How to Visit the Doge’s Palace and Golden Basilica in Venice

If you are planning a trip to Venice, it is almost certain that you have heard of the famous Doge’s Palace and Golden Basilica. These historical landmarks are a must-visit for any tourist, offering a glimpse into Venice’s rich history and culture. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to plan your visit, including how to skip the line, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your time there.

Overview

The Doge’s Palace and Golden Basilica Tour is a self-guided audio tour that allows visitors to explore these historical landmarks at their own pace. With skip-the-line access, you can avoid the crowds and long queues, giving you more time to explore these iconic attractions. The tour comes with a mobile audio guide that you can download to your phone, which provides you with all the details you need to know about the buildings’ history and architecture.

What’s Included

The tour includes skip-the-line tickets to the Doge’s Palace, which allows you to avoid waiting in long queues. Additionally, you’ll also receive a skip-the-line ticket to visit the Museo Correr, Biblioteca Marciana & Archaeological Museum. The tour also comes with a mobile audio guide that you can download to your phone.

How to Book

You can book the tour online through the following link: book the tour here. It is recommended that you book the tour in advance to avoid missing out on the opportunity to visit.

What to Expect

Once you arrive at the Doge’s Palace, you will need to collect your tickets at the Campo San Gallo San Marco 1093/B Venice Tours office, closest to San M. From there, you can skip the line and enter the palace, where you will have full access to the self-guided tour. Typically, the tour takes around 2 hours to complete, but the length can vary depending on your pace and interest in exploring the attractions. Keep in mind that the Doge’s Palace and Golden Basilica are both popular tourist attractions, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time.

What to Wear

When visiting the Doge’s Palace and Golden Basilica, it’s important to dress appropriately. Both attractions are religious sites, so it’s important to dress modestly. Ensure that your shoulders and knees are covered, and avoid wearing revealing clothing.

Tips for the Visit

To make the most of your visit to the Doge’s Palace and Golden Basilica, consider the following tips:

• If you are interested in learning more about the history of the buildings, take advantage of the mobile audio guide, which provides a wealth of information about the architecture and artwork that you’ll encounter during your visit.
• Make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and long queues, especially during the peak tourist season.
• Consider visiting during the evening as well, as the crowds will typically be smaller.
• Don’t forget to fully explore the museums and exhibitions, as these offer a unique insight into the history and culture of Venice.
• After completing the tour, take some time to explore the surrounding area, which is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Book Your Tour Now

The Doge’s Palace and Golden Basilica are two of the most iconic landmarks in Venice, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. With the self-guided audio tour, you can explore these attractions at your own pace, while skip-the-line access ensures that you spend more time exploring and less time waiting in queues. Remember to dress modestly, arrive early, and take advantage of the mobile audio guide to get the most out of your visit. Book your tour in advance to avoid missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Venice. Book the tour here: book the tour here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Venice

1. What is Venice?

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. Built on a group of 118 small islands, the city is often referred to as the “City of Canals” and is renowned for its beautiful architecture, picturesque bridges, and romantic atmosphere.

2. How do I get to Venice?

The easiest way to get to Venice is by plane. The city’s main airport, Marco Polo Airport, is well-connected to major European cities and beyond. Alternatively, you can also take a train or bus to Venice. High-speed trains stop at Venice Santa Lucia train station, which is located on the mainland, while buses stop at Venice Mestre bus station, which is also on the mainland.

3. When is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is during the shoulder seasons – from April to May and from September to November – when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The peak tourist season in Venice is from June to August, when temperatures can be hot and the city is crowded with tourists. However, if you want to experience carnival in Venice, which usually takes place in February, you should plan your visit accordingly.

4. What are some must-see attractions in Venice?

Venice is home to many must-see attractions, including:

• The Grand Canal
• Saint Mark’s Basilica
• The Doge’s Palace
• The Rialto Bridge
• The Peggy Guggenheim Collection

5. Can I take a gondola ride in Venice?

Yes, you can take a gondola ride in Venice. Gondolas are traditional flat-bottomed boats that are poled by a gondolier. Gondola rides are a popular tourist attraction and can be quite expensive, particularly if you go for a ride during peak tourist season.

6. What is the food like in Venice?

Venice is known for its seafood, particularly dishes made with squid ink or cuttlefish. Other popular dishes in Venice include risotto, polenta, and tiramisu. Venice is also home to the famous Bellini cocktail, which is made with Prosecco and peach puree.

7. Is Venice expensive?

Venice can be quite expensive, particularly during peak tourist season. However, there are ways to save money in Venice, such as staying in hotels on the mainland, eating at local trattorias instead of fine dining restaurants, and using public transportation instead of private water taxis.

8. What should I wear in Venice?

Venice is a stylish city, so it’s a good idea to dress up a little bit. However, comfort is also important, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must since Venice is a very walkable city.

9. What are some popular day trips from Venice?

There are many popular day trips from Venice, including:

• The islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello
• Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet
• The Dolomite Mountains
• The Prosecco wine region

10. Is Venice sinking?

Yes, Venice is sinking, and has been for centuries. The city is built on a series of small islands that are sinking into the Adriatic Sea. In addition, rising sea levels due to climate change have accelerated the sinking process. However, the Italian government and local authorities are working on measures to combat the sinking, such as the MOSE project, which involves building a series of mobile flood barriers across the Venetian lagoon.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Venice, Italy

Venice is a city located in the northeastern part of Italy known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and rich culture. As a tourist, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do and see in this unique city, as there are so many options to choose from. In this guide, we will explore some of the best things to do in Venice and make the most out of your trip.

1. Gondola Ride

One of the most iconic things to do in Venice is taking a gondola ride. These traditional boats, which are operated by a gondolier, will take you around the canals and offer breathtaking views of the city. While it can be a little pricey, it is worth the cost for a one-of-a-kind experience. You can negotiate prices with the gondoliers, but expect to pay around 80 euros for a 40-minute ride.

2. St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, is the main public square in Venice and features many must-see landmarks including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile bell tower. The square is always bustling with tourists and locals alike and is a great spot for people-watching. It is recommended to visit the square early in the morning or at night when it is less crowded.

3. Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in Venice and spans across the Grand Canal. It is a great spot to take pictures and admire the stunning architecture of the city. You can also visit the Rialto Market which is nearby and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, and seafood.

4. The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the main waterway that flows through the heart of Venice and is lined with impressive historic buildings and palaces. One of the best ways to see the Grand Canal is by taking a water taxi or vaporetto, which is the public water bus system. You can buy a day pass for around 20 euros which allows you to hop on and off at various stops along the canal.

5. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a modern art museum located in Venice that showcases works from some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The collection was started by Peggy Guggenheim in the 1940s and features works by artists like Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, and Picasso. It is a must-visit for art lovers and is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

6. Murano and Burano Islands

If you have some extra time in Venice, consider taking a day trip to the nearby Murano and Burano islands. Murano is known for its glass-making industry and you can take a tour of a glass factory to see how it is made. Burano is known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. Both islands can be reached by a ferry from Venice and are a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

7. Try some authentic Venetian cuisine

Venice is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, so make sure to try some local specialties while you are there. One of the most popular dishes is called cicchetti, which are small plates of food similar to Spanish tapas. You can also try some fresh seafood, risotto, or pasta dishes. And of course, you can’t leave Venice without trying some gelato!

Book Your Tour Now

Venice is a unique and beautiful city that offers so many things to see and do. From the iconic gondola rides to the historic landmarks and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone. By following this guide, you can make the most out of your trip and experience all that Venice has to offer.