Your Travel Guide to Plan Your Visit to the Doge’s Palace

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The magnificent Gothic palace was once home to the Doge of Venice and is now a museum boasting Venice’s rich history, ornate architecture, and inspiring art. Enjoy breathtaking views from the medieval fortress, where every nook and corner tells a story. With the right information and tools, you can plan the perfect Doge’s Palace tour.

Doge’s Palace Tour | Visitor Information at a Glance

Doge’s Palace
  • Location: Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice, Italy
  • Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM to 6 PM (last admission at 5 PM)
  • Highlights: The Doge's Apartments, the Grand Council Hall, the Bridge of Sighs, the Armoury, and the Prisons
  • Guided tours: Available in several languages, including English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish. Audio guides are also available.
  • Accessibility: The Doge's Palace is wheelchair accessible and has lifts to all levels.
  • Tips: Purchase skip-the-line Doge's Palace tickets in advance to avoid long queues, wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved, and bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and art on display.

What are the Doge's Palace Opening Hours?

Doge's Palace Opening Hours

What's the Best Time to Visit Doge's Palace?

The best time to visit the Doge's Palace is during the shoulder season between April and May or September and October. The weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the prices are lower compared to the peak season. 5-6 hours of daylight allow you to take in the sights of stunning architecture in its prime. 

Summers are the peak season for Doge’s tours. And it's every bit lovely! But plan in advance and get the skip-the-line tickets or guided tours to move beyond the big crowds. If you are just someone who enjoys solitude and peace in art and history a little too much, you should come either early morning or late evening. Also, plan on weekdays, if you can.

Where is Doge’s Palace Located?

Doge’s Palace Location

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale in Italian) nestles in Venice's heart, northern Italy, specifically in the Piazza San Marco, which is the central public square of the city. The palace is at the eastern end of the Piazza, adjacent to the famous St. Mark's Basilica.

Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy. Find on Map

Nearest Landmark: St. Mark’s Basilica (180 m)

Nearest Airport: Venice Airport (About 1 hour away)

How to Get to Doge’s Palace?

By Car

Book Tickets to the Doge's palace

Venice Museum Pass with Doge's Palace Fast-Track Tickets
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Flexible Duration
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Guided Tour of The Doge's Palace
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
1 hr. - 1 hr. 15 min.
Guided Tour
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Venice Icons Tour: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Priority Entry
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.
Guided Tour
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Combo: 2- Day Venice ACTV Water Bus Pass + Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace
Instant Confirmation
Flexible Duration
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Walking Tour of Venice with Guided Tour of Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
3 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
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Skip The Line Tickets to Doge's Palace with Guide Book
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
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Know Before You Go

Entrance
Facilities
Accessibility
Dine
Rules & Tips
Stay
Entrance to Doge Palce

The entrance to Doge's Palace on the Piazzetta San Marco opens onto St. Mark's Square. The entrance is on the side of the palace that faces the lagoon, and it is marked by a large portico with arches.

The main entrance to Doge's Palace, lovingly referred to as the Porta del Frumento or Porta della Carta, is a massive gothic archway adorning the eastern side of the palace facing St. Mark's Square. The entrance is delicately decorated with highly detailed sculptures, and reliefs.

Restrooms
  1. Restrooms: Properly maintained restrooms are available throughout the palace. 
  2. Gift shop: Get unique and charming souvenirs, books, and other mementos. 
  3. Cafe: Grab a coffee or a snack on your break from the tour. 
  4. Audio guides: Available for rent in multiple languages, including English, to help visitors explore the palace at their own pace.
  5. Guided tours: Experts walking you through the history and significance of every sculpture, artifact, and corner. 
  6. Baby Pit-Stops: A dedicated room to relax, breastfeed or change the babies. 
  7. Storage Facilities: A secure cloakroom is available at the entrance so visitors can store their luggage and belongings and roam carefree. 
  8. Free Wi-Fi: The palace offers free Wi-Fi to visitors.
wheelchair
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: The palace is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators in place. Wheelchairs are also available for rent at the entrance. However, due to the historic nature of the building, there may be some areas like the prisons and the armory, that are not accessible.
  • Audio Guides: The palace offers audio guides and information in multiple languages, including English, to accommodate visitors with hearing and vision impairments. 
  • Engaging Experience: There are also tactile models and replicas of some of the palace's artworks and sculptures that visitors can touch and feel to enhance their experience.
Dine
  1. Caffe Chioggia: Located at a short walk from Doge’s Palace, the Caffe Chioggia is a great stop to dine while enjoying some good music and great vibes. 
  2. Bar Mio: Sit, sip, and chill at the buzzing Bar Mio, just 500 m away from the Doge’s Palace. 
  3. Pasticceria Da Bonifacio: Make sure to stop by Da Bonifacio if you’re a coffee person. Located just 220 m away from the palace. 
  4. Al Chianti: The lovely restaurant has been serving some of Venice’s best pizzas over the years. Al Chianti is 290 m away from the Doge’s Palace
Rules & Tips
  1. No food or drinks allowed inside the palace.
  2. Smoking is prohibited inside the palace.
  3. Visitors should not touch the exhibits or artwork on display.
  4. Photography is allowed but without flash, tripods or selfie sticks.
  5. Large bags or luggage are not allowed inside the palace and must be stored in the cloakroom.
  6. Visitors are required to follow the designated route and not stray from it.
  7. No pets are allowed inside the palace, except for guide dogs for the visually impaired.
  8. Dress modestly and respectfully, avoiding revealing clothing.
  9. Be respectful of other visitors and keep noise levels to a minimum.
stay

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Doge's Palace

Q. Can I visit the Doge's Palace for free?

Visitors are required to pay an admission fee to enter the Doge's Palace.

Q. How do I book tickets to visit the Doge's Palace?

You can book tickets to visit the Doge's Palace online.

Q. How much does it cost to visit the Doge's Palace?

The standard Doge’s Palace ticket price starts from 25-30 Euros

Q. What is the best time to visit Doge's Palace?

The best time to visit the Doge's Palace is during the shoulder season, which falls between April and May or September and October.

Q. Can I visit the Doge's Palace in a group?

Yes, you can visit the Doge's Palace in a group. 

Q. Can I visit the Doge's Palace with the kids?

Yes, you can visit the Doge's Palace with the kids.

Q. Is Doge's Palace wheelchair-friendly?

Yes, Doge's Palace is wheelchair-friendly except for some areas like the prisons and the armory. You can check in advance for access to these restricted areas. 

Q. Can I buy food and drinks at Doge's Palace?

Yes, there’s a cafe inside the Doge’s Palace where you can buy snacks and beverages.

Q. How long does it take to visit Doge's Palace?

It usually takes around 2 hours to visit Doge’s palace. However, the time may vary as per your itinerary.