The Doge’s Palace, also known as Palazzo Ducale, is open year-round, but the hours vary according to the season.
Summer timing: From 1 April to 31 October, the Palace is open from 9 am to 7 pm, with the last admission at 6 pm.
Winter timing: The Palace is open from 9 am to 6 pm, from 1 November to 31 March, with the final entrance at 5 pm.
Extended hours: Additionally, from 1 May to 30 September 2024, every Friday and Saturday, the Palace offers extended hours until 11 pm, with the last entrance at 10 pm.
Even though the last entry is 1 hour before the closing time, the Palace’s closing procedures begin 30 minutes before the scheduled closing.
On some public holidays, like 25 December and 1 January, the Doge Palace is closed.
However, there may be variations in the opening hours, so it is best to confirm the exact dates before making travel arrangements.
You can refer the table below for detailed Doge’s Palace Hours:
| Days of Week | Summer Timings (1 April to 31 October) | Winter Timings(1 November to 31 March) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9 am to 7 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am to 7 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am to 7 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am to 7 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Friday (1 May to 30 September) | 9 am to 11 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Saturday (1 May to 30 September) | 9 am to 11 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am to 7 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
How Long Does it Take to Visit the Doge’s Palace?
It takes two to three hours to visit Doge’s Palace.
However, your time at the palace depends on your exploration style, interests and preferences.
If you want a quick tour focusing on main highlights like the Chamber of the Great Council and Golden Staircase, it can last for one to 1.5 hours.
A standard visit of two to three hours allows for a deeper exploration of the main attractions, perfect for understanding the Palace’s history.
For an in-depth experience exceeding three hours, consider guided tours or secret itineraries to uncover hidden gems suitable for history and art enthusiasts.
Tip: Consider skip-the-line tickets to avoid queues, and adjust your time estimate based on personal pace and any special exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit Doge’s Palace
The best time to visit Doge’s Palace in Venice is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
It is recommended that you visit the Palace just after it opens at 9 am, before the tourist groups arrive, to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and avoid the crowds.
Another good time to visit is around 4 pm when the flow of tourists diminish.
It is advisable to avoid midday, as these are the busiest times.
You can buy a ticket for early entry to skip the queue at the entrance altogether and experience the Palace without any crowds!
Best Time of the Week
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, especially during peak season, making it easier to appreciate the art and architecture without the crowds.
On the other hand, weekends often feature special events or exhibitions, creating a lively atmosphere, but this comes at the cost of longer queues and less opportunity for peaceful exploration.
The best days to visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice are Tuesday through Thursday. Monday is also a good option but can be busier as many visitors extend their weekend trips.
It’s best to avoid Saturdays and Sundays if possible, as these are the most popular and crowded days.
Best Time of the Year
The best time to visit Venice is from April to May and September to November.
During these periods, the weather is relatively pleasant, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture of Doge’s Palace with 5-6 hours of daylight.
Visiting during these months also allows for lower hotel prices and a more budget-friendly experience.
But if you are a budget traveler looking for the least possible crowd and enjoying cold weather. In that case, consider visiting from November to March during the off-season.
FAQs
1. How long do you need at Doge’s Palace?
Plan to spend around 2 hours at Doge’s Palace to appreciate its historical significance, art, and architecture fully. However, the duration may vary based on personal interests and exploration pace.
2. Can you enter Doge’s Palace for free?
Admission to Doge’s Palace typically requires a ticket purchase. However, certain groups, such as children, students, and Venice residents, may receive discounts or free admission on specific days with proper identification.
3. What time does Doge’s Palace open on Sunday?
Doge’s Palace usually opens at 9 am on Sundays. Still, checking the opening hours closer to your visit is advisable, as they may vary due to special events or holidays.
4. If I purchase a ticket online, do I still need to queue up at the entrance?
No, purchasing a ticket online, especially a skip-the-line ticket, allows you to bypass the main queues for buying tickets on-site. This can save you significant waiting time, especially during peak season.
5. Can I visit the Doge’s Palace at night besides the special extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays (May-September)?
Unfortunately, regular nighttime access beyond the special extended hours isn’t available. However, there might be occasional special events with nighttime openings. It’s best to check the official website for updates on such events.
6. Is the Doge’s Palace open on all public holidays?
The Doge’s Palace is closed on Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January). Sections may also be closed for repairs or other reasons.
Check the official website for potential closures due to unforeseen circumstances.
7. If I arrive close to closing time, will I have enough time to explore the Doge’s Palace?
While technically possible, exploring the Doge’s Palace close to closing time isn’t ideal, as you might feel rushed.
Aim to arrive at least an hour and a half before closing for a more relaxed experience. Final entry is one hour before closing.
8. Are any discounts available for visiting the Doge’s Palace outside regular opening hours?
Special extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays (May-September) might not necessarily come with discounted tickets. Standard ticket prices usually apply.
However, bundled packages or discounts for specific visitor categories (seniors, students) might be offered throughout the day.
9. Is there a specific time of day when the queues for the Doge’s Palace are typically shorter?
The before-hours tour of the Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica ensures minimal queues, though weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Opening around 9 am or in the later afternoons at 4 pm sees lower volumes, but skip-the-line tickets are always recommended.
10. Are there any early morning tours available at Doge’s Palace?
There are a few tickets that can provide you with early access to the Palace:
- Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Before Hours Guided Tour
- St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace & Doge’s Palace with VIP access
Featured Image: Scaliger / Getty Images
