The Ultimate Guide to Visit Doge’s Palace: Timings, Location, Tips & More
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 | Visitor Information at a Glance
- What are Doge's Palace opening hours?
Doge's Palace is typically open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entrance allowed at 6:00 PM. From May 12th to September 30th, 2023, the palace opens until 11:00 PM every Friday and Saturday, with the last entrance at 10:00 PM. - Where is Doge's Palace located?
Doge's Palace is situated in the heart of Venice, Italy. It stands on St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), facing the stunning St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) and adjacent to the Grand Canal. - How many entrances does Doge's Palace have?
Doge's Palace primarily has one main entrance, which is the main access point for visitors. However, there may be additional entrances during special events or exhibitions. - How many visitors does Doge's Palace see per year?
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What are the Doge's Palace Opening Hours?
Doge’s Palace is open to visitors every day of the week from:
9 AM - 7 PM
Last Admission: 6 PM
Special Evening Timings (12 May to 30 September 2023):
Every Friday and Saturday: 9 AM - 11 PM
Last Admission: 10 PM
Note: The hours may vary on Christmas and New Year’s eve.
Detailed Doge's Palace Opening HoursWhere is Doge’s Palace Located?
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 Vaporetto (Water Bus): Take Vaporetto Line 1 or 2 to the "San Zaccaria" stop. The palace is just a few minutes walk from the station.
Alternatively, if you take Line 2 from Santa Lucia, Piazzale Roma, or Lido di Venezia stations, you can get out at Giardinetti stop.
By Boat: A more comfortable and luxurious way is a water taxi directly to the palace. It's a slightly more expensive option, but it offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
By Car: Park your car at one of the parking garages in Venice, such as the Tronchetto Parking Garage or the Garage San Marco, and make your way to the palace on foot or by water taxi.
Reaching Doge's PalaceBook Tickets to the Doge's palace
Know Before You Go
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: Properly maintained restrooms are available throughout the palace.
- Gift shop: Get unique and charming souvenirs, books, and other mementos.
- Cafe: Grab a coffee or a snack on your break from the tour.
- Audio guides: Available for rent in multiple languages, including English, to help visitors explore the palace at their own pace.
- Guided tours: Experts walking you through the history and significance of every sculpture, artifact, and corner.
- Baby Pit-Stops: A dedicated room to relax, breastfeed or change the babies.
- Storage Facilities: A secure cloakroom is available at the entrance so visitors can store their luggage and belongings and roam carefree.
- Free Wi-Fi: The palace offers free Wi-Fi to visitors.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bar Mio: Sit, sip, and chill at the buzzing Bar Mio, just 500 m away from the Doge’s Palace.
- Pasticceria Da Bonifacio: Make sure to stop by Da Bonifacio if you’re a coffee person. Located just 220 m away from the palace.
- 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.
- No food or drinks allowed inside the palace.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the palace.
- Visitors should not touch the exhibits or artwork on display.
- Photography is allowed but without flash, tripods or selfie sticks.
- Large bags or luggage are not allowed inside the palace and must be stored in the cloakroom.
- Visitors are required to follow the designated route and not stray from it.
- No pets are allowed inside the palace, except for guide dogs for the visually impaired.
- Dress modestly and respectfully, avoiding revealing clothing.
- Be respectful of other visitors and keep noise levels to a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Doge's Palace
Doge's Palace is typically open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entrance allowed at 6:00 PM. From May 12th to September 30th, 2023, Doge's Palace opens until 11:00 PM every Friday and Saturday, and also on June 1st, August 14th, and August 15th, 2023, with the last entrance at 10:00 PM.
The best times to visit Doge's Palace are early in the morning or during the special evening openings. These times often have fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the palace and its exhibits more peacefully.
To fully explore Doge's Palace, it's recommended to allocate around 2 to 3 hours. This gives you ample time to appreciate the art, architecture, and history within.
Generally, re-entry to Doge's Palace with the same ticket is not allowed. Once you exit, your visit is considered concluded.
Doge's Palace is located in the heart of Venice, Italy, on St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), facing St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) and adjacent to the Grand Canal.
The best way to reach Doge's Palace is by walking or taking a water taxi, as it's centrally located in Venice. Water buses (vaporetto) also serve the nearby areas.
Doge's Palace typically has one main entrance for visitors. Additional entrances may be used during special events or exhibitions.
While there isn't a strict dress code, it's advisable to dress comfortably and respectfully when visiting Doge's Palace. Avoid swimwear, excessively revealing clothing, or items with offensive slogans.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside most areas of Doge's Palace. However, please be mindful of restrictions on the use of flash photography, especially in rooms with sensitive artworks.
You can book tickets to visit the Doge's Palace online. Booking online in advance is recommended to avoid long queues.
The standard Doge’s Palace ticket price starts from 25-30 Euros
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.
Doge's Palace provides accessible entrances, elevators, and accessible restrooms. They also offer services for visitors with disabilities, such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.
Yes, you can visit the Doge's Palace with the kids. Prams and strollers are typically allowed inside Doge's Palace, but it's recommended to check with the palace staff for any specific guidelines.
Yes, there’s a cafe inside the Doge’s Palace where you can buy snacks and beverages.