Saint Mark’s Basilica is a central must-see monument in Venice, Italy. How to prepare for your visit? Admission is free for only part of the basilica. Discover our tips and tricks and the 4 possible options to visit Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice in all its splendor!
How to visit Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice?
Here are the 4 possible options for visiting the interiors of Saint Mark’s Basilica. Choose the one you like the most.
Free admission. You do not need a ticket to visit the religious spaces of the base because the entrance is free. There is a long queue at the door since there can only be 200 visitors inside the basilica simultaneously. If you choose this option, you will not see the whole basilica, particularly its treasures.
Skip-the-line tickets. If you want to skip the line, get skip-the-line tickets. This option saves time but does not allow you to see other interesting parts of the basilica.
Tickets for the museum and the terrace. It is the best option to visit Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Thanks to this ticket, you can visit the Museum of Saint Mark and access the terrace and the Pala D’Oro. Tickets are more expensive but worth it: basilica, museum, and terrace tickets.
Guided tour. It is ideal for discovering the most of the history of Venice. Guided tours often include a visit to the Doge’s Palace with a visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica. So it’s a 2 in 1! Here is an example of a guided tour.
How long does it take to visit Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice?
Plan for at least 30 minutes to visit the free part of Saint Mark’s Basilica and at least 1 hour, even 1 hour 30, to visit the museum and enjoy the terrace.
The guided tours that include the visit of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Find more information in this article: How to visit the Doge’s Palace.
Which tickets to avoid queuing?
To summarize, there are 3 ways to visit Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice without waiting, from the cheapest to the most expensive:
- take skip-the-line tickets (without additional benefit);
- book tickets including Saint Mark’s Museum and the Terrace;
- book a guided tour.
If you are going to Venice soon, read our article: Where to stay in Venice for a successful stay (Coming Soon).
Saint Mark’s Basilica is a charming visit to do in Venice. The free zone may disappoint some but could satisfy you. If the Doge’s Palace is also on your list of visits, consider the guided tour. It is an excellent option for those who love history and want to enjoy places with fewer queues.
Leave a Comment