Tips to Make the Most of Your St. Mark's Basilica Visit
St. Mark's Basilica is a fmagnificent cathedral in Venice, Italy. Its impressive architecture, stunning mosaics, and rich history make it one of the top tourist destinations in the city.
On this page, you will find helpful tips and information on visiting St. Mark's Basilica, including its hours of operation, admission fees and dress code.
St Mark's Basilica Tips & Hacks
1. Visit on weekdays
Visiting on weekdays may result in shorter queues than on weekends, especially in the morning or later in the evenings. Summer months tend to be more crowded than winter months, so plan accordingly.
The Basilica is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, with the last admission at 4:45 PM. Visitors should note that the Basilica may be closed on certain dates for religious ceremonies, so it's best to check the schedule.
2. Carry essentials
It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved to explore the beautiful city.
Since Venice's weather can be unpredictable, it's essential to carry sunscreen, water, and a hat or umbrella for protection from the sun or unexpected rain showers. Visiting St. Mark's Basilica is a must-see attraction in Venice, and as it's located in St. Mark's Square surrounded by water, it can get quite windy.
3. Carry necessary documents
In Venice, it is mandatory to carry a valid ID, such as a passport or driving license, as it may be necessary for entry into certain attractions, including St Mark’s Basilica. If you have booked tickets online, it is important to carry a printed copy of the ticket with you. This will ensure a smooth entry process and avoid any confusion or inconvenience.
Additionally, if you plan to use audio guides during your visit, you may need to provide additional identification, such as a credit card, as collateral.
4. Pick skip-the-line tickets
Visiting popular tourist attractions in Venice, such as St. Mark's Basilica, can involve long queues and wait times. To avoid the hassle of waiting in long lines, it is recommended to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. These tickets allow you to bypass the regular admission lines and enter the basilica directly, saving you valuable time.
Skip the Line Tickets5. Avoid large bags
To ensure a smooth entry into St Mark's Basilica, visitors should avoid carrying large bags or backpacks, as there is no locker facility or cloakroom available to store them. All bags are subject to inspection before entry, and large bags may be denied entry altogether. It’s recommended to carry only small handbags or purses, which are allowed inside the Basilica.
However, visitors should be prepared to carry these bags throughout their visit if they pass security checks, as there are no facilities to store them. It’s also important to note that any prohibited items, such as weapons or flammable materials, will not be allowed inside the basilica.
6. Tips for families
Strollers are not allowed inside the Basilica, so it's advisable to carry a baby carrier if you are traveling with a young child.
While the Basilica may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues due to the many stairs to climb, a visit to the nearby Doge's Palace may be a great alternative.
7. Checkout guided tours
To enhance your visit to St. Mark's Basilica, there are several options available for guided tours, audio guides, and souvenirs. Guided tours are available in multiple languages and can be booked in advance on the basilica's official website. These tours provide an in-depth understanding of the art, history, and architecture of the basilica, and often include priority access to skip the regular admission lines.
Alternatively, an audio guide is also available in multiple languages and can be rented on-site. The audio guide provides detailed information about the Basilica's art and architecture, allowing visitors to explore the Basilica at their own pace.
Book Guided Tours8. Dress comfortably
When visiting St. Mark's Basilica, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully. This means that shoulders and knees should be covered, and sleeveless shirts, shorts, and miniskirts are not allowed inside the Basilica.
If visitors do not adhere to the dress code, they may be denied entry or provided with a shawl or scarf to cover their shoulders.
9. Make sure to check out the gift shops
If you're looking to purchase souvenirs or gifts during your visit to St. Mark's Basilica, you'll find several options available both inside and outside the basilica. Inside the Basilica's entrance, you'll find a gift shop offering a wide range of souvenirs and gifts such as postcards, books, and religious articles.
10. Visit nearby landmarks
There are many other attractions in St. Mark's Square and nearby areas. These include the Doge's Palace, the Campanile (bell tower), and the Clock Tower, as well as landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. Visitors can take a water bus or a private water taxi to explore the canal and its sights. The Clock Tower has intricate mechanisms and visitors can watch the two bronze Moors strike the bell on the hour.
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Frequently Asked Questions About St Mark's Basilica Tips and Hacks
The best time to visit is early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid crowds. It's also recommended to avoid visiting on Sundays and religious holidays when the Basilica may be closed for services.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring a shawl or scarf to cover bare shoulders, and be prepared for security checks. It's also important to be respectful of the religious nature of the Basilica by not making loud noises or taking flash photography.
The Basilica has restrooms and a cloakroom for visitors to store large bags. There are also audio guides available for rent to enhance the experience.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the Basilica, but there are several options in the surrounding area.
Yes, there are gift shops inside the Basilica where you can purchase souvenirs and other items, including Raggio Veneziano, The Merchant of Venice, and Vecchia Murano.
Visitors should not miss the Pala d'Oro, a golden altar screen decorated with precious stones, and the mosaic-decorated interior of the Basilica's domes.
The St. Mark's Basilica entry tickets start from €20.50.
Consider using a family-friendly audio guide or booking a guided tour to keep children engaged. It's also important to keep children quiet and respectful inside the Basilica. Strollers are not allowed.
Yes, there are restrooms available for visitors to use.
Yes, a guided tour can provide valuable insight into the history and significance of the Basilica.
Yes, skip-the-line tickets can save time and ensure a smoother entry into the Basilica.
Visitors can explore the nearby Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, as well as take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice.
Yes, ID is required for entry into the Basilica.
Visitors to St. Mark's Basilica are required to carry a valid form of identification, such as a passport or a driver's license, as it may be necessary for entry. If you have booked tickets online, then you must carry a printed copy of the ticket.
Visitors should dress modestly and cover their shoulders and knees. It's also important to wear comfortable shoes as the Basilica's floors can be slippery.
