Are tours of the Doge’s Palace Worth it? The short answer is yes. But why? If you are flying half way round the world to explore one of the worlds most enigmatic cities, you don’t want to miss a thing. So find out exactly why I think tours of the Doge’s Palace are worth it right here.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Venice? It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our Venice Guide for more planning resources, our top Venice Islands tours for a memorable trip, and how to see Venice in a day.
What we Cover
Is Visiting The Doge’s Palace Worth it?
Short answer: Yes, historically and architecturally, it is one of the most fascinating sites in all of Venice and should not be missed.
Let’s expand: The Palace presents one of the most beautiful Gothic façades in the Western world. In its current form, it dates back to the 14th century, though the original Palace was begun in the 9th, with work on the new Palace started in the 12th under Doge Sebastiano Ziani. Destroyed by fire numerous times, the Palace remains an impressive architectural monument, filled with some of the most outstanding artwork Venice has to offer.
That alone makes the Doge’s Palace worth it. But it is the historical significance that makes a visit unmissable. To understand the Doge’s Palace is in many ways to understand Venice itself. The Palace was the residence of the Doge’s, the chief of magistrates, and the operating space of the Grand Council and all of the governing bodies of the Venetian Republic. The Venetian Republic lasted over 1000 years, longer than the Western Roman Empire, until its fall in 1797. It was, at times, a violent, secretive, and despotic system, as evidenced by the ‘Chamber of Torment.’
So, any visit to the Doge’s Palace is worth it. You’ll see artwork by the great Venetian masters like Titian. Hear stories of betrayal and intrigue, and learn about one of the longest-lasting forms of government in Western history.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our free Guide to the Doge’s Palace
Is a Tour of the Doge’s Palace Worth it?
Short Answer: Yes, a tour of the Doge’s Palace is worth it.
Now, of course, I am biased. I’m writing for a tour company, and I have worked as a licensed guide for 15 years. I have seen firsthand how much a good tour can elevate a visit to any site. With a site like the Doge’s Palace, you are talking about 1000 years of history. That’s a lot of stories. To find the juicy ones, you will also have to read all the boringly dull ones. Guides specialize in juicy tidbits. We aren’t here to prepare you for a big paper or end-of-semester exam; we are here to educate and entertain. Guides specialize in history, with all the scandal left in! And at the Doge’s Palace, there is a lot of scandal. From the Bridge of Sighs to the Chamber of Torment, there’s much to be horrified and entertained by.
Some of the best reasons for taking a tour are as follows:
Skip-the-line Access
No worrying about purchasing tickets or waiting in long lines. We sort all of that for you. You’ll meet your expert guide outside of the Doge’s Palace, and they will escort you through the security lines and into the Palace itself. No fuss or bother, you’ll save precious hours of your vacation.
Expert Storytellers
A good guide can make any site come alive, but with a site like the Doge’s Palace, a good guide can elevate a visit to an unforgettable experience.
Not ready to book a tour? See the best Venice tours to take and why.
If Tours of the Doge’s Palace are Worth it Which is Best for You?
Now that you know a tour the Doge’s Palace is worth it, you need to ask which one is best for you. We have a detailed article on the Best Tours of the Doge’s Palace and Why, but below, you’ll find a brief description of our highest-rated experiences.
St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride
This three-and-a-half-hour walking tour is a great way to explore the hidden corners of the Doge’s Palace. You’ll visit the Golden Staircase, the Great Council Chamber, the Bridge of Sighs, and more. You’ll learn about Venice’s dark history and see the artwork by some of Venice’s greatest artists, including Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
After, you’ll explore St Mark’s Basilica before embarking on a thirty-minute gondola ride. It’s a great way to spend the morning in Venice.
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Ultimate Venice In A Day With The Doge’s Palace, Murano And Burano (9 hours)
Perfect for anybody with a short time in Venice. You’ll be able to cram a massive amount into just one day. Start at the infamous Doge’s Palace, with its Gothic architecture and dark past. Then, onto the astounding Basilica of St Marks. And, of course, every trip to Venice has to include a Gondola ride.
After a break for lunch, you’ll meet up with your small group and guide to take a private water taxi out to the islands of Murano and Burano.
It is a perfect way to explore the vast history of Venice in a single day.
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Venice In A Day Combo Tour With Gondola Ride
Put on your favorite walking shoes and hit the ground running or at least walking. You’ll cover many of Venice’s great sites, like the Rialto Bridge, St Marks Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace.
As well as covering many of Venice’s key sites, you’ll get to explore some of Venice’s quieter neighborhoods and enjoy a traditional gondola ride. A Perfect option for those coming to Venice on a cruise or wanting to see large tracts of the city in a single day.
Not ready to book a tour? See the Best Doge’s Palace Tours to Take and Why.
Where To Stay in Venice
Despite the size of this little island, there are endless hotel options to choose from. We’ve picked the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in whether you prefer Italian luxury or quiet serenity—or both!
