Doge's Palace Tours

Doge\'s Palace featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and interior views
Doge\'s Palace featuring views as well as a small group of people
Doge\'s Palace featuring street scenes and heritage elements
Doge\'s Palace showing heritage architecture and a castle
Doge\'s Palace featuring art, chateau or palace and a square or plaza


This grand building was home to Venice’s rulers for centuries and is still a statement of wealth and power.

The pink marble façade of the 14th-century Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is a striking sight on St. Mark’s Square. The arched loggias and the fortress-like peaks on top of the walls convey a sense of wealth and power to those who approach Venice by sea. Every aspect of this building was designed to impress, from the imposing décor of the Hall of the Great Council, to the luxurious apartments.

Begin your tour in the courtyard, with its towering marble loggias. Statues of Mars and Neptune overlook the open space from atop the wide, white steps of the Giant’s Staircase.

The system of elected rulers in Venice lasted from the seventh to the 18th century. As you wander through this palace, you will see that the rulers, “doges,” were surrounded by luxury. Admire the rooms containing frescoes, paintings and resplendent fireplaces. They still look as they would have in the days when Venice was the so-called Serene Republic. Cast an eye upwards the carved wooden ceilings are works of art in their own right.

Ascend the Golden Staircase to reach the Hall of the Great Council, the largest and most impressive room. Admire Tintoretto’s massive painting Paradise, which hangs behind the throne. More paintings, frescoes and sculptures by Tintoretto and other artists adorn the walls of every room in the Institutional Chambers.

Find the prison cell where the legendary womanizer Casanova was once held. It is linked to the palace by the Bridge of Sighs. Legend has it that the bridge is so called because it is where an inmate would take his last breath with a view before his imprisonment.

The palace is open daily, with extended hours during summer. Audio guides are available to rent. For a more detailed look at the rooms, as well as a chance to skip the lines, consider booking the museum’s Secret Itineraries tour (for an extra fee). This tour also takes you to rooms that aren’t usually accessible to the public. The museum’s café offers great views back over St. Mark’s Square.

Plan a trip to see Doge's Palace

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Baglioni Hotel Luna - The Leading Hotels of the World
Hotel San Moisè
Hotel Ca' Alvise

Browse tours and tickets to explore Doge's Palace

Tours & day trips

See all 361 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 97 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 71 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 22 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 16 activities

Reviews of Doge's Palace

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1082
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
376
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
94
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love history and this is a must see. get there early before the crowds.

3/5 - Okay

MADDY

Get a tour package that lets you skip the line. Otherwise it's just not worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

You need to book a month in advance to take the Secret Tour which shows you additional places on available to the regular one.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Doge's is open until 11 PM. My daughter and I walked there and bought our entrance tickets at 9 PM and there were no lines or crowds. In fact we counted only 10 people including ourselves touring it. It was cool at night and felt like we had the place to ourselves! Plenty of museum guards inside to answer questions.

4/5 - Good

Freschie

There is a special package if you book EARLY (like a month in advance) where you gain access to inaccessible rooms not open to the public. Great and unique experience!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The are was great. Bathroom lines sucked.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Doge's Palace

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo

4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione

4 out of 5
San Marco Mercerie 760, Venice, VE
Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
Hotel Principe

Hotel Principe

4 out of 5
Rio Tera Lista de Spagna, 146, Venice, VE
Hotel Principe
Hotel Danieli, Venice

Hotel Danieli, Venice

5 out of 5
Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4196, Venice, VE
Hotel Danieli, Venice
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
Hotel Rialto
Hotel Bella Venezia

Hotel Bella Venezia

4 out of 5
San Marco 4710 - Calle Dei Fabbri, Venice, VE
Hotel Bella Venezia
Hotel Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo

3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Guerrato

Hotel Guerrato

Calle Drio La Scimia 240a, Venice, VE
Hotel Guerrato
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only

Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only

3.5 out of 5
San Marco 2494, Campo Santa Maria Del Giglio, Venice, VE
Unahotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Doge's Palace

When visiting Doge's Palace in Venice, indulge in a variety of activities nearby, including scenic boating and exploring stunning art. Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the palace's rich history, and don't miss the opportunity for photo tours that capture its breathtaking architecture. With so much to see and do, your visit will surely be memorable.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Doge's Palace, visit the Rialto Market (0.5 miles) for local goods, T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi (0.4 miles) for a mix of entertainment and shopping, and Libreria Acqua Alta (0.3 miles) for unique books and gifts.

Recreation

The Vivaldi Church offers enchanting music concerts just 0.1 miles from Doge's Palace, immersing you in vibrant entertainment. For relaxation, San Giuliano Park, located 4 miles away, provides a tranquil space for wellness. If you enjoy sports, Circolo Golf Venezia Alberoni, 6 miles from the palace, features outdoor golfing activities.

Adventure

At Doge's Palace, you can enjoy thrilling water slides and family fun at Antiche Terme di Giunone, located 5 miles away. For a scenic adventure, hike the Passeggiata Lungo il Fiume Sile, 16 miles away, where breathtaking views await you in the great outdoors.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife near Doge's Palace with a visit to Teatro Malibran and Piccolo Teatro Delle Melodie Veneziane, both offering captivating performances just 0.4 and 0.3 miles away, respectively. For more culture and romance, check out Teatro Rossini, also 0.4 miles away, and enjoy a magical evening in Venice.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Doge's Palace

While visiting Doge's Palace in Venice, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring nearby historic churches and art museums. This iconic palace offers a unique glimpse into Venetian history, making it a must-see attraction. Don't miss the opportunity to discover other points of interest in Venice, including the splendid architecture and outdoor experiences that the city has to offer, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with culture and discovery.

  • St. Mark's Square: Known as the heart of Venice, St. Mark's Square is a vibrant piazza filled with stunning architecture, lively cafes, and rich history. It's the perfect place to soak in the culture and experience the city's energetic atmosphere.
  • Grand Canal: The Grand Canal offers a romantic setting with its picturesque views of historic buildings and charming gondolas gliding along the water. It's a great spot for a scenic stroll or a leisurely boat ride, surrounded by friendly locals.
  • Rialto Bridge: As one of Venice's most iconic landmarks, the Rialto Bridge showcases exquisite architecture and a bustling market atmosphere. This historic bridge is steeped in culture and provides stunning views of the canal below.

Best time to go to Doge's Palace

The best time to visit Doge's Palace is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
August75.9°F (24.4°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
September69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Doge's Palace

To save money on your visit to Doge's Palace, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when hotel prices drop. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia to find package deals combining flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Explore eco-certified hotels for sustainable options, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Lastly, take advantage of public transport like vaporetti for affordable travel around Venice, and seek out free activities to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Doge's Palace are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Doge's Palace about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Doge's Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Doge's Palace is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Doge's Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia