You are about to explore the renowned floating city of Venice and, given your limited time available, a question arises: “Should I really visit the Doge’s Palace?”
I am Andrea from Palazzoducalevenezia.com, and in this article I will be happy to answer your doubt.
Today I want to share with you my opinion about the Doge’s Palace, one of the most famous attractions of the Serenissima and, together with the Colosseum and Rome’s Castel Sant’Angelo, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
I will guide you through the reasons why I think this extraordinary palace is worth exploring, but at the same time I will also consider the circumstances under which you might decide not to do so.
I will also give you tips on when during the day and at what time of year you might make the most of your visit.
Ready? Let’s get started!
Doge’s Palace Venice skip-the-line ticket: quick access
Buy online. Choose your preferred time. Visit Venice’s Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, prisons and more.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
Table of content
Is it worth visiting the Doge’s Palace in Venice?
Why is it worth visiting the Doge’s Palace?
When planning a trip to Venice, a number of fascinating experiences await you: tasting pasta, sampling wine, enjoying a gondola ride and, of course, exploring the Doge’s Palace.
Sometimes, some people might argue, “There is no need to go inside, the outside is the most fascinating part.”
But is that really the case? Is it worth going through the doors of the Doges’ Palace?
The answer is a clear and decisive yes. Although the outside of the palace is extraordinarily fascinating with its Gothic architecture and majestic presence on St Mark’s Square, the inside offers an experience that goes far beyond appearances. Entering the Doge’s Palace allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere rich in history and culture of Venice.
Inside the palace, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic rooms, admire valuable works of art, discover architectural details and walk through the dungeons across the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Each room tells the fascinating story of Venice, its Doges and the power they wielded. It is an experience that allows you to connect with the past of this unique city.
The prisons are an attraction in themselves. Between the bars you can still see the carvings made by prisoners who were held there for long periods (or who, as in the case of Casanova, managed to escape).
Moreover, the atmosphere inside the Doge’s Palace is magical. Art and architecture come together to create an ambience that transports you back in time.
This is not to say that the outside does not have its charms, but the full experience comes from entering and discovering what lies behind its majestic walls.
In short, while the exterior of the Doge’s Palace is undoubtedly fascinating, it is definitely worth entering to immerse yourself in the fascinating history and art that characterizes the interior.
The visit will allow you to fully appreciate Venice’s magnificent cultural heritage.
Why would you consider not visiting it?
The Doge’s Palace is undoubtedly the most popular jewel of Venice. And when you ask me if it is worth visiting, my answer is a definite: ABSOLUTELY YES!
However, there is one small condition to consider.
Venice tends to be often crowded, especially during major events such as Carnival, New Year’s Eve and generally during the spring and autumn seasons.
My advice is to explore the Doge’s Palace, but only if you can avoid the long queues at the ticket office.
Otherwise, you would risk spending hours and hours waiting, thus missing the opportunity to discover the best of Venice, the most romantic city in the world.
How to avoid wasting time in the queue?
One of my recommendations is to buy your tickets online and book a specific time for your visit (even if you are travelling alone).
Queues are often long, especially during the busiest days, and the summer heat or autumn and spring rains may make waiting uncomfortable.The same advice applies to the nearby St Mark’s Basilica.
Doge’s Palace Venice skip-the-line ticket: quick access
Buy online. Choose your preferred time. Visit Venice’s Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, prisons and more.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
Is it worth entering the Doge’s Palace? Useful Info
Secret Itineraries tours in Venice: is it worth it?
Some people have asked me whether it is worth it to buy the ticket for access to the Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace, the tour that allows visitors to explore parts of the palace that are otherwise closed and hidden, and remain out of reach of many visitors.
I am talking about the Palace’s secret archives, the offices, the torture chambers, the attic and even the maximum security prison cells.
Well, you should know that, in my opinion, this tour of the Doge’s Palace is truly extraordinary and definitely worth a visit. It is a fascinating experience and also particularly suitable for children.
Moreover, the consideration of online reviews adds an extra layer of credibility. Remarkably, an overwhelming majority of visitors recommended the Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace tour.
The passion and enthusiasm of the tour guide who accompanies visitors on the tour clearly emerges, and his ability to share stories certainly adds unique value to the experience. His ability to answer every question asked by visitors is a clear sign of the attention and dedication he devotes to his role as a guide.
What is the best time of year for me to visit?
The best time to explore the Doge’s Palace is from January to April and from September to November. During these months, mass tourism tends to decrease and then concentrate in the high season (spring, summer and New Year).
These months are particularly ideal, not only because of the smaller number of tourists visiting Venice, but also because hotel prices tend to be lower, contributing to the overall savings in your travel experience.
What is the best time to visit?
Without a doubt, the Doge’s Palace is one of the busiest sights in Venice, which makes it difficult to avoid rush hours.
However, there is a little trick that could make all the difference: start your visit about a quarter of an hour after it opens.
This will allow you to take advantage of a window of time when the crowds are still relatively small, and you can explore the palace with more peace and less congestion.
Of course, this may vary depending on the season and current events, so it is always a good idea to check the times and plan your visit according to the latest information.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Doge’s Palace is undoubtedly one of the main attractions in Venice (second only to St Mark’s Basilica in terms of number of visitors) and should definitely be included in your visit.
However, a key tip is to book your tickets in advance to avoid wasting time in the queue.I can guarantee you that this experience will be precious and unforgettable. You absolutely will not regret it.
Doge’s Palace Venice skip-the-line ticket: quick access
Buy online. Choose your preferred time. Visit Venice’s Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, prisons and more.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
Photo credits:
- Photo by Denys Barabanov su Unsplash
- Photo by Oleksandr Zhabin su Unsplash
