Doge’s Palace Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Timings

Doge's Palace

Jan - Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Sep

Oct - Dec

Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	9:00am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Tuesday	9:00am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Wednesday	9:00am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Thursday	9:00am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Friday	9:00am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Saturday	9:00am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Sunday	9:00am–6:00pm	5:00pm

Special evening openings in 2024: 9am to 11pm from May 1 to September 30 on Fridays and Saturdays. (Last entry at 10pm).

Closed: Doge's Palace remains closed on December 25 and January 1.

Best time to visit the Doge's Palace

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays: Weekday mornings are particularly serene, offering more room to explore and appreciate the palace's wonders. Arriving early allows you to capture photographs without the crowd. Try to visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays, when crowds are likely to be fewer.
Weekends: Weekends tend to be busier, especially during peak season. If you plan to visit on a weekend, consider arriving either early in the morning or closer to the evening when the crowds thin out a bit.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Peak season vs Low season

Peak season (April - September): Venice comes alive with vibrant energy, pleasant weather, and numerous events. Note that the weather is hotter during this period, and there is surge pricing on stay, travel, etc. owing to holiday bookings.
Off-peak season (November - February): During off-season the "floating" city takes on a serene charm, perfect for romantic getaways. With misty beauty and better deals on accommodations and attractions like Doge's Palace, the off-season offers a more intimate Venetian experience, especially if you don't mind colder temperatures.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long to spend at Doge's Palace?

Exploring the Doge's Palace can take anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on your interests. For a quick tour, rush through highlights like the Golden Staircase in 1-1.5 hours. A standard visit (2-3 hours) lets you appreciate the art and architecture at a comfortable pace. History buffs or art lovers can spend 3+ hours with an audio guide, a guided tour, or delving deeper into specific exhibits. Here's a suggested time allocation for each section, assuming a standard 2-3 hour visit:

Public Apartments (30-45 minutes): Explore the opulent private quarters of the Doges.

Institutional Rooms (30-45 minutes): Witness the halls of power and government chambers.

Armoury (20-30 minutes): Marvel at the impressive collection of weapons and armor.

Secret Itineraries Tour (1.5 hours): This separate tour requires a dedicated time slot and focuses on hidden areas like the Bridge of Sighs and prisons.

Remember, this is just a recommendation. Adjust the time based on your interests and preferred pace.

Frequently asked questions about Doge's Palace opening hours

Do we have special Doge's Palace hours at night?

Yes! From May to September, the palace remains open until 11pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and select dates.

When is Doge's Palace closed?

Doge's Palace is closed on certain public holidays like Christmas day and New Year's Day. Be sure to check the specific dates before planning your visit.

How long should I spend at Doge's Palace?

Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours to explore the palace and fully immerse in its grandeur.

Is Doge's Palace open on public holidays?

Yes, Doge's Palace is generally open on most public holidays, except for Christmas and New Year's Day.

Should I visit Doge's Palace on a public holiday?

Visiting Doge's Palace on a public holiday can be a unique experience, but it may also be busier than usual. If you prefer a quieter visit, consider going on a regular weekday.

Is there a recommended time to arrive to avoid large crowds at the Palace?

To avoid large crowds, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning, right when the palace opens at 9:00 AM, or later in the afternoon, a few hours before closing time.

What if I miss the entry time on my ticket?

Unfortunately, tickets are valid for a specific time slot, and missing your entry time might result in denied entry. It's crucial to arrive within your designated time window. You can try contacting the ticket office or our customer service as soon as possible. They may allow you to enter at a different time, but this is subject to availability and discretion.

How much earlier do I have to arrive for my time slot?

Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled entry time. This allows sufficient time for security checks and ensures you don’t miss your slot.