doge's palace tour

Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour in Venice

Visiting the Secret Rooms of the Doge's Palace

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Visitors to the Doge's Palace , one of Venice's top attractions, can also book a tour of the Itinerari Segreti . The Secret Itineraries Tour takes you to parts of the palace that are off limits during the regular visit, including secret passageways, prisons, the torture chamber, an interrogation room, and the infamous Bridge of Sighs.

Note that the Secret Itineraries tour is available only by reservation (see below) and is not part of the general admission ticket. If it's something you don't want to miss on your trip to Venice—and we do highly recommend it—be sure to book your tour well in advance of your visit.

How to Book the Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour

The Secret Itineraries Tour is a guided tour and is available only with a reservation. English language guided tours are currently available several times daily. Book the Secret Itineraries English language guided tour through the Doge's Palace website. The guided tour ticket also includes general admission to the Doge's Palace so you can visit at your leisure after the tour.

Highlights of the Secret Itineraries Tour:

• The Ducal Notary, the Deputato allo Segreta, the Office of the Great Chancellor, and the Chamber of the Secret Chancellery - All of these administrative rooms held the most important documents of the Venetian Republic. The first two offices, which were interconnected, were occupied by the Doge's notary and an archive for the Council of Ten, the Secret Service of the Republic of Venice. The Great Chancellor was the only figurehead to be elected by the Maggior Consiglio and his job was to oversee the State Archives. Other important and secretive documents were held in the cabinets that lined the walls of the Secret Chancellery.
• The Torture Chamber and the Piombi - The haunting Torture Chamber is set up with some of the devices used on Venetian prisoners. The Piombi are the lead-lined prison cells where prisoners who had been caught by the Council of Ten were held. These included mostly political prisoners and also Giacomo Casanova, who famously escaped the Piombi in 1756 and wrote about it in his memoirs.
• The Attic - The attic is one of the older parts of the Doge's Palace and is where a tower once stood. The room contains a Doge's coat of arms and a cache of 16th-century weapons.
• The Inquisitors' Chamber - A flight of stairs leads from the Attic to the Sala dei Inquisitori alla Propagazione dei Segreti dello Stato, where three magistrates from the highest ranks of Venetian government met to discuss and protect state secrets. The ceiling in this shady room contains beautiful paintings by Tintoretto.
• The Bridge of Sighs - The Secret Itineraries Tour typically ends at the Bridge of Sighs . Visitors can walk through the narrow, cramped corridors of the footbridge and see Venice as prisoners of yore once saw it: through narrow grills on the windows.

For more tips on how to see the best of Venice and get the most from your stay there, see our guide: Visiting Venice: Italy's Most Romantic City . 

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How to Buy Tickets for the Doge’s Palace Venice

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

The Doge’s Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, is beside the gorgeous Grand Canal in the Piazza San Marco. This landmark is undoubtedly one of Venice’s historical treasures. The impressive structure once housed the Venetian government and is an incredible showcase of Gothic Architecture in Italy.

It’s no surprise that Doge’s Palace sees over a million visitors each year. So, as one of the most popular attractions in Venice, it should be easy to figure out how to buy tickets for the Doge’s Palace, right?

The sheer number of options can make you wonder where to start but don’t worry. This article will take you through how to buy tickets to Doge’s Palace through the official website and other trusted partners.

When you’re done here, take a look at some other hidden gems in Venice .

Article contents

Doge’s Palace Tickets Quick Links

If you just want a quick glance, here is a quick look at our recommended options for your tickets to Doge’s Palace:

• Doge’s Palace Tickets and Tours on MUVE (official site) – You can use the site to book tickets, but this can be tricky to navigate as it is clunky and not clearly marked. Refunds are also problematic.
• Fast Track Tickets from Tiqets – Skip-the-line Doge’s Palace tickets with quick entry and access to Doge’s Palace’s main entrance, also called the Porta Della Carta (Carta Gate). Note that this doesn’t include guided tours or audio tours.
• Doge’s Palace Ticket on GetYourGuide – This site is generally much easier to use and has flexible booking options. It has both ticket entry and tour options.
• VIP Doge’s Palace Secret Passages Tour – Visit the Doge’s Palace and gain access to areas that aren’t usually accessible to the public. It includes Bridge of Sighs, the Courtrooms and the Doges’ Apartments, as well as Casanova’s prison cell.
• Liv Tours – Small group tours (6 people maximum) or private tours of Doge’s Palace are available – 5% off with code – UNTOLDITALY .

Doge’s Palace Tickets or Tour

You can get Doge’s Palace tickets that include guided tours, which can be helpful for first-time visitors. You could also buy only a simple entrance ticket and explore independently — this option is cheaper.

Entry tickets allow you to take your time and explore independently, taking in the exquisite details of the Porta Della Carta (Carta Gate) and the glorious palace interior. However, this usually only includes access to the ground floor rather than the secret areas of the Palazzo Ducale . And it’s best to be aware that the MUVE site where you can purchase those tickets isn’t clearly marked, so it’s more challenging to navigate.

Booking tours on partner sites is more straightforward but a little more expensive. Tours offer a more in-depth experience for your Doge’s Palace visit that a simple general admissions ticket couldn’t provide. Guided tours or audio guides often have insights into the history of Palazzo Ducale and Venetian culture, which you might not find alone.

A bonus is that specific tour options, like the Secret Itineraries Tour, provide unique access to parts of Doge’s Palace that are usually closed off to the public, like hidden torture chambers or Casanova’s cell. These tours include access to attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica or the famous Bridge of Sighs .

So, overall, you can weigh out your options and decide what’s best, but tours are recommended for convenience and added value. 

What Does Your Doge’s Palace Ticket Include?

The general access tickets sold on the MUVE website are also called St. Mark’s Square Museums Ticket, and they will cost around €30 for most people. Luckily for those of you who like to plan ahead, you can receive a slightly cheaper price on your ticket. If you purchase on the official website at least 30 days before the visit date, the price will drop to €25 per ticket.

With your purchase of the St. Mark’s Square Museums Ticket, you will have the following inclusions:

• Includes Doge’s Palace admission
• Access to other places in St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), including Museo Archeologico Nazionale (Archaeological Museum), Museo Correr (Correr Museum), and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (The Marciana Library)

The ticket doesn’t include access to certain areas that the Secret Itineraries Tour or Hidden Doge’s Treasure Tour might consist of, like the clock tower or secret rooms and chambers. However, you can pay an extra €5 for an audio guide.

A museum pass can also be purchased for €40 (full price) to access the same places as above, as well as the Civic Museums (access depends on which are open at the time), including the Museum of 18th Century Venice and the Glass Museum. The nice thing about the museum pass is that it includes a one-time entry to each museum and is valid for six months, meaning you can spread out your visits across that time.

Buy Tickets on the “Official” Doge’s Palace Site

The Doge’s Palace official website is Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, or MUVE for short. The foundation manages 11 of Venice’s most famous and spectacular museums and locations. These include the Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum , the Natural History Museum , and others that you’ll find here .

You can purchase a general admission St. Mark’s Museum Ticket, a Secret Itineraries Tour ticket, a Hidden Doge’s Treasure Tour ticket, and a museum pass on the website.

It’s worth noting the site itself isn’t very well-marked: it’s clunky, unclear, and difficult to navigate, and if you think you might need a refund, forget it – the process is very time-consuming.

• Pros of booking on MUVE – The site has decent prices due to the discounts and free access available to those who match specific criteria (more on that later).
• Cons of booking on MUVE – Apart from the website design that is hard to navigate and confusing at times, refunds can also be problematic. No immediate refunds are available, which isn’t ideal, especially if you have a change of plans. The best you can do is request a refund via email or call center, but the request can take up to 15 days to be processed. Tour tickets have limited availability.

Buy Tickets via an Official Partner

If you feel like bypassing the official website and opting for more engaging guided tours, booking through official partner websites is the way to go. GetYourGuide , Viator , Liv Tours , Walks of Italy , and Tiqets are all worthwhile options.

Official partner sites have many more tour options, offering private tours and guided tours for newer travelers. They also have a much nicer user experience, making your first Doge’s Palace visit much easier. Prices will be more expensive when compared to the MUVE site, but this is worthwhile, considering the extra perks and access to certain areas.

• Pros of booking on official partners – More ticket and tour options, including skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace and guided and private tours. Prices are often inclusive of any tax or service fees. Tours are more in-depth and cover the entirety of Doge’s Palace and other places like St. Mark’s Basilica. Sites are easy to navigate and book, and you have more opportunities for refunds if needed.
• Cons of booking on official partners – Prices are slightly more expensive since you’re getting more out of the booking, like additional service and skip-the-line perks. You also lose out on any discounts available on the official site.

Recommended Doge’s Palace Tours

Considering the above pros and cons, it’s safe to say that tours of Doge’s Palace might be a better fit for many people. Skip-the-line and single-entry tickets are great if you enjoy discovering on your own, but you’ll never get full access to the entire palace. A guided tour is the best option to see secret areas like the Bridge of Sighs connecting to the New Prison section, built more recently as an addition to the palace in the 16th century.

Tour guides will complete your experience, offering their input and guidance on the venue, sharing stories and historical facts, and making your experience more fulfilling overall. Tours are also customizable to your needs and budget . You can choose from various tour sizes, prices, and styles, from private to group excursions.

Now, let’s take a look at four recommended tours for Doge’s Palace:

• Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace Tour with Walks of Italy –  This tour is around three-and-a-half hours long and takes a maximum of 25 people per group. What makes this tour so unique? Well, it takes place at night, after the official closing time, so you aren’t surrounded by other visitors, which is excellent if you don’t like crowds. You’ll explore St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace and exclusive rooms like the grand council rooms and Doge’s apartments.
• VIP Doge’s Palace Secret Passages Tour with Walks of Italy – Another experience offered by Walks of Italy is this two-and-a-half-hour tour of Doge’s Palace secret passages. It lets you skip the line and has a maximum of 20 people per group. The tour occurs during regular opening hours but is set in the lower levels, where typical visitors aren’t usually allowed. Your guide will lead you to hidden torture chambers and Casanova’s prison cell, seeing a darker side to the otherwise grand palace. 
• Semi-private St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace Tour with Liv Tours – This next tour offers a two-hour semi-private experience with a small group of no more than six people. You’ll see both Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, with an expert guide ready to answer your questions. The tour also includes access to secret rooms, the Bridge of Sighs, and views of the Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark’s bell tower). The great thing about Liv Tours is its 24-hour free cancellation policy and all-inclusive prices. Get 5% off with code – UNTOLDITALY .
• Private Doge’s Palace Tour with Exclusive Access to Secret Rooms with Liv Tours – This last recommendation is a three-hour tour offered by Liv Tours that takes you on a private guided tour through Doge’s Palace and lets you skip the long lines to get into St. Mark’s Basilica and the bell tower. You’ll enjoy expert commentary from your guide, a walk along the Bridge of Sighs with views of the Grand Canal, and access to secret rooms. Get 5% off with code – UNTOLDITALY .

Doge’s Palace Tickets FAQ

Do you need to buy tickets in advance.

Yes. It’s best to purchase your entry ticket online on MUVE or any of the partner ticket sellers mentioned above beforehand. While you can stand in line on the day, that will take a few hours extra due to the large crowds, so it’s best to get a timed option in peak season. Purchasing tickets in advance will save time and allow you to get the most out of your Venice itinerary .

What Are the Doge’s Palace Opening Hours?

The Doge’s Palace is open year-round, apart from Christmas and New Year’s Day, so the 25th of December and the 1st of January. While Palazzo Ducale is open every day, the opening hours may vary depending on the season or unforeseen changes. It’s always best to check the MUVE announcements page to see when the palace might be closed and if there are any pertinent updates.

That said, here are the current opening hours from Monday to Sunday:

• From the 1st of November to the 31st of March: 09:00 – 18:00 (last admission at 17:00)
• From the 1st of April to the 31st of October: 09:00 – 19:00 (last admission at 18:00)

The holiday season brings extended evening opening hours. As of the time of writing this article, these evening openings will run every Friday and Saturday from the 8th of December, 2023, to the 6th of January, 2024. Opening hours are from 09:00 – 21:00, and the last entrance closes at 20:30.

NOTE: The ticket office closes one hour before closing time.

Are There Any Discounts or Free Entry?

Yes, there are discounts and free entry opportunities for Doge’s Palace. However, the criteria to qualify for these discounts are rather specific.

If you’re purchasing your tickets directly from the MUVE website or the ticket office, you can get a St. Mark’s Square Museum ticket for a reduced price of €15. The same goes for the Museums Pass, with a reduced price of €22.

Take a look at the list below to see the groups that qualify for reduced prices:

• Children between the ages of 6 to 14 years old
• Italian students between the ages of 15 and 25 years old
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC) holders 
• Visitors over 65 years old
• Venice Rolling Card holders
• Families with at least two adults and one child (limited to 14 people per family)

That said, everyone qualifies for discounted tickets if they are purchased online at least 30 days before the date of visiting Doge’s Palace. This applies to both the full and reduced ticket prices: the full-price ticket will drop from €30 to €25, and the reduced price will drop from €15 to €13.

Free tickets are also available to some groups, so if you meet any of the following criteria, you could get free entrance:

• Venetian citizens
• Children below five years old
• Disabled individuals and their respective helpers
• Tourist guides
• Teachers accompanying school groups on trips
• MUVE ordinary partners
• Amici dei Musei e Monumenti Veneziani members
• MUVE friend card holders 
• Venice Foundation Art Pass holders
• Venetian Heritage Foundation members
• Save Venice Fellow Inc. members

READ: Our guide to exploring Venice with kids .

How Much Does It Cost to Get Into Doge’s Palace?

When purchasing entry tickets on the Doge’s Palace official website, you’ll get a full-price and reduced-price option. The reduced prices are only available to particular groups, but this will be covered later. Here are the ticket prices as listed on the MUVE site:

• St. Mark’s Museums Ticket (full price): €30 or €25 (if ordered online, 30 days before your visit).
• St. Mark’s Museums Ticket (reduced price): €15 or €13 (if ordered online, 30 days before your visit). 
• Museums Pass: €40 (full) and €22 (reduced).
• Hidden Doge’s Treasure or Secret Itineraries Tour: €32 (full) and €20 (reduced).

NOTE: These prices don’t include the optional €5 additional fee for an audio guide.

When Do Doge’s Palace Tickets Go on Sale?

Unfortunately, Doge’s Palace skip-the-line tickets offered by the MUVE website don’t go on sale very often. The best you can do is apply for a discount or get a reduced price – you can take a look at the discount criteria below. If you’re booking through a third-party partner site, like Viator , GetYourGuide , or LivTours , keep an eye out for reduced prices before you book, or use a coupon code if available.

Liv Tours , for example, will give you 5% off your tour price with the code UNTOLDITALY .

Can You Buy Doge’s Palace Tickets on the Day?

You can buy tickets to Doge’s Palace on the same day by lining up at the ticket office on-site but expect to wait at least an hour, minimum, and that’s on a typical day. During the high season, it can take as long as two hours before you manage to snag a ticket. Plus, if you want to try the Secret Itineraries Tour, you might miss out, as only a limited number of tickets are available.

Visiting Venice means using every precious moment to your advantage. You wouldn’t want to wait a few extra hours when you could have booked in advance and saved yourself some trouble. Check out some of these ticketing sites to make your experience more manageable:

• Co-op Culture  
• GetYourGuide

What Do I Need to Bring to the Doge’s Palace?

To enter the Doge’s Palace, there isn’t much you need to remember. You will need your ticket, either printed out or digitally on your device, and your identification document. If you’re applying for a discount or reduced price, you’ll also need the relevant documentation, for example, your ISIC card or Venice Rolling Card.

When Should I Arrive at the Doge’s Palace?

It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before your allocated entry time so you can complete security checks. If you decide to purchase your tickets on the day of your visit (which isn’t recommended), you’ll want to arrive as soon as possible. You’ll have to wait one or two hours to get a ticket.

TIP: Since all visitors need to go through a security check, leaving as many bulky items as possible is best. Visiting regulations state that items like umbrellas or big, hefty bags won’t be allowed inside and must be stored in the cloakroom until you’re done. These items will just make the security check much longer and waste time.

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Doge’s Palace?

Given the popularity of Doge’s Palace, the venue can get jam-packed throughout the day. The best time of day to avoid masses of crowds is usually in the evening or early morning before opening. This still leaves you plenty of time to explore other parts of the city, like the nearby Museo Archeologico Nazionale (Archaeological Museum), Correr Museum, or the monumental rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (The Marciana Library).

For Doge’s Palace and any other attractions in the square, you’ll find that visiting during the low season is best (between November to March).

Do I Need to Print My Tickets?

When visiting Doge’s Palace, printing your skip-the-line tickets is an option, but you will find it easier to download them to your smartphone.

Can I Stay Close to the Doge’s Palace?

Yes! Hotels and accommodations in the San Marco district are perfect since they’re nice and close to Palazzo Ducale, Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square), and other attractions in the city center, like the Archaeological Museum. 

Check out where to stay in Venice and the best hotels in Venice for more information – they have some ideal hotel suggestions in the San Marco district.

LISTEN: To our podcast on Why you need to spend at least 3 days in Venice .

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Doge’s Palace, Venice (2024): How to Visit, Tickets, Tours & Tips (Palazzo Ducale)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 26, 2024

Thinking of visiting Doge’s Palace in Venice and wondering what to expect and if it’s worth it? In this guide, you can read all about it and learn our top tips for your first visit. Find out!

Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy, ( Palazzo Ducale di Venezia ) is one of the main landmarks of the city . We have been to Venice many times and always admired the exterior of the stunning Gothic-style palace, but somehow never took the time to visit inside. We thought it was just another overhyped museum, but we couldn’t have been more wrong!

We finally visited Doge’s Palace on our recent trip to Venice and wow – the interior of the palace took our breath away! We also learned so much about the captivating history of the city that we never knew before.

If you are also wondering whether Doges Palace is worth seeing inside, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit, this article should answer all your questions. We also include information about Doge’s Palace tickets and some of the best guided tours. Find out!

Best ticket & tour options for Doge’s Palace:

• Skip-the-line entrance ticket (same price as the official site and so much simpler to book).
• Guided tour .
• Exclusive after-hours tour of Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica .

Why Visit Doge’s Palace

One of the top attractions in Venice and an integral part of the Venice waterfront, Doge’s Palace has a rich and fascinating history.

Visiting Doge’s Palace is key to understanding the city’s history. In addition, it’s well worth seeing its impressive architecture and lavish interior. It also gives you a unique opportunity to walk on the famous Bridge of Sighs.

For almost 1000 years it was the building from which 120 Doges (or chief magistrates) wielded their awesome power and decided Venice’s fate. This seat of government housed a Senate, court facilities, the secret police, and also prisons. It was also the residence of the Doge of Venice, who – once elected – would remain in his position for life.

By the end of the 13th century, Venice was one of Europe’s richest cities, mostly due to trading spices, silks, and wool between Europe and the Middle East. Its wealthy citizens became patrons of the arts, commissioning fabulous sculptures and paintings to decorate their palaces.

The building is an unmistakable testament to Venice’s wealth and power at the time! Its breathtaking facade – featuring gorgeous pink Verona marble – is a real Gothic masterpiece.

Inside you can see beautiful stone arches, magnificent sculptures, grand chambers, and historical artifacts. The museum also houses some of the most famous works of art in the world, including pieces by Titian, Veronese, and A. Vittoria.

Tintoretto’s masterpiece ‘Paradise’ – the largest oil painting in the world – hangs in the Hall of the Great Council.

Further below, you can find more information about the history of the Doge’s Palace, its most important features, and the main things not to miss on your visit. But first – some practical information and tips for your visit.

Location & Getting There

The Doge’s Palace is located on the famous St. Mark’s Square and right next to St. Mark’s Basilica. Since most of Venice’s must-see attractions are also located here, you don’t need to make any special effort to get to Doge’s Palace – it’s the main area of the city that everybody visits.

The entrance to the Palace is located on the wide waterfront promenade Riva degli Schiavoni. Nowadays, you enter the Palace through the Grain Gateway (Porta del Frumento).

You can reach Doge’s Palace on foot or by boat. If you are visiting Venice by car or by train and are walking from the Piazzale Roma area, simply follow the signs for ‘San Marco’. Count about 30-45 minutes of walking time without any stops.

A faster way to get there is by taking a public waterbus Vaporetto . Many lines stop at San Marco and you can easily get here from any part of town. Alternatively, you can also opt for a water taxi, which is by far the most luxurious and the most convenient way to travel around Venice (but also very expensive).

Opening Hours & Tickets

Doge’s Palace is open daily, in the high season from 9 AM to 7 PM (the last admission is an hour before the closing time). In the lower season, it closes at 5-6 PM.

At the moment of the last update, tickets to Palazzo Ducale cost around 30-33 EUR. There are discounts for kids, students, and senior citizens.

You can buy tickets online on the official website (see below), but the whole interface looks quite complicated. We bought our tickets on GetYourGuide . You can reserve timed-entry fast-track tickets on Tiqets as well. Both these sites have the same price as the museum itself (but these websites are so much easier to use!).

Good to know: All Doge’s Palace tickets also include the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.

For up-to-date practical information, please check the official website of the museum .

TIP: If you are planning to visit Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, consider this digital Venice Pass . It allows you to prebook timed entry tickets and also includes a gondola ride or the islands tour – a very good value.

How to Visit & Tours

You can get your tickets in advance, there are informational panels inside, and so it’s very easy to visit Doge’s Palace on your own. However, it only looks simple on paper!

Together with St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. No matter when you come, it will always be busy here. So if you want to make the most of your visit, it’s essential to plan in advance!

If you decide to visit on your own , it’s best to go here early in the morning or an hour or two before closing time. Make sure to get skip-the-line tickets in advance . We were in Venice on an extremely quiet day when there were almost no foreign tourists in town. Still, we had to wait over 45 minutes in line at Doge’s Palace. On a busy day, queues can take up to several hours. However, there’s a separate entrance for those with skip-the-line tickets. It’s absolutely worth it!

The best way to visit Doge’s Palace is by taking a guided tour . Not only do you get priority access, but going with a local guide also allows you to better appreciate everything you see. Furthermore, it’s often so busy inside that you don’t even know where to go first and you might easily skip some of the main sights without even realizing it.

So if you want to see as much as possible in a short time and also learn more about the history of Venice and the Doge’s Palace, then definitely consider going with a guide. Here you can book a guided tour for Doge’s Palace only . But I recommend going on a tour that also includes St. Mark’s Basilica . It’s the best use of your time and money!

INSIDER TIP: If you are looking for an unforgettable experience in Venice, take a look at this exclusive after-hours guided tour . It brings you to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in the evening, after it closes to the general public. It’s magical!

How Much Time Do You Need

You need at least 1-1.5 hours for a quick visit to Doge’s Palace. This does not include queuing times. If you want to explore it deeper you will need 2-3 hours.

TIP: Going with a guided tour, you can usually visit both – Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica – in just 2-2.5 hours. You’d never be able to see that much in such a short time on your own. If your time in Venice is limited, this is by far the best option. Here you can see availability and book the best-rated skip-the-line tour for these two main Venice attractions.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Venice in One Day

Doge’s Palace with Kids

If you are wondering whether it’s a good idea to visit Doge’s Palace with kids, I’d say go ahead. There is enough variation in what you see that even younger kids shouldn’t get bored.

Our boys were truly impressed by the sheer size of the Palace, the huge painted halls, and the armory exhibits. They also enjoyed visiting the prison cells and walking over the Bridge of Sighs. If you tell your kids some history of the place and give some explanation of what you see, they’ll enjoy the visit more.

That being said, all three of our kids (age 9-12) were quite tired after a visit here. So younger children will probably find a visit here quite tiring as well. There are lots of stairs and walking slowly can be more tiring than hours of hiking outdoors. So if you are visiting Venice with a baby or a toddler , Doge’s Palace might not be the best place to take them.

Is Doge’s Palace Worth It?

Yes, Doge’s Palace is absolutely worth a visit, even if you only have a day in Venice. Not only is it the best place to learn more about the fascinating history of Venice, but its splendid interiors will take your breath away. It’s also your chance to walk on the iconic Bridge of Sighs!

Knowing that very few citizens of Venice were ever allowed to enter this building, a visit here feels even more special.

What left the biggest impression on us was the contrast between the opulence of the luxurious residential apartments and lavish council chambers and the grim desperate conditions of its prisons. It’s an eye-opening experience that will help you to better appreciate what a fascinating city Venice really is.

Below, you can read more about the history of Doge’s Palace and find a short list of the main points of interest to see inside. Take a look!

The Doge’s Palace – with its strategic location at the point of access to the sea – was built around the 9th century as a fort. Originally with a tower at each corner, the building has seen many changes over the years. This is reflected in the mixture of architectural styles from several periods.

In the 12th century, Doge Sebastiano Ziani transformed the fort into a palace. It was gradually expanded throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.

Unfortunately, a number of destructive fires did enormous damage to the building in the 16th century. However, because of this, the palace was restructured and improved. Some of its most beautiful additions, such as the Stairs of the Giants , were made at that time.

The original building already housed prisons – known as ‘ Piombi ‘. In the 17th century, new prisons were built to supplement them. The Bridge of Sighs connecting the new prisons to the palace across the canal also dates from this time.

In the 18th century, the Palace was slightly remodeled to house administrative offices and it was still used as a prison. After 1866, when Venice was annexed to Italy, Doge’s Palace was restructured several times. It finally became a museum in 1923.

Things to See Inside

There is so much to see inside the Doges Palace! If you follow the indicated route, you’ll pass all the main sights. However, it can get so overwhelming that it’s easy not to notice some of the nicest features. So here are the main points of interest that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Doge’s Palace:

Courtyard & Staircase of the Giants

The impressive courtyard is the first place you see when you enter the Palace. The highlight of the courtyard has to be the Staircase of the Giants ( Scala dei Giganti ), at the top of which the doge’s coronation would take place.

In the 15th century, the Great Council came up with an idea for creating a ceremonial staircase. The Giants Staircase takes its name from the two enormous statues of Mars and Neptune that symbolize Venice’s power by both land and sea.

To the right of the Giant’s Staircase is the Senator’s Courtyard . This is where the members of the senate would gather before government meetings. In the middle of the courtyard, you can see two well-heads dating from the middle of the 16th century.

Golden Staircase

Golden Staircase ( La Scala d’Oro ) is a very impressive ceremonial staircase leading up to Doge’s apartments and to the chambers of the state government.

The staircase was completed in 1559 and is indeed decorated with real 24-carat gold.

Doges’ Apartments

The Doges’ Apartments on the second floor are very impressive but quite modest in size (especially when you consider the power of the various doges that occupied them). This was probably a deliberate reminder that although the doge was a state symbol, he was – more importantly – its first servant.

The original rooms were destroyed by fire in 1483 and the apartments were rebuilt in Renaissance style. They were individually furnished by each incoming doge, using items from his previous home. On his death, his furnishings would be removed to make way for his successor.

Today they still house some incredible artwork, including the 16th-century fireplace and the carved ceiling of the Sala degli Scarlatti .

Senate Hall

Senate Hall ( Sala del Senat o) is an imposing and lavishly decorated Hall. It was used for various governmental functions, including the appointment of new ambassadors and the making of important decisions on foreign policy.

Venice’s Senate was founded in the 13th century and was one of the city’s oldest public institutions. It was made up of members chosen from the city’s wealthiest families. Its areas of responsibility included financial and political affairs, trade, and manufacturing.

In 1574, a fire damaged much of the Hall and it was refurbished in the 1580s. Its ceiling was beautifully decorated with Tintoretto’s ‘ Triumph of Venice ‘, whilst the main focus of the Hall became another of Tintoretto’s works, ‘ Christ ‘.

This painting was likely commissioned in acknowledgment of the Senate’s ‘conclave’. Responsible for electing the doge, the conclave was seen as being protected by the Son of God. Under the painting, you will see the ornamental seat in which the doge would sit during meetings.

Chamber of the Great Council

The Great Council Hall ( Sala del Maggior Consiglio ) is an even bigger hall with stunning paintings on all walls and ceilings. The Great Council, the most important political body in the Republic of Venice, held its meetings here.

This room is huge and measures 53 meters in length and 25 meters in width. It was one of the largest halls in Europe and could fit up to 2000 people. It was clearly built and decorated to show power and wealth and to impress whoever visited here. Its lavish decorations and beautiful paintings reminded me of the Painted Hall in London .

There are 35 painted panels on the ceiling. The most famous of them all is the Apotheosis of Venice , a painting by Paolo Veronese, dating from 1585. Just under the ceiling, you can see portraits of the first 76 doges of Venice . The portraits of the later doges can be found in the Sala dello Scrutinio.

Tintoretto’s painting ‘Il Paradiso’ – the world’s largest oil painting on canvas – can also be found in this room.

Bridge of Sighs

One of the most famous bridges in the world, the Bridge of Sighs ( Ponte dei Sospiri ) was designed by Antonio Contino. It was built in 1600 in order to connect the interrogation rooms and courts of the Palace to the new prisons on the other side of the canal. This is the route that convicted prisoners would have taken to their cells after sentencing.

Lord Byron mentioned the bridge in 1812 in his book ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’, saying “ I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs; A palace and a prison on each hand .” It is this reference that likely led to the bridge’s fame.

The Bridge of Sighs got its name in around the 18th century. It refers to the sighs of the prisoners who took a last glimpse of the outside world through the tiny openings of this enclosed bridge on their way to the prison cells.

In reality, looking across Venice from this enclosed bridge is actually quite difficult. There are just a few small openings from which you can get a glimpse of the hustle and bustle of the canal below.

Interesting to know: The interior of the enclosed bridge is divided into two separate corridors. That way, prisoners walking in one direction wouldn’t meet anyone coming from the other side. When you are visiting Doges Palace, you’ll walk over the bridge twice without even realizing that there is another side of it.

Despite its grim history, the bridge – made of white limestone – is quite beautiful. Happily, it has now become a symbol of romance. According to a popular legend, couples sailing beneath it on a gondola – kissing as they pass – will experience eternal love.

TIP: You can also see the Bridge of Sighs from the bridge at Riva degli Schiavoni and also from the other side. And indeed, if you take a gondola ride in St. Mark’s area, you can pass under the bridge in a gondola.

READ ALSO: Tips for a Gondola Ride in Venice

Prison Cells

The cold dark prison cells form a sharp contrast with the luxurious chambers of the Doge’s Palace. It’s almost hard to believe that this is the same building!

Dating back to the 12th century, the prison cells of Doge’s Palace are composed of the Piombi, the Pozzi, and the Prigioni Nuove (New Prisons). Conditions in the prisons were truly terrible, and few of those who entered them would ever see the light of day again.

It was very easy to end up in prison in Venice at that time! The Palace was surrounded by mailboxes shaped like lions’ mouths, into which citizens could post pieces of paper bearing the names of neighbors they suspected of wrongdoing. All accusations were thoroughly investigated and tried by the dreaded Council of Ten, one of the main governing bodies throughout the 14th – 18th centuries. Those who were convicted were sent to the cells within the Palace walls.

In English, the Piombi is known as the ‘Leads’, because the cells were located directly under the lead-covered roof. This made them unbearably hot in summer and bitterly cold in winter. As bad as they were, they were still better than the ‘Pozzi’ on the ground floor. These cells were damp, tiny, and barely lit, with just a bucket for excrement. The conditions in the New Prisons were somewhat better, though still incredibly harsh.

Though notoriously difficult to escape, one famous prisoner managed to do so. That was Casanova, who escaped the prison in 1756.

The Paper Gate ( Porta della Carta ) was originally the main entrance to the Palace and links the Palace to St Mark’s Basilica. Nowadays, you leave the Palace via this gate. It’s most impressive when viewed from St. Mark’s Palace, so make sure to look back as you are leaving!

TIP: Even if you are not visiting inside the Doge’s Palace, you can still see this gate. You can find it on the right side of St. Mark’s Basilica; where it connects to the Doge’s Palace.

The origin of its name is not clear. Some say it is the ‘Paper Gate’ because it is near the area in which the scribes would put up their desks, or where people waited to hand their petitions to council members. Others believe that its name came from the ‘cartabum’ – the archive of state documents that is located nearby.

Considered to be one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture, the 15th-century Paper Gate features ornate carved figures. Its most remarkable feature is the sculpture of Doge Francesco Foscari kneeling in front of the lion of Saint Mark . This sculpture is actually a 19th-century copy of the original, which was destroyed in 1797 when Venice was invaded by Napoleon’s army. The sculpture is said to be symbolic of the fact that even the mighty doge must bow before the power of the state.

So, this is our guide to visiting the famous Doge’s Palace in Venice. If you plan well and get your tickets (or book a tour ) in advance, a visit here only takes an hour or two of your time. So don’t miss it! This is truly one of the must-see places in Venice.

If you are visiting Venice soon and are wondering how to plan your time, take a look at these suggested itineraries:

• 1 Day in Venice
• 3 Days in Venice (it will also work for 2 days – just pick the sights that interest you the most).

READ ALSO: What to See & Do in Venice (all the top sights and attractions that you shouldn’t miss)

Some travel guides and inspiration for Italy:

• Best Places to See in Italy
• Best Italian Cities to Visit
• Rome 1 day itinerary
• Milan 1 day itinerary
• Naples 1 day itinerary
• Florence 1 day itinerary
• Rome 2 days itinerary
• Rome 4 days itinerary
• Best towns in Tuscany
• What to see and do in Rome
• What to see and do in Florence
• What to see and do in Milan
• What to see in Siena
• What to see in Verona
• What to see in Ravenna
• What to see in Naples
• For more tips and inspiration for a variety of popular destinations in Italy, take a look at our Italy travel guide .

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Sunday 11th of June 2023

Thank you for this! All your information was very helpful!! I was trying to book tickets on their website & found it very confusing as you mentioned too! I wasn’t quite sure what I was buying even though I had selected “ English”. I used one of the links you listed to grab the tickets ahead with it being the same price! Love, love all the info about Doge’s Palace that you wrote! Very helpful & relevant ( even the fact that Doges palace means Palazzo Ducale!)

Monday 12th of June 2023

Thank you for your kind feedback, Sabrina. Appreciate it. And yes, it's often so much easier to get tickets via Tiqets or GetYourGuide than direct. We get all our tickets/tours via these companies nowadays and it makes any trip planning much simpler. Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 30th of April 2023

Is it possible to visit the courtyard without purchasing tickets to go inside the apartments and museums?

Hi Tanya, the entrance and the security check are located before you enter the courtyard, so no, you cannot see it without a ticket.

5 reasons to do the Secret Itineraries tour of the Doges Palace in Venice

If you’re looking to buy a normal ticket to the Doge’s Palace, I would recommend that you go on the secret itineraries tour of the Doges Palace instead. It cost €28 for an adult ticket , which is much higher compared to the entrance fee for other attractions in Italy, like the Milan Cathedral . But through the tour, you can learn about the workings of the Doge’s Palace, and see places which are not opened to those who purchase the normal ticket at €25. As compared to the Secret Itineraries tour, the normal ticket gives you access to the St Mark’s Museum, which according to Google, looked quite ornate. But we preferred to have a guide and it was worth it. Here’s why you should do the Secret Itineraries tour of the Doges Palace in Venice. It will take about 1hr 30 mins.

5 reasons to take the Secret Itineraries tour of the Doges Palace in Venice

1. our guide was knowledgeable and fun.

Our guide was a Venetian lady who told us interesting facts and peppered the tour with jokes along the way. She started off at the square telling us about the big rooms in the palace, which are designated for voting and for political meetings of Venetian noblemen. At one point, one of the meeting rooms was the biggest in the whole of Europe.

Our guide also mentioned that it was difficult for local Venetians to continue staying in Venice due to the high cost of living. In addition, there is also a high cost involved to do restoration and repair works as workers will have to take a boat over. This explains why we saw plenty of empty homes when we ventured to a more local part of the island in the south-east. It was much more enjoyable listening to our guide as opposed to simply reading the short English descriptions of the paintings.

We learnt that the fall of Venice could be attributed to Napoleon , hence he is a figure not well-liked among Venetians.

2. We got to see Casanova’s cell and learn how he escaped

Giacomo Casanova is one of Venice’s most famous residents. He was known for his romantic liaisons with women from all walks of life, including nuns. Our guide explained that women were sent to be nuns back then out of poverty. For some, it was not of their choice. In the midst of saving them, Casanova had several affairs and was imprisoned for an affront to religion.

The subject of Casanova’s escape was a controversial one. It was said that during one of his walks, he found a metal spike which he brought with him back to his cell. He started digging a hole in the wall as a means of escape. But on the night before he planned his escape, he was moved to another holding cell, and had to bribe the warden of that time to cover up (the hole) literally. He was placed in another holding cell where he enlisted the help of his cellmate, Father Balbi, a renegade priest, to dig a hole for their escape.

While Casanova’s account is suspenseful, the guide said that it was to be taken with a pinch of salt, as there was no hole to be found when the cells were checked after his escape.

3. Political prisoners were left in the basement, which could flood during heavy rains

It is most unfortunate if you were convicted of treason back in those days. We were told that political prisoners, especially those who were about to be executed we placed in cells at the basement of the palace. As it rains frequently in Venice and floods often, the cells would be flooded and water levels could rise to one’s chest level. It was a dire situation especially if the cells were flooded and the prisoners had to share it with rats. According to our guide, rats outnumber the number of humans in Venice currently.

4. It is better to be a Chancellor than a Doge

We visited the Office of the Great Chancellor, who is said to be in charge of all the archival records in Venice. The Chancellors had a nice office with wooden beams supporting it. Apparently, it could get quite hot during the summer. That said, it was still much more spacious that the prison cells below. Our guide said that it was much better to be a Chancellor as compared to being a Doge, as the Doge was expected to furnish the palace with his own wealth. In comparison, the Chancellor knew all the secrets of the city, and as a result, was paid well. His appointment was for life and his office was also quite big, by standards in the past.

5. We learnt that a bridge built 500 years ago can be sturdier than one built 10 years ago

The Secret Itineraries tour led us to the attic where we could see the foundations of the palace, held steady by blocks of wood. It was then where our guide remarked that it was quite steady, as compared bridges which were built 10 years ago to serve incoming tourist traffic.

After the tour, we took a walk around the palace. The paintings and rooms in the Dodge’s Palace were impressive, decked in gold and paintings of epic battles. If the Cathedrals that we visited in Italy were meant to make people feel awe in a divine presence, the paintings and gold furnishings were meant to make guests feel impressed – it was almost intimidating. We particularly like the frescos on the floor, which were in the form of 3D shapes.

The Travelling Squid’s Take

For new visitors who are not familiar with Venice’s history, the Secret Itineraries tour will give you a glimpse into what was life in the past, away from the grandeur of the ceremonial halls. It was interesting to learn about how public servants were involved in the administration of Venetian governance, as well as experience the prison cells which used to hold people convicted of political crimes and Casanova.

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Legendary Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terraces & Doge’s Palace

• Our most extraordinary experience in Venice, the Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Tour is the best way to visit two of the city's most venerated spaces.
• 8 am time slot only : Enter the Doge's Palace before it opens to the public thanks to our specially secured VIP access.
• Bypass long lines into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, where golden mosaics await and stories of saints and sinners delight.
• Step out onto the balcony overlooking St. Mark's Square for an exclusive view few others get to experience.
• Walk into the scared spaces where Venice's most coveted artifacts reside and famed frescos beckon.

Preview the experience

Tour description, get swept away by tales of the rise and fall of the venetian empire..

Venice’s incomparable artistic and historical masterpieces will leave you breathless on this unforgettable three-hour experience. More than simply a guided St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace tour, this experience brings both iconic buildings—and the historical characters behind them—to life.

Enjoy special-access entrance into St. Mark's Basilica, including a VIP-only balcony visit.

Meeting in St. Mark’s Square, take a few breathtaking moments to appreciate the incredible sight before you as your guide prepares you for what is to come. With our pre-reserved, special access tickets, we'll breeze past the infamous long lines into St. Mark’s Basilica—a massive architectural and artistic achievement.

You'll travel far beyond the spaces highlighted in guidebooks as your guide exposes all the rudimentary facts, features, and stories of St. Mark's Basilica and Venice itself throughout the tour. They'll spin swashbuckling tales of the basilica's foundation (let's just say it involves an angelic prophecy and a brazen theft) and lead you to the church's innumerable treasures—including the intricate mosaics and original quadriga of four bronze horses, a millennia-old symbol of St. Mark's. You'll even enjoy exclusive access onto the balcony overlooking the whole of Piazza San Marco, the Doge's Palace, and a good portion of the Venetian lagoon.

Unearth secret tales of power and corruption at the Doge's Palace.

Your St. Mark’s Basilica tour is only the tip of the iceberg. The Doge’s Palace was the heart of the Republic of Venice. It was home to the Doge (Duke) and Venetian government, and replete with everything from grandiose, gilded halls to grim torture chambers.

As you enter the palace (skipping once again past any lines), your guide will share stories of scandal and politics while leading you into the Doge's own lavish apartments and through to the Hall of the Great Council. It is here where you'll come face to face with the famed frescos of Veronese and Tintoretto and learn why the row of portraits of the Doges circling the hall is interrupted by a mysterious black veil. (Hint: It has to do with a beheading—how medieval!)

On your Doge's Palace tour, you’ll also explore the massive armory and the so-called "New Prisons," where your guide will share the grim life of a Venetian prisoner. You’ll even stroll through the interior of the Bridge of Sighs, which you'll learn isn't quite as romantic as modern-day folklore paints it to be.

NB: Choose the 8 am time slot for an even more exclusive experience—our groups are able to access the palace before it even opens to the public.

Privileged entrance, small groups, and expert guides—Legendary Venice is a St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace tour to remember.

In order to do justice to these incredible sites and your time in Venice, we’ve kept the group size limited to 20 people or fewer. You'll also have a headset, so you’ll be able to hear your guide clearly, engage with them and ask all the questions you want. Take advantage of their expertise—they’re truly the best in the business.

We’ve spent years building the best team of guides, chosen for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendliness. We know how important your guide is to the quality of your tour, so we only work with those who are both passionate and knowledgeable about the history, art, and stories of Venice.

For the best, most enjoyable, and informative way to see the top sights of Venice, explore St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace with us on this unforgettable tour. It’s three hours, two top sites, and dozens of tales you’ll be reliving forever!

Please note that it is not possible to bring large backpacks on the tour.

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Verified guest reviews, mar 15, 2024.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour of St Marks Basilica and Doges Palace in Venice.Mose made the history of these 2 buildings come alive.He was friendly and very informative.

Feb 03, 2024

Nico was a fantastic guide! He was so knowledgeable and attentive. Loved all the information he provided on the beautiful city of Venice. I would not hesitate to recommend a tour with him. Absolutely wonderful!

Dec 27, 2023

Our guide, Virginia (?), was excellent. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and a proud Venetian.

Oct 31, 2023

We have just spent over a week cruising from Athens through Greece, Croatia, Slovenia and ending in Venice. In all honesty, this was the best tour we have taken over the last 12 days. Although there were a few impressive locations in Croatia, everything about this tour starting and end with our guide, Mark, was remarkable. This is the only way to see the Doge's Palace before the public hours begin. So worth it. I learned so much about the history of Venice from Mark who provokes you to think about the politics and the culture that resulted from the society that they created. St. Mark's Basilica viewing was also a private entrance while several hundred people waiting outside. Great commentary here too.

Oct 30, 2023

Elisabeta was an excellent tour guide. She explained hundreds of years of Venice history in 3 hours with great insight and enthusiasm.

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Make it a perfect day.

Enjoy an unforgettable day in Venice as you explore its most legendary attractions, then head off the beaten path to experience the best bites in the city.

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Vip doge's palace secret passages tour, exclusive alone in st. mark’s & doge’s palace tour, exclusive alone in st. mark’s basilica after hours.

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Spasskaya Tower

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The  Secret Itinerary through the Doge’s Palace covers the rooms and chambers where the delicate work of some of the most important bodies in the Venetian administration was carried out. These spaces offer an interesting insight into and acknowledgement of the civil and political history of the Venice Republic, its public organisations, and its institutional bodies deputed to government and justice.

The visit must be booked in advance , and can only take place accompanied by an accredited guide.

THE ITINERARY

From the large and bright courtyard of Palazzo Ducale, rich in precious marble decorations, going through a narrow door on the ground floor, you’ll find yourself in the Pozzi (wells). They were terrible places of detention, consisting of small wet cells, barely lit by oil lamps, ventilated only through round holes in thick stone walls and closed in by locked doors with solid bolts. In each cell there was a wood litter, a shelf for the few things the detainee could keep and a wooden bucket with a lid to contain human excrement. From some writings and some drawings on the walls we can imagine the feelings of despair and the desire for freedom of the prisoners. A narrow staircase takes you up to the two small rooms that housed important officers of the institutional machinery: the Ducal Notary and the Deputato alla Segreta of the Council of Ten. The Notary functioned as a sort of secretary to the various magistrature within the Republic, whilst the Deputato alla Segreta kept a special and secret archive for the Council of Ten. From here one passes up to the Office of the Great Chancellor , head of what today would be known as the General Archives. Due to the delicate nature of his work, this was the only public figure to be elected directly by the Great Council. This staircase leads to the large and beautiful Chamber of the Secret Chancellery , whose walls are lined with cabinets containing public and secret documents relating to the work of most of the Venetian magistrature. The mirrored upper doors are decorated with the coats-of-arms and names of the various chancellors appointed from 1268 onwards. Passing through the small room of the Regent to the Cancelleria one comes to the Torture Chamber , also known as the Chamber of Torment; this disturbing place is linked directly with the Prisons. The interrogations were held here in the presence of the judges, and the most commonly used instrument of torture was the rope, from which the person being interrogated was hung and pulled by his arms tied behind his back. Though torture was practised in Venice, it was not particularly savage or gruesome, and from the 17th century onwards it was gradually abandoned; by the 18th century it had practically been abolished altogether. From the Torture Chamber you pass to the so-called Piombi . The name comes from the lead [piombo] covering on the roof. These cells were used exclusively for the prisoners of the Council of Ten – either those accused of political crimes, those awaiting sentence or those serving short prison terms. Located directly under the roof, the 6 or 7 cells were formed of wooden partitions to which were nailed sheets of iron. Though so vividly described by Giacomo Casanova , the Piombi did in fact offer prisoners much better conditions than those in the pozzi (the wells), the terrible cells on the ground floor of the Doge’s Palace. Both cells that were occupied by Casanova, now reconstructed, are part of the tour. From the Piombi you pass directly under the roof to the attic , with its attractive wooden trusses, located at the corner of the building between the waterfront and canal-side facades. This was the site of one of the corner towers of the much earlier castle occupied by the Doge. Exhibited here are numerous weapons “da botta” (blow” and “da taglio” (cut), crossbows, lances, Venetian and Ottoman, mostly of the 16 th century as well as precious metal armatures, shields and gauntlets. From this attic, two long flights of stairs take you to the  Chamber of the Inquisitors , a much-feared magistratura that was set up in 1539 to protect state secrets (its full title was “Inquisitors of the propagation of the secrets of the State”). Two of the three inquisitors were chosen from the Council of Ten, the third from among the district councillors who attended upon the Doge. Required to be objective, efficient and competent in the performance of their duties, the Inquisitors had to maintain total secrecy with regard to any information they might discover during the course of their work – information they could obtain using all the means at their disposal, including resort to informers and torture. The ceiling is decorated with works by Tintoretto, painted in 1566-1567. From here one passes through to the Chamber of the Three Head Magistrates , chosen every month from amongst the members of the Council of Ten. They were responsible for preparing court cases and seeing that the Council rulings were carried out as quickly as possible (they themselves were responsible for assessing which should be given priority). The decoration of the ceiling dates from 1553-54. The octagonal central panel with The Victory of Virtue over Vice is the work of Giambattista Zelotti, whilst the side compartments are by Giambattista Ponchino and Paolo Veronese. In the Chamber of the Three Head Magistrates you may notice a secret passageway in a wooden cabinet, linked directly to the Chamber of the Council of Ten .

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Moscow’s best free city tour

I love Moscow – this charming metropolis, its people, its history and its unique cityscape. I would like to share my passion for this city with you. It is my job to show you the most exciting corners of this fascinating metropolis. That’s why, as a travel specialist and your private tour guide Moscow in Russia, I organize a guided free city tour Moscow – so that everyone, regardless of their budget, would be able to enjoy the insider’s view of Moscow.

You get to see what only Moscow residents know and what other tourist guides keep from you. I am a licensed travel specialist in Russia and would like you to enjoy all facets of the capital of the largest country in the world, without demanding any money from you. I’ll show you the city on my free Moscow walking tour for 1.5-hours on foot.

Everything you need to know:

• My tours take place daily by arrangement, I am the only English-speaking licensed tourist guide Moscow, who offers a free city tour.
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• I am an experienced local, I make the tours informative, but at the same time relaxed and not off the plane.

Free Tours Moscow – Daily

My free tours Moscow city starts on Slavonic Square (Kitay-Gorod Metro Station), passes the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral, which was built by Ivan the Terrible on the south side of Red Square in the 16th century and where the tsars were once crowned. Then it goes across the Red Square at the Lenin Mausoleum, the luxury department store GUM and with a view of the Kremlin towards the historical museum. Of course, you will also learn more about the stories that once happened behind the thick walls of the Kremlin – from the Tsars and Napoleon to Stalin. Then we continue through the idyllic Alexander Garden.

An advance booking is required!

Practical information:

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 1.5 hours Price: Free Language: English

«First acquaintance with Moscow» – a 2.5-hour city tour in the center of Moscow

This Moscow city tour starts on the Theater Square, past Lubyanka Square and the KGB-building, then through Kitay Gorod district and Varvarka Street, past the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then it goes across Zarjadje Park, over Red Square at the Lenin Mausoleum, the GUM-department store and towards the Historical Museum. We walk through the Alexander Garden.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2.5 hours Price: 17 $ Students and children: 6 $ Language: English

A 3.5-hour car/bus tour of Moscow.

This is the best tour of Moscow city as all the important sights are visited. I am your Moscow city guide who will walk you through the city explaining the charming history of the city. This tour begins with picking you up from the hotel. 3 breaks are offered for photographing.

First, we will visit the most famous riverside streets and bridges in the center of the city with the most beautiful views of the Kremlin and the Moskva River (e.g. the Kremlin embankment and the Great Stone Bridge).

The first photo break is made at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. We then pass by the district with numerous museums, Prechistinka Street and the district with numerous medical areas.

We again stop at the Novodevichy Convent, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the other bank of the Moskva River to click pictures.

Then we visit “Sparrow Hills” where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city of Moscow from the observation deck. Then there are the skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Kutuzov avenue, the New Arbat, Tverskaya Street, the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, the KGB building and Varvarka Street. Here there are ample spots to click pictures.

We then drive past the Kremlin again and finally reach Red Square. We take a short tour of Red Square and say goodbye in the Alexander Garden.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 3.5 hours Price for a group: 170-200 $ (depending on the number of travelers) Language: English

Metro tour – daily

Palaces for ordinary people – that was what Stalin promised to the people when the construction of the Moscow Metro began between the World Wars. The communist dictator hadn’t promised too much. No other underground system in the world can boast such spectacular architecture – chandeliers, decorations, stucco, paintings on the walls – each station is individually designed. No wonder that Moscow residents love their metro. I will guide you through the bustle of one of the busiest subways in the world and show you the most beautiful stations Moscow city has.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: Metro tickets / the guided tour

Tour of Communist Moscow – every day

After the Communist October Revolution in 1918, Moscow became the capital of the Soviet Empire and was the center of socialist orbit for more than 70 years. This left its mark on Moscow, even if the USSR disintegrated more than a quarter of a century ago. The city streets are full of remnants of the communist regime and the Cold War. This is a walking tour where I will show you the most exciting places in Soviet Moscow: from the notorious KGB headquarters, also known as Lubyanka to the Karl Marx Monument to small hidden remains from the time of hammer and sickle. You will also learn about Stalin’s Great Terror political campaign and the system of the GULAG and how the USSR, the communist Russian republic, became modern Russia.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour

Alternative Moscow Tour – daily

Explore the unseen Moscow with your Moscow private guide and discover a range of sights during this alternative walking tour.  Away from the main tourist spots (in the central district of Kitay-Gorod), just a short walk from Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, you suddenly find yourself in one of the trendiest districts of Moscow. This place not only has trendy cafes and green squares, but here you can see the most beautiful spray works (according to Albrecht Dürer), hangout-places of the youth and hipsters, as well as learn what Moscow looked like in the 19th century. Here you will also learn exciting and even bloody stories about famous gangsters, eccentric business people and legends like the wandering preacher Rasputin, who is known in Russia either as the “holy devil” or the mad monk. To learn a little more about Moscow’s culture, this is the tour for you. On my alternative tour, you will get to know Moscow away from the tourist hotspots. This tour is of 2 hours duration and you will experience the following on the tour:

• St. John’s Hill, a quiet oasis right in the center, where time has stopped as it did in pre-Communist times
• Khokhlovka Art Center, where Russian hipsters and street artists hang out
• Samoskvorechye District where you can see beautiful streets and hear stories from old Moscow

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour / tram ticket

Kremlin tour – daily (closed on Thursday)

With its 20 towers and high walls, the Kremlin rises imposingly over Red Square. This world-famous fortress with its area of ​​28 hectares is home to over 800 years of Russian history. Described as the eighth wonder of the world, this historic fortress complex is the principal symbol of Russia that sits on the banks of the Moscow River. Today the Kremlin still harbors numerous secrets and has palaces and cathedrals, surrounded by Kremlin Wall. The current wall was constructed between the 15 th  and 16 th  centuries, but the original wall was made of wood around the year 1147. The Kremlin Wall became an important symbol of Moscow’s importance in the Russian Empire. This top tourist destination attracts millions of people every year and there are various sights to see. With my Kremlin tour, you will see the oldest square in the city in the heart of the Kremlin, the once largest cannon in the world and the scene of numerous dramas – from Ivan the Terrible and Napoleon to Stalin. You cannot miss this unique experience.

An advance booking and prepayment for tickets are required.

Time: by arrangement, daily (closed on Thursday) Duration: 2 hours Price on request Students and children: on request Language: English Included in the price: Kremlin tickets / the guided tour

Moscow pub crawl – Friday / Saturday

Experience the real nightlife of Moscow with my Moscow Pub Crawl and enjoy 4 pubs/bars plus 4 welcome shot drinks. Move from one bar to another and get to know travelers from around the world as well as the locals. Play fun adventure games and contests in addition to getting perks in the bars. Between the bars, move from one place to another on foot. The routes are organized as such that you will walk no more than 10 minutes between the bars. Visit the most exciting events, parties, concerts, and dance in the bars. Moscow Pub Crawl is a tour that you will never forget.

This tour runs every Friday and Saturday evening at 8 PM and you need to bring along your passport or an ID card, comfortable shoes, and wear smart casual clothes.

An advance booking and a small prepayment are required!

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 4 hours Price on request Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour, 4 shot drinks

1.5-hour boat trip on the Moskva River.

Taking a boat tour in Moscow on the Moskva River is a very pleasant experience. It allows you to know the city from a totally different perspective and admire the beautiful bridges. In this 1.5-hour river trip, you will sail past many beautiful sites in Moscow, so you can take the best photos to commemorate this day. The ship makes several stops on the way. The trip starts from the Ustinskiy Bridge near Sarjadje Park and ends at the Kiev train station.

On this Boat Trip, you can see sights such as: the former Imperial Education House, Sarjadje Park, the “flowing”, “floating” bridge, the most beautiful view of the Kremlin, the Great Stone Bridge, the legendary House on the Quay, the Christ the Savior Cathedral , the monument to Peter the Great on the ship, the central sports arena Luzhniki, the Sparrow Hills, 240 meters high Lomonosov University, the numerous architecturally spectacular skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Novodevichy Convent, the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 1.5 hours Price on request Language: English

A military tour – riding on tanks in Stupino (Moscow region)

Russian Military is one of the largest military forces in the world formed in 1992. With my Military Tour experience what it likes to be in the Russian military, shooting guns, ride the Tank T-34 and various models of German tanks from the Second World War, as well as armored personnel carriers and vehicles. You will also shoot from the AK-47 and another combat weapon.

The tour will begin with your private tour guide Moscow in a Soviet army van accompanied with some tasty snacks and tea for a tasty start. Upon arriving, you will have to put on the army safety clothing and climb the Russian armored vehicles. The tour will take you on the noisy, smoky tank, driving through mud roads. All participants will get the chance to drive the tank which is coordinated by the Russian military.

Time: by arrangement, daily Price on request Language: English

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

Gorky Park and Sparrow Hills: Green Lungs, place to relax and meet

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