
  • Door of Saint Peter: Second door to the left of the main entrance, offers expedited access for skip-the-line ticket holders with shorter queues.
Which St. Mark's Basilica entrance to use?
St Marks Basilica - Facilities
  • Restrooms
  • Luggage storage
  • Gift shops
  • Audio guides
  • Information desks
  • Accessibility - wheelchair access, stairlift & lift, contact points for visitors with special needs
Plan your visit to St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark's Basilica Rules
  • Wear appropriate attire: no shorts, skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, or hats for men.
  • No photography or videography is allowed inside St. Mark's Basilica. Some areas might allow it without flash, but for the most part it's forbidden.
  • Maintain quiet, respectful conduct. Avoid loud noise or disruptive behavior.
  • No backpacks allowed inside; free lockers at Ateneo San Basso, to the right of the basilica.
  • Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the basilica.
  • Expect security screenings similar to airports.
  • Some sections may be closed during certain times or events.
Strict dress code at St. Mark's Basilica
St Marks Basilica - Eat
  • Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti: This cozy osteria offers traditional Venetian cuisine and a wide selection of wines.
  • Trattoria da Remigio: A rustic and casual trattoria with outdoor seating, serving hearty and flavorful seafood dishes.
  • Al Nono Risorto: A family-run restaurant known for its delicious pizza and pasta dishes.
  • Bacaro Quebrado: A small and charming bar offering traditional cicchetti (small plates) and local wine.
  • Al Timon: Located in a quiet canal, this hidden gem serves fresh and delicious seafood dishes.
St Marks Basilica - Stay
  • Budget
    Hotel Le Isole (350 m), Hotel Casa Linger (850 m), Hotel Iris Venice (1.3 km)
  • Mid-Range
    Hotel Bonvecchiati (400 m), Hotel Al Codega (450 m), Hotel Flora (550 m)
  • Luxury
    Hotel Danieli (300 m), The Gritti Palace (700 m)
St Marks Basilica - Stay
  • Avoid midday visits in high season due to heavy crowd density, despite the impressive appearance of the gilded mosaics at that hour.
  • St. Mark's Basilica comprises multiple sections, including the basilica itself, the bell tower, a museum, and the Balcony of Horses. Allocate enough time to explore each area thoroughly or prioritize based on your interests.
  • Nearby streets offer more reasonably priced dining options than the restaurants around the square. Do grab a drink or brunch at the historic Caffe Florian or lunch at Ai Do Leoni.
  • St. Mark's Square has long struggled with the massive flock of pigeons. Feeding pigeons is prohibited, and violating this rule may result in a fine of up to €200.
  • St. Mark’s Square is infamous for scamsters. Watch out for suspicious offers and keep your belonging near and dear.
More insider tips

Beyond St. Mark's Basilica

Doge’s Palace

Erstwhile place of residence of the Doges’ of Venice, the highest authority in the Republic of Venice for over a thousand years, the Doge’s Palace has been a public museum since 1923.

Book Doge's Palace tickets

Museo Correr

One of the 11 civic museums in Venice, the Museo Correr houses valuable works of art from various eras, such as rare manuscripts from the 17th century, portraits of Venetian aristocrats, and topographical maps of 15th-century explorers.

Book Correr Museum tickets

Venice Gondola

Experience Venice's romantic charm on a gondola ride, guided by skilled gondoliers through the city's iconic canals. It's more than sightseeing; it's a journey into the city's history, passing ancient bridges and majestic palazzos.

Book your Venice Gondola ride

Frequently asked questions about St. Mark's Basilica tickets

The cost of tickets varies depending on the type of ticket and tour. Your basic skip-the-line entry tickets start from €9, while guided tours can cost upwards of €32.

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