How to Visit Venice’s Doge’s Palace and Give Casanova FOMO
Brandon Shaw
Casanova broke out of the Doge’s Palace—you just have to figure out how to get in. Because behind those intriguing Gothic arches are gold staircases, torture chambers, world-famous paintings, and political secrets just waiting to be discovered. Here’s how to visit Venice’s Doge’s Palace, brought to you by local experts.
If you follow the flow of tourists, you’ll end up there eventually. But here are the direct routes:
On Foot: 1 minute from Piazza San Marco; just head toward the lagoon and follow the pink-and-white Gothic arches.
Vaporetto (Water Bus): Lines 1 or 2 to San Zaccaria stop, then 3 minutes along the Riva degli Schiavoni.
Traghetto (Gondola Ferry): Crossing from the Fondamenta dell’Ospedaletto drops you two bridges away.
Water Taxi: The fastest (and most scenic) route from Murano, Burano, or anywhere else along the lagoon. Aim for the San Zaccaria or Vallaresso stop.
Interessante Fact: Casanova escaped the palace prison in 1756 by chiseling through a ceiling plank, then strolling out the main staircase in carnival disguise.
What to See at Doge’s Palace
Great Council Chamber
The Doge’s Palace was the center of power for the Venetian Republic, and its art and architecture reflect centuries of ambition, fear, and wealth. Here’s what to look for.
Golden Staircase: Covered in gilded stucco, this staircase was designed to wow visiting dignitaries and humble everyone else.
Great Council Chamber: One of the largest rooms in Europe, this is where Venetian law was made and power was consolidated. Don’t miss Tintoretto’s Paradise – it’s one of the largest oil paintings on canvas in the world.
Bridge of Sighs: This small, ornate bridge gave convicted prisoners their last look at Venice before entering the prison.
Chamber of Torment: Torture chamber where confessions were pulled—literally—from accused criminals.
The Doge’s Apartments: Smaller than you’d expect, but deliberately so to keep the Doge humble.
The Armory: Swords, halberds, and armor from Turkish battles.
Interessante Fact: The Doge’s Palace was the headquarters of the Council of Ten—a secretive body that had its own archives, prisons, and torture chambers.
Best Guided Tours of Doge’s Palace
These guided tours bring Venice’s darkest legends and biggest decisions to life.
Palace, basilica, Rialto, hidden canals, and a gondola—perfect for cruisers.
Interessante Fact: The Doge’s Palace was the headquarters of the Council of Ten—a powerful body that had its own archives, prisons, and torture chambers.
Doge’s Palace Tickets and Hours
Exterior of Doge’s Palace
Skip-the-line tours are your best bet. But if you’re going solo, don’t get caught out.
Opening Hours (2025):
April 1 – Oct 31: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry 6:00 pm)
Nov 1 – Mar 31: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
Special Evenings: May 1 – Sept 30, Fri & Sat open until 11:00 pm (last entry 10:00 pm)
Ticket Prices:
Full price: €30 (or €25 when you book 30 days ahead online)
Reduced (6-25 yrs & 65+): €15 (€13 online early)
Secret Itineraries Tour: €32 (reduced €20)
Under 6: Free, but still reserve a slot.
👉 Want the easy route? All our Doge’s Palace tours include skip-the-line access.
What Not to Do at Doge’s Palace
Bridge of Sighs
Here’s what most people regret doing:
Trusting Google Maps for walking times: Bridges and crowds slow everything down.
Walk-up ticket line: Plan for a 90-minute wait, even in February.
Thinking it’s just pretty rooms: Without a guide or audio, you’ll miss stories of torture, political intrigue, and Casanova’s escape.
Staying only on the first floor: Many of the best rooms (and stories) are higher up.
Wearing flip-flops and heavy bags: Marble stairs are slippery, and large bags require lockers.
Interessante Fact: In the 16th century, paid actors would scream from hidden rooms to terrify the accused awaiting interrogation in the Chamber of Torment.
Secret Tip
Look for one object most visitors miss:
Tiny Armor in the Armory: Among pikes and crossbows, you’ll spot a knee-high suit of armor. It was found on the 1515 Marignano battlefield and likely belonged to a dwarf courtier or a noble’s son in training. It’s a rare, tangible reminder that warfare in the Renaissance spared no age or size.
🍷 Bonus: After your visit, sneak over to the less-crowded Campo Santa Maria Formosa for a quieter glass of wine.
Interessante Fact: The same room also houses Erasmo da Narni’s (Il Gattamelata) personal armor, one of Italy’s most feared mercenaries.
Where to Eat Near Doge’s Palace
Photo courtesy of Restaurant La caravella
These are our team’s go-tos:
Cantina Canaletto | €€ | Regional dishes from all 20 Italian provinces, 4 min walk.
Antico Martini | €€ | Open since 1720; try the black-truffle tagliolini.
La Caravella | €€€ | Quiet garden, refined classics, 5 min from the square.
Final Thoughts: How to Visit Venice’s Doge’s Palace
Spend an hour and you’ll tick a box; spend two with an expert guide and you’ll unlock 1,000 years of ruthless politics, secret torture chambers, and art that once decided wars. Grab your timed ticket (or better yet, a skip-the-line tour), linger beneath the golden vaults, then toast Casanova’s escape with an ombra after dark.
Brandon is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He left the States to travel the world at 18 and never looked back! As an official Tour Guide of Rome and Certified Sommelier, he loves to travel the world and share these experiences with his readers.
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